♡ = Acquaintance ♡♡ = Met enough times to like them ♡♡♡ = Consider a friend ♡♡♡♡ = Considers a good friend ♡♡♡♡♡ = Best Friend ❤ = DislikesXXX❤❤ = Extreme DislikeXXX❤❤❤ = Loathes/Hates ❤ = Has a crush onXXX❤❤ = Confessed Feelings forXXX❤❤❤ = In Love withXXX❤ = Mate ¤ = Afraid of ☐ = Hasn't met Ⓕ = Family ☑ = Has met ☒ = Hated Enemy - will not interact with this person
✤ A Strange Occurrence X - Finished - 5 points ✤Finding of Food X - Finished - 5 points ✤How many days has it been? X - Finished - 5 points ✤The Caravan X - Finished - 5 points ✤The Village X - Finished - 3 points ✤ A Disturbing Revelation X - Finished - 3 points ✤ Distractions - X - Finished - 3 points (Class solo)
Character Name:[Tilawen] Desired Class:[Spirit Worker] Current Location:[Jahaur] 1 Set-up Journal: Done 1 Month's Time - Well past 25 RP Growth Points: 29/25
✤A Strange Occurrence X - 5 points ✤Finding of Food X - 5 points ✤How many days has it been? X - 5 points ✤The Caravan X - Finished - 5 points ✤The VillageX - Finished - 3 points ✤A Disturbing Revelation X - Finished - 3 points ✤ Distractions - X - Finished - 3 points (Class Affinity Solo)
Weapon - Using Weapon Extension (Be long enough to be used as a walking stick)
Hair: Using Comb - slightly change her hair to look more like this -> X Not bangs but her hair being tucked behind her ears in a sweeping fashion like in the image. (since her hair is covering her ears a reminder that they are pointed life Leaf tribe)
Clothing:
Adding cloak - X full length with hood please. Hood down this time. Simple in design and plain in colour. (artist can decide on colour but keep it..dull/deep in hue) Adding Shoes - anything simple in design thinking slip on type. Adding change of clothes (will buy more if needed to do this) -X - this sort of design (peasant dress) You can fiddle with the length of the sleeves but should remain off the shoulder and have a low neckline. (this was bought for her and not of her choosing or preferences) Adding Gloves - finger-less gloves as she needs to be able to feel her tarot cards. Depending on the length of the sleeves of the dress will determine if they go up to her elbows or not. She wears them because she is self conscious of the burn scars on her lower arms/hands. Using Dye x 3 To alter colours of cloak, dress to whatever suits her. I only request (even though it looks so awesome on her) no golds. Trying to go for natural/neutral colours. She feels her eyes and hair make her stand out enough.
Things to note:
Please make sure her bracelet (in her current stage) is included in her next stage (it is her most precious item) it is to remain a simple silver band.
Can she please heart have an unhappy/irritated feel to her. She has had a rough life. I would be most thankful <3
Body Type: Modest in the bust (dresses usually make them appear bigger than they are) and wide hips. Think pear shaped but nothing too extreme. Preferred Artists: Peppermint Coffee did her original lines and colour would be preferred but if not then -> Missmisnomer (lines) / Peppermint Coffee (colour) or Lilia (lines) / Peppermint Coffee (colour)
Livestreaming: Sure ^^
Stage 2 -> Stage 3 Requirements
Battle Growth Form
Character Name:[Tilawen] Class Promotion: [Dream Walker (Shaman) ] Current Location: [General area, ie: Zena] Journal: [URL Link] Growth Points: 3/35 Battle Points: 0/5 EXP
RP Growth Point Links: ✤ Time Staying Still X - Finished - 3 points
EXP Growth Point Links:
Class Quest Solo: [This solo should be completed prior to submitting for growth but after all other requirements are completed.]
Items:[Items are only those purchased through the shop or won through contests. Weapons must be bought before growing!] Body Type: [If you see a particular body type for your chara, feel free to say so. Big, tall, muscular, curvy, bottom heavy, whatever you feel is right. Please keep it realistic when growing: a curvaceous wide-hipped character in stage 2 is not likely to shrink their bones in stage 3] Preferred Artists: [List your top 2-3, just in case your first pick is unavailable] WIPs: [Are you open to having wips or livestreams posted/sent before the art is finished or do you want it to be surprised?]
The Major Arcana Tarot cards form the foundation of the Tarot deck and consists of twenty-one numbered cards and one unnumbered card (the Fool). They represent a path to spiritual self-awareness and depict the various stages we encounter as we search for greater meaning and understanding. In this way, they hold deeply meaningful lessons.
The Major Arcana Tarot card meanings illustrate the structure of human consciousness and, as such, hold the keys to life lessons passed down through the ages.
Cups
The Suit of Cups Tarot card meanings deal with the emotional level of consciousness and are associated with love, feelings, relationships and connections. Cups are about displays of emotion, expression of feelings and the role of emotions in relation to others. The Cups Tarot cards indicate that you are thinking with your heart rather than your head, and thus reflect your spontaneous responses and your habitual reactions to situations. Cups are also linked to creativity, romanticism, fantasy and imagination.
Pentacles
The Suit of Pentacles (also known as Coins or Disks) card meanings cover material aspects of life including work, business, trade, property, money and other material possessions. The positive aspects of the Suit of Pentacles include manifestation, realisation, proof and prosperity.
Pentacles deal with the physical or external level of consciousness and thus mirror the outer situations of your health, finances, work, and creativity.
Swords
The Suit of Swords Tarot card meanings are associated with action, change, force, power, oppression, ambition, courage and conflict. Action can be both constructive and/or destructive, sometimes resulting in violence. This suit can also mean hatred, battle, and enemies, and of all the suits, this one is considered to be the most powerful and dangerous.
The Suit of Swords deals with the mental level of consciousness that is centred around the mind and the intellect.
Wands
The Suit of Wands Tarot card meanings are associated with primal energy, spirituality, inspiration, determination, strength, intuition, creativity, ambition and expansion, original thought and the seeds through which life springs forth. Wands deal with the spiritual level of consciousness and mirror what is important to you at the core of your being. They address what makes us tick – our personalities, egos, enthusiasms, self-concepts, and personal energy, both internal and external.
Wands are also indicative of all things that you do during the day to keep you busy, be it working at the office, home or the great outdoors.
She had been taking shelter as a brief rain came down from the cloudy sky above. Walking stick in hand as it helped during her long treks support her aching legs. The scars that traveled up her legs and arms..they ached. Always they ached. A constant reminder of what she had lost so many years ago.
It had taken her several years to find herself and to be honest she couldn't honestly say she knew who she was suppose to be. Kindness was rarely shown to her as she moved through village to village. Skinny she barely found enough to eat and if she was lucky enough to find something valuable to trade it was often to have her ragged clothes mended. Numerous patches covered her pants, her cloak and shirt. But new clothes were a luxery she couldn't afford. Not now, and most likely not ever.
Idly she played with the bracelet on her wrist, her gaze pointed upwards waiting for the first break in the clouds. The bracelet was the only thing valuable she owned, it had belonged to her mother and it was the only one she cherished. The rain wasn't fierce it rarely was on the border of Sauti and Tale, but she couldn't risk getting wet and sick. Taking a deep breath she released it to watch the cloud form before her. Shivering as the dampness still seemed to seep the cold to her very bones.
The shower finished quickly and this meant it was time to move on. The scraggly tree that had offered her shelter was hardly cover and she would need to find somewhere else to shelter for the evening if she didn't want to get caught outside once night fell. A fire would need to be made and something to eat found. Sighing she dropped her hand from her wrist and stepped out and into the open again. Angry clouds were still over head but the winds were quickly disbanding them. Still..she better hurry in case the Gods decided to change her luck.
Silently she moved forward, Tilawen wasn't the type to humm or sing a song while she traveled. Instead and perhaps from a young age she always was silently observing the world around her. Losing her mother at such a young age...being left alone in a strange village still healing from her burns was a tough lesson for her to swallow. People could be exceptionally kind, like the old woman who had taken pity on her after her mother had died, and then there was the cruel, uncaring and coldness that she most frequently came across.
Tilawen learned to avoid people when she could, only coming in contact with others if she was desperate. With her eyes to the sky she didn't notice the body at first, laying strewn across the road still and haggard looking. It wasn't moving and because it didn't move she didn't notice it in her peripheral vision. It wasn't until she was on top of it that she became alarmingly aware of its presence.
"Ah...! ..my hand..."
The deep voice rumbled from the ground causing the young woman to nearly jump out of her skin as she looked down and realized she was standing on his hand. Stepping backwards in alarm the man on the ground withdrew the harmed limb to his body.
"Ah....ah.." The voice spoke again a sputtering of coughing emitted from his throat as he pulled his bedraggled body upwards. A matted beard, his hair a mess with clothes that looked as if they had been made of fine materials at one point screamed be wary of this one. Looking away she went to step away from him, to continue on the animal trail she was following only to jerk to a stop.
"..please...stop....help.." He spoke, pleadingly like a broken man, at first her bitterness caused her to step away but after a few steps her sympathy won her better judgement. Giving a small shake of her head she turned around and squatting looking the man in the eyes. Though she didn't like people and she had her fill of them, she stared into his dark orange eyes like it was a silent challenge before she went to his side and helped him to his feet.
He wasn't as heavy as she was expecting, in fact he was alarmingly light, the clothing hung on him betraying the recent hardships he must of endured to lose such a rapid amount of weight. He needed a healer, not her. Still the closest village was some distance away, there was no way to reach it before nightfall. This meant she was stuck with him....until the next day.
Tilawen moved him along, his head hung as if it was taking all his energy just to shamble his feet. They were going nowhere fast, not that it mattered to the young woman it wasn't as if she had anywhere to be or anyone to meet.
It had taken some time to find a suitable place to rest, sheltered from the weather as well predators. She had propped him up against a rotting log and ..removed her cloak to cover his frail body. It wasn't cold yet, but he was going to need it more than she at the moment. Gathering twigs and any bits of dry tinder she could find (which was difficult since it had rained not too long ago) and she stubbornly began to make a fire.
Rocks gathered to encircle the flames and stop it from spreading she carefully and timidly summoned a small flame. It was something she had picked up watching other magic users on her travels. Mimicking the different ways people had summoned it, from using words or gestures she worked her own way of doing it. But fire...was still something she felt greatly uncomfortable dealing with.
The scars on her body ached whenever she looked at it, and she often had to force herself to stop trembling from the fear of it. Crackling sounded as the fire took, quick to skitter backwards as she watched it slowly eat the fuel she had provided.
Greedy thing.. The young girl thought to herself as she went about preparing the rest of the camp. The smoke would keep most predators away, at least in these hills and she needed something to give the man...water was about all she had on her though. That and a few herbs she had gathered on her travels.
Bringing out a small clay cup, a large crack going through the side of it but still usable she filled it with water from the small canteen she had on her. Looking at her selection of herbs she choose one she felt would help with strength and using a small rock and anvil began to grind it up. Sprinkling it into the water and then carefully putting the cup near the fire so it would heat up. A slow and arduous task that wasn't even for her. Her green eyes glanced at her...newest acquisition questioning why she had felt the need to help him. Perhaps...it was the desire to have someone help her. Knowing that if she was in such a situation that the person wouldn't leave her to die.
A groan from the man startled her, she skittered back several feet watching him with a wary gaze. He opened his eyes a look of confusion written across his face. He attempted to sit up but found he lacked the strength, her cloak dropping off his chest and into his lap. Tilawen watched him, carefully she grabbed a stick she was using to prod the fire and reaching forward moved the cup away from the fire. She had gathered grass to wrap around the cup and since the grass was wet it wasn't going to set on fire.
Moving she wrapped the cup and moved over to the stranger and handed it to him silently. Dazed he looked up at her, rolling her eyes she squatted down and then offered him the cup again. A look of distrust immediately sprang to his face and sighing she blew on the cup and took a drink herself. He obviously didn't trust others....they shared something in common it seemed but she didn't go to all this trouble to have him die on her.
She offered the cup again, although reluctantly the soothing herb water made her desire more, but she only had one cup. They sat in silence, perhaps trying to gauge each other, to anticipate the next move when finally the man sighed saying something unutterable before his trembling hand reached up to clasp the cup. His hand shook fairly hard and Tilawen watched as precious liquid spilled onto his clothing.
Unable to stand watching it waste she reached up to steady his hand and help bring the liquid to his lips. His hands were large and broad and very dry and cracked, resembling the state of her own fingers. Tilawen greatly disliked the fact she was touching him, but she couldn't bare to see the precious liquid wasted either. Once he had managed to get a majority of the liquid down she removed herself and went to sit closer to the fire. It was going to be a cool night and without her cloak she could risk catching a chill.
The pair of them sat quietly neither of them saying a word to each other. Tilawen didn't trust herself to sleep in case the fire went out. But she was hungry and tired, she had used up precious energy carrying this man and she wasn't use to that. Against her will sleep claimed her.
Word Count: 1692 Points: 5 Status: Finished
Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 9:00 am
Finding of Food
She awoke with a start the fire was nearly out and she could hear the gentle drip of water hitting the ground. Shivering she gathered herself up, stiff from sleeping in such an uncomfortable position. Rubbing her eye, she picked a stick up and poked at the remaining coal. Hoping to find some with some heat in them still so she wouldn't have to start the fire from scratch. Looking around she tried to spot her cloak, her green eyes scanning her immediate area before landing on the slumped form of the man she had picked up yesterday.
Surprise and alarm ran through her, she had forgotten about him and in her distracted state sent a flurry of ash and charcoal into the air. Coughing she swiped the dust away from her mouth taking a step backwards to avoid getting any of the ash on her clothing. Even her coughs were quiet as she wasn't the type to really speak up. Still her gaze went back to the figure who was....sleeping? She assumed on the ground her cloak still vaguely covering his skinny frame. Nervously she chewed on her thumb, before finally taking a step forward to inspect him.
Was he...dead? The cup was on its side on the ground before him. The crack was still there but at least it was intact. Looking for signs that he was alive was harder than she thought it would be but finally she noted the very slight rise and fall of his chest. Alright he was breathing, but she new if she couldn't get some real food into him soon his fate may be sealed.
Her own stomach growled in anger as she had not eaten since early yesterday. Taking her canteen she allowed herself a couple mouthfuls before she carefully went to retrieve her cup. Filling it with water she left it beside the man and quietly moved away from him. Stocking the fire she looked up, the few trees she had managed to find were offering some cover from the small shower, but if she didn't get the fire going much like the man it too would be out.
Adding what dry tinder she could find she managed to revive the fire. Her canteen would need refiling and if she was lucky she'd find somewhere to gather more. How she wished she could summon water...though she was able to learn fire (against her better judgement) water felt to be much more useful in times like these.
Shivering she gathered her hair up, tying it back before she went out on her hunt. Finding water seemed to be the easiest thing, food on the other hand not. Hunting for her was...not a skill she ever required. Not that she had the weapons necessary to successfully hunt. Still she managed to find a half dug up root, probably some animals breakfast until it got interrupted. As well a handful bitter tasting berries. This would normally get her through the day, but if she was feeding the other guy.... she would need to find more.
Tilawen dropped off the food she had managed to muster together, her gaze dropping back onto the still form of the stranger. He had yet to stir but with the fire going and food on the way she wasn't too concerned. What else would she be able to do? He was on the bring on starvation and dehydration all she could do was try and get his strength up. Leaving she resumed her search for food. It was arduous and it made her breath catch in her lungs, she had returned to where she had found the half dug up roots, and began sifting through the dirt and mud to see if any more could be retrieved.
The result was her hands and most of her arms being covered in mud but it was well worth it. The roots had been deeper but still mostly intact and thus they would get more out of them. Coming back her arms laden with what she had been able to carry she stopped as she noted the man was sitting up again, the cup empty and on its side and the berries she had gathered gone. After careful inspection though she discovered the berries...half eaten spat out beside him. Angry at the waste she silently moved towards the fire and carefully began clean off the roots. They would cook in the coals and once done she could remove the tough outer skin.
The man was wheezing, her cloak discarded at his side and she had half a mind to go retrieve it and put it around her own bare and shivering shoulders. But she didn't move, in fact she ignored him as she went about preparing the roots for eating. Into the coals they went and then it would just be a matter of waiting. Sitting she acted at if his plight was non of her concern, or that cooking roots took the utmost attention as her gaze never wavered.
Once hot the smell of them was off putting, but she knew they would taste better than they smelled. Another stick went in to retrieve the smoldering roots and now she would have to wait for them to cool to remove the tough outer skin. Her green eyes glanced towards the man and she was curious and alarmed to see that he was watching her. Or ..at least his vacant stare in her direction was him being alert and hopefully not fever delirium. If he had a fever she didn't know what to do with him. She couldn't afford medicine nor could she drag him around trying to find someone who would take him in.
Being dark skinned as he was, he probably would receive similar treatment as she had in the past. Standing she moved over to him, wary but determined as she retrieved her cloak and after a moment of deliberation returned it to his still form. Then picking up the cup went to refill it with water and placed it as close to the fire as she dared. Hot water aided in digestion and the roots would be hard to digest but at least keep them full for awhile.
It was a shame the berries had been wasted for they could of been made into a jam of sorts to dip the root in. Though she had recalled her first time eating the berries, she too had thought them extremely bitter and possibly poisonous so could she really fault the man for spitting them out as well? Well ..yes since he had gone ahead and eaten them without her consent...but at the same time he was in desperate straights so...
Conflicted she was irritated with her emotions. Sympathy for his situation and the annoyance of having to look after him. Silently she went to pick up the roots, flinching and dropping one as it was still too hot to handle. Moving she sucked on her pained finger tips before carefully checking the rest. Finding the coolest she went about removing the skin, unable to stop herself as her stomach had been grumbling since the day before and demanded she eat something now.
It was warm, with little flavor. A bland root but at least it was something. It would fill her stomach and that was what she needed. Eating though never felt like it was enough and she was sharing this time. Looking over to the man she looked at one of the other roots and finishing the root in her hands she picked this one up and peeled the skin off of it before shuffling over to where he was laying. He was giving her a dazed look, aware but with too little strength to do anything.
Offering it to him there was a long moment of silence. With him staring at what she offered but not reaching for it. Sighing she knelt down, tempted to eat it herself but knowing better than to do that. Using her fingers she broke the root until it was small enough to feed to him. He ate it...although relunctantly. And she felt weird hand feeding a stranger. Still the root was consumed and she offered him some more water which he drank.
Peeling more roots she ate another one, her stomach growled in anger wanting more but there was nothing left after she fed the man the last root. What time was it now? It was late afternoon and all she had managed to do was feed them some small bits of food and water. The weather looked to be improving and the area was drying off so that was a bonus.
Tilawen had lost track of the days, how many had it been since she had picked up this half dead Oban? Slowly she was helping him regain his strength. With constant food and water and large stretches of sleep the man was becoming more mobile and unfortunately more talkative. Tilawen almost preferred when he was half alive to his incessant questions and attempts at 'small talk'. She did however learn his name Bharaxx. Reluctantly she had given him her name as she was tired of being referred to as 'girl'.
"I am tired of roots...can you not find anything else to eat?" Came the complaint from the Oban man which irritated her. This had been a new thing, since his gain in strength he was 'tired' of foraged food and yet he wasn't exactly in the best shape to go off on his own yet. In fact she had hardly seen him get up since she had found him. Sipping her water and drawing her legs up to her chest she turned her head away, a clear indication she wasn't listening to his complaints.
"You are being quiet as usual...don't you have anything to say? I know you can speak so you aren't mute...though you may as well be." Bharaxx muttered his fingers coming up to brush through the tangle of a beard he had grown.
Tilawen didn't respond as she was instead listening intently, she could of sworn she heard other voices. And strange voices could mean all sorts of unpleasantness. Quickly emptying her cup she carefully tucked it away in the folds of her cloak before she rushed over to Bharaxx's side. Her hand came to cover his mouth as he was about to say something else.
She hated to touch him, but she had little choice in the matter as she indicated with her free hand to be silent. There were few options, they couldn't outrun the people approaching them but neither could they stay and possibly fight. Green eyes darted around as she found the best possible option which was to hide. A hand reached up to grab her wrist, although the strength in the grip was still weak it meant business.
Pulling her hand down Bharaxx looked cross.
"What is your problem?" He spat before she quickly covered his mouth again. She shook her head and gestured in the direction she had heard the voices. They were getting closer.
"Come. Hide." She managed to say quietly as she yanked on his hand to pull him up from his spot. It was a good thing that he was getting stronger and was actually able to stand on his two feet. Pulling him she pointed to some rather dense foilage that also happened to be covered in thorns. She went to enter the bush to meet resistance from the man.
"Are you insane?" His hissed looking appalled at the very notion of having to hide in a thorn bush. Tilawen only gave him an eyeroll before she darted in by herself. It hurt of course, thorns weren't exactly the most ideal place, but it would be unlikely that the people would search through them.
"Hey...did you hear something? Maybe there are people here...I saw that smoke so there has to be someone here." The voice that spoke was unfamiliar, male and sent shivers up her spine.
"Eh? Well maybe they will be willing to share their fire...not sure when we will happen upon the next town. " Came a second voice, this one distinctly female. Tilawen hunkered down onto the ground, trying to get herself below the thorns and as flat to the earth as possible. Bharaxx though seemed to delight in the fact there were other voices.
"Yes! Here, we are over here." He called out much to the chagrin of the young woman.
Don't include ME in this you idiot. Tilawen thought to herself as she did her best to remain still.
Bharaxx was talking, he sounded much more pleasant than he was speaking to her, it was interesting to see this normally whining man actually speak pleasantly. Ignoring what he was talking about to the strangers she hoped he would leave with them if he was so eager to trust strangers. Serve him right if he got himself killed, she thought crossly.
Tilawen stiffened as the bushes she was in rustled, someone was actually trying to get in here? Skittering back as far as she could without leaving the safety of the bushes one would swear she was hissing.
"She's in there...if you would be so kind to help me retrieve her.. I apologize she isn't use to others." Bharaxx's voice spoke gently and kindly and it made her skin crawl. A hand reached down through the bushes and managed to locate her upper arm. It clamped on like a vice and hauled her up against her will. She was not at a good vantage point to fight back and so she did the only thing she could think of...play dead. By going limp her body would feel much heavier than it actually was, though...she hardly weighed much as it was and the one who had dragged her out was a very burly looking man.
Both of them were covered in scratches and her green eyes locked on the man and instinct took over. She clawed and fought until she was exhausted which wasn't very long and once she had succumbed she was placed gently on the ground.
"Oh mai...the two of you look like you've have had it rough." The female voice spoke stepping up from behind the burly man.
"Alas...we were mugged by bandits and left for dead. If it wasn't for this girls sheer determination to survive we both would of been goners. " Bharaxx elated and it earned a stare from Tilawen. He was lying to these strangers...there may of been bandits in the chapters of his life, but she certainly hadn't.
"I apologize..she is ...very skittish around people she doesn't know." Bharaxx apologized for her behavior even though if felt like a web of lies was starting to be strung. "She is my neice, we were traveling to Tale when we were attacked. I am not sure how many days we spent in this little camp but it feels like months." The lie was growing, niece? Even if they shared dark skin they looked nothing alike.
"You poor things...why don't you join our caravan? We have a small cart and some food we can share." The woman inquired looking towards her companion for co-operation. Panic was the only thing that could be described on the young womans face. Although the burly man had released her she was tense and seemed about to flee as fast as her legs could carry her. Perhaps sensing this Bharaxx came up and put a hand on her arm, she gave him a sharp look that turned to puzzlement seeing his casual smile.
"We would be grateful. I know that some warm food and a bath would be a great comfort." Tilawen wanted to rip her arm out from Bharaxx's grasp but she was tired, covered in scratches and ..the mention of food was very tempting. Especially since her stomach growled in anticipation. Hanging her head she supposed she had little choice but to go along with his lie.
But as soon as she could she would try and get away from them. People who were too kind were suspicious.
They were lead backwards towards the trail that Tilawen had been traveling until she had stumbled upon Bharaxx. Their 'caravan' was nothing more than a cart being pulled along by a large creature on bipeedle legs. Bird like with a large beak. Tilawen was wary of it and gave it wide berth before the strangers began to dig through their things. Some dried food was retrieved and she felt her mouth begin to salivate. Perhaps it was her intense gaze that caused Bharaxx to react but he stepped forward and accepted the food graciously.
"Thank you we are in your debt. If it isn't a bother we will travel with you..until we reach the next town."
The man and woman looked at each other and nodded, they had already offered to have them travel together so it seemed odd that Bharaxx would make the request again. Still the oban slowly turned and then offered a piece of food to Tilawen who eagerly snatched it away from his hand. It was dried meat of some sort..she couldn't even recall the last time she had meat but she began to chew on it, finding that it was tough and made her jaw hurt. Then again she had been only eating soft foods...so instead of giving up she sucked on it, softening it as she watched the couple.
Word Count: 1554 Points: 5 Status: FINISHED
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2016 9:55 am
The Caravan
The couple it turned out, wasn't a couple but distant cousins who happened to be traveling together to see the world. It was odd, seeing people joke, tease and otherwise get along quite well together. Tilawen sat at the back of the small caravan feeling the cart sway back and forth on the uneven path. Bharaxx was making 'friends' with the male whilst the female was left to tend to her. At first Tilawen had become withdrawn, unwilling to connect with the strangers who had taken them in. But never haven ridden a cart before she had gotten sick, throwing up whatever small contents that were in her stomach. It was wretched this feeling. But the woman, Jaian had come to her aid, washed out the vomit in her 'clothing' and hair and even brewed her a concoction to help settle her stomach.
Reluctantly Tilawen began to allow her closer, to tend to her when she was ill and the young woman thirsted for knowledge. Eventually she found herself watching everything Jaian was doing. Mending clothing, cooking, cleaning. They all were mundane tasks, her cousin Var did most of the hunting and once Bharaxx had gotten enough strength back accompanied him. It was the first time Tilawen didn't have to worry about her day to day life, everyone here was supporting each other, but deep down she knew it couldn't last. As Bharaxx's 'neice' she knew the facade would eventually fall apart.
No matter how you put it, they didn't look remotely related. The lie would betray them at some point and Tilawen wasn't going to allow herself to become attatched to the people who had generously taken them in. She learned many things while they traveled together, mending clothing had become a delicate task that Tilawen had no knack for. She was able to sew the simple seams and stitches but anything finer than that was beyond her patience.
Cooking was another challenge. She wasn't use to having spices or salt to help flavor things. In fact when left in charge of cooking she either made the food so bland it was unpalatable, or put in so many spices it was uneatable. Jaian was patient and would often correct Tilawen as she went about helping prepare the nights dinner. Being able to eat so regularly was a blessing and Tilawen would never waste anything created even if it ended tasting terrible.
"So Tilly, add just a pinch of pepper and salt to the pot...wait no I said a pinch!" Jaian exclaimed with a bout of laughter as Tilawen corrected the amount of both spice before putting it in the pot. Tilly was a nickname Jaian had given her and though Tilawen wasn't enamored by it she didn't bother to correct her either. They were alone again the men having gone off to trade at a small village various pelts for needed items to maintain the car as well food and clothing. They were cooking slowly together, as Jaian was trying to get Tilawen more confident in her cooking skills.
"Tilly, I've always meant to ask your Bharaxx's niece right? Was it your mother or father who is related to him?"
Ah the dreaded probing. Tilawen had been able to avoid for the most part any discussion about her history, since it was a lie that she was Bharaxx's neice she felt the less she had to lie the better. She was terrible at lying.
"M..my mother.." Tilawen replied slowly as ...that was a lie but she knew her mother was Oban so it was the closest truth she could manage. She made a mental note to inform Bharaxx of her talks with Jaian so that he knew what was going on. To suddenly gain a sister would certainly be news to him.
"Oh so is your Uncle just taking you to see the world? You mother must be worried, we were lucky to find you guys after those bandits attacked." Jaian continued in her annoying chattering fashion. In one way Tilawen was thankful since it meant she didn't need to talk much to fill in the void. Jaian spoke enough for three people.
"...my..mother isn't worried..." Tilawen spoke, causing a raised eyebrow from the woman cooking beside her, and she realized she would have to elaborate. "Ah...my mother has passed away....I was young....so.." Tilawen stumbled over the words and was thankful that the sensitive nature of the topic could cover up her awkwardness.
"Oh...I am..sorry .." Jaian replied and for once she went silent, perhaps she wasn't entirely sure how to proceed with the conversation as it were.
"Well your father must be worried."
The silence didn't last long.
"I never knew him.." Tilawen responded curtly, her hand beginning to shake as she tried to cut up vegetables for their meal.
"Oh."
The silence returned and Tilawen was thankful for it. The less she had to tell the woman the better. They worked in silence for a bit longer, but she could sense that Jaian was burning with questions. Things were going to get dangerous if they continued to stay with these people too much longer.
"We have returned!" The deep voice belonging to her cousin Var startled Tilawen causing her to cut herself with the knife.
"Var! Look what you did you frightened her!" Jaian chastised as she noticed the blood dripping down Tilawen's hand. "And she is hurt! Come here Tilawen I'll look after it." Tilawen didn't even have a moment to protest as she was dragged away from the men and towards their small tents.
Jaian wasn't a healer by trade but she could wield magic and the small amount of healing she knew was ample enough to mend the small knife wound on her fingers.
"I am sorry Tilawen...it sounds like you've had a rough life. Its a good thing you have someone as caring as Bharaxx looking after you." Jaian spoke and Tilawen felt herself cringe. She knew less about Bharaxx than she did these strangers.
"Oh..did that hurt? Sorry I am not much of a healer...I'll try again slower this time."
Ah so she didn't realize that Tilawen was cringing for other reasons. The flap to the tent opened revealing the looming form of Bharaxx.
"Everything okay in here?" He inquired in his good nature manner,
"Oh yes all patched up!" Jaian replied as she dropped Tilawen's hand and went to leave the tent. "I better go back to making dinner. Why don't you take a moment to talk to your uncle Tilawen. Enjoy yourself." She managed in her annoyingly considerate nature.
Left alone she avoided looking at Bharaxx before drawing her legs up to her chest.
"We can't keep this up forever...she keeps asking questions...." She trailed off in her low whisper, forcing Bharaxx to enter the tent so that he could hear her. He had his hands behind his back, and if he had been holding a knife there she wouldn't of been surprised.
"Don't fret...the town we want is coming closer each day, we can part with them there." He explained discrediting her fears before he pulled his hands out behind his back. She expected to be hit, attacked and flinched her eyes clothes only to hear a ruffle of fabric.
Opening an eye she noted that he was holding a ...dress in his hands. Cocking her head to the side she stared at him blankely. Was this a joke?
"I bought it for you. You need something better than those rags your wearing currently." Bharaxx explained looking proud of himself as if he had managed some sort of tedious chore.
Tilawen continued to stare at it. It wasn't extravagant, it was a simple dress and yet...a rush of emotions she didn't want to confront flooded her. She turned her face from him embarrassed.
"Why?"
"Why...? Why what? Its embarrassing seeing you dressed like a beggar. If we intend on blending into the new city you can't look like that." He explained a bit hotly his expression looking sour, he tossed the dress at her and it fell at her feet.
"Put it on." Bharaxx ordered a tone he used when he was used to getting things his way. Though even as she reached for it she was more confused about his words. Did he intend to continue traveling with her after they parted with Jaian and Var? Why? Wouldn't it be better if they just parted ways there?
"I said...put it on..now." Bharaxx's voice started to sound dangerous and as she raised her head she realized that...he was quite imposing. Looming over her, his tangeled beard had been shaven off and new fresh stubble was in its place. He was a harsh looking fellow with an expression like that and it was quite threatening as he stood over her.
There was something dangerous about Bharaxx that fake smile he put on for Jaian and Var ...just how much of it was a facade? She went to undo the stings to her shirt, allowing it to slip down she expected something else to happen except...Bharaxx had turned and quickly exited the tent. Alone she wondered perhaps if he was decent.
The dress although simple in design was still confusing for someone who had never worn one. She managed to slip it over her head and wasn't too pleased with how her breasts seemed very exposed at the top. It all felt alien to her and her legs bare she slipped her worn pants back on. It was better than way, she felt too exposed. The dress fluttered around her ankles delicately and she marveled at its movement as she did a small turn.
She supposed she would need to come out, although she didn't see a reason to.
The dress unfortunately was still being worn by the young woman,Jaian had insisted she keep it on as it was 'much better' than what she had been wearing. Tilawen was still unsure about it, she felt like her breasts were being exposed with the low neckline and her legs felt uncomfortably bare. But at least it had a long hemline all the way to her ankles. Though it wasn't the last gift from Bharaxx either. New shoes, a new cloak...all the gifts made her uneasy as it caused her to feel like she was in his debt. Though he never asked for anything in return, she still recalled his reactions with the dress.
The arrived into the village a few days after all her new gifts were received, she was still getting use to her new shoes and now that she was 'cleaned up' and 'presentable' she discovered she drew a lot of gazes in her direction. Bharaxx seemed to recongnize this and after they parted 'emotional' ways with the cousins. Tillawen still could feel the woman's embrace as she hugged her in an emotional farewell, though Tilawen wasn't so sure she missed her non stop chatter she was left with a feeling of emptiness when they parted.
Not..that she was alone, in fact Bharaxx was still with her oddly enough. The village was a small one, and somehow Bharaxx had acquired money, what exactly had he been doing while they were traveling? These questions often on the tip of her tongue were never asked. After all they barely knew each other, despite the gifts Bharaxx had given her she had the feeling he had been embarrassed to be seen with her before. She figured, that now they had reached a village, were in better health and strength they would part ways here but the oban never indicated that he wished to part ways, in fact he kept up the charade of her being his niece. Since it was a lie since the beginning it was easier to go with the flow rather than protest.
They had rented a room at an inn, there was entertainers there singers dancers and all sorts of people from all over Tendaji. Tilawen drew many looks, perhaps it was the stark contrast of her red hair against her dark skin or her vibrant green eyes either way she felt out of place amongst all these people.
"Bharaxx, why do we keep up this lie?" Tilawen finally managed to ask one night as they were preparing to sleep for the night, originally she had wondered if Bharaxx had intended to do other things, but they had separate beds and he never once indicated wanting a sexual relationship with her. Though it didn't mean she didn't catch him on occasion staring at her as she dressed, though that hungry look never lingered long it left a deep impact on her. Trying now to never change or undress while he was in the room unless absolutely necessary.
"We need a way of making money, today I think I will teach you how to read cards." Bharaxx deflected her question as he normally did, he had purchased a deck of tarot cards and wanted her to tell fortunes. Tilawen didn't believe in such things but she had no means of objection to his decision.
"al..right. But if you already know how why do I need to learn?" She inquired as she slipped her cloak around her shoulders, adjusting it and lifting the hood up to cover her head, she didn't like the looks she got, but her choice was nullified as the oban man came up and went about putting the hood back down and began fiddling and adjusting her hair. The touch was too familar and it sent shivers down her spine.
"First, stop trying to hide from the world. Second people are more drawn to a young woman than a old man like myself. They would see you as fresh and vibrant."
Those were hardly terms she would use to describe herself. Fresh...vibrant it felt like he was trying to sell the idea to her. Tilawen didn't bother trying to put her hood back up, as she was use to him acting this way, always trying to draw attention to her rather than himself. What...was he hiding exactly?
"....It still seems easier for you to do it." Tilawen protested with a sigh, adjusting her cloak so it covered her shoulders at least. Her wardrobe had expanded a bit, but she always found it too...revealing for her tastes. But then again, all her clothes were gifts from the Oban.
"Nonsense, your smart you'll catch on easily."
And that was the end of the conversation. For the next week he spent whatever waking hours teaching Tilawen the ins and outs of the cards. Their meanings how you could weave tales with them. To be honest...she actually didn't mind it. Having something to focus on besides...living with each other was honestly refreshing. Silently she would watch as he explained the cards, the images the meanings of each. How you could weave a story of fortune or misfortune depending on the order of the cards.
It took perhaps weeks for her to learn them at a beginner level and there was a point where their relationship was starting to feel...normal. Tilawen still enjoyed being alone, but having someone praise her, want her to strive for something better reminded her...of much younger days. It was the small things that broke through her high walls, a bit of praise, a smile it made her almost feel as if Bharaxx ...could be her uncle. Perhaps she was letting herself be fooled by the lie as she was letting her guard down. Much to her..regret.
Word Count: 1001 Points: 3 Status: Finished
Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 12:24 am
A Disturbing Revelation
Laying out the cards before her, the red haired woman looked at them with a seriousness that almost seemed as if her life depended on the outcome of what was revealed. Picking six cards at random Tilawen began by flipping over the first one.
The Tower.
It meant various things, but it was to reflect how she felt about herself. Sweeping change could be occurring that she feared would happen and become catastrophic. It could also indicate that she wanted to move...but such progress would be thwarted. Frowning as she stared down at the simple image of a large stone tower before she went to flip the second card.
The Wheel of Fortune.
The second card often reflected what one wanted most. A turning point in her life and positive change could be seen in her future. Hesitating as she looked upon the image of a spinning wheel she raised it to her face inspecting it closer. How she wanted change....it wasn't like she believed these cards told the future, as one could easily sway the revelations to fit any persons vague personality. But some days she it was uncanny how accurate they could be. Laying the card down beside the Tower she reached for the third one.
The Hanged Man.
The third card represented her fears. She was in a place of indecision and was having problems letting go. Placing it along with the others she reached for the forth.
The Hermit.
Signalling that she shouldn't rush decisions, she should observe and rest. Another representation was of time as the image showed a man bearing an hour glass. Perhaps...time was healing old wounds of hers. As she went to lay the fourth down her other hand reached for the fifth.
The Devil.
It wasn't like it was the first time she had ever drawn this card. Often representing obstacles or things that are going against you, the image of a demon like humanoid of stories to scare young children stared at her. Its dark skin like pitch. It was telling her...no warning her not to allow herself to be dragged into the world of wants and silly materialism. She was to be wary of this...and if she traveled down this road of addiction it would lead to many hardships in the future. It joined the rest in a simple pyramid layout as she stared at them in a group like fashion. It felt...too close to what was actually happening in her life. Uncomfortably real. There was one last card to draw and it made her...chew on her lower lip. What would be the outcome? Broken promises? More hardships? Death perhaps?
Sighing she went to flip it over.
The High Priestess.
That..was surprising. A woman dressed in fine robes, a regal pose and firm stern expression stared back at her. Tilawen was to expect good things to occur...if she managed to keep a clear head and listen to her gut instincts.
Overall her fortune was warning her, not to allow herself to be swayed or rushed into making any decisions and to allow time to adjust before moving on. There would be hardships if she allowed herself to follow a path to ruin but if she resisted and trusted herself things would turn out alright in the end.
Lightly she tapped the card against her forehead before she went to place it amongst the rest. There was a loud creak as the door to the room opened. Tilawen was gathering up her cards in a hurry to clean them up off the floor, she didn't want to be cause Bharaxx to slip on them. About to stand up and greet him in her usual quiet fashion she stopped surprised to see that...Bharaxx wasn't alone.
A young...man was with him. Fair haired...probably one of the Wind tribe, they both looked pleasantly pleased with each other and were laughing lightly.
"Oh.." The younger man went quiet as he took note of Tilawen's presence. He was even younger than herself. "I didn't know you had a daughter," He spoke, his voice at that strange period where it cracked in occasion, betraying just how young he was.
"Oh..no no that is my niece. Did you get those errands done that I asked of you Tilawen you best be off before it gets too late." Bharaxx spoke, his double meaning and his look..that fake smile...she felt her body shiver again as she caught the side glances he was giving the lad.
"Ah...yes...I was just about to leave." Tilawen felt her tongue tie up in knots...why did she feel like something horribly wrong was going to happen if she left the room? Although she wasn't sure of Bharaxx's intentions she got the feeling that..once she left she would deeply regret it.
Still...she had no reason to stay, none. No excuses she could come up with so..instead she bowed her head as she went to leave, silently walking past the two noting how Bharaxx had his large hand on the boy's shoulder. Her stomach turned, she wanted to pry it off the boy but..instead she left. Walking down the the hall she heard the door creak shut behind her and Bharaxx and the wind boy's voices becoming fainter with each step.
Walking numbly down the stairs she left the inn and began to wander the small streets of the village they were staying in. It reminded her too much of her old life...wandering aimlessly. Moving to sit down she took out her cards again and ...shuffeled through them, observing each image...each meaning or multiple meanings they contained. Anything to get her mind off of the wind boys smiling oblivious face. It was like she was watching a young animal coming to slaughter...she felt sick to her stomach again.
"Are you telling fortunes lady?" Came the curious voice of a child, looking up she noted it was a shifter, her skin slowly turning white as night approached.
"Yes...why don't I weave you a tale...pick ..six cards." Tilawen started slowly as she fanned the cards out for the girl to choose. A look of delight on her face as she excitedly reach for a handful, and after carefully counting the ones she had, returned a few extra she managed to pull out as well.
"Flip over the first one.." Tilawen instructed softly, as the girl went about doing as instructed.
"The Wheel of..Fortune.. a symbol of good luck..." Tilawen began to explain, drawing a small crowd around her as she tried to distract herself from reality.
Tilawen had stayed out late that day, it wasn't that she couldn't go back to the inn she was too worried about what she would find there. So instead she had forced herself to do tarot readings, accepting a few coin for her work. The dark skinned woman was still uncomfortable dealing with people but it was better than being left with her thoughts. The longer she did the readings the better she was getting at spinning fortunes. She was desperate to keep the people around her if they left she would be alone and for the first time in her life she didn't want that.
It was getting late though, and people were just not interested in staying out at this time. Finally she was alone, she poked at the coins she had earned and was surprised by the generosity of others. It was a modest amount, but even that amount surprised her since she didn't ask for payment in the first place. Scooping them up and placing them into a small pouch she had on her. The weight of it was unfamiliar as it was often Bharaxx who dealt with money matters. Looking up she noted that being in the jungle the temperature only lowered slightly it was still fairly warm out and she felt almost over dressed with her cloak on.
Walking she began to wander, her footsteps leading her through the village, most shops were closed at this time of night but the few vendors who were open were packing up. Several spoke kindly to Tilawen offering her a chance to look at their wares before they closed for the night. She took them up on their offer as anything to keep her from going back to the inn was a welcome distraction. As she didn't want to waste their time she picked up a few novelty items, a small shiny stone, a discounted pastry and a few other things she wasn't entirely sure she needed.
It was this point that she was faced with two choices, go back to the inn and face whatever happened there or stay out. Uncomfortable with either choice she meandered in no particular direction. Spotting on the edge of the village a strange old woman who seemed confused. Tilawen watched her, the crone was muttering under her breath but there was something...unearthly about her as she moved. A shadow was following her and Tilawen wondered for a moment if she was going to be mugged.
Taking an involuntary step forward she was relieved, alarmed and confused as the figure turned out to be a large lumbering creature of clay and earth. What...was that? The woman was speaking to it as if she expected a response though from what she could tell it had no mouth to respond with. Nor.. eyes...or ears... Curiosity, a deadly thing for one like Tilawen caused her to timidly follow the woman who was exiting the town.
"I know you are there...why don't you come talk to me instead of being my distant shadow?" There was almost a laugh in her tone and it caused Tilawen to frown, was she being mocked? Sighing she hung back unwilling to go forward and watching the weird ..thing traveling beside her, still trying to figure out..what it was. She had heard things like these existing before...strange things made of the elements...was this woman a shaman?
"Quiet one.." The woman spoke looking to the strange elemental at her side, she was wielding a staff and Tilawen had figured it was more of walking stick than for fighting seeing as the old woman was leaning heavily upon it. Tilawen found herself stopping as she reached the edge of the light the town cast. It was like a invisible barrier was preventing her from moving forward.
"Your curious...are you not?" Came the crones voice from the darkness, both her and her companion now vague shadows in the dense forest before her. Tilawen felt her body resist moving forward, there..was just too much to think about. The last time Tilawen had grown attached to someone elderly they had died and left her alone. But no one was telling her she needed to make any sort of commitment with the crone. She didn't need to hold allegiance to anyone. So why was she hesitating?
Bharaxx was one reason, and although she wasn't liking what she was discovering about him with each passing day she did owe him a lot. It was a bitter feeling, why couldn't he of just parted ways once they had gotten to the village? Tilawen knew the reason, because she was afraid, afraid things would go back to the way they were before she had met him. Struggling to survive, barely living. She wanted so much more for herself...the tarot cards offered a way to make money (meager as if may be) and..the possibility of learning magic... meant a way to protect herself.
"Suit yourself girl, but...my time is short..." The woman spoke as the shorter of the two shadows began to move forward and out of sight.
"Wait!"
The word was brisk, desperate and for a moment the red haired woman didn't realize it had come from her mouth. There was a chuckle deep from the shadows,
"Meet me here tomorrow morning...I will see if you really want to learn what I have to offer." She muttered giving a click of her tongue.
Left alone Tilawen strained to see the shadows that were no longer there, morning...she was to return here and see what the woman had to offer.
Turning away she looked over her shoulder as if she was hoping to see the woman and her strange companion one more time before she headed back. There wasn't any other option really, she had to return to the inn her few precious belongings were there and she braced herself as she pushed the door to their room open.
The room was lit by only a single light, there was no sign of the young man but she felt herself cringe as she stepped inside the room. Bharaxx ws in the room laying on top of his sheets staring up at the ceiling. She felt her throat close as his orange eyes locked onto her, she went to turn away,
"You can hate me..if that makes you feel better."
His words felt like pins into her skin, she couldn't meet his gaze, the silence heavy in the room almost stifling. There was sound as he stood up and walked towards her,
"Do you hate me?" He asked his tone almost demanding a response, her head turned to find him startlingly close. At a loss for words she dropped her gaze one hand coming up to touch her bare arm under her cloak. What could she say? Risking a glance upwards she saw an immeasurable sadness beneath his gaze, and yet a grim determination.
Looking away she took a light step away from him,
"I...don't ...know...maybe." She replied soft and slowly, she knew she shouldn't like him. But beyond speculation she couldn't assume what Bharaxx's true intentions were with the youth. If she asked him would he tell her the truth? If she demanded it perhaps he would? Instead she moved towards her bed avoiding looking in his direction. She slipped her coin purse under her pillow gently before she listened as there was a irritated sigh coming from behind her. The sound of his foot steps led him out of the room, the click of the door closing behind him as he left the room.
Alone in the room she felt her knee's grow weak as she managed to catch herself from falling and pulled herself onto the bed. What...was she to do? Avoid him? Leave him? Tilawen knew she needed to part ways with him, but she felt she had become too dependant..she would meet up with the old woman tomorrow...she would learn whatever she had to offer. If it meant she could get away...she would.
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