Omni5876

Avalia

Time:10 am
Location: Heading towards the Helius-Ironhold
Interactions:, Rue @Potter Bowyn @Helo
Equipment: basic travel pack, medical pack, foot soldier armor, foot soldier shield and weapons. 759 Amas

The dwarf soldier, taught from a young age the ways of battle and the use of the tools meant to end life, had been literally bred, like the rest of his race, for war. He had the genetic information of the Mountainspine blood ingrained into him. Add that to the teachings of one of the most famous generals that had ever been forged by the fires of war and you had a person who was destined to pile dead foes at his feet. From a young age, he showed prowess with shield and hammer. His ability to absorb fighting techniques and styles had served him well when sparing with kids almost twice his age.

There was even a time when he enjoyed battle. It fed him. It made him feel fulfilled. Like the blood that ran through his veins, battle was fire that drove the young medic to be. Thur of course had been quite proud. After all, in dwarven society achievements in battle were necessary to further the family legacy and to brag during drunken nights filled with overflowing tankards and mountains of food.
However, he had changed when he had almost struck his mother while in a berserker frenzy when he had all but beat some teenagers to death. The look in Verna’s eyes had broken his heart. Covered in blood, he must have looked little different than the blood thirsty Orcs the dwarves battle incessantly in their borders. The young Arn had made a promise to himself then that violence and fighting would only be the very last resort.

Therefore, even such things as innocent sounding as freezing propellers did not compute with the young man. Sarcasms and wit computed even less. Indeed, the young medic was the last person who would understand the white haired lad’s quips and saucy attitude. However, when one cut through the thick serving of disdain and sarcasm, Bowyn actually had some insightful things to say.

“Trying to make friends by buying them, will only gain you leeches, Mister Arn.”

The soldier had not considered that. In his unit, it was normal to be in the medic’s good graces. After all, being one of the few with the skill and patience to do so, it was just good sense to not piss off the person who would save your life in a pinch by all to often putting his own in danger. Perhaps his approach to getting on the fairy's good graces had been completely wrong and it make Arn feel shame. But how was he to go about it? He had never worry about making friends because he had never felt he needed them.

In a line of work where those sitting with you at breakfast may leave only empty seats at dinner, it was ill adviced to make friends. He cared for each and every person in his unit, in his battalion and in his kingdom that he would gladly give his life for any of them and do his utmost to save them, but he had never bothered with making friends.

The young dwarf had been since when he had told Bowyn and rue in an apologetic voice. “My deepest apologies M….” He paused remembering what the white haired lad had told him regarding calling him mister. “Bowyn and Rue” He said her name as if in a question. In truth, she had not allowed him to call her so informally but he hope that what he did for one he might do for the other. “You must forgive my lack of social maneuvering. I am not too used to talking to civilians and definitely not used to talking to non dwarves. I hope to learn much from you if you would allow me to.”

He had taken the seat as close to the middle of the air ship as possible foregoing the tall viewing windows. The Helius was a marvel of engineering. But it was understandable why to someone such as Bowyn who was born to the sky, it would seem crude and jerky. In fact, it was much smoother than travelling via carriage. However, though Arn was not a skilled aeronaut like his fairy companions, he also felt every jerk and dip that the flying machine experienced.

His enhanced perception however, stemmed from his natural fear of heights. Though his people were no strangers to mountaineering, at least their stubby legs were always firmly pressed against solid ground. No, his race was designed for dwelling deep into the heart of mountains and exploring the great darkness beneath the world not flying freely with nothing between them but air and death. So he had been very quiet the entire flight. His stomach and his slight whimpers being the only sounds that could be heard from him as the other two conversed.

”Are you okay, Arn?”

The young medic had nodded but his polite maners would not allow him to leave it at that he turned slightly towards the lovely winter fairy. Swallowing to ensure the contents of his stomach remained there he spoke barely audibly to the young winter lass. “Uh…Um…yes Ru…e” He swallowed again as his stomach naughtily lurched with when the Helius probably encountered a different wind pressure ledge. “I.. I..am not …very fon..d of flying…I um I am afraid.” While speaking, he had began to turn a slight shade of green so he had stopped talking to prevent something other than words from coming up.

Trying to focus on something else other than the feeling of weightlessness that made his head feel fuzzy, he decided to focus on Rue’s face. His analytical eyes were able to pick apart even the slightest detail of her pretty face. He noticed that while her hair was white, there seemed to be some purple mixed in that made the color pop. Her icy blue eyes looked like pools of pure frozen water that one finds in glaciers or atop a frozen lakes. The softness of her fair, almost porcelain like skin, like freshly fallen snow, yet undisturbed by the passing of animal or humanoid.

The young dwarf’s eyes grew wider trying to take in all of her beauty. She was as natural as the pure snow of their homeland. Suddenly, realizing that he was staring, his greenish tint was quickly replaced by a dark red tone on his tan and weathered skin. He immediately returned his gaze to his armored boots and muttered an apology that was lost in the hum of the propeller engines.

When would this dammed contraption land?. He thought to himself, he had never been so close to a girl before. At least, not as pretty as Rue. Shit, he had never been as closet to a lad as good looking as Bowyn either for that matter. Even the damn wolf was a good-looking beast. And he? Just a fucking dwarf who was currently experiencing all the colors of the rainbow it seemed. The young soldier whished for either death or to get off the dammed air ship.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

@Whoami stay safe out there. I would say have fun but I know that FEX may not be that. Especially if it is going to be hot where you are going. Armor adds a few degrees of heat ugh.

Jewel of the Skies

@Omni5876Darling you left me a bit confused with Arn's voice...is it Viggo Mortensen's, Karl Urban's?

@deia876lat

lol I figured. I was thinking about it today. As much as I love Viggo and his portrayal of Aragorn, the voice I imagined was that of Eomer.

Please use the number 3 for your nefarious plan lol.

Jewel of the Skies

Arn stood quiet, the aura of the bright Eilis abating him with radiation of raw Aether magic. Though his face was calm, worry filled the master mage wondering what such manifestation of power was doing to such a delicate vessel. Another part of him however basked in the wonder that was such demonstration of power.

Mages tended to train hard to control such raw energies. The slight distortion in the space around them the culmination of their efforts to minimize the effects of their magic on those around them. Too much exposure was actually harmful to normal humans. Another reason for the minimal field was power conservation. Just as fighters strive for economy of movement, so do mages strive for a tight coating. Yet here stood a being who was practically radiating Aether at alarming rates. Even the poor wyrm, a magical creature, was distressed.

“I seem to recall you choking me out, you presumptuous little matchstick. But you speak true when you mention the frailty of this body…”

Arn’s voice was calm but firm. “Aye, I did. Then just as now, Eilis’s safety was my motivation. I was not sure if your manifestation had been something triggered by the attack of the dark haired witch or if it was some sort of possession by the same. My aim was never to harm or be presumptuous.”

He watched the being study the blood dripping from the striations made by the wild magics. It was hard to detect if there was compassion, disdain or understanding. If nothing else, it at least acknowledge that what the master mage said was true. The wounds looked painful and Arn wondered IF the burning Eilis returned to slumber if his protégé would be riddled with pain. A concerned look softly crossed his face.

“She is rather weak…”

At this statement, the master mage narrowed his eyes. His voice was still matter of fact but in his heart, there was a different emotion. “She is stronger than you think.” He wanted to tell this being how this small framed girl had managed to kill her tormentor, had somehow made it to the border of the Viem empire with little to no help. Had offered her body to pay passage in a smuggler ship, had saved the passangers of said ship, and bravest of all, had asked him to end her life to keep the figure that now burned in front of him from being used against people she owed no allegiance to.

While Arn agreed with the detached statement of the being, he did not see Eilis as just a body. It was quite revealing and alluring that it would hold the same beliefs as the master mage. Before his awakening and connection to the lovely girl, he had a similar clinical outlook. Perhaps this was his way to deal with the many young lives of young Shooting Star mages who were extinguished in the execution of their duties. Perhaps this was his way of dealing with the death of his mother. Perhaps this was his way to not feel like a butcher as he himself took many lives. Now, thanks to the blonde haired lass, he saw each life as not a flame that would eventually extinguish, but as a light that held back the darkness of death. Or like one of the many stars that hung in the heavens.

“You wish to help her?”

The master mage nodded immediately. There was no consideration no delay and no uncertainty. He would do anything to help Eilis. His own eyes fixed firmly into hers. Despite the glazed over look that her beautiful blue eyes. Arn endured the sudden pain with a slight twinge of his left eye but otherwise did not react. At least not outwardly.

Inwardly however, he felt the strange energy much too cold compared to the warm flow that usually came from the connection with his protégé. However, despite the difference in the feeling, there was no rejection. Almost as if the connection was not only possible but familiar. It was almost as if he was meant to connect with it.

Could the connection he shared with Eilis have occurred only because he was supposed to connect with this being? Was his connection to Eilis only a byproduct? Why was he not repulsed by the different energy? Perhaps it was this sad realization that made his heart hurt. The pain in his wrist the only thing keeping him from retreating into his mind and chase the answers to those questions.

“She trust you a great deal I can sense it in her.”

The voice was loud and clear inside his mind. It was almost painful how clear and close it was. It was as if Arn himself was the one speaking. The world around him faded and he found himself in the spiritual side of the Aether. Normally it took meditaion and control to enter such state but the connection to bright Eilis had effortlessly achieved the same effect. The shadowy flame that appeared before him did not elicit any fear from Arn. Instead, it begged his curiosity and attention.

The Master Mage listened intently. Catching every word and analyzing it. Try as he might, other than the masculine shape of the figure, Arn could not distinguish any other feature. Even the voice was distorted even if it was now clearer. When the shape showed him the entranced Eilis Arn almost ran to her but his mind objected against it. No the key to her freedom lay in understanding and dealing with the shadow man.

Arn did not like how he spoke of Eilis. The grin earned a scowl. The scowl then turned to a slight grimaced of pain as his wrist endured the pain of being held by such radiation of magic from the shadow man that branded him with the mark. The master mage looked curiously at it. It seemed oddly familiar as if he had seen it somewhere a long long time ago.

“It should have been you… You would have been a far better choice for the bindings.”

The comment made Arn snap his eyes back to the shadowy figure’s face. Neither knew how accurate that statement had been. Something about it resonated in the master mage’s mind. He calmly addressed the shadow.

“If transfering your to me was the only way to save Eilis. I would gladly do it. Even now, I would bear the marks. I would be your vessel if I could to free her of this fate.” He lifted his brand to have a better look. “I will call upon you. Of that have no doubt. However, for now, I ask that you recede. As it stands, Eilis has endured your presence far too long.”

He turned towards the sleeping form of the young lass. He took a few steps and then could not help but stop and turn around. This time his face was confused and questioning. “Who are you?” His question was loaded with a yearning to know.

Jewel of the Skies

@deia876lat

First of all thank you and @TheMerlin for your kind words. As you said, the loss of life is never fair. She left behind many memories and a lovely little girl so we will always tell her of how great her mother was. As you said, the sadness will never truly go away but I will not dwell in it.

I have read your awsome lore and again I feel that I must help contribute. However, you are such a great story teller I feel I might spoil it lol. But I do promise I will come up with at least items for discussion. I know you have a direction in mind and that you want to keep some things hided for shock effect lol.

Below, please find my humble contributions to your work. The voices are a great idea as it helps when reading their interaction. I was thinking of posting some visual aids with my posts just so that it can make sense.

Arn's Voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCwsZavV0mM

Tobi's voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2TTvyowgk0

Alexa's voice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4JKS3WA8WM

Dragonier (Medieval Fantasy, Dragon Riders, Magic, War)

@TheMerlin yeah. I figured if nothing else, maybe every clan or family does it a bit differently. Just like some countries bow, others shake etc.

Avalia

Time:10 am
Location: Heading towards the Helius-Ironhold
Interactions:, Rue @Potter Bowyn @Helo
Equipment: basic travel pack, medical pack, foot soldier armor, foot soldier shield and weapons. 849 Amas

Dwarves were a very close knit race. To the outside world they looked like mass produced humanoids with very little difference in their height, build and way dress. Yet, this worked for the benefit of the dwarves. Only true friends and companions would be able to notice the slight differences between the various citizens of Ironhold. This meant that newcomers to the fortified city would be easy to spot and track.

Most merchants were either dwarves or the few other races that traded with the Ironholders had developed a working relationship with the inhabitants via a long and slow relationship building. The city itself was slow to change. Buildings were erected in order to stand the test of time. The city had no dilapidated buildings and even new builds were erected quickly and efficiently.

Stores were passed down from generation to generation. It was not strange for family names to double as brand names. The customers in markets around Avalia could easily recognize the handiwork of dwarven crafter’s by name. Armor, weapons, metalworks, masonry work etc were the major exports of the dwarven country. Blood sweat and tears were often put into crafting and dwarves did not put their name on anything that was not perfection.

Despite the love for consistency and permanence that was the backbone of Dwarven society, innovation was the passion that burned in each of their hearts. It was this reason that marvels such as cannons, steam works and the marvelous flying vehicles know as Hellius had been born.

The magnificent marvel rested on the launch platform. The station was efficiently and effectively run. There was no milling crowds. Chaos was not tolerated in dwarven society. Probably why bars and fighting was the only way to relieve stress. Few dwarves had a sense of humor and those that did were often annoyances to the stoic and rowdy race.

This was the reason why Arn’s face showed confusion when the white haired male had countered his offer to purchase his and the pretty elf lady’s passage. The young dwarf’s eyebrows met over the bridge of his nose as if conferring with each other as to what the inebriated fairy might have meant. The medic’s eye tried to absorb any and all body language the lad was portraying. His ears strained to detect tone and infliction of the words. What the poor dwarf did not know is that there was such thing in human, elven, or fairy speech that was called sarcasm.

“Why would it be a pleasure to buy tickets for someone else? Trying to get a favor out of us in return or is throwing amas around a pastime of yours?”

The young soldier replayed what Bowyn said in his mind yet again. Had he offended the fairy by offering to pay? Was there something in fairy culture that prevented one from accepting favors or gifts? Arn did not care much for riches unlike the rest of his kin so he had utilized his military pay only for necessities. The legions had housed, equipped, and fed him for those decades he spent in the service so there as not much he could spend money on.

Arn shook his head, confusion still on his face. He figured he should explain his rasoning and answer the questions posed by the white haired lad. “Uh..No Mister Bowyn. The intention behind my offer had no ulterior motives. In my culture, you repay one favor or good will with something else. I said it would be my pleasure because I wanted to somehow coax you into truly being my companions….” He stopped a pensive shadow crossing his face. “I guess I did have ulterior motives… My apologies to you both. I did not mean any disrespect. You see, I have never travelled outside the borders of this realm. I figured that you two might have more experience and wanted to leverage that. Also, if I am being completely honest, I did not want to travel completely alone.” He bowed apologetically to the two winter fairies accepting both of their refusal.

“If they take issue with Moony joining us, inform them that an angry wolf and two equally annoyed fairies who could freeze certain parts of a Helius that probably shouldn’t be frozen are much more of a problem than one well-behaved wolf aboard a Helius.”

Again a concerned look appeared on the young medic’s face. He did not know why Bowyn would be so aggravated by his suggestion to ask if there would be any issue regarding bringing Moony in the main cabin instead of in the cargo bay. Turning towards the ticket house and the security gate beyond, the dwarf did not see the value of the young fairy’s threat.

“Well Mister Bowyn, I believe that if you do raise an issue or threat then they will simply not let you into the aircraft and deprive you of the opportunity to carry it out. However, I do not believe the station will have an issue. As you stated, your animal companion seems to be well behaved. I am sure they will that your word and that of Miss Rue at face value. I trust he will not be distressed by the effects of flight?” Arn brushed his beard as he admitted shyly. “If he is, he will not be the only one who dislikes the flight…”

”They didn’t have a problem when I arrived here. Why would they have a problem now?”

Arn turned with an apologetic look to the pretty lady. “Indeed Miss Rue, but I am afraid that strolling inside the Iron Curtain’s merchant district is a bit different than in an enclosed space while an aircraft is flying high above the ground. I do hope you can see why it is normal to be wary of a creature that is normally wild. However, as I have already said, your companion is much calmer than most dwarves after somebody has spilled their drink.” The young soldier attempted an awkward smile at as he looked up to the pretty face of the white haired lass but he quickly turned away.

With that he turned in the direction of the ticket office. He purchased his own ticket and moved on to allow the other two to do the same. Even the ticketing process was ingenious. The ticket was a thin metal plate with specific dots in specific patterns etched on them. The security gate would not only verify that no suspicious looking people tried to board but also where the travelers presented the ticket into a machine. The machine would read the ticket the same way a musical box is able to play music. If the incorrect metal plate was introduced the door to the platform would not open.

The boarding attendants took one look at the wolf and then looking up at the two fairies. Due to Arn wearing his military clothes they looked at him. “They with you?” The medic turned to the fairies slightly and then looked back at the attendants. “Aye they are. I know you will ask it so please be assured that the wolf is quite domesticated and will be of no concern in the main cabin.” The boarding attendants looked once more at the calm wolf and then nodded. “Alright, please proceed. We should arrive at Riverport with no issues.”

It was not long before the cabin was filled and the engines started. The soft hum of the propellers and the slight vibration could be felt through the whole air craft. Due to the excellent design and the forethought of sound proofing the cabin, very little of the powerful movement of air could be heard from the outside. The high glass windows allowed the passengers to see up and down. The journey in a Helius was meant to be an experience too.

The day was perfect for travel. The Helius slowly ascended and the city began to seem smaller as they gained altitude. From this vantage point, one could see the configuration of the Tri-Murum with the Iron Curtain enclosing the busy market. The mountains looked stunning with their white caps and the cold clouds covering the tops of some of them.

Moving efficiently, the Helius ate the miles faster than any mortal being could. The landscape gave way from mountainous terrain to fertile river valleys and lush forests. The mighty rivers that traversed the continent crossed the terrain. They had their birth in the mountains of the north and fed the various lakes that dotted the land. Especially the great lake that commanded the south west are of the continent.

Food and drink was served aboard the aircraft but as promised, the poor dwarf was not able to eat. A greenish tint was mostly hidden behind his brown beard. His eyes were watery and kept close most of the time except for the times he was addressed. Landing could not come early enough for the poor dwarf.

expenses

-100 Amas for Helius Tickets

Dragonier (Medieval Fantasy, Dragon Riders, Magic, War)

I feel like Elves are going to be Vulcan like lol. I can totally see a greeting between elves be like then grabing each other's face and touching foreheads and saying "We are joined" or something like that.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

It was a bit strange for Fer seeing the usually sweet and composed Auriel be so full of fire. Their winged companion had always represented divinity to the young man. Though that was probably because he associated her with a messenger of the Christian God he and his family had grown up worshiping. To see her now, a true warrior letting her blade do the talking in filled the young hero with mixed emotions.

On the one hand, he saw her as a powerful woman and worthy battle mate. On the other, his perception of her being a single dimensional being changed for the better to encompass other emotions. This was healthy as it did not cast her in a light that would be hard for her to live up to. Indeed, it made him smile at his own foolishness. After all, the holy warrior had given her opinion regarding making the bandit leader answer for her crimes.

This role of justiciar fitted their winged companion. After all, someone must carry the executioner’s blade that deals out punishment to evil doers. Though some small part of Fer would have gladly taken that role if he could so that Auriel did not have to. However, he was sure that she was not stranger to the horrors of battle. Indeed, he knew she was probably much more experienced in it. No doubt she had lost many a companion.

Perhaps it was this notion or perhaps it was just her performing her duty as the team’s healer but the Shield Hero was glad when Auriel cast her magic on their wounded companion. Fer knew that Cole would be safe and that made his decision to charge Rayla that much more firm. They needed to end the fight quickly or the bandit leader would get the best of them. When the same energy that enveloped the Sword also enveloped him, a small smile appeared on the young hero’s face as he nodded his thanks in the direction of their winged companion. The energy also gave him a rush of strength.

"We move together, give her no opportunity to fight either of us individually!"

Fer nodded his acknowledgement and compliance as he bolted from the kneeling possiton. As he charged forward, his shield was before him. His leg muscles pumped hoping to transfer as much energy into the shield bash as possible. The impact prodouce an audible smack as the shield met the muscled body of Rayla. The young hero braced his shield with the other hand too and kept on moving forward.

Despite his own enhanced strength, the hero had to use all he had to push the bandit leader back. He felt as if he had run head first into a solid wall. A wall that was even able to push him back a few inches. Fer clamped down and attempted to stop his skid backwards as his footing lost purchase on the dirt of the cave.

Experience showed as Rayla stabbed at the midsection of the hero while he was soley concentrated on pushing her back. Had it not been for his armor, she would have at the very least cut him. Feeling a few stabs, the pressure enough to be painful, Fer attempted to move his midsection away from any harm while still pinning the bandit leader down Thankfully a cry ran out soon enough letting him know Cole was back on the fight.

"Meteor Strike!"

The magical energy of the strike was powerful enough that even though the Shield Hero was not its target, Fer could still feel the crackling of it as it struck the bandit leader. He heard a crack and wondered if it had been bone or armor but the young hero did not loosen his pressure. Suddenly, the pressure was loosend for him as Rayla lost consciousness. The change sent him forward and almost stepping on the bandit leader. He side stepped just in time. His foot kicked her blade away and he stood over her, ready to deliver a downward trust with his shield to the throat if needed be.

Soon enough, their own mercenary and ex gladiator showed up. Marcino immediately showed there was not love lost between him and the bleeding bandit leader. Fer narrowed his eyes and was about to say something when Cole spoke up his disapproval. The ex gladiator gave explanation for his actions but it still did not sit right with Fer.

“Marcino, all you said was true. She is a thief and a killer who deserves death for all she has done. I can not and will not stop you from doing what you just did. However, I agree with Cole that demeaning even her corpse is not something we would do. I am not trying to be holier than thou but if we do not hold ourselves to a different standard then what separates us from them?” He motioned to the bleeding body of Rayla. “In either case, the fight seems to be over.”

He turned to Cole after hearing his suggestion. “Honestly Cole, as Marcino said, I think that keeping her alive only to face the executioner’s blade is indeed cruel. Regardless of what she was, Rayla was also a warrior. As Auriel pointed out, it was her last wish to die fighting. Though she may not deserve mercy, I believe she deserves at least this much.”

The Shield Hero now turned to Auriel. “I am not sure if you have a spell that can ease her passing but I also want you to know that I do not take this decision lightly. I believe her death is what is needed to send a message to other bandits that such actions will not be tolerated. As Heroes, we share the burden to keep peace and punish evil. I know, I know this sounds all high and good but as I stated, there must be a standard and the sooner we set it and abide by it, the easier our decisions and actions in the future may be.”

He looked towards Marcino. “Now how exactly does one claim a bounty? Do we take the whole body or is there a way to prove it without having to lug a dead woman around?”

Jewel of the Skies

Hey, so update and to answer your question. Yes she had a previous condition of Cerebral Palsy so she got really sick very quick. Her husband had it too and he had bad pulmonary effects but was able to recover in a few weeks.

Unfortunately, he passed day before yesterday. Thank you for your concern. She was a close friend and though I get bouts of sadness and tears I know that there is not much I can do other than support her family. I am sure the sadness will never go away and that life goes on.

I am glad you and yours are vaccinated. I wish you the best and safety.

I will post when I can, her funeral is next week.