IAmAugustReign

kill it with fire (another spambot)

@kennroger

Shadows of the Forgotten Realm

Verðandi listened to Edrion's brief tale, knowing well the companionship of stars and nature. The woman was no stranger to civilization, no, though she felt at peace with the natural world around her. Perhaps it was merely due to her old home and their symbol of The Willow, or the fact that People were an easily frightened bunch who turn on each other at a moment's notice. That didn't happen as much in nature. It was either kill or be killed, survival instincts, nothing more. Her mind drifted to the differences she had seen among people in her travels: do gooders who wanted to unite against the darkness, selfish folks who cared only for their wealth in whatever form it took, evil bullies who just wanted to cause pain for the fun of it, and the defenders who would fight against them for the less fortunate. Nature was so much simpler than Man, and much easier understood.

Edrion caught her attention once more, her consciousness brought back from the small encounters she was reminiscing by his cough. An offer of rest for the night to a group of strangers? This old man was indeed generous. Verðandi studied the man a little more closely, though she saw little that gave away any ill intent. He almost seemed... excited to offer his roof to them. It was difficult to turn down such a heartfelt offer.

She sipped at her food for a moment, looking to the others and gauging their reactions. She expected Bane to look this gift with suspicion and Cora with innocent interest. She couldn't blame them. Staying under a roof was preferable to being at the mercy of any hungry predators; It was not a pleasant view to wake up face to face with a growling wolf - or worse.

"It'd be my pleasure to make sure you arrive home safely. It's a fair deal for your hospitality already shown." Her crystalline eyes scanned the others, awaiting for any naysayers to the simple escort request. Besides, that meadow might do some of these faces some good.

AR's Universal Check - General Ideas, Plots, and Dream Worlds (18+)

Had another invasion dream and added it

Shadows of the Forgotten Realm

Verđandi watched as the others approached, taking in their presence with a neutral and perhaps slightly curious eye. The dark elf was not as she expected, and indeed out of the ordinary for the reputation his kind had, but she could respect his forwardness. The woman, Cora as she introduced herself, was a refreshing contrast to the reserved demeanor of the others. Verđandi found herself cracking a slight smile at the woman, the corner of her mouth turning up a bit. She saw something within Cora, a reminder of times of old...

When Bane spoke, her eyes drifted to him, his warning of generosity negating that smile into that slight frown once more. Verđandi held her tongue for now, allowing Bane to tell his short but straightforward tale. Those worn eyes took a lock to her, and Verđandi felt the invisible passing of the torch as he finished up.

"Even vagrants need respite. In a time so dark, I am warmed to see such generosity offered." Verđandi had no bite to her tone, no nitpicking regarding Bane's advice. She took a few steps to bring her bowl to the offered vial, similarly depositing some vayl to her soup. "My name is Verđandi. I serve no master or patron, and hail from the northlands." She stepped back from the vial, stirring the spice into her meal. "I fight for my stolen land, for my people, and for a life taken by the darkness." She paused for a moment, a sadness creasing her face for a moment, as if in a memory. That low emotion didn't last long though, and that resounding peace surrounding her returned as she glanced about the others. "That is a goal we all share, no? A path to ensure our future is intact, wherever it may lead?" Her gentle eyes lingered upon the dark elf a little longer than the others, noting the order of which they arrived, but she soon stepped back to her place at the stump, that calm aura still lingering about her.

AR's Universal Check - General Ideas, Plots, and Dream Worlds (18+)

New dream added, thought it was cool

Shadows of the Forgotten Realm

Info for any who'd like it: Dragons Dogma 2 has a separate character creator app (I know for sure in Steam) that may be of use if anyone wants to play around in it for their characters here. 😊 I plan to add in an image when I get home later of what felt good for Verđandi. Sadly I didn't have the sane mind to save her so I could see if I could make up an armor that's close to what I'm picturing in the actual game.

Shadows of the Forgotten Realm

Kneeling in a small dip created by tree roots was a silvery statue of a humanoid figure. It had to have been there for quite a while based off the feathers and sticks atop its head and the slightly dull sheen to the armor it wore, but upon closer inspection, this form was no mere statue. Instead, this was a stilled warrior, one at peace with the surroundings about her. That pile of sticks and feathers was no mere bird's nest, but a carefully crafted tapestry with cascading patterns and securing twine, interwoven natural art with a few small animal furs as the base. Her face was exposed, though she looked not upon the forest around her as the sun set. This somewhat wizened woman appeared to be meditating, or was a champion at sleeping while sitting up. Before her, lying in the patchy grass, was a sword and shield, similarly silver like her armor. However, the faded away markings of what appeared to be falling water was etched into the shield, and coiling strands of leaves on a wiry branch decorated the scabbard of her blade. They also seemed at peace with the forest, as if nature itself had given its permission for them to exist. Underneath those was a traveling pack, sheltered as if it needed protection from beyond its metallic guardians.

Nothing had disturbed this statuesque woman or her gear, or at least nothing of real consequence. The air grew colder as time passed, and the woman began to feel the sting of the chill inside her nostrils. There was something else there though, a different tickle to her senses as it was carried on the wind. At first it was hard to discern, the faint whispers almost hallucination, but the repetition of it broke the woman free from her state.

Her nose scrunched up a little, and she cleared her throat. Eyelids fluttered like awakened from a dream and crystalline blue eyes took in the night. She glanced about ahead of her, noting how different the trees seemed in this lighting. A roll of her shoulders helped awaken her body as she further took in her surroundings. That particular scent wasn't going away. With a stiff heave, the woman propped herself up and dusted her knees off. A quick stretch to the sky and a gathering of her items followed, then she stepped up and out of her small shelter.

Another scan of her surroundings finally pinpointed that source of the smell: a fire illuminated a small patch through the trees, and the scent of food began to accompany it. Verðandi's face slightly frowned. Who had the gall to announce their position so boldly? Whether this would be an experienced or amateur camp, it deserved investigation. In no particular rush, she picked her way towards the camp, her eyes battling the sudden changes of light and constantly adjusting from light to darkness. Even in her heavier gear, Verðandi was at home in her silver fortress, and barely made noise as she trekked towards the treeline. As she got closer, it was obvious this was no enemy, at least not yet, and a bumbling fool stood awkwardly with a bowl in hand just across the way.

"Stay your hand, stranger," She gave as a greeting and a warning, crossing into the borders of the camp with her hands resting upon the pommel of her blade on her right hip. Her voice was deeper than most, but calm and comforting, like the beloved village elder or baker. "I am no wolf."

The old man in the cloak gave his welcome, and she dipped her head in thanks. "My thanks, good sir." She accepted that offered bowl with her off hand and stepped aside, taking a position between the two men of the camp and sitting upon an old stump. She didn't remove that headdress as she brought that bowl to her senses, breathing in that meal. Her gut told her there was nothing to fear here, even among strangers found in the forest.

AR's Universal Check - General Ideas, Plots, and Dream Worlds (18+)

A new dream added, one about a colony cult and science!

AR's Universal Check - General Ideas, Plots, and Dream Worlds (18+)

And another dream!

AR's Universal Check - General Ideas, Plots, and Dream Worlds (18+)

Added a dream