Outside the Academy...
The sound of a creaking sign on dry, swaying wood.
The ground was arid, dusty and dry, every step the three Mages of Asclepia took sent small clouds into the air. They looked up on the sign depicting the name of this town, Shairnsten, as the metal swung with every gust of dry, hot wind. This was a farming village, of importance such that the first destination for these Mages was this one.
The sun mercilessly beat down upon the dusty ground, brown and yellow grass, and odd, swaying crops of corn and wheat. The crops seemed withered and in a perpetual state of dying yet not quite dead yet - even as they shook absent a gust.
The local huts, shacks and ranch houses were one and all open. The doors swaying upon the wind. People stood at their doors as these mages walked into town. Their eyes wide and wild. Suspicion was the name of the game the more that this went on. Farmer Ralph's sneaking suspicion was that his son Daron was sneaking off with money and or belongings, colluding with his old rival's sneaking seductive harridan of a wife.
On the opposite end, said rival beat his wife bloody that prior night, thinking she was engaged in a torrid affair with Ralph. She had then clawed out his left eye, which he barely even seemed to notice as he stood at his door. The wound oozing pus and blood.
One and all, however, the locals stood by their doors. No matter the grudges that formed.
The three local boys who had brutally taken and beat their once upon a time pet goat to death in offering to "The Woods Things". They all paused in the middle of running about - their bloodshot eyes fixated.
The farmhands paused in the field sometimes in the midst of their work. One of the boys stopped in the middle of attempting to choke a barely living pig to death because he thought it spoke in the language of Demons.
"I believe..." One of the Asclepia mages, the senior of the group named Kanien, finally spoke. Looking around as they tried to keep moving. "I believe that these blighted people are...in need of many kinds of healing."
"We just need to focus on the crops. Everything else will follow from full stomachs." Said the prodigy of the group, a man of 20 some years with a bald head named Finneas.
As they walked through the village, they could feel the stares of the locals. Particularly on their stash of food supplies carried within packs on their backs, their water as well. These were people who seemed not particularly affected by the heatwave, and in these locals arose a primal sense of rage at that. Who are they, one mind seemed to communicate across all, to come here bearing such bounty when all struggle here?
The youngest of the group, a young lady named Saffiri, clutched Finneas' sleeve quietly as she hurried along. She felt a sense of unknowable danger from these people. Something lurked beneath the surface. The empty stares and the drool upon dry, cracked lips was a distinct threat.
Finally, they reached it.
They reached the largest field of wheat, corn and barley in the village. It rested just across from the woodland, which despite the heatwave seemed dark, thick of wood and branch, and utterly unknowable. Nothing could be seen of any movement within this part of the Lyendu Woods.
Perhaps there was something stirring within. Some form darting to and fro. Maybe the sound that came was not the wind upon crops and dry roads, but some hideous howl.
Finneas, the most gifted of the Mages, stepped forward toward the great crop field. The yield stretched tall, taller still, and the closer he got, the more he found himself confused by the perverse vitality of these grains and vegetables. The leaves all seemed brown and yet thick with some sort of veins. Half the typical look of a leaf, half looking like the veins in a human arm.
Saffiri took to his side when she heard some jostling within the village, saw people ambling closer. Their dark curiosity and morbid natures bringing them one and all into a crowd, come to watch and see if these Asclepia brought with them sustenance or condemnation.
Saffiri knelt by his side as Finneas tried to work his magic upon the crops. To revitalize these things as he knew from countless experiences in the field. Suffusing the crop with vital energy... yet as he did so, it seemed the magic sank within the grains. Lurched within the ground, and was lost.
He kept trying, and kept feeling and even seeing the peaceful blow of Asclepia Magic brought to bear sink into the plants...and then vanish utterly to no effect. Felt it all just seem to dissipate.
Finneas crossed his arms to concentrate and think of a new tactic...and Saffira, baffled by the lack of success from the man she looked up to the most... she leaned forward to examine the crops hands on. As she leaned forward, curiosity writ across her face, she gripped one of the corn stalks...
and she felt it wriggle under her hand.
she felt it wriggle.
Why is it moving?
One of the ears of corn turned toward her in the midst of her handling the stalk. The ear began to split open. The husk parted on its own, the silks twitched and shuddered. The brown and black kernels within juddered and shook on their own...and as she got close enough just close enough...
The kernels parted.
A long, toothy maw opened along the ear, long, needle like teeth yawning open as the corn stretched. The sheer surreality gripped her - and then the silks flew, twisted around her neck, and the corn lunged. Its maw snapping into the warm, supple flesh of the Asclepia girl's head.
She screamed, flailing with utter panic as it chewed, snapped and ripped chunks of flesh clean. Blood spraying upon the panic stricken Finneas and Kanien. Then Kanien tried to intervene, tried to run in to pry off the...the predatory corn that was still ripping apart his charge's face...
And another ear of corn split open, and viciously tore into the man's hand, ripping off two fingers in an instant. Kanien howled in pain and with adrenaline on his side grabbed the stalk of the plant and threw it with all his might into the field...
...Only to be greeted by the bare skull and empty eye socket of Saffiri. Her cheek entirely missing, gums and torn joints visible to the dry air as her blood seeped into the greedy earth.
Her body shaking and settling on the ground. Her blood…flowed into the field full of crops...which all gave interested, hungry shudders as they received the blood. Fresh from the oozing wound upon Kanien's hand and Saffiri's still twitching corpse.
Finneas broke. Finneas ran. At first upon his two legs, but then briefly on all fours as if a broken, wounded animal before getting back up.
He could feel their hands upon him. The vile and the unforgiving. The villagers one and all came to the field in a vast circle. They saw how the crops so happily accepted the offering of blood. How they no longer snapped, ripped, and snarled. Kanien looked up. He saw the village's elder grinning broadly. His sunken features and dry, parched skin stretched into a gruesome parody of mirth.
His eyes seemed almost crossed with joy.
"We've found it..." The man said as he brought to bear his farming scythe. One swing. The crops drank the offering and drank it deep. Another swing. The three fingers clenched and then relaxed. The next swing. Kanien's form slumped, and slid to the floor...and was then tossed into the midst of the field. The crops all shifted at once - every single one coming alive, the sounds of gnashing teeth filled the air.
One final gurgling scream from the field.
After a moment, blood and chunks of flesh drifted through the field of crops.
And the villagers knew what must be done to renew the health of the fields. The Horned Man of the Dreams had spoken correctly.
The fields required blood offering. Their Agricultural God they had worshiped so long. He was—-was a God of Blood. It all made sense in that gruesome moment. The tale had been solidified and then began to spread from villager to villager, across to the other towns and villages.
He required fresh nurturing. The crops would improve when watered...watered properly.
Outside of the combat tower, the teens would be able to hear something. People running down the hallway. People in a complete, total panic. The teens would be able to hear some hints of a conversation underway; "...People in the countryside gone completely insane..."
"The heat—-?"
"—-Wounded Asclepia Mage...inbound. He's used a Spell Signal—-a sign for urgent help..."
Brenton smiled initially as he crossed his arms, figuring he could join Joaquin in helping Micaio out - the poor guy looked wrecked since Apollyon's disgraceful show. He was glad that Cecilia was alright...but then he heard the goings on outside the combat tower and turned to look at the door. "...What's...going on?"
Edited by NickTheSwing on Sep 16th 2024 at 6:14:07 AM
Apollyon, Shudders in the Wind, Echoes of Rage
The sudden attention came at a time when Apollyon was unable to clear his thoughts properly from feelings of failure and frustration to adequately respond. He stood silent a moment, the emotion of it all washing over him as he allowed all action that would occur around him to simply happen. No response, no anything. He was a statue now, devoid of the fires of before. Always devoid. Even now…
And as Marah’s shadow taunted him once more, a twanging chorus of voices asserting his failures, one and all, rang out as operatic wails, ghastly in the sweltering heat. How, beyond any kindness, he felt a simmering emptiness that only saw itself filled with time and space. They’d taken his rage from him. Now he needed to be alone.
“There are those who’d prefer the lonesomeness to that which comes at the behest of others. I choose to draw my strength from mine own heart. Heal me, if you must…and begone.”
WITH A HAIL OF HARPOONS! WITH EVERY LAST DROP OF MY BEING!Yune
"..." Something told Yune that was the best he was going to get out of Polly right now, and he decided it would be best not to push it. "Got it. Hang on, I have to contact you for this, sorry..."
He gently set his hands on Polly's shoulders and closed his eyes, hands glowing the gentle green of Asclepia magic. Instantly, Polly would feel the injuries he'd accrued in the fight close, the pain ebbing away to nothingness. Almost unconsciously, Yune drew his hands downward, sliding down Polly's injured arm, one hand supporting it by the elbow and the other barely touching the wound with his fingertips. Slowly, gently, the wound faded to nothing, with no sign it was even there at all.
Yune opened his eyes. "There," he murmured. He still hadn't let go of Polly's arm.
Then came the commotion from the hallway, and Yune's eyes widened. He dropped Polly's arm and hurried to the doors. "What? What's going— hang on—" He pulled the doors open and rushed into the hallway. "What's going on?!" he called out, hoping for and fearing an answer.
"Look inside yourself and to the stars; there, you will find your answers."Alicia Blackwood
Once Alicia saw that Apollyon had accepted the roses in his hair—that is, just left them there in a depressive daze—she felt it was best if he had one less person hovering around him and making him feel awkward. Given their previous hostile interaction with one another, it was probably the most prudent choice she could make, as she didn't want to ignite his jealousy if his anger decided to manifest itself again. Her fight with Reid had been enough conflict for her today. But Micaio had also been significantly rattled by the legionnaire's anger, and her heart ached for everyone involved. This was an impossible situation.
She retreated, and approached the maned wolf, also offering him a small bunch of flowers she had pried from her skin, kneeling down to be better able to comfort him. "Master Animus, this one knows it is not her place to speak on Master Phenemeon's behalf," she began, speaking in that deferential and stilted manner she had been taught to use. "But she offers her apologies for his outburst all the same." Another warning from the Geas, another shiver down her spine. "And if there is anything this one can retrieve for you, please don't hesitate to ask."
She heard the commotion, which was leaking in from outside, of course, and briefly raised her head to see what was going on. However, as soon as she did this, the warning thrum of the Geas intensified, as one was not supposed to be distracted while serving others. Alicia winced at this and dipped her head back down, hoping that she could overhear others discussing the emergency at hand.
Edited by JumpingFruit on Sep 16th 2024 at 8:22:03 AM
I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.Meriam - What should be done.
Meriams ear twitched as she heard Cecilia's thanks, and shook her head in dismissal, Meriam thought a moment "Such little empathy in her for others, perhaps she is not like the rest of her house, but she has not grown that which her house lacks yet." before turning her attention to Vorons talking, missing the middle of his words.
"Voron I hardly think right now is the time for more fights, everyone is tired. Though... it's good to hear that you are full of life, it puts mine hands at ease" Meriam smiled and patted his back "Your blood is strong, be proud. Great job in your duel." She'd then turn to Corwin just as she left, but before Meriam could call out to her the Chimera that walked over towards her Chirped a high-pitched tune. At that Voron would see Meriams head shiver and morph.
It started with her eyes turning yellow which would remind the Baldesion of the predatory birds that soared the skies, but simply too large perhaps an owl. Like a wave from there small feathers lifted from her skin giving her a crown of grey feathers, only pulling towards her ears that now lengthened and became covered in feathers... As could have taken Vorons attention Meriam turned to her creature and hissed a command, it responded by a series of its own vocalizations. Climbing up her body towards her shoulder. Meriam turned quickly in one direction and began walking as the chimera’s tail swayed behind her and glowed faintly... seconds later Micaos scream where she began walking made her speed up her gait. "Cursed Blood..." Thankfully there weren't many obstacles in her path and so Meriam got to Micao, just about at the same time as Corwin.
She'd drop down next to her, but instead of a hand what touched his fur was a paw almost identical to his Meriam spoke in a gentle, motherly voice "Micao, don't you worry, you're safe here with me...." Meriam thought for a moment the feathers on her face fluttering. Before her eyes focused on Micao again, this time those of a goat Family protects, and I am your sister..."
She'd look over to Corwin and saw that Alicia had arrived too, she'd smile appreciatively to her as Alicia shared her worry over Micao as best as she could, while Alicia talked, Meriam patted Corwin on the shoulder. "May your blood keep flowing true. Thank you for being here. Meriam nodded once, before her ear twitched and a confused expression showed on her face before her face gained a worried expression, quickly she [["Corwin is a good friend, her hands are more capable than mine, I trust her heart."]]
She'd then get up quickly and quite alerted "Oh no no... why now... Curse it..." Meriam turned to where she remembered Apollyon last, before turning her eyes to the opening doors and Yunes frantic doors... [[cinnamon:"Shit!" Meriam whispered under her breath her shifting magic disappearing as she rushed towards Yune. Once she got to Him, she'd quickly move towards him [[cinnamon: "Yune, please don't be alert, my arm is yours to shield you."
Meriam looked around frantically, before she realized something, she was the only Genus Mage nearby, there was normally no need for a Genus Flesh mender as the academy was a safe from deadly injuries unlike the countryside "I AM A FLESHMENDER, INFORM THE FACULTY OF MY PRESSENCE."
Meriam felt distressed, there was something wrong with everything happening, she’d scratch her shoulder her mind filled with a wave of fear, at that moment the strange power that had taken over her sight dissipated, allowing Meriam to hold it together as the visions of skinless mages faded, she’d sigh with relief as she found some grounding in Yunes face, one that she many times during her service. Faces unprepared for how deadly life in the Beast’s Land could be, but this wasn’t Meriam’s home, Yune would need help coming to terms with these things if the book wasn’t wrong, she truly wished for everybody’s sakes that it were mad men ramblings, and not prophecy
Richter had just stepped out and began to follow the movement of the crowd, one of his father's advisors, a man who worked engineering on some of the Lightning Vessels, had called this sort of thing by a specific name. The Churn, a phenomenon that dictated social dynamics, and the fear people had.
The churn could be merciful, or it could be cruel, attempt to fight against it and you saw yourself torn limb from limb... he reflexively gripped onto his left shoulder... and felt the parts of the shade his new parts had been taken from. Mr. Burton had cited that mobs were just an example of the Churn in action, someone had altered the dynamic and if they survived the Churn was merciful, if they didn't... well nothing more had to be said.
He overheard talk of crazed countryfolk, spell signal, Asclepia... he had to follow. He adjusted his waistcoat and stepped out, following the crowd, determination on his brow for the first time he got here.
Edited by EchoingSilence on Sep 17th 2024 at 7:41:47 AM
Micaio Antero - Combat Tower
With the smoke from Apollyon's mental explosion clearing, Micaio's head cleared a little as well. Corwin was the first to reach him, and that gentle touch was enough to blow away the remaining brain fog. His eyes locked with hers, and it would be clear most of the pain he felt now was caused by the realisation she was hurting over this situation, too.
...she shouldn't be. She punched a Beast Hunter. She stood up for his life.
Which brought his attention to the rose in Apollyon's hair. The rose that had been placed there by Alicia. The same kind of rose she was now offering him, the Hunter's prey.
It would be the first time anyone would have ever seen Micaio angry. He stared right at Apollyon, a venom in his gaze he had up to this point seemed incapable of.
"...I've told you before,", he said, trying his hardest not to let his internal conflict bleed into his tone. It was an unsuccessful attempt; one as expressive as Micaio suddenly speaking as though reading from cue cards was cause for concern in itself. "Animus is not my name. Master Antero, if you really must call me Master. Thank you for the... kind offer, but-"
And then Meriam was getting all up in his face, and immediately after what he has just been through... it was too much.
"LEAVE ME ALONE!"
A guttural, growling shout was as alien coming from Micaio as his previous state of catatonia was. He reached up to shove Merry away, realised partway through raising his arms what he had just done. His face collapsed.
"I - I'm very sorry, Madam Genus, and your friends, too, it's - I'm just - no, it's... it's nothing. I need... I need some time to myself."
There was a commotion. He was too out of it to tell what it was about - it sounded as though the humans were in a panic? Over something? It didn't really matter to him. All that mattered was, in the absence of the materials to create a travel door in his current state, following the hubbub was his best bet for getting as far from the Phenemeon and his influence as possible. Micaio got up and, with trembling legs and stiff posture, slowly made his way to the door.
Hail majestic corporate light, heaven born and ever bright!Corwin Ostavia: Combat Tower
"Thanks, Merry," Corwin said quietly in response to Meriam's comforting words, offering her a half-smile. She was relieved that Micaio seemed to have come out of the depths of his state, though he was still clearly not okay. Enough to yell when Meriam got too close to him. As he got up, she did too, though made no move to go after him. If he needed space that badly that he barely reacted to the call to action, she wouldn't protest.
"I think we're needed!" she said loudly, hoping the stern clarity of her voice would snap her classmates to attention. "If you can't deal with it right now then stay behind, but if you can we should go out and see what's going on! We'll probably need healers but get ready for a..."
She trailed off, sighing in disbelief as she shook her head and began to stride towards the exit.
"...get ready for a fight. Great. Just when we're all ready."
Determination on her face, she beckoned for the others who were willing to follow, and despite the urgency, she seemed to be clear-headed again. Perhaps the sense of purpose was overriding her previously rattled state. It was something to latch onto.
Edited by Enirboreh on Sep 18th 2024 at 7:40:35 PM
borkKristen, Caught in the Panic
Within the heaving bosom of a tower lost in fear, the dark boy had scaled series of rivets in the walls to find himself in the rafters. He skillfully maneuvered through the scaffolding of the upper half of the tower, nimbleness evident in his catlike confidence which found him perched half-outside a window, staring down at the chaotic goings-on. A shrug. His eyes wandered across faces. Confused, mostly. Their ignorance birthed fear. Down the outer wall of the tower, sliding quickly, but totally in control. When he landed, ahead of the group exiting, he followed the stride of whoever he laid eyes upon first.
This was how he appeared next to Richter.
"Pst. Y'ever been in a situation like this'n? Now me personally, I always like to stay back away from the crowd, not a man of action like so many 'a our contemporaries, but I admire you folks who can go 'n charge right into the unknown all brave-like. Not for me, unfortunately, never was brave. I'm a coward. Thing is, every coward I ever met's still alive! Well, 'cept for one or two, but they're outliers."
Apollyon, Left Alone
He stood silent, monolithic against the rushing current of his peers. No. As that Abdera wench had said, he wasn't their peer. Nary a soul would claim him as a classmate, moreso an obstacle. Good, then. They knew where they stood against the Phen, with him as the approximation. He blinked, turned from the door. Still nothing stirring within him. Faces in the crowd. His blank eyes met those dark stones of molten rock which gleamed from across the floor. The stray was angered...but of course it was. The plain girl had stolen his anger, and now she freely lent it about the room. And where did that leave Apollyon? Hollow. Ripples of anguish in a cavern-set pool. He breathed in, head falling beneath the water, and coughed up fire that didn't belong to him. It was pristine, this pool. Untouched by the outside. Untouched and still. Peaceful, but agonizingly so. He needed the rage. It kept him sane.
But now he was at peace.
Away from the crowd, back into the tower, towards the weapon rack. He found a sharp practice weapon and disregarded its make. The edge worked all the same. Across the seam of an old scar he drew the blade. Drew blood. To wake himself up, and pull himself from the pool. Then he replaced the weapon, moved on to the nearest window and peered out at his surroundings. From here, could he spy the town? If so, would he even be able to tell what was happening? Would he see the effects of the people's mania and see any more than a mirror, hardly dark and polished clear? If a mirror was shattered, it's edge was another blade. In much the same way, he weaponized his perception against himself. He'd see what he wanted to see, now that he was awake.
WITH A HAIL OF HARPOONS! WITH EVERY LAST DROP OF MY BEING!The Archmage so involved was tall, thin Archmage Krennett - a man with angular, almost prenaturally sneering features. Dressed in red and maroon robes, he was distinguished by his ornate mustache and thick goatee. He noted that some students had overheard the talk - and seemed interested in the goings on. Which as he rubbed his goatee was probably for the best. "...Yes, yes. There is indeed something awry. Come here." He entered the Combat Tower, a single wave of his hand cooling down the sweltering temperatures within - at least as long as he stayed.
With Richter, Kristen, Yune and the others gathered in this spot - and with everyone from the group that had been training also present - the Archmage began explaining;
"There has been an incident in the countryside. Three Asclepia Mages were sent to deal with crop failures among the smallfolk..." He bit his lip and then looked at Yune, "In as far as we heard from the survivor, the corn bit off the face of one of his compatriots. Then the peasants gathered and ritually sacrificed his troupe's leader."
He then glanced out a window toward the countryside - which was beginning to light up with distant fires and abnormal activity. Somehow, the thick and usually serene Lyendu Forest seemed...dark and more foreboding than usual.
"Now we have peasants from these many small towns and villages marching around, threatening our school and its inhabitants. Bellowing about a God of Blood." The Archmage looked over the students, not focusing too much on any particular one, "We must humble these rebels. It is...vital experience for you, to be certain. Get yourselves prepared, rested, recovered from your training...and then make ready to head out there."
Brenton already felt a substantial amount of unease at the way Polly threw a self destructive, violent fit - screaming about killing everyone, then everyone just went "forgive and forget" and poured love on him? But now Krennett came in here, speaking like this, and Brenton just clenched one fist tight but decided not to say anything.
Reid listened to the discussion with an intrigued look on his face, as if evaluating something in this information.
Yune
Yune's stomach twisted uncomfortably, and he swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat. This sounded bad. This sounded really, really bad, and if he didn't know that Genus's biomancy couldn't affect plants, he would have a lot of questions for Merry right now. Was...was this his own house's doing? ...no, that couldn't be, Asclepia could only restore things, not change them completely. Besides, the smallfolk sounded like they'd lost their minds; Yune was pretty sure there was no magic for that, and if there was, Asclepia didn't have it.
Something had to be done. Someone had to figure this out—fix the living crops, save the commoners, stop what sounded like an impending riot—before anyone got hurt.
Before Krennett even finished speaking, Yune pulled his hood over his head and darted out of the room, running through the halls, headed for the countryside. He didn't need a break like everyone else did; he hadn't participated in the fights. He had energy to spare.
He had people to save.
"Look inside yourself and to the stars; there, you will find your answers."Joaquin
Joaquin tilted his head, and let the shadow wrap Polly in a hug, before quickly melting away. The commotion about made him nervous. What has happening? Were people getting hurt? He needed to know. “Uh, h-hey, Marah? Should we see what’s going on? I think we should help. People could be in danger.” He listened to what the Archmage was saying with great anxiety. He was scared, really scared. He instinctively began to hold Marah a bit tighter, and cleared his throat. “Um, sir? I-It can’t be that bad, right? D-Do you really think you should send us o-out there? Don’t you think the knights should handle it? They’re more prepared than us, I think…”
It builds character.Marah
She took in the commotion with quiet grace, closing her eyes to ruminate on things as the Archmage explained the situation.
"Yes, I think we should make sure our little healer doesn't get himself killed." She rose, slipping out of Joaquin's grasp, but keeping hold of one of his hands to gently pull him up after her. "I doubt we'll need the Knights for this, if it's just peasants and a few cursed plants."
Of course, her real reason was intrigue; if there was some rogue Blood God messing about, she'd want to meet it. And then put it in a box to study.
"Should probably get him to patch you up, while we're at it. Come on, love. Adventure awaits."
What is so amusing about this? Why do you take lives? How can you forget?Apollyon, My Own Militia
“I won’t mobilize for you, Archmage. You are not my commander.”
His words were sharp, slicing through the air just as well as a blade could flesh. And behind them was the very clear sentiment that Apollyon would not be swayed. He was Phenemeon soldier, and under only Leona would he serve. No one else. He was loyal to her, to her strength. To her genius. He almost felt sick at the thought of betraying her. She was his benefactor, his only love. The flame of his heart, the symbol of his pursuit. Someday she’d acknowledge him, he knew. She’d look upon him, touch his face with her blazing hands and take from him the brand. And until then, he would serve only her.
WITH A HAIL OF HARPOONS! WITH EVERY LAST DROP OF MY BEING!Joaquin
Joaquin blushed, a mixture of pride and fluster upon Marah calling him “love.” “O-Okay! You’re right, i-it’s probably nothing. If adventure awaits, then we should go meet it! Probably.” He got up, and began taking deep breaths. It’s gonna fine, it’s gonna be alright. Marah’s here, the knights are here, there’s no way they’d let kids die, right? “Hey, M-“ He stopped himself. What to call her? Friend? No. Dear? Too old! “Hey, buddy?” WHAT!? “Sorry, I mean, l-love? You’ll help me if anything happens, right? I can handle myself (I think), but… you’ll be there, right?”
It builds character."The crops... ate someone's face?" Richter responded, he paused to consider the implication... he could really use his father's magnum opus creation right now.
"So, we're to march into danger and hope for the best?" he asked. "I suppose if the crops have turned carnivorous, a few good fire spells is not a bad thing to have on hand."
Something clicked in the reanimated neurons in his head, something... intense and powerful. He saw for an instant the room of the tower, and a white ball in a glass container. It disappeared just as quickly, resisting the urge to grip onto his head from the sudden headache... the idea of energy and fire had done... something.
Cecilia scoffed loudly at the archmage’s announcement. Polly was acting purely as a sycophant when he refused the order, but she had to agree with that choice; there was no good reason that they should be sent out there when the school had regiments upon regiments of guards to spare. She spoke up loudly. “This speaks to a degree of negligence that is almost beyond belief. These situations don’t materialize out of thin air, there must have been a lengthy period to notice that the villagers were going mad and the crops were sprouting teeth. How could you possibly have failed to contain this situation, and moreover why should we have to compensate for your oversight?”
Dueling Tower, Interrupted
Ah, it appears more sword rhetoric would have to wait for another time because a situation has developed: While normally a peasant uprising would be a good sign of the people's unwillingness to be governed by mages, this was not exactly a normal uprising given the presence of mutated corn and talk of a god of blood. An odd situation to throw students at, but needs must Voron supposed.
"Hm... And we're under the assumption that the belligerents are not willing to talk? Right, my usefulness is likely to be limited unless it comes to a fight."
It's clearly a case of backroom political albumizing.Meriam, of the brave
Meriam would look down and sqeeze Yune's shoulder as she stepped before the Archmage "I'll go. Alone if I have to."
She understood why the knights wouldn't want to go, besides they likely had to protect the academy and couldn't leave.
Besides she could not trust them, and she doubted Yune would trust their words either.
"In fact, I'm armed and clothed for the heat. It is no problem if I leave now. So how am I going?"
She would have darted after Yune if she knew that rascal just ran away, but no instead she waited to be told how she would leave the floating academy grounds.
Edited by Faelisya on Sep 18th 2024 at 7:36:36 PM
Alicia Blackwood
Apollyon had not reacted at all to Alicia's efforts to comfort him, and Micaio had rather reacted too much, which was understandable. Still, it made Alicia take a half-step back in response to the Micaio's command to leave him alone, which she was careful to do while keeping a neutral expression plastered on her face. She noticed that Brenton was now looking uneasy and more than a little angry deep down, she was sure, but she didn't want to give Reid any more ammunition to target him with either, so she didn't approach him. In any case, the note she had slipped the Nord before this had explained things better. They mustn't be seen together by any outside parties, and this included the Archmage who had just entered. However, she did send Brenton a worried and apologetic look, lest he misunderstood.
Then Yune and Meriam rushed off to help the villagers, and Alicia suddenly didn't want to be near Reid in case he got any more inventive ideas. If she tried to edge past him as she left, no doubt he would send a disgusting look or order her way, so instead, she opened a window in plain view...
...and leapt out of it.
Maybe this isn't such a nasty way to go. I wouldn't have to see Reid anymore. I wouldn't have to deal with the Geas' bullshit anymore. I wouldn't have to serve anymore.
Oh, gods. My fellow bastards. Brenton. I already promised I'd protect them. No, I can't die now!
She trailed ashes and sparks as she fell, trying to right herself enough so she could glide with her wing, but no luck. She resorted to trying to force the swan transformation to take over her other arm, with significantly more luck, forming another wing which she spread wide, catching the air at last. Her fall slowed, then petered out just as she was about to make contact with the ground, and she swooped up in flight, the eddies of warm air circulating in thermals carrying her up and towards the trail of Yune and Meriam.
And as the wind and clouds whipped through her hair, the heavy yoke of her Geas seemed lighter, though it was still present.
Edited by JumpingFruit on Sep 20th 2024 at 12:13:30 PM
I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.Juna - Taking Off
I...won? I WON.
Juna stood in sheer shock and awe at the fact that that last attack from her had caused Brenton to finally yield. She'd thought the Nord would be sturdier than those flimsy constructs of force. Were her previous clumsy attacks that powerful? But the powerful surge of victory bathed her soul and mind in its heated electrification as she eased out of a combat stance, pumping her fist and giving a giddy little hop in place with the widest grin on her face.
Hell yeah.
As she cooled down, she gave a small nod to Brenton. "Hey, you weren't bad yourself. Honestly, I was terrified."
And then a sudden commotion from outside. News of peasants revolting and...they'd been asked to quell some "rebels", and Juna felt bile in her throat at that order.
Bend that commanding arm behind his back and show him that iron fists lead to broken wrists. If people are rebelling, there's a problem with those in charge. They're the ones in need of humbling. People don't rise up for no reason. What the-?
"ALICIA?!" She just caught sight of the Blackwood bastard opening a window and jumping up onto the sill, right before diving out. "ALICIA!"
BE A HERO! THE KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOUR!
Juna broke into a full sprint, leaping out the window after Alicia, fully trusting in her magic to slow her fall. The wind hit her, whipping past as she fell and whistling in her ears. Below, Alicia plummeted, and Juna's feet did their dance to form the propulsion glyph to catch up to her to rescue her. Her heart raced, each beat drowned in her ears.
And then Alicia's wing spread, and she began to fly, much to the young Libero's surprise. Well, she seemed to be going towards the village, riding the currents and eddies of the wind, following Yune and Meriam. And with a slight twist in the air, Juna began bounding across the sky, shooting through the air like an arrow in a rhythm of gliding and making glyphs behind her to propel herself.
Running - And Flying
Yune, Alicia, Juna and anyone who followed them out into the field would find themselves running and alternatively flying down toward a long, flowing road that seemed to twist and turn down toward the ground below. Bricks simply holding in the air, forming a staircase of sorts leading down to the Academy Town below. By now as they reached the long stairs the heat would have hit them - but then, they were likely intent on other things.
Running down to the Academy Town, it seemed like the madness had not spread this far...at least, not yet. The locals had in the name of safety began boarding up and making defensive measures around their town. Preparing for the storm that was to come. The marketplaces were silent and empty, the houses covered in boards and heavy blocks repurposed into walls and safety measures.
Yet even with the people defending themselves and trying to be vigilant, some element of the madness was sneaking in.
A small garden of flowers sat by the marketplace, the flowers and other plants swaying in the hot air...and then one by one, every single plant turned as if to look at Yune, Alicia and Juna as they rushed by. The stigmas beginning to peel open, and something red gazed out from within.
It would not take long for the students in the field to leave the small Academy Town, and find themselves in the long roads spanning out, overlooking the vast countryside. Which now looked to have many, many strange firepits in the distance - hints at strange rituals that dominated the rural spaces.
The countryside was alternatively flat and dotted with wooded places. Which despite the heatwave seemed dark, lush...and permeated with a tangible strangeness. All the larger wooded areas lead invariably to the larger Lyendu Forest, which shadowed many of the townships and villages.
Combat Tower
Archmage Krennett crossed his arms behind his back as he addressed the students; "The belligerents speak of watering their fields with blood, and our surviving Asclepia Mage indicates the villagers converged upon his older associate in ritualistic glee. There is a strange madness to them. If you can negotiate with such men I would love to see it."
"The Knights...are accompanying my fellow Archmages upon an excursion, by and large. The ones remaining here I cannot commit to the field." Krennett stated in response to Joaquin's and Richter's words - though he seemed rather ashamed by that. As if there was something to why he was here and not with them.
Turning to look at Apollyon, the Archmage sneered, "Very well, Phenemeon. I will see to it that your insolence has some answer at a later point."
He didn't really respond to Alicia and Juna's actions as they happened, though he did notably seem to just...huff and shrug.
Looking at Cecilia, he said, "I do not personally check every grain and weed cared for by the peasantry. And you will be "compensated" with our supply lines being assured and not subject to the depredations of maddened smallfolk. You like to eat beef and fine meals, yes?" He then shrugged, "Then you best assist your classmates in quelling this mad insurgency."
Looking at Merry, he nodded, "If you are armed and armored, you may go." He then looked at Brenton - and more specifically at Reid not long after, "Sir Thaine, retrieve your armor...and you, boy of the night, clothe yourself. The move to the countryside is imminent."
Reid just smiled at the name he got called - as if rather than being displeased by House Blackwood being insulted by the implication, he was delighted. He then stretched and walked over by Joaquin before heading out, whispering in the boy's ear, "You can show me how man you are in this. I know you've got strength and ferocity in you. Show me your war face. I promise, I'll find it lovely."
And with that, Reid walked out - but not before raising an arm and waving his hand twice.
Brenton, already starting to head out - realizing he needed to look at Alicia's note - just blushed as he saw Reid leave. "He's...really very forward. I've ne'er met a man like him before."
Alicia Blackwood
Alicia slowed her glide to such a degree that Juna could easily keep up, and then together they carved through the air on a similar path together, like two birds of a strange feather. Swooping under Juna to arrive beside her, Alicia flapped her wings as they continued ever onwards, over the blighted fields and thickets. "This one apologizes for startling you, Mistress Libero," she said to Juna during a lull in their flight. "Only this one had to leave before Master Reid could command this one otherwise. He enjoys ordering this one about so...as is his right, of course." There was a brief shudder in Alicia's voice before she made the acknowledgement of Reid's power over her, and then it was gone.
As Alicia flew, she found herself wishing that she had studied the sealing arts of her House more, even as the rest were sinking into immorality and decay. It was one of the most effective containment measures that could combat Wild Magic, and yet she was prohibited from learning about it, and thus becoming eligible for the Blackwood coming-of-age ceremony, where they renewed the seals on the most vital prisons of ancient foes. But alas, due to the hubris of her own House, she could not be of much help here. Alicia shook her head. She looked to see where Yune and Meriam were—if they had indeed caught up with one another—and would fly to them next.
Edited by JumpingFruit on Sep 22nd 2024 at 2:14:00 AM
I wear the skin of the Elder Things, having come unto my own.Joaquin
Shuffling his feet idly, Joaquin focused again on the Archmage. Scratching the back of his neck, he said “Well, if there’s no Knights that can help, I guess it’s the right thing to do… but it can’t be that bad, right? Sir, you wouldn’t put us in any danger, yeah?” Joaquin wasn’t sure about this guy. On one hand, he didn’t have any reason to distrust him, and the adults in Joaquin’s life had been, to his knowledge, all trustworthy people. But there was something about him that Joaquin couldn’t quite place. Maybe it was just nerves. Then Reid passed him by, and whispered in his ear. Grinning, he turned to Marah. “Didja hear that? He said that I’m strong and-OH.” His face turned bright red (again), and he was left stammering and looking at Reid as he left. Did he-? But he was already? Hopefully Marah didn’t mind it. It was… just a compliment, right?
It builds character.

Cecilia glowered at Merry. It had been she who had offered mere words, and the kinslayer who returned them with violence. Treating his actions as trivial, especially after he had announced his desire to see them all dead, was a travesty. She gazed briefly at the remains of her angel, it’s flesh already sublimating back into the aether. It had been one of her strongest summons, and Apollyon had killed it in an instant; she prided herself more on intellect than strength, but such an affront to her magical prowess could not stand; she was going to become a great deal more powerful.
Turning to more pleasant thoughts she glanced over at Brenton and Corwin, both of which had stepped in for her sake. She beamed at the both of them, an expression of genuine gratitude. “Thank you both, it’s good to know who my friends are when adversity rears its malformed, diminutive, curse-branded head.”
Edited by bobbitwormhobbitwyrm on Sep 16th 2024 at 4:46:19 AM