Elements in the story that they encounter: 8. stairs & 12. spiders
Before she asked any question or spent her time to get out of confusion, they started it.
"Once upon a time -"
"Hey that's so old-school," a voice interrupted. "Didn't we talk about it? Last time you messed it up, so this time's my idea." The voice was slightly annoyed. "Guy..guys! Our audience is still waiting, let's start over again." A third one joined.
"Ahem, this time for real." The first voice cleared its throat (if it had). "Once upon a time there was an Evil Queen. Rumors said she owned some gold and hid them inside a secret chamber inside the castle. The King was dead and she became the ruler of the Kingdom. Evil as she, the citizens of the kingdom were worried. Through narrow dark alleys, people had been told the Queen caught innocent people for experiments.
'Have you heard that?' A housewife asked. "What?" The housewife washing clothes next to her along a river blinked. "The Queen! She had been catching people to turn into gold through alchemy!" The exaggerated expression matched well with her tapered voice. "Really? That's scary oh my." The woman dropped the fabric to cover her mouth.
It wasn't the only rumor spread out in the kingdom, but one that most people talked about. A brave kid was determined to find out the truth and might be dreaming to be a hero by doing so. The Queen's castle was big, and he spent some time to look for the possible location of the secret chamber.
After many failures, he finally narrowed the scope to a dungeon underground. Holding up a torch for light, he went downstairs from one of the passages. Down and down, the stairs seemed to be forever. It was dark and confined, the further he went, the harder he felt his breathing. His footsteps echoed in the small area, the bounce back scared even the bravest boy.
Time passed without knowing, he reached the bottom. He sighed in relief but weird noises coming from behind the door made him enter alarm mode. Gulping to encourage himself, he turned the door knob and he found - SPIDERS!" They suddenly shouted after having telling the story with a quiet calm voices.
"So-?" She asked, and they were disappointed to realize she wasn't scared at all.
"And-that's not funny-it turned out the Queen was keeping some super adorable jumping spiders. She wanted to retain her evil impression that she kept that a secret. After the King passed away, it became difficult to guard the Kingdom by herself against some neighboring kingdoms. The End." The voice used a lazy tone after failed to achieve their goal.
Shu gazed at the lights and silently judged.
OOC
My character's name: Dong Shu Lei, Shu for short (Black) Character's journal link: Pat the raven BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER: Petite and light, she's just like a baby raven. The female knight apprentice wore a set of light dark armor had a body better than the hunter in another world, small but not flat bless. Abundance of raven hair was tied up and adorned with a small raven skull pin, she was nicknamed the "Child of Raven". Cheerful, friendly but serious in her battle, Shu's choice of weapon is a pair of chakram that matches with her swiftness and agility.
Jason ventured away from his two friends, hoping to give them some space and for him to try and control his own emotions. He couldn't just continue to mope around when they might need him in the future. He'd figure out how to make it up to them somehow.
Swimming through the lake though certainly helped to calm him down. It was such a relaxing activity that he enjoyed it immensely. As he swam though, he could see little lights floating above the surface, bobbing around and weaving little patterns.
Soon enough, he found the lights were floating towards him, and as they flew about his head he became aware of tiny voices of laugher.
..Did that mean they were.
"O-oh, A-are you faeries?" He asked them. Their response was to laugh in merriment and to ask him a question.
"Hear a story?" He repeated, but before he could agree they had already begun.
OOC
My character's name: Pokerus Character's journal link: Here! BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER A girl with with shirt under a brown vest, brown gloves, dark leggings and a pair of boots. Has long brown hair and brown eyes Rank of character knight.
"Once upon a time, there was a woman who owned a very special lantern. It was said that this lantern would lead it's owner to the greatest treasure. However some evil giants had heard about the magical lantern, and so they kidnapped the princess and threatened to eat her if she did not give them the lantern. When she refused, they locked her away in a dark castle and said they would eat her in the morning if she did not change her mind.
Afraid, the woman escaped the castle by using some bedsheets to climb out the window. She then ran through the dark forest, using the lantern to guide her way. When she exited the woods, she followed the light of the lantern Until it lead her to another castle. This was home to a prince, whom she fell in love with. The two then got married, and lived happily ever after.
"Oh, and the giants died from dysentery."
OOC
My character's name: Pokerus Character's journal link: Here! BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER A girl with with shirt under a brown vest, brown gloves, dark leggings and a pair of boots. Has long brown hair and brown eyes Rank of character knight.
The lake thus far had mostly been used to cure his ailments and mend the wounds that he had collected from his journeys and battles. As well as a place to spend with the family he was reconnecting with. It took some time before Milo just took a moment to sit upon the rocks and just sit by and and take in the tranquility of it.
It really was just breathtaking. At times the water just seemed so still, and when it rippled it was in such harmony that one would imagine it orchestrated. It was peaceful. A place one could just stare and think about nothing.
Milo found himself attempting such a feat, until he hears a chorus of giggles rising from the lake itself along with a few playful lights. Some slid across the surface and many flit around his face as of exploring him curiously. He paid them no mind at first, even reached out a hand to one.
"Would you like to hear a story?" One asked.
"Oh, are you fairies by chance?" He realized. Or even just spirits perhaps. But they didn't respond. "But, I wouldn't mind one." He replied then to their inquiry. Something told him that they would have gone on to tell him one even if he refused.
Aaa, it was going to begin like this. Milo grinned and settled himself a little better on his rock. Hopefully it would be a tale of valor and adventure.
"- there was a tree who owned some shields."
.... Okay.
"But that is the end of the tale really, because the tree wasn't always a tree as not everything starts out what they once were. Sometimes magic is involved and it can either bring happiness and good, or sadness and evil." The spirit thought about that for a moment before even adding in, "well, sometimes I guess it could be happiness and evil and sadness and good too. But that is not the point, that is just digressing.
"The tree. It was not always a tree. It was once a princess; beautiful, brave and true. She could fight with the strength of a hundred bears, dance with the graces of the wind nymphs, and sing with the voice of the muses. The villages loved her.
Except one. An evil witch who grew jealous of the attention the fair princess gained and the favors she received from princes far and wide who wished for her hand in marriage. She wanted to be revered as she was but everyone saw her ugly heart that matched her ugly exterior.
So, she did the only thing she could think of, what most evil witches did to those they did not like. She cursed the princess. She hit her with a spell that looked like lightning (because we wanted you give you a visual of what it looked like) and turned her into a tree.
Those that loved the princess were so very sad and laid her shield against her trunk. And soon others placed their's among the many to show their respect.
The end!"
Milo gave the spirits a curious look as they finished their story. It had all the elements of a heroic story, but it turned out to be a rather sad one in the end. The poor princess. But at least she still had those who loved her, even if the tale itself was a little odd.
"Um... thank you.. for your story, it was... alright?" He told them.
"Once upon a time, there was a noble steed. It's form was gallant, strong and almost magical. It held in it's teeth a strange lantern. It glowed warmly, lighting it's way as it travelled. But where was it going?"
Kitty stared blankly at the sprite spinning her tale. These sprite's truths were about as reliable as a drunkards ramblings. But they healed her, so why not.
OOC
My character's name: Kitty "Kiki" Peterson Character's journal link:Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Chicken Queen Rank of character Apprentice Sacred Points obtained: 15/100
"One day, the Steed came upon a tower. High, high up in the only window of the tower? There sat a beautiful Princess." This got Kitty's attention. She slowly sat down and all ears were for this Sprite.
"Help~ Cried the Princess. She asked the steed for some way down, for a wicked darkness had put her in that tower. Unable to get down on her own, she'd be resigned to death. But the noble steed would never leave a Princess in such a state. Calmly, the steed approached the tower, and the dried grass and thorns that decorated it's base. With a mighty swing, it smashed it's lantern against the flammable foliage!"
Kitty's jaw dropped.
The sprite grinned. "Why!?' Asked the Princess; 'Why would you do that? Surely I will burn to my death now!"
"But the steed remained calm, and simply waited. The flames climbed higher, and the Princess became desperate. She leapt from the tower's window and grabbed into a nearby tree branch. Quickly, she climbed down until she was close enough to fall onto the Steed's back."
"Once there, she looked up at the burning tower. It had seemed so much bigger when she was trapped inside. But now? Really, it hadn't been that tall at all. All that time, the Princess could have saved herself."
"And so, the Steed and the Princess galloped off into the sunset, and lived Happily Ever After~."
Was this Sprite trying to say something? Or was she just drunk off lake gases?
OOC
My character's name: Kitty "Kiki" Peterson Character's journal link:Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Chicken Queen Rank of character Apprentice Sacred Points obtained: 20/100
The lake was a welcome reprieve. Cool and clear, the water washed away the aches and pains, very nearly taking away his thoughts along with it. Some he would have been welcome to leave behind. Let them drift away across the glassy surface. Some he clung to, played them in his mind, analysed each and every hazy detail.
It reminded him of the river, the hard current that beat at sore shoulders as he and Julian had laid in the sun after the succeeding at the quest they'd been set upon. Like then, he soaked this up, savored it, let it stretch out and out...
He didn't immediately notice the lights. Their shimmer was easily mistaken for the play of sun on water, but they didn't quite move the same. He watched them lazily as he floated on his back, let the water around his ears block out the world around them. Not moving until they were rising from the water to drift over his head.
The fluttered over his face, giggling merrily until he lifted his head enough for them to beg a story from him. It made him frown, unsure what exactly to tell them, before sighing.
"Once upon a time there was trader, but this isn't a story about him. This is a story about his horse. You see," he started, pretty much making it up on the fly. It probably wasn't going to be the most creative story ever, or make a whole lot of sense, but he hoped it'd at least prove entertaining to the lights.
Fairies?
OOC
My character's name: Ezekiel Young Character's journal link:[o] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Ezekiel is the strong quiet type. He is not terribly outgoing, though he is amicable enough in social settings, albeit it witty and ironic. He is practical and analytical, meaning he is unlikely to act recklessly or take risks that do not benefit him in some significant way. On those occasions he gets someone he does show loyalty and will even work to keep them safe up to a certain point, though he is a selfish individual. On the battle field he is calculating and cold. Physically he's tall and well muscled from various tasks and labors. He has dark, auburn hair and tanned skin. One eye is green, the other, a milky white, has a scar running through it that stretches from jaw to temple. Rank of character Knight Sacred points 5/100
"What made this horse interesting," he continued, treading water easily, drifting lazily back towards the shore until he felt his feet touch the lake bed again. "Was that it wasn't just any ordinary horse. This horse was once a prince, and an evil witch cursed him after he refused to marry her."
It was stupid, he knew it was, and he didn't care. The faeries kept circling, apparently entertained, and the water still felt good.
So he continued. "The trader, of course, didn't know this.
"One day, when they were walking down a rocky road, a dragon attacked them. It ate the trader, shoes and all, leaving the horse free to gallop away with only a slight scorched look to his tail.
"Lucky for the horse, the trader had kept his wares in his saddle bags. Not just his wares, but also his gold.
"After many days and nights of aimless roaming along the country side, fleeing from many dangers, the horse finally came upon a small, wizened figure in a cloak. She saw through curse immediately, and she called to the horse, beckoned him closer, and very kindly offered to reverse it.
"Because this wasn't an ordinary old hag. She was also a witch. The spell was revered, and the prince was restored. So over joyed was he, that he flung his arms around the old hag's neck and gave her a kiss, giddy with relief.
"When he drew back she was no longer hunched, no longer wizened. She was a beautiful maiden, with pale hair and fair skin. He asked her to marry him, and she accepted.
"Instead of going back to his original kingdom the prince and his new bride made a home for themselves in field they had found each other in, living off the wares and the gold, trading and peddling good luck spells."
When he finished looked up at the faeries expectantly, brows raised. They gave a last joyful giggle, circling faster, before fluttering off. After a few moments he waded towards the bank, climbing out of the water to go hunting for his clothes.
OOC
My character's name: Ezekiel Young Character's journal link:[o] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Ezekiel is the strong quiet type. He is not terribly outgoing, though he is amicable enough in social settings, albeit it witty and ironic. He is practical and analytical, meaning he is unlikely to act recklessly or take risks that do not benefit him in some significant way. On those occasions he gets someone he does show loyalty and will even work to keep them safe up to a certain point, though he is a selfish individual. On the battle field he is calculating and cold. Physically he's tall and well muscled from various tasks and labors. He has dark, auburn hair and tanned skin. One eye is green, the other, a milky white, has a scar running through it that stretches from jaw to temple. Rank of character Knight Sacred points 20/100
Soren took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air. It was hard to believe that he'd just managed to escape a dungeon, that the Great King was dead, and that the Great Knights were breaking apart. Not when there was such a feeling of ease in the area.
He relaxed without truly thinking about it, worries fleeting as he began to feel rejuvenated. Soren found himself lazing by the edge of the lake, idly watching the lake before realizing that the movement wasn't merely ripples or light glancing off the but sprites. Sprites approaching him, fluttering.
Would you like to hear a story?
OOC
My character's name: Soren Character's journal link:Here! BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Medieval version of him. Rank of character Knight
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Just about the only way this lake shore could be any better is if it had a banquet laid out. Sacha didn't ever want to move, laying spread-eagle on the grass and staring at nothing, finally feeling the worries and pain leak out of him the longer he stayed near the lake, the guardian healing those who rested there.
He raised his head enough to see the lake, watching it and then noticing the dancing beams of light moving erratically. Not light then, something living. Something with a brain. Sprites, mischievous little creatures.
Not really worth his energy but he also didn't mind when they started to tell him a story.
OOC
My character's name: Sacha Character's journal link:Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Like my avi but medieval. Short. Rank of character Knight
Once upon a time there was a goat that came to Camelot. The goat was old, barely able to hobble along, but he had no problems entering the castle.
For unfortunately the citizens of Camelot had been struck with a horrible illness. Dysentery was ruthlessly killing those it touched, and those who had not be affected hid in their homes.
Finally the goat wandered into a stable, bleating pathetically until the stable boy finally staggered to his feet, coming to see what the noise was about. He was sick himself, already on his way to death, but he managed a small smile upon seeing the goat.
"Wait right there Sir, and I will fetch you some water. There isn't much to eat but you are welcome to some hay."
He had to stop several times, using the chamber pot frequently, but he was true to his word, and the goat was fed and cared for, even brushed until his coat gleamed.
In the thick of the night the goat transformed, picking up a bit of straw until it lengthened in his hand into a full staff. With a simple touch he cured the boy, leaving his sleep as he transformed himself into a goat once more and meandered off on his way.
OOC
My character's name: Soren Character's journal link:Here! BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Medieval version of him. Rank of character Knight
Once upon a time there was a man. He lived in such poverty that his belt wrapped around his waist twice, and his only possession of any value was his beloved chicken.
It was an old thing, long past her years of giving him eggs, and even if she were stewed for a fortnight she would still be tough and stringy. Her value was in the friendship she gave and in the heat that she shared with him on cold winter nights.
But the season of taxes came, and on the Prince's orders all would show their affection for him with their money. Those that had no money would shower him with other goods.
The man was so poor even the tax collectors felt sorry for him, but when the prince found out someone would not pay he went to the man's house himself.
Standing outside the door he saw the chicken pecking at the ground, feeding on the bugs she could find, and he ordered that she be given to him, planning on doing nothing more than using her feathers for a pillow.
The man was left weeping as the chicken was taken from him.
She returned the next day, feet bloodied, and when the man heard of the prince's suddenly blindness he simply patted his chicken on the head and went about tilling his meager patch of soil.
OOC
My character's name: Sacha Character's journal link:Here BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MY CHARACTER Like my avi but medieval. Short. Rank of character Knight
Walking to the location had actually taken a lot out of him, considering he was somewhat spindly and out of shape (he was a healer, dammit, not a war mongerer like some of these crazy knights). Especially with all that had happened in the prison, the corridors- he needed a moment to breathe.
Seeing as the others had taken to sitting down by the water's edge (or playing in it, as a few he saw had chosen to do), Lock followed behind them like the little sheep he was. He didn't see a point to the playfulness (he was so tired he wanted nothing more than to wash himself off and go back to the cabin and sleep). There was work to be done. He was going to wash his armor of the infirmary gore first and foremost.
He got off the pauldrons and tabard, but he hadn't been washing more than a few moments when a water sprite approached him. Almost immediately he spat and made offended noises, shooing the thing off with a hand.
