Geoff's words eared a slight nod of understanding—although it was secretly more of approval—from Vesper.
"I could've used one of you when I met Demons," she was tempted to tell Geoff, but she refrained. Making such a statement fell under "potentially instigating a fight," and she couldn't risk having uncomfortable questions being thrown her way; she had never met anyone who took lightly to finding a Dragon, and now was not the time to risk getting discovered again.
"I do not approve of the fact that my favorite quotes are too long for this character limit." - MeTalauras, The White Stag
"Strange companions you say?" hummed Talauras as he glanced over at Gwyn. Smiling a bit, he calmly patted the eyepatch man's shoulder, before turning back towards Uisce. "Aha... I see that Gwyn here has given you some of his infamous verbal abuse... He may be strange in your eyes, but to me he is an irreplaceable friend. He served my father for many years, and he was with me since I was born into the world... to call him a simple companion would be an insult to all that he has done for me."
Adverting his eyes a bit, and mumbling a bit, Gwyn simply folded his arms and let out a sigh. Although it was unclear and very well hidden, one who was very aware would assume he was somewhat embarrassed by the White Stag's words.
"Also, you three overestimate me and my personality... I am no King... where as I believe I would be more suited to be a Prince. And, as a matter of fact, I did simply wish to speak to you to have what you call a 'Social Call', and to ease your minds and to bring a little truth. Another thing," spoke the White Stag as he walked towards Zia, and proceed to stroke the top of her head, "I am no tyrant. Thieves are common in this land ever since Keva took King Tirion's place as ruler... and since people and creatures alike were left to fend for themselves. Why would I behead someone who is struggling to survive in this sad and faltered world?" Giving off a simple stroke to Zia's head once more, Talauras removed his hand, and took a step back. "I shall not punish you three..."
"Do you think that to be wise?" hummed the fairy that was once behind Talauras as she walked next to him. "Letting them go free when they committed crimes?"
"But of course. They had their reasons... and their reasons are true. If they wish to go free, then they can. If they choose to flee this town, or even this land... then they have the right to. I will not force them to fight for our cause... our own fight, nor will I punish them for leaving. However... if they choose to fight alongside us on their own, then I will not decline their help."
"Now... you three, there are many options for you to choose. You may ask me questions... any question you desire, and I will answer to the best of my abilities. You can leave without saying a word, and I wont stop you. You can stay to fight for this town... or run and guarantee your survival. Whatever it is you choose, do know that I will be here, and both my doors and ears are always open shall you wish to speak... however, do know that tomorrow morning, I shall make myself known to this town and confirm the rumors... and I shall lead those who are willing, to fight the forces that shall arrive tomorrow."
"Unfortunately... you have until then to decide what you want to do with the time you have left here in Swampveil... for I suspect that what shall transpire tomorrow will forever change the face of Milvallen."
edited 20th Feb '13 2:23:01 PM by Aevum
Sometimes, you just gotta do the unexpected to catch the expected unexpected individual who you are expecting.Zia wasted no time in moving her hand to force Talauras off her head, with her golden eyes narrowing for just a second in a threatening manner "Hmp, if you know that much then you know I work not for a cause or a charity. If you want to request my services, pay upfront and give me a specific contract. Until then, we have no business together"
Ragnos listened to the so called Lord Protector's words calmly, folding his arms when he noticed this meeting was going to be long. The... White Stag? Oh, this visit was worthwile, after all. He saw, within the man, the last hope the righteous and lawful had to confront Keva, and stop his 'reign of anarchy'. Still... Did he really want to join them on their crusade? That is the question he's struggling to find an answer for.
"I'm afraid I will...", he stopped for a moment before continuing, "... Not give you an answer now. Not a definitive one, at least. However, I ask you to let me stay with you and fight. You know... 'Tag along', for a while. Until I feel I can choose if I'll stay on your side or leave, Talauras, prince of the Naetir".
When it seemed like he finished his sentence, Ragnos continued. "I am not a hero, unlike you Naetir freedom fighters. Do not expect me to fight for the greater good, and for order. I just... Want to see a world rid of Keva, for he will destroy it if left alone", and I do not want to see this world become much like the Underworld, or probably even worse. There are things here that are meant to be kept, he thought. "Hence why, tomorrow, I will confront his forces and protect this city by your side, if you allow me to. Otherwise, I'll fight them all the same, but alone".
edited 20th Feb '13 3:28:34 PM by Rapier
Uisce thought for a moment. Here was a man who could answer his question. If the answer was the one he sought for, well then he could not give up his quest.
"Answer me this White Stag. My makers...can they be brought back? Or am I on a fools quest, answer me truthfully and you shall have my choice."
This is not a signature!"Oho... a demon outcreeped. Consider ol' me impressed. Or not, given the circumstances." Sheba laid her act as Gray as she stood up, and waddled outside of her reach. Not before reaching for her once again, her hand reaching for the soft arm.
"Tis a pity ol' me can't be young forever." She said, with a hint of sorrow of her voice, while she traced. Mortal wound. Days are numbered. Trying, though.. Sheba finally said. Cleska had been either too kind or too naive to part with the stag's information, as well as revealing what she had kept hidden up until now.
Ever since that day, she felt she was dying slowly, being consumed from the inside out.
She'll be a wise matriarch. She thought as she walked back towards the assorted people and sat, intent with dozing into sleep.
Talauras, The White Stag
"'Pay up front'?" asked the White Stag as he tilted his head and looked towards his friend. "Whatever does she mean, Gwyn?"
"She's asking for us to hire her services," snarled Gwyn as he stared at Zia... tempted to rip her head off for asking for such a thing.
"Hmmm... Well... if it's payment that she wants, then I suppose we could give her the gems we picked up, no?" spoke Talauras as he looked towards Gwyn.
"If you wish...Lord... but I'd prefer to crush her head for such stupidity..." snarled the man as he folded his arms... his eyes set on Zia in case she were to do anything.
"Very well, you shall get a back of gems in return for your services, would that suffice?" Turning his attention towards Ragnos, still blushing, Talauras began to speak. "Your help is much welcomed... It would be a great honor to have you join us in our time of need. Hopefully, we can successfully repel Keva's forces, and make a sign for all, showing that his influence can be vanquished when we band together."
"As for your question..." spoke Talauras as he gazed at Uisce, and as a pained expression swept over his face, "...I believe the ones you call Makers are gone... but I cannot say if they can be brought back or not. I am the son of a god, one who treads the paths of both life and death with nimble feet... but that does not mean that I am immortal, neither does that mean he is. He and I can be killed just the same as you... or a simple mouse can. There is no such thing as a being that lives forever... for eventually we must all go back to the place we came from; nothingness."
"This does not mean that they are completely gone, however, for they left beings made out of their own flesh and blood before they were wiped out; 'Vápnir' I believe they are called. Though... I suspect Keva has been hunting them down, and enslaving them as he finds them... but I can't be for certain. Still, you may be able to learn something, and the rumors of Keva's hunts if you follow me... though, I wont force you to."
Shaking his head, Talauras gave off a sad sigh, before speaking again. "Nonetheless... I must ask, since I have already gained a response from your friends, what will you do?"
Cleska, Underneath The Inn
Cleska gave off a small wince of anguish at Sheba's tracing words. She wanted to trace back some words, to tell her things... but the chance evaded her as Sheba stood up, and played her role as 'Gray'. The White Stag was a being of immense power... A literal god given a form... He was capable of granting life, and even taking it... if he could do such impossible things, then he surely could perform a miracle now... especially if doing so would benefit him in the upcoming war. She would find him tomorrow, and seek his help... the thought of a Demon Lord asking the help of another being was sickening... but it had to be done.
"Indeed... tis a pity... yet, there are always ways," spoke Cleska as she leaned against the wall, sighing a bit before focusing on trying to get some sleep alongside the other Succubi.
edited 20th Feb '13 6:00:23 PM by Aevum
Sometimes, you just gotta do the unexpected to catch the expected unexpected individual who you are expecting.Uisce took in what the man said. It was like a physical blow. All I have sacrificed, all the sins I have commited, all those I have made enemies of. All might be for naught. The thought never registered with Uisce before, now, what purpose did he have except for the gods? He felt like crying. In the end, Uisce was alone. All alone. Kneeling on the floor again, this time in agony.
"I-I will tag along. My magic is yours, for now at least. I will fight at your side, Keva must die, his reign ended. I swear on the Gods that are dead. I swear on the wings that I have lost. You have the word of the fallen angel once known as Uisce The Flowing, on all that he once held dear."
Turning his head to his companions he said: "I am sorry, I never meant to drag you into this. If you wish to settle the score, I will accept."
All alone.
edited 20th Feb '13 4:57:22 PM by ShadowKaiser
This is not a signature!- Chiko -
"You've returned," said Ulva when Chiko finally returned from the forest, dragging a deer carcass by the neck, which she dropped right in front of her old wolf leader and Miya.
Their meal was a silent affair while the sky turned pitch black, with only a few stars peering out from the clouds above. Before long, everyone else had had their fill of food and water, and they proceeded to retire for the day. It wasn't usually Chiko's duty to watch over the group first, but this wasn't a normal night.
"You should be resting, my Child," Ulva told Chiko when she found her sitting on a rock resting over the other Nættir. "You'll need the energy, come tomorrow morning."
Chiko's ears pointed down, her head hung low. "I don't think I can do that, my lady. Not now, at least."
Ulva stood silent for a while, and Chiko was actively trying to not look at her. It was a few minutes before she slowly climbed up to the rock, sitting herself right next to her.
"I know that you're nervous, Chiko," Ulva said in a hushed, reassuring tone. "It's been a long time since you've been home—since any of us have been home."
Chiko stiffed at her leader's observations, but she nodded. Ulva had been the only one that didn't show disapproval to her when she admitted her real feelings towards ever returning home, and it was good that she still didn't judge her for that now.
"I'm very much still scared, my lady," Chiko admitted after a short silence. "This land has haunted my dreams for as long as I can remember. You're all I've had in my life, and I don't want to lose any of you. Not again…"
Ulva didn't answer that; Chiko was certain that she knew what she meant—Ulva's mate, Chiko's parents, her siblings…
"But we're Nættir—we're family," said Chiko, looking up at Ulva by her side. "I won't be leaving any of you. The White Stag has my allegiance, and I will help him and all of us in his mission."
(Chiko didn't know how she could talk herself into so much resolve and dread at the same time.)
- Vesper Noir -
Vesper was the first to notice the old woman come back to them (and in one piece, shockingly enough).
"Will you be okay for the night? I can give you my cloak if you need extra warmth," she offered (doing her best not to instinctively rub her throat from speaking). Vesper hadn't encountered too many old people like her in her time, but they seemed to be of a weaker sort, needing extra care from the younger.
edited 20th Feb '13 6:37:12 PM by NaomiHansen
"I do not approve of the fact that my favorite quotes are too long for this character limit." - MeAt that, Zia shrugged her shoulders "As long as you can pay, we got a contract. I would latter explain what I can do if I didn't suspect you to have an inkling of it already, eh you insightful Prince?" says Zia looking at the Prince right in the eye with a little smile.
edited 20th Feb '13 6:06:21 PM by daltar
He turned to the prince of the Naetir. "I'll stay and fight. And accompany you for a while, if I am allowed to", he replied to the man, who showed a lot of innocence even though he showed wisdom as well. With the White Stag in the city, he doubted Keva's forces would take Swampveil. No, not a chance. Their leader is young, but it is undeniable that there's something... mystic about him.
Next, it was that trouble-maker wizard again, being dramatic as usual. Seriously, that was starting to annoy him. He knew he couldn't stand that guy for much long, but still, it was for the best of his interest that they'd stop this rivalry.
Ragnos walked towards him, a strange relaxed expression on his face. "Settle the score? Heh. We don't have time to be fighting each other again. It seems we'll be fighting together from now on...", he gave an odd grin, looking down on the kneeling angel, "Until I decide this is not worthy of my time and leave, that is. Again, I am no hero, no savior, so I'll only stick there while it's related to my interests".
Next, he lend him his hand. "Now's not the time to apologise. It's time for us to rise and fight".
edited 20th Feb '13 6:09:36 PM by Rapier
Uisce took the mans hand and stood up. Nodding to Ragnos he said:
"You do realise my gruff friend that I will be more of use here. Although you're more than welcome to try your luck." A weak smile crossed Uisces face.
Concentrate on what you can change, a long missed voice passed through Uiscea head, all else can wait.
Turning to Zia he said: "Also young lady don't think I have forgotten about the talk that you and I will have."
edited 21st Feb '13 12:22:59 PM by ShadowKaiser
This is not a signature!He sighed, apparently everything he told the man was worth of an insult. "I never said I'd kill you. I said it's the other way around... We'll be fighting together from now on after all, fool". His tone, however, was not cold or offensive, even though his words suggested otherwise. The following chuckle was also not an intended mockery.
Uisce did not understand this man. Going from angry to friendly in a second. Still, it would be good to know that someone would have his back in the future battle.
"I see. Well then Ragnos, I would be honoured to fight along side you. I have one thing to ask of you. Please, keep my angelic... origins to yourself. Fallen who are public knowledge are not known to stay alive for long."
edited 21st Feb '13 4:53:04 PM by ShadowKaiser
This is not a signature!Reluctantly, Vesper nodded. "If you insist."
That said, she sat back down, back against the wall, leaning against a nearby crate. With one more massage for her throat, she brought her knees to her chest and tried to relax enough to sleep.
(Vesper still doubted that she'd get much of it anytime soon.)
"I do not approve of the fact that my favorite quotes are too long for this character limit." - Me"Skip on the talk about my manners for today and I won't tell anyone about your origins, feathery" says Zia with a little smile "I'll throw in a bonus and also promise not to tell anyone about Ragnos origins as well, no matter how many jokes I can find in an angel and a demon now working together"
edited 21st Feb '13 10:40:10 PM by daltar
Talauras
The White Stag simply gave off a smile at the trio... he knew not what to say to comfort them all, nor what he should tell them to expect... or what to say in general. He felt... warmth, and a subtle sense of joy as he watched the three beings before him. A dragon, a demon, and an angel... all siding together, and even smiling together... a view such as this only comes once in a lifetime... yet, at one point, it was common to see such a thing in the old world. A sudden pain then assaulted Talauras' chest as he realized something.
Tomorrow was to be the day that everything would change. If they failed... then a beautiful sight such as this would never exist. Yes... for that is how life would be if Keva was left unchallenged, and if this anarchy was left the way it is. They mustn't fail, and they must not let that fall into Keva's hands.
The White Stag glanced over at the Fairy Witch, the Elf Lord, and his most trusted companion, Gwyn... and he knew just as well as they did, that they had to protect it at all costs. His father had placed it here for safe keeping... to preserve hope. No matter what, they just had to protect it.
And thus... the busy town of Swampveil eventually faded into a tranquil peace as its inhabitants fell asleep... perhaps the last hours of peaceful sleep the town would ever have. Some adventurers were restless as they had the feeling that that tomorrow was a day of fate... it would either be the start of their fight for freedom, or the beginning of their life of chaos.
Eventually, a subtle break light emerged through the massive trees as the sun began to rise. Soon enough, adventurers and travelers began to awaken as soon as the morning sun had popped up. Voices, sounds, and other noises soon began to overtake the once sleepy town of Swampveil. Hammers were busy at work at the Smithery, horses were rustling in the stables, merchants were shouting as they offered sales, and warriors were busy having duels to test their skills and metals. However, despite this... it was clear that tension was in the air despite how normal things were.
And then... as if to answer the tensions of all, a howl roared from the middle of the town. It was a howl that was a mixture between that of a beast's... and a man's, it was unusual... and it was strange. And then, another howl roared, this time louder than before. This then repeated...again.. and again. The source of this voice, belonged to none other than to the figure on top of the the tower in the middle of town. After releasing a final howl, louder than the rest... the figure leapt from the top of the tower... and landed nimbly onto the land with both of their feet. Standing up, the figure
◊ revealed itself to being wearing black gilded armor with a plethora of elegant designs and royal-like features. Rolling its shoulders, the figure opened its jaw and let out a low groan, before cracking their neck. Letting off a low growl, the figure straightened themselves as adventurers and travelers alike began to appear. What was before them, was something spoken of in myths and legends of the days before Keva's reign...
...a Lycan.
Snarling a a bit, Gwyn promptly walked towards The White Stag, and stood beside him. Gwyn, now in his true form, stood taller than the White Stag, with his armor giving him a slightly bulky look. Folding his arms, he gave a glance towards Cleska, the Fairy Witch, and the Elf Lord who walked up and stood alongside the White Stag as well, before nodding towards Talauras. Giving off a quick nod, the White Stag turned towards those who were seeping into the area.
His aura could be felt easily... his warmth and the life he radiated was enough to awaken all those who entered the area. They would all feel a strong sensation as their pains, exhaustion, and other ailments were slowly being eased and cured by simply being in his presence. To all, it was obvious this man was a being of great power and inhuman origins.
With nothing but silence, the White Stag, Gwyn, and the other leaders waited for more people to arrive before speaking. Were it not so already, it was now clear that the rumors were true... and that Swampveil was indeed a place of great importance.
Sometimes, you just gotta do the unexpected to catch the expected unexpected individual who you are expecting.Katerina, who had been flying throughout the night, spotted her leader, and swooped down, changing form as she landed and curling into a bow.
"My Lord, the Paladin and I are ready to receive your command. Where do you want us to fight?"
In the basement of the Stags Horn, The Paladin sorted through his things, attempting to make sure everything was in order.
Widia's head jerked up at the howling. She glanced out the window and realised that once again, she'd managed to work all night. It was a good thing she didn't need to sleep.
The howl came again and Fenris gave a half-hearted growl in response. Widia stood, cracking her neck to loosen it a little. There was the sound of movement upstairs and guests were woken by the sound. She stuffed her notebook and pencil back into her jerkin.
"Come on then," She murmured. "Lets go and see who's making all that noise."
She opened the front door and made her way outside. She looked around and saw a figure atop the tall tower in the middle of town, not that far from the Artisans Square. As she watched, it howled again and jumped down.
Quickly, she made her way to the Tower, finding three figures standing in front of a growing crowd, with more people coming in all the time. She managed to get to the front and studied the three people. There was power in all of them, but the older man in the robes was so much more than that.
Beside her, Fenris whined quietly. "It's all right," Widia murmured. "They won't hurt you."
Maybe now she'd find out why she was drawn here.
"You are my future selves? Am I having a Mid-Life Crisis?" The War Doctor - Day of The DoctorJust as Vesper had predicted, she didn't get as much sleep as she would've liked, instead waking up close to an hour and a half before the sun would show itself to the land. However, she hadn't anticipated her waking to come from a sudden bout of unease.
Vesper blamed it on all of the excitement that occurred in the basement the night before, but it only struck her now—especially after taking the two seconds needed to give a swift search of the room—that Uisce hadn't come back to the inn yet.
That was cause for some concern; Uisce said he'd be back soon enough, to discuss her magic training, but it was close to dawn now, and there was no sign of him to be found. Getting up—rubbing her now more-sore throat absentmindedly—she grabbed her cloak and quickly, but quietly, raced up the stairs to the inn, trying her best to not think the worse. (The idea of Keva's forces somehow being involved floated by, but it was the thoughts of abandonment that secretly made her heart wrench a little.) Unfortunately, Uisce was nowhere to be found in the inn's first floor either when she came up, and it was with great effort that she didn't start to openly panic.
At that point, it took Vesper a minute to get ahold of herself, enough so that she could let herself breathe, to try calming her mind from its sudden run of imagination, to remind herself to not draw attention towards herself in any way. She didn't know how much time passed by the time she felt like she had enough control over herself, but by that time, her ears picked up the (loud) movements of people upstairs, waking up for the day, and she had enough sense to blend in, which lead her to follow many of the people who came from upstair to go to the tavern for breakfast. (Luckily, when she sat herself at the counter, everything that proceeded after that wasn't as awkward as much of what happened the night before, although that could've been attributed to the fact that she at least knew how to ask for scrambled eggs.) Even while she tried her best to eat, though, she still looked all around the tavern for the Sorcerer's face, but to no avail.
It was probably a good hour or so after she sat down, however, when Vesper and the other patrons of the Stag's Horn heard the ungodly howl from outside.
Five miles southeast of Swampveil
Even from outside Swampveil's walls, the howl was heard by the group of Nættir.
"Do you all hear that?" Ulva asked them rhetorically—and with an odd amount of excitement. "A Lycan. We have strong allies among us!"
As far as Chiko was concerned, though, it scared the living daylights out of her as they all continued on at an even faster pace, trying their best to catch up to their old leader while on the muddy pathway.
"I do not approve of the fact that my favorite quotes are too long for this character limit." - MeUisce entered the inn as the howl began to echo throught the town. "So it is begining" he muttered to himself. When he left the hidden room, and parted from his companions, Uisce left Swampveil. He found a secluded spot and it was there he wept till dawn. The first thing he did when he returned was to gather up his staff and sword. The second was to leave instructions with one of his spies to carry a message to other towns. If they were to die today at least others would know.
Spotting Vesper, he bolted over and said: "Child! Danger is about to engulf Swampveil. Stay here and stay hidden. If I live.. I will teach you magic that even the Mystic Hand would be jelous of. Promise me you will stay safe."
Dragging her into an embrace, his mind turned to finding Ragnos and Zia.
edited 22nd Feb '13 5:15:31 AM by ShadowKaiser
This is not a signature!While she was initially relieved to see Uisce again, all of Vesper's insides seemed to freeze at his sudden embrace.
Right. Physical contact—how Vesper detested it with a passion. It was never a good idea to let somebody get close enough to her to where she couldn't escape from them, if necessary; as far as she was concerned, those instances eventually, but always, went south for her.
"O-o-okay…" squeaked out Vesper, doing her best to not hyperventilate—and mostly failing (and that really scared her).
"I do not approve of the fact that my favorite quotes are too long for this character limit." - Me

The knight smiled warmly at Lesnaya's question about the Vatican.
"It's not actually a person," he responded, "But an order of people. Knights, priests, spies, diplomats, accountants, scholars, all devoted towards protecting the world from the forces of darkness." He smile dropped a bit as he began to scratch as his beard, which hung to the top of his sternum.
"Of course, many members have ulterior motives for joining the order. The same could be said of some of its leadership. But if they're at least willing to pursue those motives in a way that doesn't compromise our ultimate purpose, we tolerate some degree of scheming."
He drew his blade again, and laid it out for her to observe more closely. "I'm amongst the number of the knights, you see. Every bit of my arms and armor, even my horse's shoes, are forged and blessed for the purpose of killing the likes of our own company." He pointed his blade at the group of demons by the stairs.
"It's a living."
To the law and for the good of man. All I need to live by.