Stonewall Abbey

[Sir Curtis Prise]

"Tomb raider- heavens no." He shook his head. The idea of digging into old crypts, robbing corpses of their valuables, on the regular just didn't seem like fun. But from what he had heard of this place, it was a little too good to pass up. Plus he hoped that he didn't have to sort through carcasses to access the said riches.

But Shiro's euphemism of 'amaetuer archaeologists' made him grin. The term wasn't convincing of the deed that it defined, but it was amusing. "Right." He simply agreed, before a light seemed to have captured the attention of those behind him.

"Hmmm..? A light? I didn't see one..." He slowed down, and turned around. His vision wasn't keen enough at all to catch something like that at night. "..Beat them to the bridge? It is a race then, against some phantom? Pff...Alright!" Though suspicious of whatever it was they apparently saw, he continued on, just as happily as before.

[Heliko pylori]

Vibryo Duponte

The reply that she got from Shiro and Curtis caused her to lightly laugh. It obviously sounded like they were trying to find a legit term for what they did. Some way to justify the action and make it better than what it was. “My mistake. Amateur archaeologists it is,” she stated with a nod of her head as if to accept their reasoning. Though if she really believed it was another story.

When Shiro asked about an alleged light she kept quiet as her answer to the question was quite obvious. She didn’t know what the big deal was in there being someone else going to the Stonewall place but apparently there was something important about it as a race had been started to get there first. With a shrug, she continued to follow and kept pace with the wolf in front of her before a realization occurred to her; one that caused a falter in her step. What is the bridge like…she thought, not knowing what it was made of, if it was one of those that had railing or not or if it was straight across or did it have twists and turns. Bridges were like stairs to her, not something she enjoyed that much for apparent reasons. “So why do we have to beat the other person there again,” she inquired as she picked up her pace so as to not get left behind. “I thought Stonewall belonged to no one and all were welcomed.” The thought of the bridge still had her a bit nervous but she wouldn't admit that to the others. Instead, she would just follow someone’s steps across the object in order to throw caution to the wind and keep up with the group.

[Eros Affinity]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx мєlody

She continued onward, oblivious to the fact that her torch had blinded someone or that there was a group of someones up there. That was until she got steadily closer and could hear the mumble of voices. Melody couldn't make out any distinct words but she could tell tones. From what she caught there was at least one male and possibly two females. Unless the female voices she heard was one. Then there were only two beings ahead. Deciding to stay in the cover of the trees she picked up her pace a bit, walking faster but keeping her light low so that she could watch where she stepped.

After another minute or so of walking she felt a branch graze against her cheek and she let out another small curse. If she kept this up she was likely to end up looking like she fell into a pit or angry books. Mel figured she wasn't bound to run into anyone she knew here so she changed her direction a little bit so that she could make her way out of the tree line. A stumble and another cut to her cheek later she found her self clear of the assaulting plant life and on the main path that lead to the bridge. Her first instinct was to shine her light back the way she had came, the woods looked empty, then she lit up the path that lead back toward the town, it seemed empty enough for her. Finally she brought her light forward at the group and she was now only a mere fifteen feet away from them. This startled Melody since she didn't think she had come so close before leaving the safety of the trees. Nervously she chewed on her lip ring, one hand slowly going toward her back pocket just in case.

If the group wasn't blinded by her light then she would be a sight to see. Long black hair that, funnily, had a twig stuck in it from her trek through the woods, tanned skin with only two small darker lines on her cheek from the recent cuts by trees, womanly curves that were outlined by a light tan tank top, a pair of desert tan cargo pants complete with pockets on the sides, and a pair of equally tan boots that looked more military issue than anything. Melody stood somewhat frozen, waiting to see if this group, that she had mistaken for two people, was hostile.

[VEEB0MB3R]

Shiro Sokolov

The reliable one
隼

"We have to beat the other person because we just do." Shiro reasoned half heatedly as he moved briskly amongst the others. The blonde didn't have a reason as to why but he was curious as to who it was and sadly his thoughts turned to the topic of grave robbing. Maybe this stranger had the same intent. Or maybe his mind was turning to the worst as it sometimes did. If he only knew...

The blinding light once more left the man covering his eyes with his hands. This time the intensity wasn't as bad as it had been with the night vision goggles and for that he was thankful. He wasn't thankful for having to wait for his eyes to readjust. "Would you kindly stop blinding me?" Shiro asked the stranger who he was just starting to make out. A sense of familiarity soon made the man's lips turn into a grim straight line. Hmm he wouldn't of thought he would see her again.

"Small world indeed." The stoic face was replaced with a small smile.

[Heliko pylori]

Vibryo Duponte

Because we just do…she didn’t know what type of reasoning that was but it was what it was. With a smile and shrug of her shoulders she kept up with the others as they ended up in second place, it seemed, when it came to getting to the bridge. Her attitude was mostly nonchalant as she took in the signature of the female in front of them; giving a wave in greeting though saying nothing. She still felt this was more the guys adventure than one of her own. When Shiro addressed the lady she looked between the two before her grey eyes finally settled on the woman. As the breeze picked up she lightly rubbed her arms through her coat, hoping that whatever conversation was about to be had could occur inside of Stonewall. She wasn’t sure how the temperature felt to the others but she was obviously chilly.

[daintyone]

Gilrin allowed Shiro's answer to stand as reason for her impulsive idea. The woods were rarely traveled by any worker or trader from the nearby town and so the unicorn was rather curious who would be out at this hour and off the beaten path. Her question soon answered, her own granite eyes shifted from the Russian and a vexed raven haired woman.

"Hello," She greeted brightly, figuring Shiro would take over conversing with his apparent acquaintance. Gil was a creature of empathy and she could tell that Vee had grown cold, which made sense to her reptilian nature. "Nice and slow over the bridge and be sure to hold the ropes," The white haired girl announced this, as if the newcomer had been with them the whole time. The shoddy little bridge would hold them, and the night helped disguise its rickety nature. Made from hand planed planks of wood and ropes smoothed from years of use it was only big enough for everyone to walk single file, with the bare foot unicorn at the front.

[daintyone]

Following this post, the plot of this thread will refresh. New year, new you. ☆

[daintyone]

Morning birds began to chirp, waking from their slumber and dusting slight frost from their wings. Smoke was already rising from the baker's chimney. He whistled as he stoked the fire of his oven and kneaded the dough. No doubt children were being woke by tired and over worked mothers. The town of Ironbluff going through its daily routine just as it did every day, winter or not.

A maiden, pale and draped in a grey cloak whistled back to the sleepy little birds as she traversed through the woods just beyond the tavern. Basket in hand but she was not going to grandma's house. Every now and again she would stop and examine or collect a flower, mushroom, bark or some other flora along her way. There was a stillness to her and a mystery as the cloak hid most of her.

The sun was just beginning to melt away the cold morning dew in the meadows. All was still, all seemingly safe.

[V_B0MBER]

Grant Lee
(Daedraug Godir)

Time came and went, a never ending river that seemed ready to engulf him in it's current. Many a fool had been swept away by it. Their last gasps for air vanishing in small, little air bubbles that barely made a presence in it's waters. It was with that thought and the fear of his lungs burning that Grant Lee was sprung out of slumber.

[********] The half-elf muttered as he took his hands and wiped away the nightmare and beads of sweat that covered his features.Brown eyes stared back at him through the small mirror he held up in one hand while the other flashed light into the dark tent he called home. The sun was many hours away and it was the dead of night, not even the owls were up this late. Sucking in air through his nostrils Grant gave a sigh and closed his eyes.

By sunrise his small encampment had been packed up. The campfire snuffed out, his provisions stuffed into his huge backpack and his ever handy trekking pole firmly in his palms. The morning hike would take him to a town out in the wilderness. It was funny in a way, sometimes it seemed like one could throw a rock randomly and hit a bar out in the middle of nowhere. Here it actually took effort to find any hints of civilization. It would make things much easier.

The birds chirped, and the insects followed along to the tune except when they didn't. They could sense it in him no matter how hard he tried to hide it. Unfortunately for them today was not one of those days, the woods became still in his presence. The only sign of life coming from each and every step of his that seemingly snuffed out the very life around him.

Things of course could always be worse.

[daintyone]

She ceased all motion, knelt by the stump of an old fallen tree. The caped girl slowly rose after a moment listening to the sounds of the forest shift. There was no flap of wings or scattering of animals but rather a slowly silence that crept over the animals. Only those akin with nature would truly take the time to notice these things.

Her curiosity peaked, she took up her half full basket in the crook of her arm and did her best to follow the sound or rather lack there of. She paused occasionally and looked around with her light gray eyes, listening to here the crunch of leaves underfoot. It didn't take long for her short attention span to have her frustrated in being unable to find whatever else was walking in the forest.

She walked daydreaming, looking up into the canopy of the trees, about to turn on her heel and head back. That was before she smacked right into the half elf and his large pack. Gasping she dropped her basket and took a few clumsy steps backward. The girl looked at the stranger at first feeling angry before fear took over her.


"Bàs!" She muttered in soft exclamation before a bright flash of light. Leaving a cloak before the man and a white and dappled gray unicorn fleeting into the trees. What a greeting for a newcomer.

[V_B0MBER]

Grant Lee
(Daedraug Godir)

The half-elf was like a blanket of fog that obscured everything under it. The stillness moved with him and he with it in a way. Chicken or the egg question aside Grant seemed too busy in his thoughts to notice the incoming figure.Maybe the brooding man actually had something to brood about. It was only when he was bumped into and tumbled over did he seem to snap outta it. "What the f-" In a second Grant turned from hiker to a turtle laid back on its shell.

"Hey!" He glimpsed at the cloaked being, eyes filled with confusion before he shielded his eyes from the bright burst of light. He blinked the annoyance away, his ears catching the sound of hooves against dirt while he squinted at the equine that had a second ago been in a cloak. "Ahh..." His groan lingered before he took to unstrapping himself from his belonding.

[daintyone]

Flight have definitely won the war against fight. It was an odd sensation to be so scared you transform. Like an out if body experience one could say. The graceful animal ran until she was absolutely sure she was far enough away from him to be safe. 'He was no simple elf..' The unicorn shook it's head and began walking towards the town.

Cautiously she reached the back door of the tavern and quickly transformed back into the maiden, slipping inside before anyone could see. Once inside she quickly dressed in a simple, drab colored dress that looked home made and matched what most of the villagers donned. Her shoes soft, fur lined boots to combat the chill of winter in the moubtains. It was then that Gilrin realized she had left her basket out in the woods and she pouted moving out to the main room of The Fallen Doe.

[V_B0MBER]

Grant Lee
(Daedraug Godir)

Once he had untangled himself from his pack and strapped it back on did Grant focus on the incident. The cloak was gently picked up and inspected. It carried an unique scent and seemed artisan made. Carefully he folded the thing up, placing it on top of the items inside the basket he soon after picked up. The basket too was handmade and seemed rather suited to the locale. But most importantly Grant seized upon the hoof prints left behind. Careful inspection of them told him that they were going the same way he was.

It made the half-elf wonder as he returned to his hike. Soon after he appeared in the outskirts of the village. His mud caked pants and boots were a contrast to those of the inhabitants. His attire was of synthetics and mass production unheard of in these parts and theirs of what they could make. Grant would meet the stares and looks from the people and return them with a small smile that barely lifted his lips.

So this was Ironbluff. Here he would find that treasure, supposedly. Now he just had to find out what that meant. Details were scant and he had no clue what to expect. Still he situated himself on an old wooden bench and sat down after having removed his supplies off of him. The morning air was still cool and his breath was visible with each huff but Grant didn't seem to care as he took off his olive drab parka and sat only in his white shirt with the top most buttons unbuttoned.

[daintyone]

Inhabitants of the quaint and sleepy town often kept to themselves when strangers came about. In fact they were still adjusting to Gilrin occupying the local tavern. Anyone the odd man chose to question would undoubtedly point him there.

Local trappers who liked to grab a pint of ale knew the most of the peaks and valleys surrounding the town. Including the abbey not far off. Currently, the white haired girl was cleaning the counter, applying a light coat of much needed oil to the worn wood. A regular sat in a chair at the corner reading the local paper and drinking his spiked coffee. The cool air was still with silence, but the warm smell of her own bread baking in the kitchen created a welcoming atmosphere.

Every now and again the girl would squint at the man's paper, trying to catch a headline of any happenings. Any clues that this newcomer she had bumped into was trouble. Alas, he sat just a little too far for her to really read anything and so she focused on the task at hand. After she was finished she walked into the kitchen to pull the warm loaves out of sight from the main bar.

[V_B0MBER]

Grant Lee
(Daedraug Godir)

The first passerby gave him a curt response to his simple question of lodging and food. But at least with a name and a general direction the wanderer got back up with his parka tied to his waist and his backpack slung over his tired shoulders. Sweetness lingered in the air and with that he made a bee line towards it.

The second he stepped Grant felt like he had traveled back in time. It wasn't much of an exaggeration. There was the rustic life but even the most lonesome cowboy or hunter had a inkling of modernity to them. The Fallen Doe was something else. Only scant traces of technology and most of it not because of it's patron. In fact Grant wondered if the place had ever been renovated. It carried with it an untold amount of weight if that was ever a thing. Each inch of the interior holding a rich history that was tied with everything else.

Or maybe he was overthinking it. Could be the place had once been a tourist attraction. To what tourists Grant couldn't say. The roads started at the village and ended before it. He sat down on a stool that had seen better days but was polished to a sheen. His pack gave a thud as it fell on its side and a sigh of relief was given.

The half-elf sniffled once more before setting his arms on the counter and waited. The basket and cloak sat on the stool next to him.