CoyoteLovely

..::Ascension::.. .2 (High-Casual)

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The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

Nakreyya fell silent to let her companions speak on the issues she knew little about. She was not sure where this new camp was located, nor the difficulties of travel to get there. She tended to Anzu instead, listening to them speak of liches and destinies, and futures...

Nakreyya's expression was reserved and quiet. Her mind tumbling over the idea that she may have been Destined to be here. That this may be where she belonged. She had not felt a true sense of landing since her flight had begun from her homeland. She had believed strongly that her life was over and she was doing nothing but surviving until her time of death. But the idea that this Soothsayer had seen her future with them filled her with a sense of relief, and also dread.

The Griever had ruined all that Nakreyya held dear, and he had been the last of her major enemies. He had committed atrocities to get to her, removed her from friends and family... people she could no longer count on, or return to. He had been the driving force in separating her from the life she had once lead. And a part of her missed the adventure of fighting him. Missed it, and hated it... Hated it because of who she had once been. What she had once had. Rich, and powerful - beautiful, and loved.

She had none of those things now. Fionn and Grug were companions - but more new to her world. They were not Ekhart... no one would be again. She could fight. Perhaps, hopefully, she could find a place to belong again, with the added benefit of not losing those dear to her - as she was short on such people. Anzu would survive either way, he was not of this plane. He was not of the living, in so many words - and for that she was grateful. And Fionn and Grug made their own decisions as to how they were to proceed. She was not 'dragging' them into a fight that was not theirs.

She glanced back to the other two, the human and the orc, and awaited the decision. If camp were to be set, she would assist, if they were to travel, she would ride.

@Silvan Haven @Hekazu

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

Nakreyya took a moment to look over the head. Her eyepatch told her that no other power existed within it. A last warning, a last attempt at fear. However, she had not had a chance to examine the mechanika of this world, understanding it could only be a boon in the future.

She took a moment to pull the head apart, being somewhat less gentle with it in the interest of time. She reached in and removed a few of the parts that she assumed governed memory and protocol, as well as what she believed was the battery of the machine. Fionn could help her work through her assumptions later. The actual gears and pistons - while interesting - were too large to carry.

With a bit of regret, she decided not to delve further into the head, but to count her plunder as enough, and experiment later with what she had collected. She turned toward the entrance and started off at a sprint after the men.

*******

They'd had a sizable head start on her, and the fighting had worn her down a bit, so she'd had to go slower than she intended to catch up. Were she a younger woman, she might have made it to them before they hit the door. As it was, she found them outside. Grug motioned to her as she approached.

She approached, and listened to what he had to say, and his questions.

"This is not my first time in battle with someone who employs mechanika creatures, though these are very different from the Griever of my past," Nakreyya's good eye focused on something neither man could see. A past, a history, and all that existed within it. "Though my reasons were greater then, in my optimism, I thought that I could make a difference. Still, I had thought the great fights behind me. I have little to lose, and nothing to hide from. I will fight."

@Silvan Haven @Hekazu

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

Nakreyya reached her hand up and tapped a few places on her eyepatch. She spoke in a low voice, and a moment later Anzu's fiery footfalls would carry through the halls, as he travelled swiftly through the realms beneath the physical, coming to his mistress.

She walked Anzu over to Grug and spoke to her steed, "Kneel down my friend, you must aid our Soothsayer to safety."

Anzu shot her a bit of a glower - clearly not pleased at the idea of being a pack mule. She stroked her fingers through his fire hair, and he relented.

"Be cautious, Grug, his fire will not burn you, but he is a Nightmare, his presence can be disconcerting if you are not used to riding such a steed. He is quite intelligent however, speak your requests, and I do not recommend spurring him," Nakreyya said before turning her eyes to Fionn.

"Fionn, I wish to check this golem... I will catch up swiftly, Anzu is capable of telling you that I am in danger. If he is calm, I am well," Nakreyya said to him. "I shan't dally long. But I am concerned for the fact it moved after we disassembled it."

@Silvan Haven @Hekazu

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

Nakreyya's boots clicked lightly against the floor, an intentional bit of sound to let her companions know where she was located. The undead had not been as tough as those from where she was born. They were naught but the play things of foul magic, pulled from their restless sleep by the shadows that lingered. She had been informed, by those who were more knowledgeable in such things, that the magic had been dealt with appropriately. Her eyepatch still informed her of pockets of energy, but they were swiftly wafting away, like so much smoke in a light breeze.

Her injuries were minor, and of no consequence to her. Her beauty had been taken some many years ago, new scars would be nothing to her. She circled the area, her ears and eye alert to potential threats as the others gathered their plunder, and their gear to travel. She needed little of what was here. She had claimed some coin, and a sword of this world, but nothing more.

The orc began to speak. Nakreyya's gaze turned back toward him, one thin eyebrow arching as he fell to his knees. She had never known an orc to be a soothsayer. She found the concept interesting. He was an intellectual, and not prone to the rage and anger she was so acclimated to on her home world. She had spoken to him several times during the journey, and she found him to be a person she appreciated. Panic laced his voice, loud enough for her sensitive ears to hear. She turned away from her vigil, and walked toward him. She paused near the orc to hear what he had to say.

He collapsed forward, and Nakreyya knelt next to him, raising a hand to run her long, slender fingers under his cane, lifting it to be offered to him when he was ready. She placed her other hand on his shoulder, "Still now, friend. Rest until you are prepared to walk. I can summon Anzu if you fear you will not make it back to your cart."

She glanced to Fionn, "I am suitably interested in the vision our friend has seen, however - it is my considered opinion that this is a foul place to speak of such matters. Should we abscond to more favorable ground to discuss our next steps?"

@Silvan Haven @Hekazu

CoyoteLovely's Interest Check!

I've got some fabulous partners, but I thought I should reach out again and see what's up in the world of RPG!

The tags above cover most of my favorites, but feel free to reach out if you think you'd have fun with something else and want to know if I'd be interested. I pretty exclusively play female characters at this time.

I don't like to unilaterally come up with writing prompts, I like my partners and I to discuss the prompts together and come up with something that works for both of us.

I do have a character open in Expanding Horizons that I would love to put into play. I'd be happy for a small group for her - if you'd like to see that character, and some posts where she's included, please follow the links below:

((Facebook is being titchy, but I'll include a picture of Nak here when it decides to straighten up.))

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/164333-nakreyya-the-valheelinen-bloodivy/ooc

https://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/163747-the-magical-planet-ecetopia-open/ic

That gives you a bit of an example of my writing as well - so if you think I'd be a good fit to play with you, please let me know!

-- <3 The Coyote.

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

@Silvan Haven @Hekazu @LPRKN @Lmpkio @t2wave @LokiLeo789 @Corporal Lance

Nakreyya rode atop Anzu as they approached the ruins. Her eyepatch whirred lightly as she scanned her eyes around the area to assess any potential threats. Once the group was stopped, she swung one leg over the saddle, and dropped herself down from the Nightmare's back, walking forward a few steps before kneeling to touch the ground. Her fingers brought up some of the dirt, and she rubbed it gently, testing to see the composition of it. Bone. Ash. Dust.

At Fionn's inquiry, Nakreyya stood and turned toward him, "I wish to have a better look around. With your permission, I would like to scout the perimeter of this area. I have seen omens such as these before though it has been a long time - and others will be better to perform the cleansings required." Her lilted and accented voice was low, her one eye meeting Fionn's as she anticipated an answer.

She feared no undead. Where she came from, the shambling masses of decaying flesh were frightening, but not insurmountable - and she was sure she was faster than they.

She took a moment to make sure that Anzu's reigns were tied back to the saddle, loosely. She wanted to afford him complete movement, but ensure he could not accidentally trip himself if he needed to run. She didn't fear his departure, or harm coming to him. He was a Nightmare, after all, he had chosen to stay with her this long - and he was more than adequately able to defend himself.

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

"If someone offered you the chance to go home, would you take it?" Fionm asked as they claimed another trap, and another small beast

"It will sound dramatic to say, but there is no 'home' to go back to anymore. Not in the deepest sense of the word. My planet exists. My city exists. My tower exists, replete with all the wonders that were contained within... however, the things that made it home are no longer," Nakreyya replied, her eye looking somewhat distant as she spoke. "So, no, I have no reason to go back there - nor any desire to see what it has become in my absence."

She felt her shoulders relax as she spoke to Fionn. He was - if she could forgive herself the pun - a kindred spirit. His eyes held the shadows of darkness in his past. Though he was certainly younger than she, he was well traveled, and not nearly as adrift. She was ill accustomed to people such as him, and his envoy. He was in the company of interesting people, and they seemed genuine.

"How about you, Fionn? Do you consider your Star-Ship your home?" She looked him over as she spoke.

**********

Nakreyya's eyepiece alerted her to the magic being used, though she couldn't see what specifically had happened. It had been such a long time since magic had been used around her that the stimulus from the eyepiece surprised her. She clutched the side of her head near the eyepiece for a moment, before shaking her head clear. The only back retreating from her stall was the small and "innocent" one. Nakreyya glanced over and watched the small one for a moment, noting features to follow up after the crowd around her stall died down. She ultimately decided the loss of one bird was not enough for her to abandon the people shopping before her. She would lose more business than was prudent for one small theft - and though the principal of the thing still mattered to her, she bent to logic.

She simply made a note that she would try to find the small thief later. Any use of the thief's magic would make her easier to trace, and perhaps they would have a conversation about propriety at some future date.

She watched TC as he moved through the crowd. He seemed bothered by something for a moment, as if he too had sensed the magic. Though she did not believe he was as concerned about the theft. It must be something else. Behind her, Anzu raised his head and sniffed the air, snorting it. That was odd. He did not usually pay much mind.

Whatever the issue was, if it had both TC and Anzu on alert, Nakreyya felt she needed vigilance.

And yet - all of this had to happen while she kept a smile over her features. She apologized for her headache, explained it was a glitch in her eyepiece, and continued to make the necessary sales to the individuals before her at her stall.

@Corporal Lance@Silvan Haven@LPRKN@JaceBeleren@Lyla@Hekazu

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

"Your mechanisms will work quite well here." Fionn said to Nakreyya, she nodded - pleased by that information. A second later she heard him stumble and reached out to help him. He flicked a wrist, and light flared over his head. She frowned lightly, taking a moment to look around and see if he had startled anything - either animal or bandit. Seeing neither immediately, she turned half of her attention back to Fionn, keeping the other half on their surroundings.

He was not a forest traveler, that much was clear. She could see the world well enough to see roots and rocks and places of potential problems. She wondered if her eyesight was more acute than his - but that would be difficult to figure out through mere conversation, and wasn't really all that important. Her mind had wandered off too long, Fionn started speaking again.

"I travel through use of a starship. A completely enclosed vessel capable of flying through the vast empty void between worlds. The trip here was a lonely one. Just me and the ship for about a week," he said.

"Star-Ship. Yes, I have been on one, once. Anzu took me through the dreams of a Captain of such a vessel. I did not stay long. As I said, my magic interrupted their instruments. They were not able to sail as effectively with me there. I did see out a window to the stars all around. I remember it being a lovely sight, one that you can not have found from a planet's surface," Nakreyya nodded, glancing up at the sky as she spoke. "It is then that I learned how small my world had been. It was quite the shock. There are so many places I could not have imagined, sights I may never know I did not see. However, I have asked Anzu to find worlds that resemble the one I came from, so as not to be a burden on the Star Sailors."

She paused a long moment, understanding that her words had not left much to discussion, there was more she wished to say, but it took time to find the words that conveyed her thoughts. "I know much of lonely journeys, Fionn. I have been alone for some time, with only Anzu at my side. It is safer for all. I do not know how much time has passed, years seem to be malleable depending on where I am located. Days are shorter or longer, seasons come swiftly, or seem to yawn into infinity. I know that time has passed, I can see my age in the mirror each morning, but I am no longer able to say how many summers have passed since I left home. Perhaps it is best I do not know."

***********************

TC pinched the bridge of his nose and gave her an indication that she should go higher. She recognized the expression of annoyance, and made a mental note to ask him later as to what she had done wrong.

Barter was odd, to her. She understood it from a logical standpoint - but she'd never had to do it when she was back home. She'd been Noble, rich... money flowed to and away from her easily. Now that she was a nomad, she had been interested in understanding more of the art of barter, but had never had a teacher to show her what she was doing right or wrong. At the end of the day, she did not mind being "cheated" on price, as long as she and Anzu could cover their basic necessities.

Adding to her confusion was the notion that anyone would pay a gold for a toy bird. She would need to ask the prices of basic items here to understand the worth of a gold in this place. Where she was from, a gold was the cost of finery, or custom weapons - not the price of curiosities or toys.

She was gratified when the woman purchased the bird for a gold, and she slipped the coin in a pocket before selecting a bird and giving a brief overview of it's operation (thus showing it worked, as well). She handed the bird to the woman and bowed as the woman departed with her toy. She glanced to TC to see if she could get more information as to what he thought her starting price should be, and saw that he was looking toward a cart across the way. She settled on simply doubling the cost for the next customer, so as not to disturb him from whatever he was seeing.

As people started to gather, Nakreyya had to move from the front of her booth to the back to talk with them all. TC may not approve of her bargaining skills, but she was undeniably cordial to each customer, treating them as though they were nobility each time they approached her booth.

@Silvan Haven @Lyla @LPRKN @Lmpkio @t2wave @Hekazu

The Magical Planet - Ecetopia - Open

Nak patiently allowed TC to find her a place to set up. She unfolded her table and made a small shop for herself, laying out the birds carefully as he spat mild insults at some of the others around. He said he'd need a few moments, and she was amenable to having some time to watch the crowd. People of all types bustled about. There were races around that Nakreyya had never seen before - though some she had. To her great relief, Anzu garnered a few looks, but no outward hostility or exceptional interest.

"This reminds me of the bazaar back home, Anzu," Nakreyya said to her steed. The horse looked up, and gave her a mildly unimpressed expression. "I know, you're not much for crowds, but if you want to eat more steadily, we'll need coin - and if I trust nothing else, I trust that TC will want to settle us in the most profitable location, meaning here."

The horse let out a mild snort, and settled himself down behind the makeshift stall. Nakreyya had just wound one of the birds up and set it singing on the table before her when she heard TC's voice call out from behind her. She turned slowly as he spoke.

"Well whatta we gotta ovah here! Are these the Avian Artifices that are all the rage in New Bastion! Why, all the nobility and well to do as far as the Western Sea are clamoring about these birds. Humble saleswoman, please tell me the no doubt outlandish price these beauties will cost me," he said, indicating to Nak. Her jaw fell open slightly, though no sound came out. He continued. "Why by the gods! That is a flabbergastingly low price for such a coveted and prized item that would certainly become any families treasured heirloom. I will leave at once and return with gold in great store to be purchasing the whole stock so that these mere peasents won't be able to enjoy such otherworldly craftsmanship!"

"Antolle ulua sulrim," Nakreyya swore under her breath in her native language. She wasn't often for swearing, but it was appropriate in this instance, and no one would understand her anyway.

Then TC beamed her a huge grin, and Nak smiled back, bowing lightly as if suitably complimented by his words. In her life before, she had learned the value of 'playing along', and she was not going to stare this gift horse in the mouth, no matter if it smelled of the other end. She had asked for his help after all, and he was every bit the swindler she expected him to be. Though, she saw the true enjoyment in his eyes from this farce. Perhaps it was less about the money, and more about the theater.

Nakreyya didn't have much time to think on it, a woman wearing clothing of some craftsmanship came by a moment later, pretending to be disinterested, yet eyeing the birds. Nakreyya inclined her head and swept a hand up to her heart, than forward in a traditional greeting of her people. "Sun light your path, may it guide you to blessings. May I answer any inquiries you might have?"

"These are the birds coveted in New Bastion?" The woman looked over at Nakreyya, studying her, as if trying to read truth from Nakreyya's perfectly masked expression.

"So it is said," Nakreyya said, skirting the edges of a lie. "A gentleman came by earlier and offered to purchase the lot."

"I see... would you be willing to part with one before he returns?"

"We did not bind a purchase to numbers. Until he returns, they are for sale," she said, offering a quiet smile.

"How much are they?"

"I told him a gold per bird," Nakreyya waited until the woman was looking at the birds again, and then surreptitiously looked over to TC to see if the price was too high or too low. If he shot her a hand gesture in any direction, that would alter her next barter with the woman.

@Silvan Haven @Lyla @LPRKN @Lmpkio @t2wave @LokiLeo789 @Hekazu