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 Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 8:01 pm
Dante turns at the voice. He certainly doesn't recognize it as one of his fellow squires. He stiffens as he notices the strange-looking Pae with hooves. It--er, she--doesn't look at all like the other fauns of the Isle. In a bit of a panic, he looks around for someone else, anyone else that she could have been talking to. The other squires disappear into the foliage, leaving Dante the straggler, on his own with this odd-looking heathen.
He's wary that this could be a trap, his grip tightening on his staff. Cunning heathens, luring the squires apart from their group, one by one. He would be the first, he grumbles internally. Still, she looked so frightened. Maybe she really was lost. Or her acting is very good. Dante points at his throat and shakes his head. Certainly he couldn't give her directions! He shrugs apologetically and begins to walk away, hurriedly, eager to rejoin his group.
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Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 8:04 pm
Luna nodded to her sister's comment. "I am grateful you feel the same." she said honestly, thinking that if they got back soon, she would have Celestia over to play with her nieces and nephew...and maybe some of this tea she had grown so fond of.
She cast a glance back at Coronus as she joined and at Aquos as well to see if they were feeling these so called spirits everyone seemed to keep mentioning. She had not been blessed with this sort of gift and had many questions. But her thoughts were interrupted when two new pae came over to their group. She eyed their wings and colors, thinking them unique if not quite marvelous. "I wish I could feel this feeling you all have. I know nothing of what the spirits are telling you except that my instincts are now speaking of possible ill content." she said sternly with a flick of her wings.
As Luna had returned her attention back to the Earthmother to take in her splendor and radiating confidence, a familiar face showed himself. "Faroth. I should have thought not to set eyes upon you again. Please, relay to me what is this feeling mentioned or the purpose of this mass?" She spoke in her royal voice....despite being obviously glad to see him for whatever reason...
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Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 8:41 pm
((All Faun, including Faunies should know Earthmother, even if not formally introduced or met for a handshake. Her voice is the voice Faun hear when Laisidhiel is speaking to them... on the rare occasions that happens. So Celestia likely has heard it when she heard the call to come to Telrunya. ))
Thara looked incredulously at the blue Angel that had appeared on the scene. He was asking of her dragon? A quick glance back to Earthmother and she decided that maybe something else was going on here. It hardly looked like the army they were told to watch out for. But something was going on, that's for sure. Why else would suddenly all of these random Pae'il show up.
She briefly forgot, for just a moment in her quiet reverie, who's side she is supposed to be fighting for. With a renewed sense of strength and pride, Thara moved to stand, but was quickly halted when the strange Angel with a hat set a canteen on the ground in front of her. She looked sideways at the girl, wondering what her deal was. Thara picked up the canteen and sniffed it. No funny odors. She held it out to the Angel, "You take a sip first." Its not that she didn't trust the Angel, its that she only trusted herself.
Okay, maybe she didn't trust the Angel too.
She got to her feet and turned, pointing to Dragnid Tower in the distance. It was barely visible from where they were in the forest, but the billowing smoke could be seen from anywhere on the island. "My dragon lives there. This dragon is not under my control. I suggest you all leave if you don't want to be hurt." She pointed towards the barrier on the cave. "I'm keeping it sealed for a reason, but if you'd like to chitchat a while, I suppose the barrier doesn't need my constant attention. Though, the dragon might wake up and burst out. You know, if you want to chat and maybe have a spot of tea, hmm?" Her words dripped sarcasm, but she hoped they got the message that by distracting her, they were running the chance she'd let the barrier down.
Earthmother took note of all the gathering Pae'il, including Faun and their new Faunie allies. She nodded towards Princess Celestia, "I'm not sure what brings you to this part of the forest today, but I'd suggest escorting everyone home." She was sure the others could hear Thara's proclamation about the dragon in the cave, so she didn't even try to pretend she didn't hear it. "It's a bit dangerous here for the younger ones." She was confident the Guardian's army was not coming, because so many faun and otherwise ignorant other Pae'il would not be here. The Guardians are not that desperate to send simpletons.
Still, it was suspicious that the Princesses would be here, along with the others today of all days. She couldn't get a sense one way or the other what drew them here. And it's far too coincidental. She'd have to ask them later why they spent days traveling to that specific spot in the forest, away from the safety of the Tree, if she made it till later.
Faroth, bless his heart, was trying to be discreet about what was going on. It was impossible to communicate with potential enemy ears among the crowd, but also, Faroth wasn't exactly on the "need to know" list for protecting the contents of that cave. Chief Rais or Queen Tariel weren't even on that list. Using his willingness to help to her advantage, she came up with a plan. "I need to get everyone away from this area. It's too dangerous for anypae to be here. Can't you feel that dark forboding?" She was speaking subtly louder than normal, hoping the others would listen in and take the clue. "Instincts telling us to leave. I don't know what drew all of you to this place today, but it wasn't anything good. Trust in your instincts."
((At this point, any Pae is free to heed Earthmother's warnings and leave without any penalities. You can continue the RP in a [PLOT] [PRP] for credit still participating in this. The action at the cave is to involve Thara, Ela, and Earthmother vs. the squires, so there will be very little, if any at all, acknowledging other Pae'il in the area. Any pae is welcome to stay and witness, but I ask that players not try to "spotlight" their Pae and just observe unless specifically asked for assistance. Helping either side is fine, but please keep to the RP and not slow it down with idle chitchat, introductions, or non-essential time wasting actions. The situation at this cave is tense, there is an aura emitting despair and foreboding (Pae who ignored this have been noted) and anxiety should be running high for anyone right there at the cave. Also, each Faun is accountable for answering to Earthmother as to what it was that drew them to the cave, as she will be reporting this event to Chief Rais, and he may question some Faun's involvement. Non-faun may have to answer to the squires, because this is a top secret cave that just suddenly had dozens of pae show up. Anyone present is considered suspicious.
Also, it is as important to read Elarinya's posts as it is mine. She is played by Seiana_ZI and same rules apply for her. Quote her to get Ela's attention.))
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Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:30 pm
"I was not aware that one had to assert authority over another in order to have civil conversation. Times have certainly changed." With that, the Avalon fairy turned his back on the Fae and returned to his students. He was still seething inside. It was a wonder the Guardians still allowed the Fae to live, especially if this was what they had to represent them. Well, that was the infinite love and grace of the Guardians, he supposed. He could only hope that these two represented an outlying minority of their type.
Lailah's gaze had turned towards Katya's elevated position, and more specifically her particular method of sentinel guard. "Didn't know you could fire two of those at once," she commented idly, a note of interest in her voice. The little one seemed to have taken to the bow quite well. Suppose, she'd figured out a few tricks by now, as Lailah had with her blades.
At that point, Hania returned to the gathered Squires. "We've wasted enough time here. Move out, double-time march, I'll get the others nearby. Start gathering together. I fear we have already lost any secrecy we may have had for this mission. We'll have to rely on speed and skill now. Keep your wits about you." With that, the little Avalon fairy zipped off towards Eligor, Alethea, Dante, and any other Squires left on their own to get them moving with the rest.
*****
Voices could be heard up ahead and Hania motioned silently for the Squires to halt behind him before moving further. In a quiet voice, the fairy darted from one to the next with instructions, seeming full of energy and nowhere to release it.
"This is it, my students. Up ahead, we have the cave. There are already others in the area. This was not expected, but it should not be a complete surprise either. Your job is to investigate. Question any suspicious Pae'il in the area. The cave's entrance should be around here somewhere. If possible, we need to get inside and find out what sort of secret weapon the heretics have hidden there. Beware, as the heretics may be lying in wait. Take care of yourselves, watch each other's backs, and try to keep things quiet if possible. This is still a reconnaissance mission; we're here after information on a possible danger, one that could threaten the entire Isle." With a grave nod, Hania stepped aside in the air, allowing the Squires to proceed to the cave. This would be their first major test.
((I apologize if this seems to be tearing Pae away from other interactions, but the Squires need to get to the cave, so any others are still welcome to observe the events that unfold from this point.))
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Codebreaking Conversationalist
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Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 10:38 pm
The hints that they would readdress this topic later was a relief to Texas, and while his expression was certainly knit with concern about whatever that noise had been, it lessened for a moment, a smile of acknowledgement barely crossing his face but making it into his eyes as an acknowledgement of the message she was trying to send. As soon as she saw it, though, his expression melted back to what it was before, eyes darting forward.
"Definitely."
It seemed so hard to spread his wings, despite the ease he generally did while standing. He certainly didn't fly much, but now, it seemed even harder to fly than before. It was hard to tell if it was because he was concerned for all of the despair that seemed to be around him--Takeko with her hidden pains, the scream from afar, the thoughts that nagged at the back of his mind about Saffron and about his son and about everything that had happened in the last few seasons and everything that had not--but he attempted to bite it down, taking to the air with relative ease despite the metaphorical weight on his shoulders, following in the direction that Takeko went.
The Falls? Why were they heading that way? Only one seemed to be a naiad, if he was not mistaken, so the other two had no business following a naiad to the water. Unless, perhaps, the naiad just wanted to interact with them closer to her source? If she wanted to take them to the water, though, safely, was this place the right place to do it?
Probably not...
While the woman with leaf wings seemed cheerful enough, something seemed off about the nymph's expression that was of concern, giving the demon pause where he would normally not take any. The leaf-winged was being carried, as well, which likely meant that she could not hold herself up. Was she, perhaps, the one hurt? Was the naiad a healer? But if the naiad was a healer, why exactly did the nymph look--and sound--so miserable about following her? Something did not add up proper, and Texas didn't like it.
He gave a nod to Takeko, before letting himself descend back down on the ground, landing a bit behind the trio. "Good day," he addressed, his expression one of concern. "I heard a scream come from this direction. Are any of you hurt?"
Dumb question, obvious answer, but he was looking for reactions more than anything.
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Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 11:54 pm
At the departure of the interlopers, Katya exhaled heavily in relief, slowly releasing the tension on her bow and returning the two arrows to her quiver. The red demon turned her head at Lailah's comment, shaking her head sheepishly.
"Actually I haven't completely figured that one out." She worked her arm in a circle to loosen her previously tense muscles and hopped down from the tree branch, landing lightly on the forest floor and following the others away from the site. "I was mostly bluffing."
She hadn't gone very far when she felt the pit of her stomach dropping and her mouth growing dry in anxiety. It felt like the whole future of Telrunya was counting on them. What if they failed? The little demon fiddled with the bow that was still in her hand, feeling the urge to take flight rising to distressing, then overwhelming levels. Why had the Guardians even let her be a squire? She was a coward and a weakling.
Katya gripped her bow tightly and momentarily spread her wings, looking up at the canopy before a voice in the back of her head broke through and screamed at her to stop.
Stop.
Clear your mind. Remember who you truly are.
She paused, folded her wings, closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them again. It was like her senses were a little more aware. The sun filtered through the canopy in warm, brilliantly defined shafts of light, made visible by dust, pollen and what might have been mist or steam in the air. It was so much more humid down here on the surface compared with the city the squires called home. Still, the sight was beautiful and Katya let herself smile at the light piercing even the thickest parts of the forest canopy. And she felt it- whatever was clawing at her consciousness, drawing out her fears and insecurities was not a part of this place's energy, but had been added to it by another force. She couldn't make it go away, or shut it out completely, but she could see it for what it was- a heretic trick and a test- and she drove it back with every ounce of her unwavering faith. Whatever was about to come, the Guardians would have a purpose for it and a plan, and she took heart from it. Her breathing steadied, and her steps became a little more graceful- and a little less noisy.
Although Katya had already seen where the cave entrance was, she didn't try to point out its location; they were heading in the right general direction and would file out of the thicker part of the forest before long at this pace. She took up a position alongside Dante- though given their current mission this was still a few yards away, so that they weren't in each other's way should an ambush occur. As neither of them had exceptional frontline skills, they hung back a few dozen feet and off to one flank, while letting Lailah and some of the others go ahead and lead the way. In a whisper just loud enough for Dante to hear, Katya spoke to him. "Dante, have you felt the terrible pull on your faith from this place?" She kept her weapon ready, anticipating trouble around every tree. "There's some powerful magic here." She watched for his reaction- although she was used to reading his notes, she had gotten at least somewhat adept at following his expressions.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:07 am
Nyx stayed silent until she was sure that they were alone and she took a deep breath. "I thought dealing with a child was hard and this would be a refreshing walk I would have taken on a dozen dirty dippers instead of that." She sighed before looking at Astra with a sheepish smile. "Sorry about all of that I should have just shut up and done nothing." she shook her head. "Any way do you want to go to the lake it sounds safer than any were else?"
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:20 am
Astra nodded "lake it is and I agree, it would of been a lot easier but don't you apologize it was my fault, I should of just accepted her questions and answered them so if anything it is my fault, I shouldn't of dragged you into it" she said as she made sure the other had gone before turning around to leave.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:26 am
Sunny Jones understood and took the canteen and took a sip of water showing that it was safe. and then held it out to the teen. "Yeah you know what I do not think becomeing dragon snack is the best of ideas." she then realized all the pae that were around. If there was a dragon sealed away in there all these noisy pae wouls not be good.
The idea to leave the area was starting to sound like a better idea every second. "I think I will leave the canteen here in case you get thirsty wile working. if we ever meet again you can give it back to me." she said in a calm voice. "I wish you the best of luck at your guarding duity so good bye." she said before she turned around and started to head back into the forest hoping to get out of the area before anything happens.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:41 am
Twinkleshine felt her heart sank as the angel tried to shoo her away. He couldn't just leaver her here, alone in this forest, to die, could he? Well... Perhaps that thought was taking it too far... But it was possible! Especially with how lost she was right now. Hurrying after him, she tried as hard as possible to stay near, afraid this might be her only chance of getting out, even if he couldn't speak. "No... please! You must know a way to get out of here! I... I just want to leave..." That was certainly true with how hopeless and scared she was starting to feel, some from her situation, some from the aura in the air; the fauny didn't realize that those two things were separate feelings, however.
Looking over as another pae joined to speak to her 'helper,' Twinkleshine immediately turned to her as well, her eyes and body only showing a pleading and need. Weakly, she addressed her, "Please... Do you know how to get out...? I've been lost for so long..."
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 6:24 am
Pelagious could have dropped to his knees in relief. Finally someone to save him. "YES!!! AID!! THANK YOU!!!" he screamed, stepping forward to hug the demon. It took him a second to remember that he was carrying someone. In fact, with his large burst of happiness, he almost dropped her. Until she sank her hands into his arms like a vise grip. Yelping aloud, it was all he could do not to throw her. This weird leafy thing was more than he wanted to handle. Well, that and fish lady and her now confiscated shovel...
Maybe these new people could save him. Turning to glare at her "ride", she simply gave him an exasperated look. Turning back toward the demon, she nodded and spoke quietly compared to Pelagious's thundering bellow. "Yes. I'm afraid that I fell from my flight above the trees and hurt my ankle." she explained, pointing toward the mentioned appendix. Right now, she was more worried about her ankle because that prevented her from running away from the two loons who found her.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 7:49 am
(okay, sorry. I just I didn't want to just assume) Earthmother? So... It was actually her. Perhaps that was why the spirits had encouraged her to head this way, but... Why? It didn't feel like she was meant to be here in the first place, and she had never visited this place, so how had she just managed to find her? Why this strange coincidence...?
That voice...! The princess knew that voice; it was the once that had called her to bring her people to the great tree, that had guided her on their way home. That had been Earthmother, this powerful fauness here? It was suddenly so comforting to be in the presence that had saved them all with her summoning, if only for a moment. Looking away from the group, Celestia noticed the other pae starting to trickle in, even some of her own faunies. She nodded at the suggestion to lead the others away, immediately concerned for their safety, even if not for her own. "Yes... Maybe that was why I was to come here, to help the others home," she said quietly, if only to herself. It made sense, since she would have otherwise not noticed so many of her subjects away in such a dangerous place.
Returning her attention to Earthmother, she nodded solemnly, wishing only to help the others out of possible harm's way. "I agree with your wish and shall help with your efforts to return them home..." Looking to Aquos and Coronus, she addressed each of them, "Perhaps you could help with the angels..." then to Coronus, "...and you with the fae?" To Faroth, "You could seek for faun..." and to Kane, "...and you the demons?" With a sheepish shrug, she addressed Ignantus, "I am sorry, but I do not know what you are... So I cannot say whom you would be best helping out..."
Lastly, she looked to her sister, shrugging lightly, "Would you like to help me with the fauny? If you prefer to return to the little ones, I shall be fine."
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:35 pm
Azure narrowed his eyes at the strange pae who spoke of dragons, before following to where she pointed off in the distance. Azure wasn't familiar with the place she was pointing at. "Fine." Azure responded catching her hints that he should go. As much as Azure wanted to know if a dragon really existed on Telrunya or not, all that he knew of them said they were frightening, kidnapped princesses, and had to be slayed by knights. It wasn't like finding out they existed would really be a pleasant experience for him if he was turned into a crisp. Azure shook his head and turned away, it didn't seem likely that this was Dyas' cave so he kept walking. Azure was done and fed up with looking for her cave so he retreated into the forest, it was hopeless he was never going to move on. As he moved away from the cave and into the forest he caught a glimpse of a group of teens dressed up in... armour? That seemed odd to him, and it seemed like they were heading to the cave. Knights had come to slay the dragon? Azure scoffed at the silly notion, dragons weren't real. He had all the mind to keep going and turn away from the group especially, they looked like a force he didn't want to mess with. Azure just wanted to get out of here as quickly as possible, nothing felt right or made sense. The male took to a tree instead, against his better judgement.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:51 pm
Leitha growled a bit, looking between the two of her captives. Now they had company. Great. Just great. Bloody brilliant. Leitha didn't particularly care about the green leaf, but she did need the spawn. Well, he looked enough like Cadassi, she wondered if she could pull it off. Didn't matter too much.
She took a moment to inhale, making sure she could act decently enough. The naiad smiled, looking around as other pae gathered. "The young lady here is injured. Are any of you a healer?" Leitha asked, voice not as sweet as it could be. She didn't want to give her anger away. Not right this instant.
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Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:54 pm
When Genesis stopped marching, she looked up at Hania with uncertainty. Now that they were here, her stomach had turned to mush. It had been one thing when trouble happened all those other times, and it had happened so fast that she didn't have time to get nervous. Knowing that she could possible be walking into trouble was a completely different feeling. The angel didn't even feel like she could arm herself for protection, swords were not good for interrogation, at least not the way Genesis would ideally want to do it.
"Something does not feel right here." Genesis said boldly, her heart felt heavy. Maybe it was the nerves, but Genesis couldn't remember a time when her nerves ever had this sort of effect on her. Genesis found herself rooted, she didn't want to go anywhere... but the guardians... she needed to obey them. They wanted her to do this. She needed to prove to them that she was worthy, as she knew she was, and she would be worthless if she just stood there and did nothing for their glory.
Genesis took in a deep breath and looked at the rest of her group, looking for any reassurance, but then she stopped. Genesis didn't want any of them to see her in a moment of weakness. The more Genesis could feel this dark feeling consuming her... like... a taint. "This area might be tainted... do any of you feel it?" Genesis whispered as she looked around to see if there was an immediate source of a taint, some evil creature like before.
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