Fantasy ~ FableWood ~

As the light begins to fade, dappling the forest path before you something happens: The trees shift and shimmer, the birds silence their sunset melodies. Everything is still. You continue on, wary but not afraid, little known to you that you have left your world well behind, forfeit to destiny. You have entered a new world; the world of FableWood.


This is a land of fairy tales, of magic and mystery. The creatures of this land are of many shapes and minds, and not all are friendly.


You quickly learn that there is something wrong with this new world; some parts seem solid, and real, others just shadows of what they should be. The world you have found is created from thoughts and dreams of humankind. Once, it was a full and prosperous land, but most children now do not listen to stories. They no longer know how to pretend, they do not become the heroes, or legends of their dreams. And slowly, very slowly…the beings of FableWood are forgotten.


FableWood has made one last plea for help. They have opened a portal to the human world in hopes of drawing in those who have forgotten the old tales. Perhaps if these youngsters see FableWood for themselves, they will not forget it so easily, and it would recover.


There are dangers however, that the good creatures of FableWood did not predict. Not all of its inhabitants wish their home to be restored. These dark forces will stop at nothing to kill the humans in FableWood, and watch the other fairytales disappear forever.

Ward's legs hurt. Why wouldn't they? He was only using two of them to walk around all day, but because the trees sat close together, knitting their branches in a protective roof over his head he was forced to walk. He supposed that flying would have been possible, but even his gryphonic eyesight would not be able to spot humans all the way down here. He sighed and brushed a gloved hand through his golden-blond hair, which bounced like feathers as it settled. He rarely got to see the forest from this angle, and was reminded on just how much he was missing!


Brightly coloured birds flitted from tree to tree, now and again a flower would burst open, pouring sweet scents into the air. Toads the size of cats hopped lazily about the underbrush and a hedgehog could be seen weaving a basket by his front door. All in all it was a beautiful sight, added to by the spectacular light of the setting sun. Ward didn't even know how it got down here, through all these leaves and branches, but no mater how much forest lay ahead of him there was always a golden light just around the corner. He loved his home.


Suddenly a warmth at his chest made him start. He opened his vest and took hold of the pendant that was tied carefully around his neck on a long leather cord. The pendant was dull and worn, but this was on purpose. The one who had given it to him knew of his specific ah, weakness for things that glittered. Now however, it seemed to be glowing. Was he getting closer?


He kept alert now, looking about for anything that may be considered out of the ordinary, though in FableWood, this category was exceedingly small.


What would he do if he actually met a human now? The thought invaded his head, pushing everything else out.


I should most definitely stay in human form. He thought to himself. But what do I say? Hello? I'll stick with hello, its a good, safe thing to say, I don't want to overwhelm them...Or should it be more grand? They are very important people after all...Ward's thoughts remained fully occupied, to the point where he was not looking where he was going...

The sky was lit with a dim orange, fading into the grey of city smog as night began to fall. Elena perched on the metal bar which stood between the street and a rocky waterfront. She intook a breath of salty and contaminated air and reminded herself she was the only one paying a price. No ties to break, nothing back home to grab before her "trip". Nothing to feel except a rush of endorphins. She was prepared. Carefully, she slid down to the strip of pavement on the edge of the bridge, becoming exposed to the ocean breeze which licked her exposed knees. Shifting into place, Elena pressed her forearms into the cold bar. Her feet dangled. She slid shut up eyelids and stepped out, arms now propelling her from the handrail. And she slipped down to the murky waters.


Elena awoke to the feeling of cool moist moss against her skin. Though her body told her she had been falling and just now landed, she was unharmed. Her original intentions were replaced with curiosity when she examined her surroundings. The forest she had been, um, placed was surreal, as though painted for a folk tale or fantasy adventure. She, contrasting to its majestic allure, stood in a dirtied pale sweater, jean shorts, and old knock off sneakers. After a quick assessment, she settled upon the realization that this was not her home, but she was certainly not dead.


She ventured in, watching in amazement as some of the greenery seemed alive, shifting and moving to catch sunlight or politely make way for another living thing. Elena almost grinned, reaching out to touch a flower blossom. But as her fingers met it, it popped open to full bloom and a colorful insect of sorts flew from it. She lept back in surprise. She tripped backwards into a low hanging tree branch, which in harsh reply pushed her off in another direction. The direction of a regal looking but very distracted blonde.


"Oh watch out!" She stated, stumbling sideways to make minimal contact as the tripped foreward.

Nyr still loathed the burning rays of the sun as she soared through the sky in the direction of FableWood. She got used to the blistering heat and being awake during the day but she knew that her powers were sapped greatly during daytime anyway. She needed to research something to cure this curse but for now she had other matters to attend to. She had no love for other races - they being hostile towards her in all her life made sure she hated them with passion - yet even though she communicated with few living beings the whispers of the wind itself brought the tidings of change in her attention.


She finally reached the mysterious forest and immediately noticed that the trees would block her from flying high thus decided to land and change into a more appropriate form. As her clawed feet touched the ground they immediately transformed into legs, her massive wings shrunk and finally she turned into something she had only heard about in legends - a human. Hearing stories about these creatures always intrigued Nyr and it took her much practice to transform into one. She looked behind her only to see her two wings still attached to her back.


" Oh no, not this again. " she grumbled as she forced the avian flight tools to vanish to complete her transformation.


Venturing silently in the dark forest rejuvenated her slightly since the branches of the trees blocked most of the suns accursed rays, soothing her with a pleasant darkness. Minutes which felt like hours to her she spotted movement ahead of her. Immediately she rushed behind a tree and she observed from a safer distance the two figures not too far from her. One she identified as a true human - she sensed no magical aura around her, but the other one - although he also looked like a human - she was unsure about.


" What should I do? " she asked from herself anxiously " Should I approach them? But then again... what if they force me to go away like all the others did? "


She have heard about human prejudice and how quickly they can condemn someone so she hesitated. Ultimately - deciding that she must observe the two strangers from close up - she sneaked closer to them behind the trees.

"Oh!" was all he had time to cry before the cat in him reacted...though not fast enough. He spun, pivoting on his heels but overbalanced and fell backwards, landing in a heap of feathers and cloth. The pendant his the soft earth with a muffled clink, flashed once and grew still. Ward shook his head, blinked and looked up, straight into the eyes of a girl.


"Please forgive me! I should have been more careful." He got up and took hold of the pendant again, dusting it off carefully and refastening the chain around his neck.


"You're not hurt are you..you--" But he cut himself off as he realized what he was talking to.


"You're human! Ahem!" Remembering what he had rehearsed in his head he took a step back and bowed low, his feather-like hair falling into his face. When he rose again he wore a kind smile which betrayed a small degree of excitement. Finally! His home would have the help it needed.


He took a deep breath: "Hello." He said cheerfully. "My name is Ward. We've been expecting you."


Not far away something stirred. Groggily it grasped for its senses as consciousness poured into it. Hidden in the shadows of a tree hollow it opened small yellow eyes wreathed in shadow. The spell remained as mist, but it could see and hear now. It saw the gryphon and...the human. The dread raven remained unknown to it, for its eyes only wanted to see the human. Cautiously it watched, and listened.


((Made a new character))


Leia tried to find a landmark, something she recognized, but as she continued the forest grew more and more different. She had no idea where she was, and did the forest seem bigger all of a sudden? Leia remembered coming to the Greenfield Common as a child, things were supposed to seem smaller as you got older, but the trees towered above her, dappling the peaceful path in gold light.


"Something tells me we're not in Kansas anymore Toto." She smiled to herself, normally she hated quoting movies, but the Wizard of Oz was one of her favorites.


"I feel like all I need now is a dog and a blue check dress."


Maybe something would look familiar if she kept going. Tightening the laces of her running shoes she straightened out her shirt and her courage and continued on.

Elena got back up and regained composure. Her uneven bangs sheilding her vision from the blonde temporarily. When she shifted them back into place she was able to examine him more closely.


"You.. you've done nothing wrong, Im fine.."


She listened longer to him speak and quickly became confused. The elegant man mentioned human as though it were foreign to him. Taking the situation in stride, she waited for his polite yet possinly excited introduction. He was like the protagonist to a story existing within enchanted woods. She could see him now it golden armor, and felt for her notebook. She left it behind..


"Ward? Nice to meet you. Im Elena.. and im pretty confused. How did a um... how did a human end up in this area?" She asked, assuming human was indeed foreign. If not, she probably sounded stupid.


"And why was I expected?" She gave her most polite smile dispite the circumstances. Maybe she was truly dead?

Gathering her courage Nyr has decided to leave from the shadows of the trees and stepped forward.


" I too have heard about your kind entering FableWood. " she said as she walked up to the two. " The winds whispered it to me. They have also told that I would find them here, thus I ventured here. But where are my manners. "


She bowed before both of them, and looked at them with serious expression.


" My name is Nyr. I have come from far to meet you, Human Elena. It is an honor to finally meet a creature of the legends. "


Nyr then turned to Ward.


" I have overheard your name to be Ward. It is a pleasure to meet you too. "


Without any of them being able to see she snapped with her fingers and a small gust of wind arose, carrying her thoughts in the ears of the boy.


" I sense that you are as much of a part of this world like I am, thus not being a human. Fear not, our goals are likely mutual so let us play along until the time comes that she needs to know our identity. "

Rose yawned she sat up from the nest of tree branches she had made from an oak looking around at the setting sunlight shinning on everything she heard voices and thoughts she rubbed her eyes then looked down seeing a human and two mythicals just like her she stood up and then jumped twisting through the air and landing in the middle of their little group she giggled and looked to them all " Ops did I interrupt something? "

"I'm glad you aren't hurt." He said happily and just then another figure stepped onto the trail. If Ward had been a gryphon then his hackles would have stood up, but he wasn't, so his surprise remained relatively well-hidden. He relaxed more when her voice filtered through his thoughts and explained things. He liked her voice, it was delicate, and sincere. Ward knew what she was, but who was he to judge? No many people sang the praises of gryphons either. He tried to push the feeling of unease down into the depths of his mind.


"It is a pleasure Nyr." He bowed. Turning back to Elena, he could not leave her without some explanation now, but his form he would keep hidden until she felt more comfortable.


"You were called here, lady Elena." Ward explained. "And I was sent to pick you up. There is a castle a ways from here where I am to bring you. If you will allow it of course." He bowed his head again.


"Nyr, I would be happy if you would come with us." He met her gaze and formed words in his mind, hoping she could hear them, but his gaze said much as well: If what I have been told is true one of us may not be enough to stop the forces that will soon be after her. I need your help.


"Well then. I believe its this way," Ward grinned at them both and gestured politely for them to walk ahead.


No sooner had he done so then a flash of something nearly made him fall over again.


"Pinfeathers!" He yelled in surprise. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" He knew this creature (though had not met this particular one before) enough to know she was on their side.


After the initial shock he even felt better about her presence, a dragon would be a great ally for the journey.


"Ward," he offered his name and a bow. "And who do I have the pleasure of addressing?"


The shadow listened from a distance. They were going to travel through the forest...that would take their journey well into the night. The Shadow flickered with glee. It would get ahead of them, and in the dead of night it would lay a trap. The shadow had no knowledge of the new creature that had appeared, but that mattered little, how difficult could one more beast be?

Elena watched as another entered the scene. She was dark and elegant, and suddenly it became so evident that she was not among humans. Nyr, her name was, had a voice which floated like fine silk. She regretted not bringing her notebook, but then again why would she take the thing to her death? The way the two adressed her was slightly uncomfortable. There was a whole planet of humans.. assuming this isnt earth. Most with much higher credentials held than her own.


"Its nice to meet you Nyr.. you beau- or um.. what are you both, if not human?" Shesaid with hesitation before returning her gaze to Ward.


"I've nowhere else to be.. so I'll join you two."


After a moment of hesitation she continued.


"Soo.. am i dead?"

Rose held out her hand smilingsmiling. Her mark was visible she pulled some loose hair behind her ear with the other hand and said " I'm Rose. " She noticed he was a gryphon which made her happy and she thought to herself Wonderful, someone to fly with!

Ward clasped Rose's hand with a cheerful smile. "Well, its certainly not lonely on this path anymore!"


He looked back at Elena, tilting his head as if trying to understand.


"You aren't dead Elena, and I'm glad of it, but is there a reason you are asking that question?"


The fact that no one could lie in front of a gryphon was a myth, a real myth. Still Ward entertained the notion that at least it might be more difficult to do it while he was asking a question. He met her gaze and tried to discern something from it.


"You don't have to worry about us," He responded to her query about what he and the other FableWood creatures were. "We're friends." He offered. He could feel the protective instinct growing inside him. If he could he would have put a wing about her. "This story is very much about you Elena. I do hope you'll see it through."


((Gotta clock out for now, sorry for the short post.))

Nyr watched Rose joining their gathering. It was evident that she was not human either as she felt a tremendous magical aura around her. She knew only one creature capable enough to harness such magical abilities and it was a dragon. Respectfully she bowed before her as well.


" It is an honor, Rose. I am Nyr, a pleasure to meet someone similarly talented in the ancient arts. "


She then turned back to Elena.


" Thankfully this is not yet the afterlife, just as Ward mentioned. Although it is not your domain either: this is FableWood, a mystical and wonderful place which is home to... many inhabitants. Yet it is not without dangers, thus if you wish to explore it further later on I recommend that one of us - or in fact all of us - should accompany you. "


She suddenly felt a disturbance as she turned around to see what it was. Long had she lived in dark corners and places and although she was not adept at casting dark magic she could sense them fairly well. Something was amiss although she could not explain what. Knowing that Rose and Ward were adept spell casters she called upon the wind once more to carry her thoughts to them.


" Be on the alert. I am sure you have already noticed but there is a dark presence around us. I am not sure how long can we keep our human guises should this escalate to a fight, thus I recommend escorting this young human out of here while we can. "

(Alright!)


Elena bit the inside of her lip. There was no point in saying anything. There never was. This world was far from her own, it seemed, so nothing of the old one needed to be relevant until brought up again. She smiled and tilted her head slightly as though the mans concern was lighter hearted than it truly was. The group grew and she felt no need to make anyone hesitant.


"Well, i guess waking up in such a surreal place is reason enough?" She half lied with ease. "Glad to know i didnt die in my sleep, i guess".


Her grin faded as she looked fondly towards the group that accumulated. The new girl was quite sweet looking herself and she had yet to find anyone untrustworthy.


"Im alright with that. Friend will work for now.. but.."


Story.. about you. The word choice was odd. As a writer she felt the words hint something, asthough she should figure out the predicament.


"Alright. Lets see this castle."

Rose looked to Nyr and said " Thank you " she streached letting go of Wards hand. Then glanced to the human, Elena , and said " oh if you where wondering, I'm a dragon, I know I don't look like one. And don't worry I'm nice. " She heard the telepathic voice and thought back with her own telepathy Ya I know it won't hurt us I'll make sure of that...

Nyr noticed the turmoil within Elena and felt sad. She knew all too well how was it to be surrounded with complete strangers and alien places all too well. She would not let this human feel the same anxiety as she did if she could help it. Stepping close to her she put her hand on Elena's shoulder and looked deeply in her eyes.


They were now connected and Nyr was able to comfort her.


" Be at ease for there is nothing to be afraid of. I am no stranger to fear and loneliness and believe me when I say that I will protect you should trouble arise. And I firmly believe that all of us here would do the same for you. It might be hard but trust in us: we will not let you down. "





With that done Nyr removed her palm from Elena's shoulder, letting the connection to sever. She said nothing just smiled at her. Somehow she trusted her already even she could not tell why. She felt the girl to have a strange connection to the mystical energies of the world albeit a much weaker link than they had. But who knew, maybe eventually she would learn how to wield magic as well...

Elena chuckled at what Rose said and nodded. A dragon. Well, she was sure to have a moment of shocking realization soon enough, but for now she managed to take this strange situation calmly and with ease. What else could she do?


"I have no doubts your nice. Its nice to meet you.. all of you." As plastic as her smile felt now, something assured her the thing might become more real if she got to stay here.. figure these strange lands out.


When Nyr approached, her first reaction was to flinch, but the touch was comforting. Then the foreign voice entered her mind. She felt her mask quiver, though the took comfort from Nyr. The girl seemed mature beyond her age, which seemed close enough to Elenas. Trouble? Well, this land couldnt be perfect. She gave a knowing smile in return and let her gaze drop.

Rose smiled and her tummy grumbled she giggled " So anyone else hungry " she looked at the others curiously and stroked her get lden hair then examined her mark and landing on looks ng at her necklace which made her grown and sigh she rolled her eyes and looked away smiling again

Only when Rose asked the question did she realize how hungry she actually was. In her hurry to reach the woods in time she did not eat anything for days and now she felt the hunger gnawing at her. Looking around she nodded.


" I could use some sustenance, it is true. However I am not familiar with these woods so if you happen to know a place where we could sate our hunger I would be grateful. "


(( Going to head to bed now, have fun everyone!))

I woke from my sleep and flew into the air. In my glorious Phoenix form I was easy to spot since the trail of fire behind me changed from simmering oranges to ruby reds or piecing whites. Fablewood was fun but I got bored quickly. When I flew around I could get to the height were I could see a whole forest but I did that rarely. I flew close to the ground then saw a small group of people, curiosity pounded at my head and I flew down into the shadows of a tree and perched, knowing I probably illuminated the area I shifted to my human form and watched.

Ward hadn't noticed the dark presence, and was relieved that someone had.


"Ah, hungry." The only thing he had completely forgotten about. Of course humans would not be used to hunting for their own food, and he should have anticipated other protectors would have come. He felt responsible.


"I know of an old woodcutter's cottage not far from here. Three good fairies once too a baby there to raise as their own. They had a magic pantry if I recall. The cottage is empty now, but the magic remains. We could go there, eat, rest and gather supplies."


He began to lead the way as they as they delved further down the trail. The night started to close in as they walked, the sun's light a dim glow through the canopy. All of a sudden the friendly rustles and animal chirrups of the day turned mysterious. Ward could not see well in the dark, and the fact that he still could not fly made him nervous. Still, he must put on a brave face. For Elena, and perhaps for the others as well.


"Elena, I have a small gift for you." From a pocket in his vest he took out a book. It was small and thin, with an elegant leather cover. In its center, embossed in gold was the outline of a fairy.


"This is a magic book. If ever you see something in this land and you are not sure of it, open this book and it will show you a story that should help."


He had never used it himself, but in the demonstration he had seen the book was opened before the princess of castle Branbern. The first page had been adorned with intricate drawings of fairies; three good and one evil, between them was a fair maiden, and a spinning wheel. 'The story of Sleeping Beauty" the book read.


Suddenly a brilliant light filled the forest trail. Ward gaped as a phoenix floated down and took the form of a young girl. The light was a great comfort in the gathering gloom.


"Greetings my lady," He acknowledged her formally, meeting a phoenix was no common occasion. "I am Ward. Will you come down and join us?"


It was getting dark, Leia knew she should hurry and find a way back, but the forest seemed to keep growing. Wherever she was it wasn't GreenField.


She stumbled and cursed, it was getting too dark to see and she didn't have a flashlight. She looked around, beginning to let her worries get to her. There was a bit more light up ahead, a clearing maybe? Leia started toward it at a quick jog. There was indeed a clearing, and a cottage too. The building seemed in good condition; though moss grew on the roof and ivy trailed up on each side the timbers were strong and the little water wheel turned in a small, fast-flowing stream. The windows were dark but she decided to try the door.


With several good wraps she called out "Hello? Is anyone home?" Suddenly she began to shiver, as if the temperature had dropped rapidly. From outside her field of vision a black mist began to gather, and it had brought something.


Leia stood at the door and thought. If it was unlocked she could go in, maybe there was a fireplace and a place to sleep. Something rushed by her leg and she yelped. The darkness was gathering abnormally fast. Then came a voice, a faint whisper on the wind that mad her hair stand on end.


"Come into my parlour said the spider to the fly..."


And there it was, speeding straight toward her on eight hideous, hairy legs. It was the size of a bulldog! Leia stumbled back and screamed. Her hand fell on a thick piece of wood and she grabbed it in a fear grip. As the spider came upon her she crashed the stick straight into the side of its head. It stumbled back and hissed angrily, but that gave Leia enough time to run. More spiders began pouring out of the woods, there were dozens of them! She would be cut off soon. Oh God, what the hell is going on?!


"Someone help!!"

She jumped down from the tree she was in and walked over to the small group her eyes glowing faintly "I can't say I am much of a lady but I shall join you all." She noted the human not to shocked "Don't be alarmed if fire trails around you. It won't burn you unless you are evil." She stated hoping not to scare anyone. She saw a river bank with fire flowers shimmering "One moment!" She said as she shifted, fire trailing behind her, and grabbed a few with her tallons then circled back and turned human again "Anyone want a glowing flower?"

Eamon couldn't help but sigh as he walked aimlessly through the forest. He had spent enough time patrolling these forests, looking for any dark forces to destroy, to know by now that when there was no activity, it meant those filthy things were too busy planning something, planning something big.


He didn't mind fighting them, but he did mind fighting them when they were in full power though, and clearly they have enough time now to reach that full power. He wondered when the humans would be arriving, in all his time in Fablewood he had never seen a human, which was strange considering that he had been everywhere.


Once again the thoughts of his family came back, there was another reason why he wondered the woods besides protecting them, he always had some hope that he would come across his family, that he would have a big reunion where he could finally spend his days with people who love and care about him, but alas, he never saw any of them.


Eamon stopped when he suddenly heard voices from ahead, which caused him to creep closer in order to investigate. He immediately recognised Ward the guardian when he spotted him, but he did not recognise the others with him though.


Judging by her lack of energy, he guessed that one of them was a...human? This intrigued Eamon, which lead to him deciding to just show himself.


"Long time no see Ward." He said as he addressed his acquaintance first, then turning to the others, he gave a polite bow before introducing himself.


"My name is Eamon the Lost, it is a pleasure to meet you ladies, and especially you human."

Nyr felt revitalized as the cold wind of the night enveloped them. Finally she felt the cruel grasp of the sun receding and her power surged back to her once more. As they reached the clearing she could no longer suppress her desire to soar once more thus - while still retaining her human form - she sprout her giant raven wings and flew up high in the air.


The freedom was mesmerizing. Even though she just had to spend a couple of hours in human form she missed the open sky and the gentle visage of her old friend and patron: the moon. Her eyes flared crimson red as she laughed while making wilder and wilder circles between the clouds. After she finished her flying session her keen eyesight which now returned because of the night alerted her of two newcomers. She quickly descended from the sky to see two gentlemen standing with the group.


" Welcome both of you, fine gentleman, my lady. My name is Nyr, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. " she bowed before them. She then realized that she did forget to hide her wings once more but it mattered not any more. Her feathers itched to taste the bite of the wind soon anyway so she decided to let them show for now. Hopefully this did not frighten Elena... too much.


" It seems our small company grows ever larger - and by the looks of it ever stronger as well. I assume this is the clearing we were searching for, thus the aforementioned cottage should be here in the vicinity. "

Elena allowed a neutral and calm expression to fall over her features. As she established nobody there would do anything but help her. When food was mentioned, she tried to remember when she ate last, but wasnt even sure if she was hungry at all. To wards mention of the pantry, her memory started to hint at an old familiar story.


"Three good fairies and a child... hm? I think im starting to understand."


Her words were an overstatement as she still had yet to define the identities of her companions. Maybe not who, but what they were. Perhaps she didnt know them well enough. Slightly distracted, it took a moment to notice the book Bard.


Taking it gently, as though it were fragile or alive she opened the first page and smiled with slight childish glee as she recognized it.


"Thank you."


She stayed quiet and curious when the girl approached.. well, she saw a glowing and flame adorning lady. She almost chuckled when the girl herself denied being one.


Another character of a person revealed himself. This time a man. Strong looking, too. Interested, she eyed him to get a general impression. Something to base him upon. Nothing fit quite yet.


"Its nice to meet you, Eamon the lost." She said with all the formality she herself was addressed throughout the day, or at least since shes arrived.


"Im Elena.. and as much as you might be pleased to see me, i promise im less interesting than.." she looked at the colorful group, chuckling slightly. It was as though she didnt mind her situation.


As Nyr revealed feathers moments later, Elena became quieter, but intrigued. Asking questions could be saved when they arrive somewhere safe.