Time: Morning Location: Forest of the peninsula of the Sun Elf Village Interactions:@Potter@Tae@Inertia@Dezuel
Malachi quickly realized he may have pleased the governor too well, as Terneus was pretty much ready to hire him on the spot as a knight. He would have to take him in the other direction. He resisted the urge to glare as he said that he needed new clothes and to bathe. What was wrong with his clothes?
He glanced down at himself, brushing his clothes off further as he became nervous about being filthy. Sadly, he recalled that he had slept on the floor last night and had been running through the woods and such. By Solaris, he's right. I do need a bath.
The man's true colors surely came out as he grabbed one of his knights by the throat then backhanded him all over the poor man interrupting. For a man worried about elegance, he sure could be uncivilized. The man wiped his own hand after, not offering to aid the bleeding elf. Malachi duly noted that the knights probably did not swear their loyalty to him out of anything other than self-preservation. Lord Terneus was extremely unlikeable. He seemed to want Malachi to replace the elf immediately.
Coming up with the correct response to this situation was like walking on thin ice. If the elf was willing to backhand and fire his knight over simply joining the conversation, they'd all be in for it if he figured out what was going on here. He made eye contact for a split-second with Kenia and soon she was butting in. She was talking softer but he could catch on to her words. Now he was to be out of his mind and diseased. Kenia, I'm not an actor. He thought in exasperation. It was probably clever to now disgust Terneus a bit but now he'd have to change his tune as well. Malachi hoped he could pull it off. Being that he was probably not best fit to look the man in the eye and believably pass this off after acting relatively normal, he elected to act like a complete imbecile.
Malachi pretended as if he didn't hear anything and began pacing around the cave as if dazed. He glanced around until a squirrel climbing down a tree trunk caught his eye. Lord Terneus sure did not enjoy squirrels. You all owe me. Malachi thought in annoyance. He couldn't believe he was going to do this. When the squirrel passed by, he suddenly got on to all fours energetically, chasing the squirrel without another word to the two. He looked like a dim-witted dog chasing after prey without any tact to actually catch it.
I apologize to you all. I've decided that I'm not going to follow through with this RP as I don't see it lasting very long. I really appreciate everyone's interest and I apologize if you've all began CSes and whatnot.
Thank you.
Okay. I suggest if you like the idea and want to make it last to put more details and thicken the plot. It's a good foundation but somethings feel vague to me so it's hard to tell where the story will go. You might want it as a sandbox kind of thing so I understand.
Risa had taken Dionaea's hand and led her along, explaining the morning to her quietly: the male-fairy and human from last night had joined them and warned them of possible oncoming attackers. She told them that Jean had a plan and it included them hiding underground. Once they were in the hole, they had to hold hands under Kyran's instruction. "Hey, at least we're all getting a bath too!" She joked with a giggle as they trudged through the water. The ground was muddy and soft beneath her feet. She knew they'd probably be dirtier if anything.
They finally got out into a dry end of the cave. Risa's long, wet hair stuck to her body uncomfortably and water dripped off her like a waterfall as her feet reached the cave-floor. She looked around but couldn't make sense of her surroundings. It was all so dark. Risa found the dark scary. There was no telling what lurked within it. She fearfully sat next to Kyran, vaguely aware of him speaking. She sat down and hugged her knees, feeling Kyran's arm move around her body.
She moved closer to him and rested her head on his chest. Things were so messed up right now. If that dark elf had returned with enforcements, Jean-Luc and Elthrael would be overwhelmed. She felt in every fiber of her body that she should be there to protect them and heal them. Her heart started to race as she feared the worst, worrying over the two men as well as the friends at her side. Surely, those wolves could sniff them out! This plan was not so great the more she dissected it. Poor Elsea could lose her the companion she trusted.
Then there was Dionaea. Her mother had written that her family was in danger. She knew it would crush Dionaea to hear that, but she couldn't keep something like that from her.
Risa didn't want to make anyone else more worried, so she stifled her urge to cry and spoke to Elsea, agreeing with Kyran, "Yes! Then maybe we can see. Elsea, I know you can do it. Let your emotions aid you in creating fire then use your focus to keep it controlled."
Time: Morning Location: Forest of the peninsula of the Sun Elf Village Interactions:@Potter@Tae@Inertia@Dezuel
As Kenia and Terneus came into view, Malachi met Kenia's eyes with a look that said: Why have you done this?
Malachi knew he'd have to put on the act of someone too bashful to greet the governor. Kenia had placed him into the role of someone rather pathetic but he knew that was the type that soothed the ego of narcissists like this guy. He knew he was gonna get jests over this later, but perhaps they wouldn't be dead.
"You there. Traveler. I desire for you to tell me a few things."
'Oh I'll tell you something alright, you deluded... ' Malachi put a halt to his own thoughts before they began to influence his countenance. He hung his head like someone embarrassed, as if he was not worthy, as Terneus introduced himself. He looked up at him with a smile, forcing a blush, "Oh dear. I am so appalled to have you find me like this. We were quite in the hurry and needed a quick breakfast. I apologize, someone of your stature should not even have to look at something so lowly." He tossed the squirrel on to the ground as if he was changing his ways just to please him, skipping breakfast just to make him happy.
Malachi stood up at once to answer his next question, brushing himself off frantically in a manner one did if they wanted to impress someone. "I did, my Lord. I was just out there hunting those squirrels and I saw the dracolich fly overhead. It was going back north so I believe it may have found what it wanted. It must be reporting back to Aklenroth." He was quick and steady with his answer but made sure to shuffle his feet to appear a bit nervous in his presence as one would in the presence of someone they admire. It was not hard since he was indeed a bit nervous knowing that Terneus was rumored to be very old and powerful. "Being in your presence is such an honor, Lord Terneus. please let me know if I can help you further."
Time: Morning Location: Forest of the peninsula of the Sun Elf Village Interactions:@Potter@Tae@Inertia@Dezuel
Malachi had the two settle in the very back of the alcove. He had put his finger to his lips and gave them both a stern look. He kept a grasp on his bow as he listened to Kenia kiss up to Terneus. The girl was an outstanding actress. Clearly, she had done this before. He made a mental note to possibly tease her about that later if this all went well.
If this all blew up, the guards would be no issue to him. He was unaware of Kenia's background so he wasn't so sure they could handle Terneus. From what he knew, the governor was very old and powerful. At most, they could probably distract him enough to get the run on him. Worst came to worst, he'd probably try to steal their carriage or horses.
He tilted his head as the conversation went rather south. Terneus wanted to come into the cave to look at crystals. He was either onto something being awry or just a pain in the ass. Kenia also went on to speak of him existing and being too nervous to come out. The current arrangement did not make sense for that. He'd have to come out into view and distract him from even looking in this area.
Malachi took Rei's shoulders gently, moving him down on his side on the ground, hoping he'd cooperate. He then took Corvina's head gently between his hands and laid it on Rei's arm, stacking them. Finally, he laid one of the blankets on them. In the dark, they did appear as a heap of belongings. Closer inspection may bring limbs into view, but it was as good as they were going to get. He hated to put them on the filthy ground but he planned on making them do a thorough hygenic cleansing later.
He put his arrow back in its place as well as his bow, then took a seat closer up in the cave so that he'd be in view once Terneus entered. Taking out a small hunting knife, he went to work skinning the squirrels and relaxed his position.
Risa was surprised at Elsea's words but she was glad the girl had respect for herself. She felt her anger was completely reasonable with the situation. Not understanding where you were or who to trust were both big burdens just on their own and Elsea had both on her shoulders. In those situations, it was always best to trust one's own gut. She followed after, taking Dionaea's hand to lead her after Elsea and Kyran "Dionaea, they may have found our location so we have to hide. Sorry for such a rude awakening." She came to a halt when they had all came to a hole. The water was receding out of it, revealing space for them to go inside. "Alright everyone, in you go."
Risa squeezed Elsea's hand before she went in and whispered to her, "Elsea, I'm sorry you have to go through this. I know it must be hard but you're doing great." She had faith Elsea would be a quick-learner and even adapt well to the land. She and Jean could end up being a great team as long as they didn't make a habit of making each other angry too much.
It felt like she was swallowed by impenetrable darkness inside. The aroma of moist soil and grass was a bit overwhelming. Cool water reached up to past her waist, making her shudder. It wasn't the most pleasant feeling not being able to see what her body was submerged in. She could feel her cape and dress sticking to her body.
She didn't like this idea so much. Risa wanted to be able to see what was happening. If she was needed to go heal Jean or Elthrael, she'd be willing to risk her life and do so. If only she could stay above ground without being seen, she would. The wolves would no doubt sniff her out if she did. Risa had to once again be a bystander. She had sworn to herself she would never let the fear of death turn her into a coward. The whole situation gave her déjà-vu.
The shadows of the branches and leaves of the thick canopy seemed to dance over the young fairy's face as the sun broke through the cracks and illuminated the small cave. The tiny body laid in the fur of the belly of the sleeping bear, resting in it in the way things appear to sink in deep grass, as it seemed to hug her frame. the long pink locks of hair sprawled across it's back. She wore a loose white dress that reached past her knees. her arms were wrapped around a bear cub that seemed to have his paws reached across her torso. Her eyelashes brushed her cheeks gracefully as she slept in peace.
"She is sleeping with bears."
The male fairy, with short, curly red hair, was not big on talking to himself. It was an event reserved especially for dealing with his strange eight-year-old sister that seemed to go missing every chance she got. Their parents worshipped her like she was the most precious child in the world and rarely let the kid stray far from home. For a while, he had objected but after finding her in various weird scenarios, he understood the need for the overprotection.
He rubbed his temples as he repeated under his breath, putting more emphasis this time," She is literally sleeping with bears." She had been missing since dusk of the previous day. There had been search-parties all across the woods for hours the previous night. Their mother had been worried sick and their father fit to murder someone.
The male fairy was about twenty years old and reached the tall height of 6'3". His violet eyes matched that of the young girl's and he wore clothing and padding more fit for someone training for battle. He fixed the green vest he wore and moved slowly toward the strange scene, kneeling down with slow movements to slowly pull the girl from the fur.
'Risa, if I get eaten because of you, I swear...'
He made eye-contact with the cub as he had almost plucked her into his arms, who glared up at him. He was clearly quite disturbed from his comfort. "Sorry." The boy whispered, pleading the bear-cub with his eyes. The bear-cub made a sound of distress, awakening the mother bear, whose eyes snapped open. She jumped to her feet and swung her paw at him, gripping Risa's back of her dress with her claws. The tug-of-war that started only last a good two second before the mother bear was gently setting Risa down on the cave floor. The bear growled at Helio, who stepped back with wide eyes.
Risa awoke with a yawn, asking, "Miss Beary... what's wrong?" She straightened up on her palms, her legs sprawled on the floor in her spot. She rubbed her eyes and set her gaze on her brother. "Helio!"
The child was on her feet and hugging the male's waist within seconds. Helio was a little struck with shock from almost being clobbered by a bear, but he managed to set his hands on her shoulders. Before he could properly speak to her, she was bursting into tears.
Risa had looked around wildly, caught off guard by the day-light. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she began to panic. She had forgotten to go home. She had only meant to rest a little while. Her parents would be so upset and never let her play outside again. "Oh no I've been here all night! I'm sorry!"
"Risa, we've been searching all night. You're not old enough to wander the woods on your own..." Helio told her gently, being interrupted before he could lecture her much more.
"Miss Beary lost one of her cubs and now she has only one baby. He's very lonely and enjoys having someone play with him while his momma goes out to get food. I didn't mean to fall asleep here, honest!" She rambled as the bear-cub nuzzled her leg loyally. She sighed, her childish mind going to the worst possible scenario. They'd never let her go out again. She'd be punished forever! "Please don't make me go home to mama."
The girl always had some astonishing explanation. Last time, a spider had seemed lonely so she had sat next to its web talking to it for three hours. Fairies were known for their natural closeness to the fauna, but she took it to the next level. Still, Helio could not help but laugh. She was so innocent and unaware of the horrible world around her, always so fixated on such little problems.
He could dimly hear her crying and babbling in the background of his thoughts, as well as protesting his laughter. Glancing down at her, he watched her pout, clearly offended he was laughing at her. With a sigh, he finally said with a smirk, "Miss Beary, huh? That's the best you got, Risa?"
Risa continued pouting, her arms crossing now.
Helio began to wipe her eyes, saying gently, "See, I already told Hades to go tell them I found you. That means I don't technically have to take you home right away."
Her irises widened, "Are you saying you'll take me somewhere fun?"
"Only if you promise to not go out alone anymore or sleep with ferocious creatures!"Helio said in a teasing, sing-song voice, "If you don't promise, I'll take you right home! Then I'm sure they'll take away all your dooolls." He continued, drawing out his voice with a grin as he amused himself with his own antics. Risa was pale with fear. She was too easy to mess with. "Oh and I'm sure they won't forget about your books."
"Okay!"Risa exclaimed, sighing in defeat. She shuffled her feet, her gaze falling to the ground as she muttered. "I promise."
"Good because they probably weren't going to actually do that."He mused, picking her up and flying into the air before she could protest. She sadly waved to the bear cub that stared up in confusion and sadness.
It was a little while before he had the child's legs over each shoulder and her hands on his head as he made his way through the busy streets of Roshmi. The market district was less impressive in its architecture, being inhabited by many lower-class Demi-humans. The roads were crowded with people interesting in buying from shops. The voices of the cluster of people became one united mass of incomprehensible speaking. A string instrument playing a joyful tune could be heard dimly behind it. The aroma of fried meats filled the air, making his stomach grumble.
He was taking her to the market square where many musicians performed while others danced. He knew Risa would enjoy seeing it. Their parents were very much the keep-to-your-own-kind type, but he loved Demi-humans. They were so lively and fun to be around.
Risa was watching all of the heads with big animal-like ears on top of them pass by her with curiosity. "Wow...These people look like Kyran." Risa observed, moving her head upside down to look straight into his eyes. Her absurd amount of hair made it ten times worse. Helio gently shoved her head upward as he moved forward.
"Outta my face Risa, I can't see." Helio complained annoyedly, "You little weirdo." When her face was out of his view, the market square was replaced. However, he did not see dancing folk. Instead, there was a demi-human chained to a wooden pole. A dark elf with a whip was moving toward him while other ones seemed to be pushing the crowds back away. He swallowed, realizing this was probably the last thing he should bring an eight-year-old to.
Helio was about to turn away rapidly with her and get as far as possible when he recognized the chained demi-human. It was his friend Bastian, a wolf-hybrid. They had been in a secret rebel group together for years now. He slowly set Risa on the ground, "Stay here." Without hesitation, he moved forward through the crowd, whispering to a few people along the way that Risa guessed he had been acquainted with before, as the dark-elf viciously brought down the whip on Bastian's back, invoking a gasp from the crowd and a cry of pain from Bastian. The whip crack had been loud and rather intense for Risa. She had flinched, but had been too short and far away from the mess to see it.
"This is what happens when you don't respect Aklenroth! This man was found talking ill of our glorious leader! Behold what happens!" The dark elf roared over the noise, "I will whip ANY of you disgusting creatures until there is not one square of skin left on your backs if you even think of insulting his name!"
Bastian spat on the ground in reply to this, glaring up at the dark elf, "You'll beat us for having opinions? What kind of ruler puts that into law? Beat me for all I care. It won't change how much of a coward you are!"
Risa moved forward to watch as her brother moved in front of Bastian, blocking his way.
"A valid point Bastian brings up here."Helio calmly interjected, making the dark elf's face redden in fury, "There is no law against him speaking an opinion. This is just random public humiliation. Unless you have any proof of him breaking a law, then I think the only one breaking the law is you." A silence fell over the crowd as his words sank in.
"I heard him, you insolent insect..."The dark elf began in a low voice but Helio waved his finger in his face and then pointed up to the top of a building, where a few cloaked figures were coming to the edge to look down at him.
"You see the spies up there? They've been watching this whole charade."Helio grinned as he spoke. They were some demi-humans who were in league with him and Bastian. "Imagine Aklenroth finds out you randomly abuse people in his name, inventing new laws that don't exist." He tsked after speaking, "Can't imagine it'd be pretty for you. He does like everything his way, now. "
The dark-elf hesitated, uncertain about the situation. He finally unchained Bastian, "Don't think I'm not onto you, you... traitors. I know what you do and I will be back to claim BOTH your heads." He stormed from the center, brushing rudely past people.
Helio looked up at the "spies" high-fiving each other and grinned. He began to help Bastion up, healing him slowly as he rested Bastion's weight over his shoulder.
Risa moved over to join them, staring in admiration at her older brother, who apologized quietly to her. Helio could have been killed yet he had thrown himself into the middle with no hesitation. She wasn't so sure she understood why this had all happened, but she knew her brother was a hero from the applause of the crowd.
Risa was reluctant as Jean spoke. She did not want to doubt his intelligence but he was new to the land. She had no idea what he knew from his old land and how it compared here. It could be foolish to just blindly trust him, especially if his plan could put him in danger. Keeping him safe was a priority. She was about to open her mouth and object, requesting more information, but then Kyran spoke. He explained that there were cave systems in aquifers and rushed off to get Dionaea. Risa tilted her head, recalling her knowledge. She supposed they both meant to unflood the underground system. That's why wells had to be dug deep enough to reach them. Then they could hide there, and Jean could do something to block the enemies from entering. The gamble became on if Jean could pull it off and if he and Elthrael could remain safe outside it while distracting or whatever he planned them to do. Risa was wary. She wished there was a less risky plan.
Kyran soon came out, beckoning both her and Elsea. She trusted Kyran and would eventually follow, but not until everyone here was on board. No plan would work unless they stuck together. There was no way she wanted to lose Elsea again. Elsea had some valid objections. If Elthrael was her savior, she'd trust him most and leaving him vulnerable to strangers would seem foolish no doubt. Elthrael expressed many doubts as well. They both did not seem to want to go along with the risk. However, Elthrael wanted to fly away again! She found this distasteful. He even invited her as if she didn't care about her friends.
She came over to stand in front of Elthrael, unpleased with his words. Her hands were back on her hips. "Deem you a coward?" Risa repeated with rising emotion, "If you were to take this girl and leave everyone else here, I just might! If we want to defeat Aklenroth, you should know we need all the humans together, live and well. Their powers together will be the unstoppable force! They are safer with each other and can learn from one another." Risa hoped at least Elsea would understand the value of not leaving people behind and convince him if she couldn't, "Friends do not leave each other behind! We all just found each other again. If you are unsure of Jean's plan, that's understandable. I am reluctant too, but running away and leaving comrades is not an option, especially since it will still pose a risk to you and Elsea. We are stronger together!" Risa felt very passionate about this. She had been raised on being honorable and never leaving anyone behind. That was her job as a healer. Her job as someone having leading in their blood was now to lead.
"Jean needs you for this part of the plan. He does not like you so maybe you are to inspire his power usage. Emotion drives the abilities of all. I am sure once he does what he does, you will join us in hiding. I will even stay above ground to come help you if need be. I am a very accomplished healer and I will not let anyone die. I plead of you to please help us."Risa explained to Elthrael, stooping to a plea. Sometimes it was the only thing that made people understand.
Risa now turned to Elsea."I understand your doubts but what is coming could be a worse risk. Staying in plain sight will be dangerous. Staying together as a group is important in this world. We must have some faith in each other. Kyran is no fool and I don't think Jean-Luc is one either. Plans only work if everyone sticks to them. If you continue to protest or flee, I feel in my heart someone may get hurt. Time is of essence."
Risa blushed when Elthrael had kissed her cheek. She giggled, not thinking much of it. "That's a funny way to greet people!" She planted a kiss on his cheek back and let go of him, not wanting to be rude and disrespect his culture.
Her eyes traveled back to the red-haired girl as she spoke about an Amora. "Oh no. That could be very bad. We should get far away from here. It could be anything I suppose but just in case." Risa replied to her. The ground started to rumble and Jean came over, looking less than pleased. He started raging on that the fairy was a demon and Elsea his victim. She awaited for Elsea to finish telling him off, but she nodded in agreement with her words. Risa took Jean's hand and tried to plead with him, "No, no Jean! Never judge people by their appearance! It's not nice. Remember you are in a different land, okay sweetie?"
Then Kyran began going off on Elthrael and she did not really understand why. Risa put her hands on her hips, fed up. "Honestly! This is childish! We must all be friends in this hard time. Humans and Kyran, please no more shouting. There are many foes we have to face and alerting them to our location will be so dangerous." She gave everyone a very unhappy pout to finish her statement.
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