Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[Fangs9090]

MoonShadow took a few more chunks of mushroom to snack on as the group set off once again. She glanced at Tonnie as she came over, taking a moment to translate her question. "Mm. Typically names are given based on what a mother first sees after the child is born. I was born at night, and my mother saw a shadow cast by moonlight passing in through a grate. As for why it's like that, I have no idea. We're not much for history. Better to focus on looking ahead for the next meal."

Kanon walked along next to Adelynn, making sure she was alright. The psychic attacks had been painful, but she'd recovered by now. She wondered if that fire power would have been useful. She really hoped she'd have a chance to really test it and figure out how to use it.

 

[MageMantis]

Barracuda looked to WarWolf. “We mustn’t slow down, we need to reach the farmland prior to nightfall.” Answered he.

“Ooh…” Responded Steel-Mage to Warren in a disappointed tone.

Tonnie listened to MoonShadow, intrigued by her details. “Fascinating. I suppose it is always important to focus on the future instead of the past, innit?” The Witchblood spoke. “I do wish my kind could mirror yours more in that regard.” Added Tonnie with a sigh. “Whilst we are on the topic of time: Do you think that, all history is doomed to repeat itself, and that time is nothing more than a cycle? If so, then why?” Asked she, not just to MoonShadow, but their whole party.

SilverFlight Fangs9090 Stern LuLuLu

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Singing along with Tonnie, Aaliyah would enjoy their duet to Denver's musice, paying little mind to the actual threat and reason they were singing in the first place, with some but not all being dispatched by theircompanions efforts as they'd both finish singing.

"O-Okay, i'll try." The sahagin would answer back to Barracuda's request, do as he bid as she'd raise her hands to the river, doing her best to concentrate despite the nauseating wails of pain.

Yet as a small wave of water would crash over the river bank, the enemies would be dealt with by their new member to her surprise, leaving her equally as disappointed and pleased as she'd stop trying to move the entire stream, simply letting it crash onto the forest floor with a huff of air whistling out of her lips.

"All things considered, that went pretty well!" Aaliyah would bubble with a small clap of her hands. "If anyone needs some soothing after that, or the pain lingers, let me know!"

The group would resume their journey, the princess following on-foot this time and only intermittently dipping into the river as long as it was in-sight to lower the chance of some creature catching her, her smiling, proud face making her glow as she'd have to stop herself from giggling at the memory of the performance, happy she'd come out of it unscathed, as far as she remembered, anyway, with Warren's praise high in her mind.

Though that would all end as Akila would jab at her singing voice, her entire demeanor shifting as her whole being would seem to droop, unable to hide her emotions as she'd wear her heart on her sleeve.

"Th-that's not true... J-Just leave me alone for once, okay?" Was all she'd mumble back with a shaky sigh. It was just another insult hurled her way, but each time it felt like it was getting harder and harder to brush them off.

Making her way to Warren's side once more, she'd shamble and trudge next to him as they'd walk, hoping Akila would do as she'd ask with the half-elf standing between them.

SilverFlight MageMantis Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm

 

[SilverFlight]

"Why?" Korro pondered Tonnie's question, there wasn't much better to do as they walked.
"I can't say that in my experience, things have changed much at all. Corrupt leaders, malcontent people, hostile revolution, the cycle seems fairly permanent...but," Korro glanced at the patches of sky peeking through the forest canopy, "I like to hope that it is...more like a spiral, going around but up, so slowly that by the time there is change, the ones who remember how it used to be, are no longer alive to remind us."

His keen ears caught Akila's nasty remark and gave her a tired frown. "Really, Akila, do you feel so small that you must throw daggers wherever you look? If you go through life believing that everyone is an enemy, one day you will wake to find that it's true."
He thought back to the way she manipulated Denver and it burned in him. Korro wasn't going to let her get away with it much longer, but perhaps the goat could get through to her, Korro wanted to believe in him.

For an emphasis, he fell back to position himself on Aaliyah's other side, making sure the snake knew that he would get involved if he had to.

MageMantis Noble Scion

 

[MageMantis]

Tonnie smiled softly as she listened to the gray wolf man’s words of wisdom, her boots softly crunching against the grass and soil as she walked. She felt it a mindset that the world could benefit from at the moment. The growing shortage of empathy and the rising nihilism in Rekronia could take a toll on the spirit, so hearing optimism always felt quite refreshing. It was part of the reason why she befriended Blestare.

“I kinda feel bad for Elves.” Interjected Quickclaw. “Their lifespans are so long that, it will be ages before any of them can escape the influence of their elders. Their society can’t really progress as fast as more short-lived races can.” Shared she, woefully side-eying Warren a bit before focusing her gaze on Korro. “At least we can be mostly sure that the rich jerks that govern us will bite the dust before we do, but Elves…don’t really get that. What do you think? Do long lifespans limit progression to you?” Asked the Lizardfolk.

Akila gained a sick sense of joy upon seeing that her slander had successfully afflicted the princess once more. She then turned her attention to Korro and his criticism, “Small!? HAH!” Denied Akila. “It is not my fault I am naturally superior.” The mummy snakefolk gloated.

Noble Scion SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon spoke up. "That cycle of corruption is what I hope to see ended. Setting someone on a throne, not because of birthright or wealth, but because they are truly fit to rule." Seeing Adelynn glance away, Kanon rested a hand on her shoulder. "You will learn, in time. Small steps." Adelynn gave her a smile, a little bit reassured, but still uncertain.

MoonShadow glanced at Akila. "If looking like a rotten old sausage that someone wrapped up for later and forgot about is what qualifies for superiority, then you've got us all beat."

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena walked, jotting down notes as the conversation flowed around her, the gentle cadence of voices creating a comfortable backdrop. When an opportune moment arose, she leaned in and chimed in, “Honestly, I believe the most qualified person should always take the lead.” With that, she tucked away her notes and retrieved a shimmering vial filled with liquid from her studies on the Larkothens.

As the liquid glimmered in her hand, her imagination sparked; she deftly shaped it into a delicate handbell made of ice. For a moment, she considered ringing it, but a wave of caution washed over her. Memories of her assistant's lengthy lectures on the dangers of testing potentially harmful projects in public lingered in her mind. She cast a sidelong glance at him, not eager to revisit that debate.

“I'll experiment with you later,” she said with a smirk, gently rubbing the cool surface of the bell, excitement bubbling beneath her composed exterior.

Warren Would look over to the Steel-mage with a somber look.” Thanks for the understanding. Plus, it would be kind of hard for me to take out someone who pretty much raised me.”He would then notice Quickclaw’s eyes on him for a moment he would return her gaze for a moment.

Before he noticed Aaliyah coming to the side. He would smile at her, and hear what Akila said.“ Well, I don't know about her, but I will always enjoy hearing you sing it sounds soothing. The only person who would need anything though right now is ” He would shoot Korro, a smile thanking him for his help with Akila before turning to her.”Miss Akila, I would ask you to hold yourself from your harsh words for a while. If you do not.” He paused for moments as if preparing himself.” I will be forced to take measures that you will not be comfortable with. There is still a long journey ahead and I'm sure you would like to do it in peace and comfort. While you are the second undead I've met you two could not be further apart.” Warren would hear, Moonshadow comment and laugh at it.


Fangs9090 MageMantis Noble Scion SilverFlight

 

[MageMantis]

Quickclaw stifled a laugh, snickering as she put a hand over her snout. Akila seethed wrathfully at Moon before adorning a calm composure, her eyes and mouth eerily twitching a bit in contrast to the warm smile now on her bandaged face. “At least I can compensate for it, Rat. But you darling?” Akila cackled. “You look fresh from the dispenser hole of a Privy.” Mocked she. “It may have cost me living scales, but I sacrificed my mortality for something better…” Spoke she, as she stretched a bandaged arm in front of herself front with an open and straight palm and twisted and turned it around to pridefully examine it. “…Power.”

She then turned to Warren, “OoOoh! I’m so scared!” Spoke she, throwing up her hands in fake surrender. “Keep to guarding the pushover, half-breed.” Spat she.

Fangs9090 Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

"I was born in a sewer. So, I may not be fresh out of it, but that is where I'm from." MoonShadow twirled her knife in her hands, brushing off Akila's comment unfazed. "So we both look, smell, and act like shit. Far as I can tell, we still stand as equals."

Kanon put a hand to her head and sighed, shaking her head. "This will be a long journey..."

Adelynn gave her a smile. "At least it won't be boring."

 

[SilverFlight]

"You say that an awful lot for someone who believes it." Korro remarked at Akila's claim of superiority. "In all honesty I am not sure why you are even traveling with us, if you have such disdain for everyone here."

MoonShadow's jibe got a bark of laughter out of Korro as well, but he decided to ignore the snake from then on.

He nodded back to Warren. If they had to suffer Akila, they would do it together.
"I enjoy your singing too Aaliyah, in fact, I would like to hear another song."

Fangs9090 MageMantis Noble Scion Stern LuLuLu

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Glad that her companions would take her side, awkwardly listening to them getting annoyed on her behalf as her bright features would contrast with her sullen expression, thankful, but not enjoying the discourse as she'd listlessly trot along.

It was only when Warren and Korro would soothe her, Aaliyah would brighten up, forcing a smile, but it was a smile nonetheless.

"I-If you really wish... But... I don't want to bother that snake so..." Aaliyah would answer pensively before clearing her throat, deciding to hum her song softly so that Akila might not hear it. Her soft, clear tune forming a small, unobtrusive backdrop to the ambient chatter as she'd hit each note.

Spoiler: Tune she's humming

(Around 2:20+)

Timid as she was at first, she would visibly brighten up once more, her posture returning as she'd enjoy entertaining her friends.
SilverFlight MageMantis Stern LuLuLu

 

[MageMantis]

Akila cackled, before verbally firing back at Moon, “I do not smell of rubbish, Rat. That is unique to you.” It was then that Korro spoke to her, Akila glaring at the Wolfman whilst he did so. For the briefest moment, it could be noticed that Akila’s eyes shot to the floor when Korro questioned why she was even a part of their company if she looked down upon them all. Soon after, she swiftly returned to her usual prideful pose.

Elixen looked around at the surrounding forests, taking in the beauty of the vast and vibrant ecosystem that called the domain of the wilds home. She then spoke, appreciating the sunlight that trickled down from the treetops, “While these woods are wondrous, even they are dwarfed by the flourishing plant life of the Elven Provi-“

“UGH, I hate Elves!” Interrupted Akila. “They always think themselves to be superior. Insufferable tree worshippers, the lot of them.”

Tonnie and Quickclaw exchanged glances before returning their silent scrutiny to the insufferable snake. Quickclaw then confronted the snake, “That’s definitely not hypocritical at all.” Sarcastically remarked she.

“Darling, we are all hypocrites in some manner or another.” Retorted she.

Barracuda placed his gaze on Akila as she made her excuse, “In a sense, you are correct. However, our culture defines a hypocrite as an individual who is aware of their moral inconsistencies and makes no effort to correct them. You meet that definition, so quiet your incessant tongue, rotted filth.” Barked Barracuda through gritted teeth.

Akila hissed at the masked Human, prior to verbally tearing into him, “That mask does not allow for much oxygen, does it Human?”

“I actually receive oxygen: The difference between you and me, Undead.”

Akila responded with forced hysterical laughter, her contempt for the ones that accompanied her seeming to only elevate with time, like rising water in a large cavern that only had a small leak: Slowly but surely.

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon decided to add her input. “It seems to me that your reason for staying with us is quite clear. You seek the Aetherspark, as we all do, but you recognize that even you cannot succeed alone. Otherwise, you would have departed from our company by now.”

Adelynn chipped in. “Or you’re just too embarrassed to admit that you like us.”

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver sighed as Akila managed to put herself in yet another situation. he slowly scooted up and walked next to her "So Akila...That was a pretty good fight! I didnt see much but im sure you did great!" he said with a smile as he walked along side her, trying to steer her away from trouble "So what are you on this mission for? I dont think I heard?" he said with a smiled as the keys on his staff jingled

MageMantis

 

[SilverFlight]

"Ignore the snake." Korro advised her, and then, he dedicated himself to listening to Aaaliyah's song, tuning out the toxic Akila as much as he could. If engaging her fed the fire of her poison, he would simply...not.
The wolf knew he was not always pleasant, but Akila's miasma was incessant and exhausting.

He became aware of Denver sidling up to their mutual annoyance to ask her more questions. He kept an eye on that, but did not get involved, he doubted he could add anything useful to that interaction.
Carrying the pack, he could only think forward to their next respite, where he could set it down and regain his freedom of movement. Perhaps they could purchase a mule in the next town they passed.

He let his thoughts wander as they continued through the forest, his ears swiveling at every sound, keeping on the alert at the back of his mind.
Quicklaw's question before the treant attack came to him again.
"I think I like Mules." He said aloud, looking at the lizardfolk woman in answer to being asked his favourite animal. "They are sturdy, dependable, and brave."
Now, Korro felt he needed to return the favour of a question.
"What is the strangest thing you have ever encountered?" He asked, looking to anyone who cared enough to answer.

MageMantis Fangs9090 Stern LuLuLu Noble Scion Gummy Worm

 

[MageMantis]

“Pffft, that’s easy.” Begun Quickclaw. “So there was this time where I was hired to fetch something from this abandoned mansion in the middle of the woods, and when I peaked inside: all of the kitchen appliances, tools, and furniture were animate and singing. It turns out the inhabitants were cursed. They spotted me, and after we chatted I accidentally spilt why I was there. I bolted out of there and they all came after me. They were sharp in both ways, by the time I got to a window, I was missing my tail, and both of my arms.” Alleged she. “Yeah, I don’t think anybody has ever found a way to lift that curse. Have you ever been turned into something against your will? If so, what led to it?” Asked she to Korro and the others.

Akila shot an incredulous look at Adelynn, “HAH! As if! You all are merely tools in my quest.” She claimed with a lifted snout. She then sideyed Denver as he inquired about her before fully turning to the Goat, “Gold, darling. You can never have too much of it.” Answered Akila.

A faint strange crunching noise suddenly erupted from the distance, growing a bit louder with every minute.

Fangs9090 Gummy Worm SilverFlight

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena would walk with the rest of the group through the forest, taking down more notes and making possible theories on what you could do with her next experiment. Then Korro asked what the most interesting thing anyone had seen was. Quick Claw was the first to answer this. It sounded like an interesting story that she would love to get into more. She would then think about her answer. “I think mine would be when I first started what’s my practice. Until one day, some silly little beast came into my lab and started just eating all of my stuff. While I was mad about it, what happened afterward was truly fascinating. The beast started to grow in size almost to the point it became a giant but then it just popped until a blue foam. While I was surprised the time I accidentally tasted it was quite delicious. It is just like the stuff you put on the cake. While I would love to make that happen again, I was not good at taking notes on my first start. The local wildlife enjoyed it though. For the other question, I have yet to be turned into anything by anyone else. “

Then she would notice the faint sounds of crushing leaves ahead of the group. Her eyes light up. Hoping it would be something she could run some tests on.

Warren listened to Aaliyah humming and thought it was nice to listen to on the road. It also seemed that Alika had put her attention somewhere else for now as much as he wished she would just be more civil with everyone. Then Korro asked the interesting question he heard Quickclaw and Lena‘s answers and thought they both were interesting. One was slightly unsettled though. “I have seen a lot of strange things. It’s hard for me to pick out which one would be the strangest. But for the other one, I was turned into a small pup. The reason forward was they wanted to see what I would turn into then they carried me around like that for most of the day.”

He would notice the sounds coming from ahead and give a head tilt to Korro and Kanon to let them know he was ready.


SilverFlight MageMantis Noble Scion Fangs9090

 

[SilverFlight]

The answers to his question were truly odd indeed, and some made him smile.

The smile faded when Quickclaw countered his question with her own.
"Yes I have." He growled in a low voice.
"This collar turned me into a slave. So far, I have not changed back."
When he thumbed the cursed gold ring about his neck there was venom in the gesture. It seemed he truly hated the one who had trapped him.

Korro fell silent after that.

The noise made his ears swivel, and he put a hand on the hilt of his sword in anticipation.

MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Tonnie’s spirit got lost in the rhythm of Aayliah’s music, blissfully oblivious to the meaning of the original lyrics, and the pain they would cause her due to reflecting her greatest failure were she any wiser to the verses. Quickclaw sent a cheeky grin Warren’s way, “Guess I’ll have to call you ‘Woofen.’” Teased she. She then heard Korro’s answer and cringed, “That must suck."

Tonnie glanced at Helena, caught off-guard by the bizarre and brutal details of the Fae’s story. Curiosity swept her brain, “What type of beast was it?” Asked she.

SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon and MoonShadow were on guard as they heard the sound coming closer. Adelynn heard it as well, though she hoped it was just harmless wildlife. They kept an ear to the conversation, but didn’t participate so as to stay alert.

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver slowly nodded to Akilas' answer. He never truly understood the quest for gold; he had always thought copper was much prettier, but he also knew copper was worth much less than gold. That was probably why it was so desirable. But Denver wasn't here to put down her answer "Thats nice! Gold is beautiful" he said nodding as he pulled off a key from his staff, he was pretty sure it was brass but it looked gold enough "Here! its a skeleton key! It should open any chest you come across" he said with a smile as he handed the key to her.

Shinobi sighed as he lingered behind the group. It seemed he had finally managed to integrate into the group, but he knew his stay wouldn't be long; Denver would either cease to have use for him or he would die. Both options haunted the possum as he shuddered. He looked down at his feet as he walked, a sudden tug was felt from his mark as he looked up, he had fallen behind, far from the group and too far from Denver, their bond link tugging on the possum as he ran to catch up. Once he had gotten behind the rest, he looked around, such an odd assortment of characters. He was especially curious about the Wolfman, he seemed to be quite powerful and quite interested in Denver. He wasn't exactly sure why he had become so protective of the possum yet, but one thing was for sure, he didn't want Korro alone with the Goat.

MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

"Mhm~" Aaliyah would hum affirmatively to Korro's advice as she'd keep on humming her song to completion, ending it with a gleaming smile as she'd stop for a moment in a stray ray of light, curtsying with a giggle, before jogging to catch up to her position once more.

"You land-folk, probably. You all are very strange." she would pitch in as an answer before listening to the rest of their answers, shocked by quickclaw's story, chuckling at Lena's, then giggling at the thought of a puppy 'Woofen', before Korro's curt answer would silence as she'd suddenly find herself feeling guilty.

"S-.. Sorry." the princess would mumble to him awkwardly beside him as she'd decide to zone out of the conversation, leading to her noticing something else.

"Hey, does anyone else hear that strange sound? Oh! Is it a forest thing? do the tall green things make sounds like these throughout the day?"

Stern LuLuLu MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[MageMantis]

With a jubilant smile, Akila accepted the skeleton key, glad to have earned Denver’s trust. The crunching noise grew as the mercenaries walked through the forest, and soon the source of it would become known: A cave with vines draped over the entrance, acting as a door to potential doom.

Barracuda looked to Korro, “WarWolf, can you transf-“

“I will go look.” Announced Tonnie. With a twirl of her staff, the metal wolf head sitting at the top of it glowed brightly. Following this, she twirled around into a black blurr, and where the Witchblood once stood now sat a black housecat sporting blood red eyes. “I will return shortly.” Spoke she prior to sprinting past the vines and into the cave, wasting no time.

Not too long after, she returned with a look of fear enveloped throughout her feline figure, “Ripper Flytrap feasting on dragon eggs.” Informed she as she transformed back into a Witchblood. Ripper Flytraps were known to be Venus flytrap-like plant beasts ranging from the size of a Human child to the size of a castle. They were viciously carnivorous, and known to be able to be tamed by the most adept of Druids. However, most attempts ended in a free meal for the Ripper. They traversed and hunted with an army of vine tentacles, that could tear even the toughest hides a part.

Quickclaw and Steel-Mage looked to Kanon, awaiting their plan of attack.

Fangs9090 SilverFlight Gummy Worm Noble Scion Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon considered it before shaking her head. "If our path does not lead through the cave, we have no need to intrude. Best we move on while we- hey!" She cut off as she spotted MoonShadow heading into the cave. Dragon eggs were a delicacy she could not pass up.

"MoonShadow, wait!" Concerned for their new member, Adelynn followed after her.

"Gods damn it..." Kanon sighed before drawing her blade and placing the sheath onto her back. "Fine, we shall investigate. Stay alert." She hurried after the other two.

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro was about to obey Barracuda's request when Tonnie interjected.

It did not take her long before she returned to report. Korro felt a chill run down his spine. He was with Kanon.
"We should get clear before the mother retur--Gods damn it."
He said this at almost the same time as the red panda warrior as he watched two of their party charge in.
Korro drew his sword and followed.

"Please tell me these Ripper-things are susceptible to ice.." Korro said quietly as they neared the cave's entrance. "We kill the things, and then get out as fast as we can."

As the mouth of the cave loomed in front of them, Korro took a cautionary glance at the sky, just to make sure any dragon mothers weren't bearing down on them with a jawful of flames.

"Just so we're clear, I hate this idea." He stated matter-of-factly, before taking his first step into the darkness.

MageMantis Fangs9090