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 Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2012 3:56 pm
page 2249 Kiddo Seanchain "Your definition of fun frightens me," Seist muttered under his breath, "And I do have other matters to attend to, but nothing pressing. Otherwise I might not have gotten involved at all. Here..." Seist kicked his feet out of the stirrups. "Put one foot in and swing your other leg over," he directed, "Then you just have to worry about hanging on." ((pretend there's some more instruction than that, because I know nothing about riding a horse and can't really rp it)) page 2251 Jenannen Autumn smiled at Seist’s muttered comment. “Other matters you cannot speak of?” Autumn asked politely inquisitive as she placed her right foot in the stirrup. She clung to Seist’s arm in an effort to pull herself up and found that she was turned backwards for mounting the horse. With Seist’s guidance Autumn corrected her footing and managed, awkwardly, to properly seat herself behind him on the horse (not on the saddle). She wrapped her arms tightly around his chest placing her head snug against his back and offered a nervous, “I’m on.”
As Seist nudged the horse forward Autumn angled her head towards Sesit’s ear and said quietly apologetic; “I wouldn’t really have taken off with your signet ring any more than I would have your medallion.” And she meant it. “I’m sorry that I’ve caused you so much trouble. I thought that my tree would be the best place for me to keep it safe. You asked me not to let anyone know that I had it,” she moved her head back down and added quietly, “and this way it wasn’t touching me.”((I can do that for sure. ^_^ Hope this works for you. Please note that while she is not particularly strong I picture her as deceptively strong for her slender build and she is clinging tightly to Seist.)) page 2254 Kiddo Seanchain Seist was falling back on his noble upbringing and remained precisely proper, even when Autumn leaned in close to his ear. He kept his horse at a gentle pace, so as not to jounce the fae right off its hindquarters. "I prefer to keep my affairs my own business," Seist replied, his voice taking on a bored tone, "It is simpler that way. And you are forgiven the trouble - you protected the amulet the best you thought, and it is I that should apologize for assuming ill intention. If you do not mind, I would like to ask about the nature of fae magic while we ride. It is something that is poorly documented among the humans and I would not want to waste this opportunity. I have heard it is closer to root of all magic than even dragon magic. Is this true?" ((there we go. Do you need an explanation on how fae magic fits in with the rest of the types?))
By the by, she's not trying to be improper or seductive. She's genuinely quite frightened to be on a domestic horse and clinging to Seist as if her life depended on it. *laughs* Sorry, if I failed to portray that properly. ^^;))((I know, Seist is just trying to be uber-proper because of the proximity, regardless of the reason. It's Seist... being noble. He sometimes can pull it off. Basically, the base of all magic is Blessed magic and it is the very fabric of reality itself. The fae magic is close to that in that it's drawn from the earth and all things that are part of the earth, but they can also tap into the Blessed magic directly to some degree, for they are closer to the raw substance of reality than humans. The royalty especially can tap in, most fae are just part of the Blessed magic rather than able to wield it. Basically, if magic was a house, the Blessed would be the foundation, fae magic would be the walls. Dragon magic the roof, and human magic the decorations.)) page 2254 Jenannen Autumn was sorely tempted to make a jest of Seist’s bored tone on the topic of his affairs, but decided against it as Seist didn’t seem to appreciate her humor. “Should apologize, but won’t?” she did allow herself to tease him on this matter.
“I don’t mind, but I’m not sure I’m the one to talk to,” Autum replied conversationally. “We fae don’t need to study magic the way you humans do. I've heard the same, from XhaVelle, but I have not studied any magic in depth. You humans seem to have a habit of making things complicated though, I will give you that,” she chuckled.((should I hint at something I want you to get at with this or not? You gave me a wickedly fun idea when you intro'd the idea of me getting a priest/ess NPC-type.)) page 2257 Kiddo Seanchain "I'll apologize once we stop and I can do so properly," Seist replied primly. It was hard to tell if he was teasing or not. "When I'm not stuck on a horse and unable to bow. But let me ask some more pointed questions then, as maybe you'll know something regardless of whether you study magic or not. Your royalty - they can draw on a different kind of magic than most fae, is that true? Is it the same type of magic as that which is forbidden to humans?" ((the answer is yes. Blessed magic is only used by dragons and fae now and Seist's order of priests are strictly forbidden from touching it. If you would like to hint at something, hint away.)) page 2259 Jenannen “I won’t hold my breath Margrave,” Autumn smiled, her head still pressed to Seist’s back. Her grip on him relaxed slightly, but only slightly, as her focus shifted from being on the horse to talking with Seist. “What you humans know as blessed magic can be drawn upon by all fae given the proper circumstances. ‘Blessed magic’ is, to me, as to most fae, simply another force that exists to be drawn upon; well, for the sake of this conversation anyway. Access to this force is severely restricted to me though, and while I have touched upon it in the past I’ve never called upon it. As for fae royalty I will not presume to speak on their behalf.”((From my present understanding I think this works. Let me know if it doesn't. Her answer here for the royalty fits her better then where I was going to go with it.))
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:27 pm
page 2259 Kiddo Seanchain "Interesting," Seist said, "So the Blessed magic is mostly inaccessible to the ordinary fae. Why is it then, that we hear of dragons that possess it, of all races possible? They have little to do with magic outside of instinctual usage and the occasional mage-scholar like Shadine - I mean, they do use it, but not like humans or fae are prone to using. So why is it they have access to it, when humans are strictly forbidden and fae are somewhat restricted? It's not a matter of ability, as you just confirmed that fae can indeed use it and I know that humans can as well-" He cut himself off short. Too much. These were things that even he shouldn't know, much less speak about. "My apologies," he said stiffly, "I tend to ramble when I am intrigued by something. May I ask you to which fae court you belong?" ((Silver Rose is the only one that has been defined, feel free to make up your own at this point. Silver Rose is the one that Kocerou is prince of and is the one that interacts with humans and dragons the most)) page 2259 Jenannen “Perhaps restricted isn’t the right word,”she offered with a sigh. Autumn grew thoughtful for a moment, “Is this truly a path of questioning you wish to pursue priest?” Her tone was that of polite inquisitiveness mingled with mild concern. “I shall offer you my understanding if it is, but I know enough of your faith to wonder if it is wise.
“No apology is needed for what you consider to be ramblings. I am far more accustomed to listening that to speaking. As for which court I belong to, at the moment I’m not sure I belong to any. I’ve spent my last two centuries among men.” Her mention of centuries may, to a human, sound quite casual.((Started working on her reply to blessed magic then got to the point where she'd ask him if he really wanted to know and then realized that she'd know enough to ask first. *lol*)) page 2260 Kiddo Seanchain "I am not forbidden from seeking knowledge," Seist replied, "I am just forbidden from using it. It is just something that not many people try to pursue, for there's nasty rumors around the entire matter of Blessed magic - they say that people who find out too much vanish. I have my own opinion about that, however, and I must say I don't find it much cause for concern." He did not say that it was because he suspected that any human that dabbled too far with the Blessed magic probably met their end at the hands of a priest of Dues and Frain. This was something his order did not want known. "Two centuries? By the Twins... the things you must know! Have you spent all that time here in the Borderlands?" page 2260 Jenannen Autumn laughed gaily at Seist’s reaction to her time among humans and her grip relaxed to a more comfortable hold, though she remained close. “Mind you for a dryad I’m still young,” she smiled. “No, not all of my time has been spent among the Borderlands. I am well traveled.” As an afterthought she added, “Though neither is this my first time in these lands.
“As for knowledge of ‘blessed magic’ there have been those of your ilk who prefer to remain ‘safely’ in ignorance” Autumn’s tone indicated that she did not agree with ignorance equating safety. “I did not wish to presuppose your disposition on this matter.” She grew thoughtful for a moment, “In your language I think fate is the closest I can come to describing what you refer to as blessed magic, but that word doesn’t do it justice by a long shot. Among dryads, at least those of my kin, it is held to that we are all part of an intricate balance. This balance is a force of its own. We fae are tied to this balance more closely than mankind and in general we have a greater reverence for this balance. I am well aware that generalities are just that and, to be fair, I have met those among your kind who hold a greater reverence for this balance than some fae.
“Now imagine that each fae were able to wield this force at will.” Autumn paused briefly trying to remember, “What is that saying? Too many chefs spoil the broth?” Autumn wasn’t entirely certain that she was using the correct phrasing, but hoped that Seist would understand what she was getting at. “Or worse, picture the calamities that a human holding no understanding, nor respect, for this balance could cause. You are too hardened for me to think you need imagination for that.” There was no accusation in her voice, but she grew suddenly quiet. page 2261 Kiddo Seanchain "Everything you say is true," Seist said quietly, "There are those among my order that prefer to remain ignorant. They believe forbidden knowledge should remain forbidden, but I feel they forget the aspect of Frain, who holds knowledge with restraint. She does not shy from it entirely. I believe the human interpretation of the Blessed magic is a bit different, as to us, fate is immutable. From what I've learned, the Blessed magic allows the wielder control over the foundations of the world - be it fate or something else entirely. It's said to make the wielder more powerful than even the gods. We do not think of it as a balance, but rather something of control and power. I suppose that's why we're forbidden it..." He fell quiet for a moment, then gently shook himself and looked about, finally noticing the world around him after a long spell of distraction. "Are we far enough away from the city?" he murmured, "I would like my pendant back." page 2261 Jenannen “My apologies, Seist” Autumn offered in the same quiet tone which Seist had spoken; his name voiced with a slight hesitance as if she were testing it on her tongue or worried, perhaps, that she were once again being too forward. “I did not mean to upset you. Perhaps I have erred in my judgment and spoken too much too soon. Yet, you are not the first of your ilk I have had a conversation of this nature with.” Autumn was quiet as she chose her next words.
“In my forest, ere I stepped foot in the world of men, I was not learned in the ways of deities; they are a belief taught me by men. But I do not believe that my ignorance precluded the Gods’ awareness of me. Faielo was my introducer to this concept. He didn’t believe in fate, but he did believe in divine intervention. He first thought me an illusory messenger.” Autumn laughed softly, warmly, at the memory. “He had been bitten by a deathly poisonous snake; nigh unto death and in the throes of delirium. I knew the remedy for the bite and tended to him.
“He was a naive man and not interested in what he termed my ‘pagan learning’, but of speaking to me of his religion. I listened to him as we made his journey through the forest. The fervor with which he spoke in regard to his God piqued my curiosity, but it was not until a quarter century later did I leave my grove and meet one of your order.” Autumn reached up to gently run her thumb across the scaring below Seist’s eye as he would be unable to see her make such a gesture on her own face. “Since then my path has overlain with others of your faith more frequently than seems coincidental. Your entrusting me with your pendant last night…” Autumn sighed and left the sentence unfinished. “I would prefer to wait until night for its retrieval.” Autumn clung to Siest again as she shifted so that her right leg hung next to her left. She pondered dismounting to walk but was still too wary of the domestic animal she rode atop to brave it.((Totally made Faielo up and left him vague on purpose. It can be Dues and Frain he was a follower of or some other deity to be determined if/when it becomes relevant. If Seist is interested in who Faielo’s God/s were I’m open to suggestions.))
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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:31 pm
page 2264 Kiddo Seanchain Seist was quiet listening to Autumn, his face unreadable, but he flinched ever so slightly when she reached to touch his scars. Then he seemed to steel himself to the touch as if nothing had happened. "Perhaps it isn't coincidence," he said quietly, "My order is rare enough." He hesitated, seemingly on the verge of saying more, but then he shook his head softly and looked off down the road, his back stiff. "As you wish, we shall wait until nightfall." The bored, dismissive noble was back in his voice, wiping away the passion he had spoken with just moments before. page 2264 Jenannen Autumn wondered if she had again overstepped as Seist flinched at her touch. “Please forgive my impertinence,” Autumn offered, “As well versed as I am in your tongue and for all my years of observation my interaction with your kind is still… awkward at times.” page 2268 Jenannen When Seist said nothing further Autmn followed suit and spoke no more. The silence at first made Autumn focus once more on riding and her grip tightened, but as the time passed she relaxed and finally rested her head against Seist’s back. Her breathing grew shallow though she did not sleep. Instead she turned her focus to the land about them and found some measure of peace. She listened, still hopeful for hooves of a wild mount, but she caught no such sound.
When at last daylight had faded Autumn dismounted with Seist’s assistance. She walked to what she was hoping was the edge of Seist’s vision (she knew from experience her vision after dark was better than that of a human’s) and undressed. It had taken years of trial and error for her to learn to draw items into her tree with her when she made the transformation and one of the first things that she had learned was that anything she tried to wear ended up ruined.
She neatly folded her clothing and held it to her chest with her arms crossed, hands at her shoulders. She closed her eyes and focused on the ground beneath her feet. Her feet appeared to grow roots and the transformation worked its way up rapidly until the tree had consumed the dryad. Branches reached for the sky and still the tree grew taller and fuller. Leaves bloomed as branches spread until a beautiful, full-grown maple was now where Autumn had been.
page 2268 Kiddo Seanchain Seist busied himself with unsaddling the horse after Autumn dismounted. He hadn't brought much with him, as he hadn't expected this to take so long, and he quietly resigned himself to a night of sleeping wrapped in his cloak. At least he was a mage and so he needn't worry about being cold overnight, not with mage-fire handy. He meant to keep an eye on Autumn as he unbuckled the saddle, but after she started to draw her clothing off over her head he realized that such a thing would be quite improper for a noble to do, and turned his back. Perhaps if he were more of a mercenary it would be different, but he was a Margrave, and certain things were expected. After enough time had passed, Seist risked another look. A tree stood there instead, and Seist dropped the saddle to the ground and walked over, staring up at the branches in awe. "Well," he whispered to himself, "What else did you expect?" page 2269 Jenannen The transformation hadn’t taken long and Autumn had not reverted to her tree form to retire for the evening so she was aware of Seist’s approach and pleasantly amused by his reaction. Indeed, what else did you expect? she thought.
She wondered what her best course of action was now; the priest had wanted his pendant back, but she noted that he had turned away as she undressed. She did not have the same concern for modesty that humans did but she had spent enough time among them to respect, if not to understand and share it. She did not want to risk further upsetting the priest and so decided to wait and watch. page 2269 Kiddo Seanchain Seist busied himself with making camp for the night. He settled the horse in and started a mage-fire, a careful distance away from Autumn. It burned with a blueish light and gave out just enough heat to keep Seist comfortable, but it would not catch and burn anything near it. He'd taken some food with him, though not much, and made a light meal before unclasping his cloak and spreading it out on the ground. Then he hesitated. His sword was already off and laying close at hand, but there were... other things he carried that he didn't particularly feel like sleeping with them still on. After a moment of internal debate he decided to disarm somewhat, and keep the most damning of his tools still on his person and just deal with the bruises in the morning. He unlaced his outer tunic and slipped the knife from the small of his back free, along with the two he kept on either side of his ribs, just under the vest. There were small slits, almost invisible, so that he could draw them easily, in the fabric. The others he left alone. They wouldn't be too much of a hindrance. His thief's tools and the throwing knives were already disguised on his belt, and he'd thought it best to just not bring his crossbow at all. "Might as well wait until morning," he called over his shoulder to Autumn, not sure if she could hear him or not, "I won't be able to return to the city until then anyway. G'night." He did one last thing. With one finger, he traced a circle around himself in the dirt, so light that it was barely visible, and he infused it with his magic when he was done. Any disruption of it would wake him instantly, and he'd left plenty of knives close at hand in case that happened.
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Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 6:56 pm
page 2269 Jenannen As Seist busied himself with making camp Autumn got lost in watching him and forgot about her dilemma with the pendant until he called to bid her wait till morn. She watched him trace a circle in the dirt and guessed it was a warding—she’d traveled with mages before. Autumn listened to Seist’s breathing slow; a maple leaf left its branch and floated down to rest upon Seist’s shoulder. If that leaf did not appear to upset anything she would, one leaf at a time, cover him in a blanket of leaves and watch him sleep until she too at last drifted off hours later.((she can literally watch grass grow. Watching Seist is not, in and of itself, going to put her to sleep. XD)) ((He's so going to wake up covered in leaves. Is Autumn an early riser? Seist is not. )) ((*giggles* It sounded like a fun idea. I tried to phrase my reply so you could go either way with it though. Autumn does best with four hours of rest after sun up. Something about plants and sun up... I don't remember. I had a discussion about it with Hubby (biology major) as I was working some of her plant side stuff out.))((Hmmm, he'd get up before her then. He's not that late of a riser when out traveling. Shall I make the morning post then?)) ((I figured he probably would be. Please do. <3 She can wake up before then; that's just what she does best with. Also, if it matters, Autumn didn't eat anything yesterday. Siest may have noticed and if he did that may be a point of interest to him. Nothing big there so don't feel obligated to bring it up.))page 2270 Kiddo Seanchain Seist woke with the sun, as was his custom while on the road. Normally he was a late-riser but the sunlight on his face was enough to rouse him. Sore from sleeping on the ground, but not unexpected, the priest started to sit up and then paused as he realized he appeared to be covered in a thick layer of shed maple leaves. Puzzled, Seist brushed himself off, staring at the pale green leaves falling off to either side of him, and after a moment of contemplation he burst out laughing. "Nice aim," he said to the tree, and then set to packing up his meager camp. Seeing as Autumn was taking her time turning back from a tree, he then settled in to his morning devotions, sitting cross-legged facing half-towards her with his eyes closed. ((he'll sit like that until she turns back into her non-tree form)) page 2270 Jenannen Autumn stirred at Seist’s laughter and watched drowsily as he packed up camp. Once he settled cross-legged on the ground she drifted back to sleep and woke hours later to find him in the same position. She stretched and the leaves of her tree rustled slightly. She spread her thoughts outward and listened to the voice of the local flora; no one but Seist was near enough for her to worry over so she chose a fresh outfit and placed Seist’s pendant between the layers of fabric.
As Autumn stepped out of her tree it vanished without a sound. She quickly slipped into her shirt and skirt. If Seist showed no sign of noticing her arousal she will move towards him silently with the earth’s aid and slip the pendant around his neck whispering “were you warm enough last night?” If he appears to have noticed her she will instead make a show of waking up—stretching and yawning. page 2270 Kiddo Seanchain Seist opened his eyes at the sound of rustling cloth, then looked away a few moments more until it was appropriate to look. Then he rose, unfolding gracefully from the ground, and brushed out his cloak. "I take it you slept well?" he inquired politely. page 2270 Jenannen “Mmm,” Autumn replied noncommittally though her tone was pleasant. “You?” she asked in kind as she closed the gap between them. She had slipped Seist’s pendant about her neck as she dressed to avoid dropping it on the ground, but now made no effort to remove it from about her neck or to pull it out from under her shirt as she approached. page 2270 Kiddo Seanchain "About what can be expected for sleeping on the ground," he replied with a shrug, "You remember my pendant?"
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Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:07 pm
page 2270 Jenannen “Oh,” Autumn’s tone and expression displayed that Seist had just reminded her, “yes.” Autumn grasped the chain in both hands and lifted the medallion over her head offering it to Seist with one hand. “My apologies for the trouble I have caused you. Were you at least warm enough last night?” She asked hopefully. page 2271 Kiddo Seanchain "Thank you," Seist murmured, taking the medallion and reverently placing it around his own neck. He let it lay for a moment in his hand, studying the lines on it, before tucking it in under his vest. "Quite warm. Mage-fire is quite good for such a thing. I must be going back to the city now, may the rest of your travel to the forest be safe." He stepped back a pace and gave Autumn a careful bow. page 2271 Jenannen At Seist’s mention of mage-fire and complete lack of mentioning her blanket Autumn felt a small pang and her lips turned down slightly, briefly. Much as she had wanted to be away from him yesterday she found now that she was not ready to part ways; “You are turning down an invitation to observe what few mortals have?” she asked watching him. page 2271 Kiddo Seanchain He hesitated at that, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "And what would that be?" he asked softly, a faint undercurrent of warning in his voice. The stories of mortals stolen away to the fae courts had not been lost on him. page 2272 Jenannen Autumn laughed, her eyes alight, as Seist regarded her suspiciously. “I see,” she said merrily, “and which rumors have you heard that make you so wary of me and my journey?” She fairly bristled with excitement as she flashed him a mischievous smile, but spoke casually “I’ve no interest in a mortal lover if that is your concern. Nor is it my intention to leave you alone in the forest.” Autumn whispered in his ear “You may even behold that which few fae have.” She waited to catch his eye and her eyes widened briefly as a broad smile spread across her face. Autumn fought to keep from dancing around Siest in her enthusiasm. page 2274 Kiddo Seanchain Seist hesitated, visibly torn. On one hand, she was offering to take him into the forest of the fae, which few humans had ever done. If it were just him, he would take the risk for such an opportunity. Unfortunately, he had his duty. The rumors were dark and what he had been told by the priest of Lahmear back in the city only confirmed his suspicions as to where he belonged. With a heavy heart, he stepped away from the fae. "I truly can't," he said simply, "I am in the Borderlands for a reason. I have to see it through." Then he turned, quickly, and started making his horse ready to travel.
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Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 7:10 pm
page 2275 Jenannen “And you remain unwilling to speak to me of your reasons?” Autumn asked with a chill that surprised her. “So be it.” She turned and ran afraid that that if she lingered she would act on her impulse to alter his memory of her and that which she had spoken of to him. page 2309 Kiddo Seanchain ((if I take too many liberties here, I'll fix this - but I'm going to guess the tree can be Autumn)) Kocerou had woken long before anyone in his entourage, by intention. The prince was barely a month into his exile, still hurting both in body and mind from his defeat upon the field. The forest had been left behind a week and a half ago and already the fae could feel its absence keenly, keeping him awake at night until it started to sap at his strength. Leverne had noticed but said nothing. The champion didn't talk much at all. All of this left Kocerou restless. So early in the morning, before the birds stirred, the fae prince slipped from camp, on foot, and started off in the general direction of the road they were traveling on. His followers would catch up, or more likely, Leverne would. He really didn't care at this point. Just at daybreak, when the sun had just tipped the horizon, Kocerou brought himself up short. The field around him was empty save for a tree a moderate distance away. His chest hurt and he winced, carefully sitting down with one hand pressed on the spot just below his ribcage. "Leverne will surely catch up now," he hissed to himself, bitterly, "Ah, well." page 2310 Jenannen Autumn woke suddenly to a keen awareness of a wound not her own. But how? she wondered, certain that she wasn’t close enough to the forest to be feeling the ravages of war. That had been one of her reasons against making a return journey upon news of the war; the forest would make its pain known to her. She supposed that was part of what made dryads so cross when their forest was wounded. The shy, quiet, caretakers felt it personally. She had been taught how to tune it out, but her curiosity had been piqued now.
Fae attire and features came into sight… and a silver circlet. Autumn gasped and her branches quivered. Is this what the war was about then? She wondered with a detached sort of shock. A royal, was it possible? Could he be so much a part of the forest that she could feel his pain?
Autumn looked on, torn with indecision. She had no desire of her own to meet a royal, but if she could sense his pain there must be a reason… something that she could do. Of course that was a big if. She watched a moment longer before reaching out to the earth. There were none close enough, save this one, to see her change and if she hesitated too long her chance may be lost. Would that be so bad, the dryad in her chided, to remain unnoticed and uninvolved? She had made this journey to find out what the war was about though, had she not? The forest wouldn’t tell her everything…
With that thought Autumn stepped out of her tree and dropped to a crouch. Hiding in the tall grass she donned her clothing and waited to see what would happen.((I was thinking that royalty would be that closely tied to the forest, especially after you post with Kocerou, but if that's a problem it can turn out to be something else-I'm not sure ATM what, but it gave me a good excute to get her awake and out of tree form.)) page 2310 Kiddo Seanchain ((that's pretty spot-on, royalty are tied pretty closely to the forest - it even starts dying when one reaches the end of their reign)) Kocerou's head snapped up in alarm as Autumn shifted from tree to flesh and while his hand twitched towards his sword, he kept himself from closing his fingers around the hilt. He had felt the shift of power close by, but it was distinctly fae, and he had nothing to fear from another fae. It couldn't be Leverne, though. His guardian was quick, but he was certain the two still had some distance between them. "Show yourself," he said in a clear voice, staring straight ahead, "I demand it as Prince." page 2311 Jenannen Though this fae was clothed Autumn was also aware that fae, in general, were much less upset by a lack of proper attire than were humans. She hoped that this one—His higness, she amended her thoughts—would not be offended that she had only managed to don her top before he demanded she show herself.
She stood. The solitary strap of her pale green top rested on her shoulder. The asymmetrical cut of her shirt made a line from waist to mid-thigh as she stood. Clutched in her hand was a skirt in varied, matching, shades of green. Her staff was at her feet.
She did not speak, but met his gaze. page 2311 Kiddo Seanchain Kocerou was quiet a moment as he turned his head to regard her, his face impassive as he clearly took his time to assess the fae. Then he turned his gaze back forwards, watching the sun continue its climb into the sky. "Where are you from?" he asked, "I do not recognize you, so either you are on the fringes of the Silver Rose or swear loyalty to another court entirely - or perhaps you are one of the unaligned. Tell me who you are and where you come from."
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:25 pm
page 2311 Jenannen Autumn unabashedly waited out the prince's assessment.
As his gaze shifted Autumn turned her face to the sun as well. “I am on my way to visit my sisters,” Autumn spoke clearly, but softly, letting the wind carry her words, “though I have not been home in centuries.” She paused a moment before continuing, “As I have spent more time among the humans than I have among my kith and kin I’ve not a proper name to offer you.”(( Dryads don’t exactly have names the way that we think of them. Among her own kind she is not known by a word. It is customary for them to be named by another fae, or by humans. Mentioning that she does not have a proper name to offer indicates that she has been named by humans. Feel free to have Kocerou name her, or ask for her human name. Either is fine with me. This may also give her away as dryad which is fine too.)) page 2311 Kiddo Seanchain "Reassuring to hear the Borderlands are... tolerant... of fae," he murmured, "Seeing as I'm going to be spending a lot of time here. I must assume you are one of the tree spirits, then. I did not think to see one of your kind in human territory, but you're better for it. I'd advise you against returning to the forest at this time, not unless you swung far east to reach the lands of my royal cousins before entering. The territory of the Silver Rose is in decline and the forest is dying. A blight spreads through the trees, a festering rot brought on by my King and liege. And for trying to restore the order of things, I am exiled." He could not keep the bitterness out of his voice. "I do not believe the Queen will allow it to completely die, but still - dark times ahead for you tree spirits. I predict we shall see a lot more of our kind in human lands as the years go by." ((my last post for the night, and indeed, until Sunday)) page 2311 Jenannen “Dying…” Autumn said numbly as tears, unbidden, ran down her cheeks. Her hand let go her forgotten skirt as she dropped to her knees. She reached for her staff and held it tight across her chest. Cheek pressed to wood. “Thank you,” she said in a whisper, not thinking to send her words on the wind, “for trying.” page 2312 Kiddo Seanchain He hesitated at the fae's obvious grief. "It might have gone better," he said softly, more to himself, "if I'd chosen a different path. But no matter." The prince shook himself and struggled to his feet, wincing once more at the still-healing wound in his chest. He sighed and looked down to where the road approximately was, somewhere over the next rise of hills. "So I'm heading inwards into the Borderlands," he said, "Maybe even to the human kingdoms, if I can find whether they're hostile to fae or not. Probably not, but things change if they find out you're royalty. And you, what is your plan, given this news?" page 2312 Jenannen Autumn continued to weep, silently, as the prince spoke. After a few minutes the tears ceased and she found words, “At this news I do not think I can bear to return.” Autumn stood and slipped her skirt on, working the side fastening with staff in hand. Autumn walked towards the prince, “As for the humans, there are those who are tolerant of, as well as the rare individual genuinely fond of our kind, but there is hostility among man as well,” Autumn made no attempt to mask the mixture of sorrow and bitterness the last of those words stirred in her. “Only days past I was attacked by men while others looked on and did nothing. Yet there were two men who answered my pleas for help and halted my capture.
“There are those among men afraid of what they do not understand. Your war has bred aggression in the dragons; the humans, especially those here in the borderlands, have no love of dragons to begin with. If I judge things correctly I do not think it wise you wear this,” Autumn reached to remove his circlet, “among their lands at this time.” If allowed to remove the circlet from his head she will hold it out to him resting in her open palm. If he moves against her touching his circlet she will simply hold and complete her sentence. page 2312 Kiddo Seanchain Kocerou raised a hand to stop her, his eyes intent on her's. He did not move to lower his hand until he was certain she was not going to attempt to touch the circlet again. Then he continued on as if nothing had happened. "This is going to be more difficult than I anticipated," he sighed, "We've only enough supplies to make the first town and if I cannot rely on my royal blood..." He frowned, trailing off as the enormity of his exile finally started to sink in. He would not have support from his people, the forest, and would be forced to survive on his own. "I don't suppose you know of a sympathetic nobleman that would want to curry favor with the forest?" he asked Autumn, "I - ah - may need a sponsor for a while."
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:29 pm
page 2313 Jenannen Autumn sighed at the prince’s apparent intent on keeping his circlet upon his brow. As the prince finished speaking to her Autumn cocked her head to one side and considered him a moment. “You truly do not know how to care for yourself?” Autumn asked with a mixture of amusement and puzzlement.
She knew of a noble who had rescued her from capture, one she guessed would be very interested in making an ally of the prince, but she wasn’t sure it was in the forest’s best interest that its future ruler be provided a… sponsor at the onset of his exile. The prince seemed very young to her in that moment. “I do know a physician, which it appears you are in need of, but I’m hesitant to involve him in this further.”
Autumn also wasn't sure how she felt about seeing Seist again. page 2313 Kiddo Seanchain "It's not so simple," Kocerou replied stiffly, drawing himself up in indignation, "I can't simply turn into a tree and drink up sunlight, you know. If I'm to be in human lands, I need some means to sustain myself, and the fae courts don't bother with things like human currency. We take what we want. I cannot do that and hope to survive for long. That, and if I understand human politics - and that is something our royalty pays attention to - I will most likely need protection. My champion will not be sufficient if anyone realizes there is a prince abroad in their lands, and word of my exile will spread. It will only take a mage astute enough to notice fae presence to mark me." He was quiet a moment, considering. "But I believe it will be safe, for a time," he said softly, "I'd be grateful to meet your physician. My injury is not healing as well as it should." page 2313 Jenannen Autumn’s tone carried a slight scolding to it; “There’s more to caring for yourself than sustenance…” she trailed off realizing that while she recognized the circlet’s significance she had no knowledge of the royalty. Not even such a simple thing as names. He had demanded her name, but offered none in return. Autumn’s cheeks colored slightly as she confessed, “I don’t know your name.” page 2313 Kiddo Seanchain "Prince Kocerou of the Silver Rose," he replied immediently, "Well then. So you shall lead me to this physician of yours... but we need to recover my companion first. I left camp behind and it should be all packed up by now. This way. Follow me." The prince turned and started walking back the way he had come. ((okay, random DB people, is anyone wanting to stay involved from Treason with Kocerou's doings and follow him into exile?)) page 2313 Jenannen “Kocerou,” Autumn repeated. “Perhaps rather than lead you to the physician, I should lead the physician to you. I don’t think it your wisest course of action to stroll into the human lands announcing your royal fae presence at this time. I’ve been in Downswood long enough that my presence is, at least, familiar.” page 2314 Kiddo Seanchain Kocerou grimaced. "Yes, you're right. That would be best. I doubt I'd be allowed to enter the city unaccompanied anyway, and Leverne has a certain... bearing about him that may attract attention. And Uritai..." The prince sighed. "...has a dragon. How far out are we from the city?"
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:35 pm
page 2314 Jenannen Autumn was relieved that she had been able to dissuade him of that much at least. A circlet on your brow and your own personal entourage; no, that wouldn’t draw attention to you at all, Autumn thought sarcastically.
“…Has a dragon,” she repeated, “that, I strongly advise, is not brought to town at this time.” Autumn informed him of their distance from town; both measured and in an approximate time frame. “I can return to camp with you long enough to learn its location, and perhaps find myself a mount to speed my return. If you’ll stay there until my return I can also show you what vegetation nearby is edible to supplement your food stores. Just because I don’t need to eat doesn’t mean that I can’t. And for your information dryads live in their trees, not transform into them.” Even in her exceptional case that remained true, though she’d never really thought about how it appeared before. “Though you’re right, we do draw sustenance from them.” page 2315 Kiddo Seanchain Kocerou listened politely, but it was apparent that the prince wasn't really listening, merely waiting for Autumn to finish. When she did, he stood and clapped his hands together. "Well then," he said cheerily, "This way. I'll lead you back to our encampment and then I'm sure Leverne will be happy to lend you his horse." ----------------- ((to get Uritai and Falinor into the rp)) Leverne swore with passion, kicking irritably at the empty cloak that Kocerou had been using as a blanket the past nights. The campfire had burned to coals and he had neglected to stir it to prepare breakfast, upon finding Kocerou gone. "At least he didn't let the horses loose or something," the champion muttered, "Uritai! Is anything missing? Hopefully our wayward liege is simply out on a morning stroll and not trying to abandon his retainers." page 2315 Rhina Gatewaye "Nothing is missing. I was up before he left." Uritai said very calmly to the champion. Falinor was waiting near the horses waiting to go. "He would not abandon us as long as we do not abandon him." The female fae spoke again as she packed her bag some more. page 2315 Kiddo Seanchain "I hope not," Leverne muttered in response, "It's hard to tell what Kocerou will do. He's always been a bit unpredictable and I fear what this exile will do to him. Still, best we find him quickly. I'll finish breaking camp - take Falinor and find him." page 2315 Rhina Gatewaye Uri rolled her eyes but mounted Fal to go in search of Kocerou. She didn't need to go to far before she found the wayward exiled prince and the new person that he had found. "My lord. Leverne was concerned to find you missing." While she spoke Falinor studied the dryad. page 2315 Jenannen Autumn groaned inwardly; a decaying forest or a prince who knew little about the people of his kingdom and only politely feigned interest when given the opportunity to learn. Her initial gratitude to the prince for trying to save the forest had evaporated and she now wished to be away from him as quickly as possible.
It being clear that Kocerou wasn’t listening Autumn didn’t feel the need to waste her breath informing the prince that she couldn’t ride a domestic animal. Instead she simply gestured for Kocerou to lead the way.
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Posted: Tue May 08, 2012 12:36 pm
page 2316 Kiddo Seanchain Kocerou sighed as the dragon dipped down over the horizon, stopping in his tracks as there was really no point now to continuing on foot. "I suppose Leverne has noticed I'm missing," he said casually, "See that? That's Uritai and her dragon Falinor. Gods know why they followed me into exile, but they did. So." He waited until the two landed and nodded curtly at Uritai's greeting. "Of course he was concerned," he said, only a slight trace of bitterness in his voice, "Her Majesty would be very upset if something happened to her champion's charge. Have you come to escort me back? I have this lovely fae with me now - she knows the human lands. Can your dragon carry us both?" page 2316 Jenannen Autumn shied at the dragon’s approach. While she wasn’t exactly afraid of dragons she didn’t really have any experience with them either. She nodded to Uritai in acknowledgement at Kocerou’s introduction. page 2321 Rhina Gatewaye Uritai smiled impishly before answering. "Of course Fal can carry us all. He has recovered well from battle." She jumped down to help them up if need be though she doubted the prince needed it. page 2321 Kiddo Seanchain Kocerou strode past Uritai with barely a glance and swung himself up onto the dragon's neck, just in front of the harness. He settled himself well, grabbing hold of Falinor's mane and looking back at the two expectantly. "You don't have any qualms about riding a dragon, do you?" he asked to Autumn, with only a hint of impishness in his voice. page 2321 Jenannen Autumn watched wide-eyed as the prince strode up and mounted the dragon. “I’ve never… umm,” Autumn blushed and looked at the ground. page 2321 Rhina Gatewaye "Come on then. I'll help you up." Uritai said to Autumn standing next to Falinor. The blue and white dragon just waited for all the passangers. "He only bites if I tell him to...or he is hungry." The shapechanger grinned a little at her comments.
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Posted: Thu May 31, 2012 12:10 am
page 2322 Jenannen Uritai’s comments did not serve to ease Autumn’s nerves. While she was perfectly happy on foot she reminded herself that this would be quicker. Besides hadn’t she always dreamed of flying? She stepped cautiously towards the dragon and awaited further instruction and assistance.((Feel free to get her mounted/gloss over her mounting in your reply)) page 2324 Rhina Gatewaye Uritai helped the dryad mount Falinor. Of course that left no room for her but that was alright as she shifted so that she had wings of her own. "Alright. Lets go Fal. Back to camp so mr uptight can relax." page 2324 Jenannen Autumn watched curiously as Uritai shifted. It was not the first time that she had seen a shape shifter. Nonetheless it was not a common sight for her and she found herself intrigued and fascinated as she had been the first time she had seen it.
Now that she was mounted her stomach tickled with nerves. She wondered now about the wisdom of this course of action. She looked about for something to hold and reluctantly clung to the prince. She pressed her head against his back and shut her eyes. Maybe once she was in the air she would feel brave enough to open them. Maybe.
She was, presently, too caught up in her nervousness to wonder who “Mr. Uptight” was.-------------------------Fri’jara watched Leverne and waited for the prince’s return certain that one way or another the two would not be separated long.((We'll toss Fria in here as well if that's allright with you Kiddo.)) page 232? page 232? page 232?
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