|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2014 10:03 pm
 In her quarters, Katya crammed some of her meagre belongings into her flight bag. Aside from the mystical protection tokens that she had gathered, she'd packed some scouting and skirmishing equipment, first aid supplies (should her meagre magical ability not suffice), as well as basic rations, all of which she'd scrounged piecemeal since the beginning of her training with the exception of the rations- recently baked wayfarer's bread that whilst dry would be quite wholesome and did not take a lot of room in her pack. For drink, she carried a large gourd on her hip, since there was no guarantee of fresh water in the foul place they were heading to.
Her role had ever been as a scout, and in keeping with that role she only planned to carry her bow and a utility knife as weapons, with a metal breastplate and light metal spaulders and bracers as protection. She paused as she reached for her quiver, eyeing the woefully small number of arrows it carried. Scout she might be, but her instincts told her that there was a very real chance of a protracted mission, and a larger quiver, though heavier, would certainly not be a bad idea.
Besides, I've been working out. I can handle it.Katya recalled all of her training sessions- and beat downs, many at the hands of the other squire, Lailah. She was stronger now, tougher, and though still frailer than her comrades she was finally a force to be reckoned with on the ground as well as in the air. Although it might be a stretch to suggest she'd grown fond of the stab-happy angel, she'd developed a respect for her, as well as for the rest of the squires. They had come through much together, all the training, the service to the guardians, and now it almost felt like it was coming to a climax.
The question gnawing at the back of Katya's mind, as well as in the pit of her guts, was what kind of climax would ensue. There seemed to be little information on their destination, who or what they would be facing, or even why. Well they would have to save their compatriots from whatever peril they were in, that was obvious, but there were question marks hanging over that also- there were no requests, no demands for ransom, no ultimatums. Not even a head on a pike. If whoever was doing this was trying to send a message, there was only one statement that Katya could think of. "We have your people. Come and get them."
So it was probably a trap. And it seemed they were going to attack it head on. With that weighing on her, she knew only faith in the Guardians would see them through. So she did nor hesitate. Do the job. Place herself at the Guardians' mercy. Make their will manifest. Hopefully come out the other side without any new holes.
The young demon hefted her pack and briskly made for the armory. Some concerns flicked through her mind, from supply lines to strategic reserves, but with the urgency of the situation she was forced to leave most of her thoughts in the corner of her mind as she approached one of the castle's armsmasters. The notoriously laconic demon acknowledged her presence with a grunt and a nod.
"'Lo, Armsmaster. If you can spare one, I need a full-sized quiver and I want all of my special orders in it as well. As soon as you can."
He nodded again and disappeared behind some tall wooden crates, making a din of falling and clanging metal before returning into view, a large, plain but practical quiver in hand, full of arrows. A couple stood out; longer, heavier looking, with strange nocks or unconventional fletching. Wrapped around the leather exterior were some additional bags and cable. As Katya regarded the large quiver, the Armsmaster leaned forward, towering over her. "Looks heavy for you." His gravelly voice carried no hint of concern, as though he was only making a passing observation.
"I'll manage, sir." Katya strapped it about her waist, lashing the cover closed and swinging it around, spreading her wings experimentally. It was indeed heavy, but manageable. "Thank you. Guardians willing, I shall see you to return this afterwards." She merely got a shrug in response, and left without another word.
The young demon intended to fly to the site specified, naturally. There was little suspicion to be raised by angels and demons soaring over most of the isle, but as they approached the forest they would have to either walk or descend to a very dangerouly low height. But Katya could fly at speed, literally weaving between treetops, unseen and unheard. And she could guide others along a safe path if she took the vanguard. Discussions with the monstrozoologist suggested that there was no flying creature in Dragnid that could catch her at speed, but by his own admission, he had never been as deep in the tainted lands as the volcano.
As Katya approached the city's entrance, she was disappointed to find no trace of Dante, who she'd hoped to travel to the site with. She did, however, spot Lailah, who was a little less encumbered and seemed to be waiting for someone.
The demon strode out towards her, waving an arm at the other squire. "Lailah! Have you seen Dante? Has he left yet?"
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:06 am
 They were roused in the middle of the night for their next mission. Of course it would be at night, thought Dante sleepily as he gathered his things and moved toward the normal gathering space where they received their instructions. The chosen of the Guardians must bring light to darkness.
His attitude sombered, however, as their next mission was revealed. It wasn't to be a mission at all. This was the Guardians' final test for them. A rescue, of those faithful to the Guardians who had been kidnapped by the heretics. He remembered hearing of these things, but he had been more focused on gathering his talismans. Dante blushed. He wished he hadn't been so self-absorbed. These were fellow children of the Guardians! He should have paid more attention, cared more. But now was the time of redemption. He clenched his hands into fists.
It was Tansa's words that echoed in his mind as he made his way back to his room to gather the other things he would need. His staff, his flute, his talismans. Food and water. Do not fear, for you are the hope and the strength of the future. He let these words resound in his head over and over again, trying to quell the fear that creeped beneath his skin.
Dante was willing to do anything in service of the Guardians' holy and divine will. He had come so far already. But the prospect of charging headfirst into what would undoubtedly be bloody and gruesome conflict...it made his skin crawl. Sparring with his comrades was one thing. Practicing his magic was one thing. Actually using it to harm, or even kill, another living being...was quite another. The image of the frozen soldiers leapt to his mind and he coughed, covering his mouth. This would undoubtedly be the hardest part of his path to knighthood.
---
After gathering everything, he headed toward the City's entrance, to the place they would take off from. Two familiar forms stood ready to launch. One was a welcome sight, the other repulsive. The thought made him smirk briefly. Balance in all things, he supposed. He'd had quite enough of Lailah during their time together in the fae clearing, but Katya had almost been a ghost to him lately. They had all been so focused on gathering their talismans that there hadn't been much time for fellowship, for him or for anyone else, he suspected. Dante whistled, using a tune he'd used to signal to Katya before, and waved in her direction as he approached at a jog. He was happy to have caught her before she left. This journey would be much more pleasant with a friend than alone.Teigra Lailah's there too I guess xp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 12:47 pm
Finally. Finishing re-wrapping the leather strap around her left hand, which she'd wrapped and re-wrapped several times already to pass the time, Lailah looked up at the little red demon's call. "Nope, haven't seen him," she said evenly, taking in the sight of the over-encumbered archer. "Course, you'd be better off sticking with me if you don't wanna' die."
The comment was made flippantly, as if she was already onto another thought. She started to slowly circle the demon, raising an eyebrow. "Looks heavy for you," she commented, unknowingly echoing the armsmaster. "You gonna' be able to fly with all that gear, or you planning to walk all the way to Dragnid?" She smirked. It was hard enough for Master Hania to get the airborne little demon to walk to breakfast. Walk. Ha.
"Guess there's one way to find out. Come on, enough time wasted. Let's see if you can still fly...and if so, if you can still keep up," she goaded, playing on the demon's pride in her flying abilities. Best way to get her going. At that point, the sharp whistle split the air and Lailah grimaced momentarily in recognition.
Dammit.
She turned a deadpan stare on the approaching green angel. Wonderful. This wasn't a smart trip to take alone. But three was too many in her opinion to travel together discretely. And 'discrete' wasn't the first word to come to mind when she thought of the mute Squire, ironically. As stupid as she thought it would be to set out alone...she'd be damned if she let some fool get her injured or killed before she even got to the real mission.
Now what? If there'd been no other option, she probably could have convinced Katya to go along and watch her back. But with Dante present too...she wasn't likely to be so easily convinced, especially not if Lailah suggested leaving him to go separately.
I must trust my companions, as I may one day depend on them.
Sighing, she released some of the tension in her shoulders. This was just the trip TO the mission. If she couldn't trust one of their companions at that point, then how could she when it really mattered?
Flaring her wings in preparation to take off, she turned to them both and asked flatly, "So, we going or not?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:07 pm
Lailah's usual ribbing by now barely fazed the plucky little demon. While it was true that the other squire's mastery of close combat was far more formidable than her own, at least for the trip over to the rally point Katya's flying skills were more likely to keep her safe than any protection from the angel. "Right. Well if we run into something dangerous on our way there I'll be sure to fly well clear so that you can protect me. And don't worry about this..." She hopped from one foot to the other a few times to demonstrate she could still be nimble with the extra weight, although it took more energy than she'd expected, and definitely more than she would have admitted to her fellow squire. "I am gonna be fine. Really." After a couple more bounces she made a mental note to determine whether or not she could safely stow some of her items at a staging point somewhere at the destination. After she smoked Lailah at flying out, even with all of her gear.
At that, a loud whistle gave her cause to turn and smile at another familiar face approaching. Dante hadn't left yet, after all. He too was geared up and ready to go, jogging towards herself and Lailah. Katya for her part took a couple steps forward herself and gave him a firm hug. Maybe a little firmer than he'd been used to from her, but it had been a while.
"Dante, it's been too long." She stepped back and readjusted her breastplate. She knew that he and Lailah had gone together to sort out some quests, and now hoped that the three of them would make a good team heading over to the mission. One look at Lailah's face told her this might not be the case. Perhaps their excursion had not gone so well. Dante's expression was much more neutral, but at this point Katya wouldn't have been surprised if the feeling was mutual.
For a moment, the demon tried to figure how to avoid a more awkward situation, perhaps by suggesting they split up, but eventually she decided that such a tactical misstep for the sake of avoiding a social inconvenience would be stupid, at best. Lailah was never one to compromise a mission's success, Katya would be more than happy to keep peace if necessary, and Dante was rather unlikely to say anything that would offend.
At Lailah's insistence, she cut her reunion with Dante short. "All right, all right. We're going." She spread her own wings in preparation for flight and with rapid, heavy wingbeats she rose into the sky.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:52 pm
Alethea spent near the remainder of her time in the chapel spiritually and mentally preparing herself. Some of the fear and doubt faded, but as hard as she tried, some remained. She wanted to go into this mission as her comrades would; full of faith and confidence. She'd always lacked the confidence required all because of her lame wing. She couldn't participate in many activities and some of the aerial training. But that did give her ample opportunity to work on her melee skills.
Satisfied and feeling calm, she rose to her feet and gave a final bow and thank you to the Guardians.
"May I serve thee faithfully, loyally and with conviction. I am thy hand on this mortal plain and I will not fail thee."
She returned to her dormitory and stopped to look around and take in a few of the details. She'd lived in this room her entire life. It was a part of who she was. She wondered if when she became a Knight, her living quarters would be upgraded or if she'd stay here. She said goodbye, just in case, to the symbols and trinkets of her youth with a smile.
While putting the protection relics in her pack, she nearly cried when looking at the ancient shield. She really hoped that would be good enough. She had doubts any of the protection relics were real after hearing about the horrible actions of the faun. "No. Have faith Alethea. The wardens believe in you, you should believe in you."
This was it. Time to cook or get out of the kitchen and show the Guardians what she's made of. Time to shine.
---
She had a plan for getting to the meeting point. She wasn't going to ask any of her peers to give up their advantage in order to escort her. Those days were done. She requested special light-weight plate armor that fit her like a glove. It wasn't clunky or restrictive, and provided a moderate amount of protection from physical blows.
"Lady Alethea, wait!" It was the armsmaster's apprentice. "I... I ... made you something." He seemed nervous. "I had hoped to have more time but ..." He pulled back a canvas cover on the wooden skeleton of a large wing structure. "I was working on this for you. It's ... it's almost done. Well it is done, but it's not been tested. I didn't know you would be heading out so soon." He fidgeted with the canvas tarp in his hand a bit, avoiding eye contact. "I can put it on you real quick - that is, if you'd not mind. I know you won't get practice but... You're a squire, nothing bad can happen to you.... And and... I know.."
Alethea was surprised by the sudden actions and attention from the young apprentice. But the thought of flying again brought stars to her eyes. No more slowing anyone down! "How does it work?"
The pair discussed the mechanics of the wing and the physics of how it'd work with her other wing and what type of movements she'd have to adjust to. She'd not had proper in-air training, but she did sit through some of the lessons and pick up a thing or two. The apprentice took Alethea to the training field for a quick lesson on how to use it. It was up to Alethea to know how to fly, but he could provide the means to do.
She was wobbly, uncoordinated and not very good at it, but she did manage some - slightly messy - take offs and landings. It didn't discourage her one bit. She was too excited at the idea of flying with her fellow squires that she didn't even care that it was hard or that she didn't have enough practice.
The Guardians will guide me. They inspired this Angel to make her a wing afterall.
--
She tucked a prayer book in the side pocket of her pack for peace of mind and she was done packing.
Last detail before heading to the landing pad was to pick up Anguish.
With the ranseur, secured, she took a deep breath and made her way towards the teleport to the island. It was hard to not think about her challenge when she passed by her peers who were all ready to take the flight down. She was going to still use the teleporter to get the island, and not risk a heavy fall. She'd take it easy - but still be flying!
The Guardians will protect her from harm. So would Anguish. Nothing could beat Anguish. And with her new mechanical wing, she felt invincible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 6:09 pm
Genesis' anxiety had enough time to build now, after a good amount of time walking through this forest. Looking to Harveer she announced that she was ready to start flying. She was careful to fly high enough, that she was hidden within the trees, but also keeping low. Genesis kept in the direction of the meeting spot, slightly aware of the amount of time passing, but paying more attention to her surrounding as she watched the forest floor from this vantage point. At some point Genesis realized, that she really should have transitioned into Dragnid by this point. She landed on a branch, stopping to look at the map. Yes, she had to be in Dragnid and close to the meeting spot according to the map and the rate they had been traveling. Genesis paused, now sitting on the branch to rest and take a drink of water. She listened carefully, as she took quiet gulps from the pouch. "It seems... too still." She mused. "I would expect more if we are truly in Dragnid." It was true, that their real battle was likely past the meeting point in the dark fortress, but she hadn't expected it to be this easy just to get the meeting spot. No resistance at all, not a single tainted creature. She should have noticed a long time ago that they had entered Dragnid. Life had disappeared, not only were they not encountering dark creatures, but regular creatures didn't seem to dwell in Dragnid like they did in the other forest. "I wonder what is waiting..." she kept her voice quiet, she hadn't noticed any thing yet, but that didn't necessarily mean they weren't there, watching her. They certainly couldn't stop and rest here for long though. "We should be close." Genesis said, determined. When at last, she approached the stone archway, she paused, lowering herself to the ground, but waiting near some bushes that she blended into well, not liking the idea of standing out in the open next to this archways. "No one is here yet." Genesis said. There was no tone of worry in her voice, it was simply a statement. "There is still plenty of time... I believe we left quicker than some of the others." Genesis said, there was no reason to fear that the worst had happened yet. Genesis made her way into a tree, with a clear view of the archway to keep an eye out for the others... and hopefully nothing else. Genesis gave a quick prayer again, thanking the guardians for their protection during the first part of this journey. That didn't change the concern she had that the first part had gone so easy. Genesis thought about the previous tainted creatures she had faced, remember how she had fought them before. It had been a long while since she had actually put those abilities to use. There was only so much practice you could do without a real enemy. She imagined the light flowing through her like blood, this was her last chance to prepare before the real mission began and she was taking advantage of every moment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 6:42 pm
As the Squires neared the meeting point marked on their maps, the forest began giving way to foreign structures. Massive stone walls rose from the landscape, crumbling in some places. This outer wall stretched out through the forest in both directions, and some of the crumbling sections exposed a view beyond of a courtyard.
Upon reaching the actual meeting point, the Squires would be presented with a crumbling archway and a gap in the defensive outer wall. Beyond the outer wall, a courtyard spread before them...or what once may have been a courtyard. Now, it was marshland, where the remaining flagstones lay in disarray; those that hadn't sunk into the muck. Beneath the swampy mess, unseen by the Squires at first glance, runes symbolizing the elements of Air, Water, Fire, and Earth were etched into the ancient flagstones.
Each of the Squires had been given a map before leaving the City. Upon reaching the meeting point, each of the maps would reveal dimly glowing script in the corner of the map.
Before you lies the first trap
set by the heretics.
Those who have gathered
the protection tokens as asked
should have no fear and may proceed safely.
Take care, our chosen.
We have faith in you.
While the outer bailey is open to air, beyond that lies a second inner wall. Directly ahead of the Squires, the opening to what appears to be an ancient guard house, or checkpoint, seems to be the sole entrance to the enclosed fortress beyond.
*****
((This is not a cutoff prompt; you may finish your Squires' journey to the meeting point, then proceed with the information in this prompt.
The Squires' first test is to cross the courtyard and reach the guard house checkpoint on the other side. Squires who have collected the four elemental tokens will have nothing to fear and may cross the area safely without incident. In the post where they do so, please link the RPs as an OOC note providing proof of their having collected these protection items.
For every relic not obtained, a trap will be triggered when they pass over one of the appropriate runes scattered over the land. They do not have to step on one to trigger it, only pass over it. Please play out the triggered traps as appropriate for your Squire.Fire - Flaming arrows will be fired from the inner wall (one hit required, but not fatal - can be healed afterwards)
Water - A torrent of water bursts from the marshy ground beneath them, hitting them with strong force, knocking them back, and drenching them.
Air - A gust of wind will pick the Pae'il up, sweep them high in the air, and drop them on the outside of the outer wall, requiring them to find another entrance point and catch up to the group.
Earth - A sinkhole will open up and swallow the Pae'il. Can be rescued or use a rope to get out, if they thought to bring one. Just remember this is a sink hole in a swamp, so the walls cannot simply be climbed.
Once a trap is sprung, that Pae'il doesn't need to worry about setting off another similar one. Each trap will take off a chunk of HP.
If anyone has not posted at the time of the next prompt (approx 9PM EST on Dec. 14), it will be assumed that their Squire is present at the next checkpoint and will have taken damage for all the traps for which they did not post proof of gaining the protection token.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:23 am
Harveer followed Genesis through their travels, mostly keeping his eyes open to see what was around them. He was only a little hesitant to take flight, not having the ability to blend into the scenery that she did, but agreed with her about needing to fly. It would get them there quicker in the long run. All the sooner to save the loyalists that had been kidnapped.
While he knew his way to Dragnid well enough, he hadn't been sure they had entered it until she stopped and they both checked their maps. With a frown, the teen realized they'd been inside the forest for a while at that point. "I've seen some of the creatures of this forest, and not a single one today..." He responded to her comment. It was far too still, something was off about their trip in.
He nodded, not really feeling the need to comment. They had to be close and there was bound to be a trap nearby. If he kept his head he might be lucky enough to spot it before they fell into whatever was waiting.
"The others will arrive soon enough Genesis. Surely if our own entrance to this tainted place was so easy, theirs was as well." He offered, trying to keep both of them on the positive side. It had been such an easy trip, he couldn't really believe it.
Inhaling deeply, Harveer settled into a waiting stance, half ready, half relaxed. His eyes were fixed out in the distance, waiting for signs of his fellow squires to come through. It was different than he expected, having to search through massive walls and ruined bits of what he assumed had been buildings. On a whim, he looked at his map. He was certain neither would have let the other go astray, but he wanted to see for sure this was the meeting spot. It looked so different from what he had expected, it was only logical he had to check it.
And there was a message, from The Guardians. "Genesis.. Have you looked at your map since we got here?" He asked, looking up from the script. And then promptly back down. There was a trap here, he just had no idea where. But the message said those with the protection tokens had nothing to fear. That was great, he was certain everyone had gathered the tokens as they had been asked to do. "Guardians be blessed, they are looking over us."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 12:38 pm
Having packed his tokens, staff, and rations, as well as a number of supplies for 'just in case' situations in the field, Eligor had then stopped into the chapel for final prayers before leaving. Though he hadn't thought he'd taken that long, perhaps he'd been more lost in thought than he'd believed. Without thinking, he'd assumed Alethea would have been waiting at the teleport pad. Only when one of the castle stewards informed him that she'd already left on her own did the demon stop to consider his assumptions. Of course, she didn't need someone escorting her to the Isle...she was a Squire like the rest of them. Perfectly capable of taking care of herself. He felt momentary shame for letting himself forget that. Besides, the plan was to regroup at the assigned meeting spot and they would proceed from there.
To be honest, they could probably use some quiet time for reflection before the mission truly began.
Nodding in thanks for the explanation, Eligor adjusted his pack and headed towards the edge of the City to take off on his own.
*****
Even soaring down from the City, riding the thermals for distance to save energy, the flight just to the edge of Dragnid still took several hours. Gliding helped, but it was still tiring, and Eli felt that he would need whatever strength he had for the task ahead. He landed shortly outside the edge of Dragnid, peering warily into the depths of the dark forest. Though there were no outward signs of the danger, one could feel the darkness like an oppressive, unseen force. It grasped at one's hope and spirit, seeking to drag them into the darkness of despair.
Though he'd come alone, technically, this far, another set of eyes would be welcome once he entered the forest. Summoning his familiar, he shared a wary look with Amaros before looking back to the forest. "Our goal is deep within. Even if the journey is a success, there is no telling what we will find at our goal."
"We're going anyway, aren't we?"
A wry smile from the Pae'il in reply. "Of course we are. Those poor souls need help."
"Let's get on with it then."
With that, the dark-colored Pae'il and the softly glowing feline familiar took their first steps into the dark forest.
*****
Eligor had taken to checking the map more and more frequently, much to Amaros' growing irritation. Or perhaps it was this place making him moody. It was oppressive and heavy. Even though they'd encountered surprisingly little resistance in their progress, the very forest itself seemed to weigh on them. Having noticed the feline growling at one point, Eligor had dropped back and muttered a soft word, laying his hand on the familiar's head. It had helped calm him for a while, but the strange, creeping feeling of wrongness returned little by little.
A massive stone wall blocked the view to their left. Having encountered it some time ago, they'd continued to travel towards the meeting point while keeping it in view. Not hard, as tall as it was, disappearing up into the looming trees overhead. What was this structure? It was massive! Yet, Eligor couldn't recall reading anything about a structure this deep in the dark forest. There was the volcano that sent up smoke from the center, but...
He glanced at the map again, puzzling over something in the corner. That hadn't been there before... As the text began to become more visible, he realized that he and Amaros were no longer alone. Fortunately, it was voices he heard...voices he recognized. Pushing through the foliage, he emerged with Amaros at his heels at the planned meeting point where two others already waited. "Genesis. Harveer," he greeted each with a nod before looking around again. He eyes alighted upon the archway, then passed to the marshy courtyard beyond. Remembering what he'd just seen about this being the location of the first trap set by the heretics, he silently noted that away with the details of the scene.
"No one else yet, I guess?" It occurred to him that he'd covered most of the distance by flying, so that had probably taken some time off the journey. Depending on the approach methods the others chose, they could be appearing at varying times.
No need to worry.
Yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 2:12 pm
After arriving on the landing pad near the docs, Alethea realized exactly how far away she was from the meeting point. But it was safer than just falling off the city again. She took a deep breath and a running start and flapped her one working wing, causing the other to move similarly. She couldn't turn real well with the prosthetic wing, but it did give her the advantage of flying - even just straight bursts.
She worked out a rhythm with her power giving short bursts of speed for her to propel towards her goal so it wouldn't wear out her seldom used flight muscles. It wasn't the most graceful thing ever, but it achieved her goal. But considering the lack of sleep and amount of physical exertion from her trip with Eligor, she was an exhausted mess by the time the checkpoint came into view. It took every last bit of her willpower (and fear of the forest) to keep from stopping to take a nap. She did pit-stop for some re-hydration and snacks though. Her poor back muscles ached something awful so she'd have to use a little healing magic as she could to keep from collapsing from the pain. She saw Genesis, Harveer and Eligor already there.
She'd just come off a burst of speed and was coming in too fast, and her landings were awful at best. She'd tumble head over heels each time she landed (She looked a disheveled and a dirty mess). She flew in fast and hard towards the trio, slamming her foot on the non-existent brakes (figuratively).((Feel free to have her crash into y'all razz or just watch her slam into the muck. ))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 12:51 pm
From her vantage point in the tree, Genesis stared off into the 'courtyard' beyond the arch. Watching the murky marsh, she remembered the last creature she had faced in the swamp. It had been her first true test as a squire after all that time in the classroom. How appropriate that it signaled the start of her final test. Genesis had done well then, and hoped that this might be a good omen of her fate. Everything else she had seen so far just told her they were walking into a giant trap. She would continue to have faith in the guardians though, despite her doubts. Genesis looked at Harveer, broken from her thoughts once again. "No, I haven't." She said, there was a hint of curiosity in her voice. She knew what the map looked like, why was it so important that she had looked at it since they arrived. Genesis made her way to Harveer to see what he was talking about, she saw it clear as day on his map and then pulled out her map to see that the exact thing had happened to hers. "You have all your tokens, right?" she questioned him. Hearing someone approaching, Genesis became still, until realizing it was Eligor. There was some relief to seeing him, the first squire here that wasn't her or Harveer. "None have arrived, but us." Genesis confirmed. There was still plenty of time. Genesis wondered how long they should wait before assuming the worst and proceeding. That would be a difficult call to make. All of a sudden, another squire was incoming... too fast. Genesis attempted to reach out to Alethea to stop her from crashing, but the angel slipped right through her grasp. Genesis winced, a crash like this could potentially cause quite a commotion. It could potentially jeopardize them, but Genesis was certain whatever they were facing already knew they were there, despite all precautions. She chose to show concern for her fellow squire instead. "Alethea, are you injured?" Genesis tilted her head at the squire's new, prosthetic wings. She hadn't had those last time Genesis saw her, "You must be sore..." Genesis thought outloud, thinking that if this was one of Alethea's first times using the wings she would likely get blisters where it made contact with her skin, at least until she developed the calluses. If that was the case they should definitely get her rested and healed before proceeding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 4:56 pm
The angel smirked, "Got them all shortly after the notice went up. You have all yours too right?" He asked, only to notice another set of feet moving towards them.
It was just Eligor. The pale one remained tensed for a few more moments, listening to see if his peer had been followed. And then a question was asked. Harveer nodded in agreement to Genesis, none of the others had shown up before Eligor. "Unless they already entered well ahead of us, I think we were amongst the first to leave." He offered, casually coming out of the tensed stance brought on by approaching foot falls. "Do you have all of yo-" Promptly cut off as he spotted Alethea headed straight towards the three of them.
Thank the Guardians that his reflexes were fast enough to leap into the air and break her crash with his own. Ouch, that was gonna hurt. "Everyone alright?" He called, trying to downplay Alethea's crash. That had to be embarrassing. He couldn't even begin to imagine how bad it must be to only have one wing much less the replacement that didn't really let her land too well, not that he was much better with his own pair of wings. "Or at least covered in muck?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 8:46 pm
The beginning of the question had caused Eligor to frown, reminded that for all his other preparations, he was coming to his without some of the most important preparation he should have had...
The sudden commotion was a suitable distraction to dispel the thought for now. Instead, all the Squires seemed to spring into action, alarmed. It took Eligor a moment to process what he'd just seen, and by then, Harveer was already trying to help Alethea from the mushy ground.
Eligor rushed to offer each of them a hand up, but he kept staring at Alethea and the odd contraption on her back in slack-jawed wonder. "That...looked like a hard fall," he finally managed to say, shaking off his shock for a moment. "Are you both alright?" As he hadn't been much help in the initial fall, he could at least help deal with the aftermath. Eligor took a moment to focus and pray, his hands starting to glow with a healing light as he looked his companions over for obvious damage.
As he worked, he couldn't help but reveal his wonder.
"Alethea...you...you flew..."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:00 pm
Alethea sprang up, adrenaline still rushing from the crash. It hadn't even occurred to her to maintain any discretion or silence for the mission because she flew. For the first time in her life, she was like her peers. Her spirits were soaring.
"The Guardians! Oh my gosh, the Guardians helped me fly. I flew! Eligor, I actually flew!" She was so excited and talking a mile a minute. "That... that landing, was nothing compared to the one that ... nevermind, I FLEW!" She jumped up and clung to Eligor in a mucky, squishy bear hug of celebration. After a moment, she released, realizing what she'd just done and backed away, her face warming in embarassment.
After she calmed down, she felt bad and grew small. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry Harveer. Sorry Genesis." She reached out to try and wipe some of the swamp muck off of Harveer, apologizing profusely in the process. "I didn't mean to crash - are you okay Harveer? I didn't ... break anything ... did I?" She wanted to help with the healing, but she was on an adrenaline high, with most of her magical energy drained from the trip here. She needed to maintain some energy if they were to still rescue their own.
She really had no idea the seriousness of the feat ahead of her, because her mind was so distracted with flying, it was hard to think of anything else.
I flew! I really flew!
Now she had to figure where in the mud her prosthetic wing had gone, as it had somehow fallen off in the crash.((She's gonna follow y'all's paes into the booby traps, so don't wait on me. She will be springing two of them anyway.))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:33 pm
At the first sound of the heavy, leathery wing beats, Lailah had begun pumping her feathery wings like an echo. She didn't even look to see if Dante had anything to 'say' as they took off. There wasn't much needed to say right now anyway. They had a long flight ahead of them. Lots to think about.
Soaring from the City, at least it wasn't unusual to see angels and demons in flight at all times. As they neared their destination, they'd have to be more careful, but for now, they could save time and energy by focusing on speed through riding the thermals in open flight. Nothing more than tiny specks in the sky, they could cover the equivalent of several hundred miles down on the isle in only a few hours. Better than days.
Though they were free to converse as they traveled, Lailah kept her silent, focusing instead on the task to come. Oh, she'd heard some of the whispers about her, how she could seem 'paranoid' in her manner of always looking for enemies around every corner. Always assuming that every minute they wasted not bettering themselves, the enemy was doing the same. She didn't think of it as 'paranoid', more...'cautious'. Alert. Aware. They could not prove she wasn't correct, after all.
She certainly didn't think she was being paranoid now. No, there was something very odd about this, even if she couldn't put her finger on it just yet. The dark forest crept into view over the horizon, casting a shadow over the land where it touched. Time to descend. The plan was to go low, but stick to the air. Silent and swift.
The dive was exhilarating, dropping down, down, down towards the ground, then the strain at the flare of her wings, the shift in momentum, then suddenly they were in the trees. Heart pounding, adrenaline pumping. Let something get in her way! She was ready!
However, their progression was swift...and that only made her suspicions grow. Something was off about this. Where were the dark creatures? It was as if...the forest were deserted. Well, aside from one cheeky little squirrel-rat-thing that attempted to jump from a limb into her wings as she passed. Tucking her wings close, she barrel rolled, passing between two trees and heard a satisfying squeal that was soon left behind. The angel grinned to herself and flew on.
The meeting place neared and the manic flight soon slowed as a result. Close enough to find the rest of the way on foot, the angel descended carefully to the forest floor, golden eyes moving constantly, seeking out signs of danger. The forest was oppressive, closing in on them as soon as they ceased their mad dash....but still no sign of the horrible beasts.
Their absence may have been as alarming as their presence. Perhaps more so, as they'd been expected. Eyes narrowing, Lailah waited until the other two had also landed and quieted before aiming her glare in Katya's direction.
"...Trap?"
She heard voices nearby...other Squires. Sounded like they'd found the place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
