Graded [Frontier] Midnight Cleanse

[Orikanyo]

Finn


Abit of work never hurt anyone, and Finn was exceedingly hard to hurt. His pops said he had a tough skull long ago, but it only served him well for the years he worked. Oddly, it wasn't the first time hes made a fence. A long time ago he helped make a baracade reinforced against a monster attack but this was a different beast. He would gather up what he could find in the tool shed, gave an axe a good sharpening, a bunch of strong nails, and a pile of flat wood. The back of the axe was useable as the hammer at least.

The old coot probably had stuff in a workshop somewhere but he didn't mind making way with these, his work was simple, but when it came to the fence post... He had a unique issue. Wood was sturdy, for certain, but he was strong, very strong, to a point he was described as stronger than most men of the world. Thats what his appraisal says anyways. He was beyond what most could imagine... All thanks to a wierd system thing...

But his problem now was... Hammering in the post made it break. Even at his lightest. So he had to consider another option... a tree, younger but ailing, he cut it down and sepperated it into the lengths for replacement poles. Discarding his upper body armor for going bare, he cut the tree into a very large stake.

In which he drove it into the ground roughly.

Satisfied, he began repairing the fence as he should, hammering away for the long day, only stopping on occasion to make certain the others were good.

"...Good job keeping watch Mimi. Got sharp ears huh?" He could remember, dogs from before. Staring off into the distance means they heard something, something big enough to not bark at... Not that... Mimi barked... Much...

 

[Norschtalen]

Shalys Dar’Miam "Hunter"

Location: Cabin in the woods

Interactions: None​

---

After dinner, Shalys went to bed with Mimi. Sure enough when they did go to sleep, Shalys spent most of it sitting up, letting Mimi's head rest on her lap. It was a restful sleep and she almost didn't want to wake up when the old man roused them, but alas they had work to do. After freshening up and having breakfast Shalys was given her duty for the day: toss out the old food and clear out the critters from the stables. Easy enough. She's done similar work for her village back at home but she never liked it. Gathering up all of the remaining breakfast into a large pot, Shalys dragged the heavy thing into the forest, following the markers the old man had mentioned. She found the round stone and was curious to know if this was a natural formation or something that the old man had put together. Either way, Shalys spread the slop around. This way any wild boars will be able to eat at multiple spots, instead of one big sow getting to eat the whole pile alone. An easy job, and Shalys also noted some trails around here. Most were boars, but some were unfamiliar to her. Not elk, but she's never seen them before. Perhaps some local beast? Either way Shalys returned to the cabin.

Cleaning the stables were a bit harder. Most of the critters were were mice and forest birds, nothing that Shalys really felt needed to be killed, but they were everywhere. Using a broom Shalys knocked down any nests she could find and swept away all the rat droppings and debris, but when it came to the nests in the walls or actual rafters, Shalys needed to think about it. The broom was too big to fit in the walls, and she was too short to reach the rafters. Looking around the stables she found an empty bucket and had an idea. First, she'd catch one of the mice that was still around and tied some of her spare bowstring to it. She had the rat go through one of the mouse holes and see where he exits. Once she figures out the entrances and exits of the mouse holes, she cut the mice loose and went to fill the bucket with water.

She'd need to do this multiple times, but she would fill the bucket with water and pour the bucket into the mouse holes, using the broom as a sort of plug to keep the water from coming out and forcing the water through the holes. After some time, this would flush out any further rat wastes and debris left between the walls, the remains pouring out from other rat holes. Any that got clogged she'd just break it up and pull out the mess, and continue until she felt she was about done. As for the nests in the rafters, she went inside the cabin and got a large wooden cup which she used to fling water with precision into the rafters, knocking away the nests and cleaning the rafters at the same time. No way for her to dry it off, but at least now there was less muck up there.

With the stables cleaned, Shalys took a moment to look at the overgrowth. It looked familiar, so she wondered if she could homebrew a sort of weedkiller to help get rid of it tomorrow. At the very least it would be better than cutting and ripping it apart manually. This will also make sure it won't grow back again, at least not quickly. With plenty of time left in the day Shalys decides to go gather the ingredients she needed. During that time things seemed peaceful and quiet. Almost... Too quiet. Having grown up in a forest Shalys was all too aware of the usual sounds of birds, bugs, and beasts in the forest. But sometimes there were moments were there was nothing. No sounds, barely any wind. Just her breathing and her footsteps. It was uncanny and sent shivers up Shalys' spine. "How strange..."

Eventually Shalys would take her time working on the weedkiller at the old elf's house, making sure to work away from his kitchen but somewhere close incase of an accident. This weedkiller could be splashed around the stables and will kill any kudzu or plants nearby. It shouldn't affect any of the old man's plants in the garden, as long as no one decides to take this bucket to water his plants. Once in the ground it'll be absorbed by the dirt, so it should only be used directly on the offending plants or their roots. "I wonder how the others are doing."

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Mimi

Mentions: Orikanyo Norschtalen
Languages: Common | <Beastfolk>
​

Mimi's sleep seemed restless to Shalys that night. She kept muttering things in her sleep. "...i'll have it on the desk by morning...", "...it was in the last e-mail i sent...", "... i wasn't informed of the meeting being moved up...". She tossed and turned heavily in the night, which, along with the talking, had never happened on their travels together. She slept soundly once she finally settled, though in the morning had no recollection of it whatsoever.

Mimi ate eagerly, though when she caught the eyes of the elf on her, she slowed a little and waited until everyone had some before returning for more. This seemed to be good enough for him, as he didn't say anything to her.

She spent the day pulling weeds from the ground, a task that kept her outside a way from the cottage. Her enthusiasm for it however quickly dwindled as she began to get blisters and cuts on her hands. Despite this, she continues on, turning to look at Finn occasionally his work ethic urging her forward.

When the birds went quiet and the forest was quiet, a primal fear welled up inside her. She could detect a presence in the woods, but what it was was unrecognizable to her. As Finn spoke to her she would turn to him with an uncharacteristic calm in her voice. "Something's out there. It has no smell and hardly makes any noise, but it knows we're here. The animals don't like it." A moment later she would return to her normal self, pulling weeds with great grunts and whines.

At dinner Mimi slowly ate her fish, her least favorite type of meat. She tried the fruit, but ignored the potatoes. After dinner she would sit near Finn or Shalys, mostly licking her wounded hands. A little while after she began, the elf would set a bucket of water near her. She looked up at him, and he nudged it with his foot. "Use this, it's cleaner... Just dump it out back when you're done..." Mimi soaked her hands in the bucket for a while, then turned in for the night with Shalys, bidding Finn a good night with a tight hug.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Night​

While they ate, Shalys inquired about several things from the old elf:

What is your name?
- "Hmph... My name is older than most of the trees around here, but less worth remembering. You can call me Meranzen. That name was a gift to me and I am quite fond of it."
Can you tell us about this cure to Finn's curse?
- "I've never experienced it myself. Came across it with a group many years ago. We used the spring as a bath for the evening, but one of the members, one who had been inflicted with a curse, had a fit. When he came too, he seemed to be better, but struggled to describe what exactly had happened. A few of us decided to settle here, while others, including that man, went on their way. Years later, more travelers such as yourselves showed up, having heard rumors of a curse curing spring. We helped them as best we could, and over time the rumor spread. I learned more through the years of how to work the spring. Now once every ten years someone shows up seeking to end an affliction. It wears on every part of you, and not everyone walks away. Those that don't get called into the forest, lost to some ancient force. Those that do are put at ease. That's all I know."

---

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Day
​

The next morning, breakfast was once again spread out for them, this time consisting of some elvish baked goods. Fruit Tarts, nut muffins, and herb loaves. As Shalys sat down, Meranzen would nod toward the counter. "For the ani-.. Beastfolk... should she want them." With that, he would head outside without waiting for a response. On the counter where he nodded were two small hand pies.

As they met him outside he was staring up the cloud covered sky, a frown on his face. He looked at them as they approached and dished out chores.

Finn:
- "I'm running low on fire wood and lumber for my workshop. Cut down a few trees. Choose large, old ones from different points around the clearing. The forest has grown in over the years, none of those ones will be missed. Stack the fire wood next to the shed, lean the lumber against the cottage."

Shalys:
- "You're to take care of breakfast again, the same way you did yesterday. And don't think I didn't notice what you were doing. I am familiar with alchemy, though I do not know the craft. If you believe what you brewed will clear the growth from the stables, you are free to use. It is going to rain later though, so take that into account. Clear the overgrowth, how is up to you. That is all."

Mimi:
- He stopped in front of Mimi and stared at her for a moment. She smiled and her tail began to wag. He let out a sigh. "There is a pond near the edge of the woods on the east side of the cottage. Clear the reeds and algae from it." Mimi's tail stopped as she held up her hands in front of her, making an 'L' with both of them. Meranzen sighed and pointed. "There." Mimi smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "All right get to it."

Before he headed back inside he, paused again. "It's going to rain this afternoon, possibly a storm. I'll shutter the house now, but once it starts, go ahead and come back in. No point getting caught out here over a few chores." He then turned and headed inside.

The storm did hit mid afternoon, the thunder growing louder until a sudden downpour broke out. It rained the rest of the day, the shutters shaking violently and thunder cracking loudly shortly after each time a flash lit up the room. Dinner was a hearty porridge with hard bread and a small ham rump. Afterward he collected the remains into a wooden box by the back door, and went to read in the sitting room, giving the group free reign of the house again. Eventually he said goodnight and headed upstairs.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finn


The young man eyed the pies and let a small smirk pop up on his face... Mimi could get through to just about anyone. She had those eyes, the look of being just the sweetest thing and those perky little ears. Part of him wondered if he said "perky little" aloud others might be thinking hes talking about something else... but... he was certainly meaning it. She was the cutest thing, ever.

Shalys certainly agreed, and she was easy on the eyes herself. invariably honest, and was quite good at most things it seemed. Really he could trust her with anything, thats how he felt anyways. She ate his tomatos, so, good enough for him.

Eager to get to it, the man snarfed down his breakfast and set out in his linens, the old ratty pants and white shirt would quickly become sweaty as the humdity rose outside. Outside and hatchet in hand Finn considered the various trees around, while we could see the trees he was intended to cut throughout the grove he looked over the strange ones around, some of the younger trees were sturdy and flexible things.

The first he looked at was some sort of young oak, but was eager to grow into something bigger and better, it was barely taller than Finn and he felt the air of promise in it as it danced in the breezy air that escaped down into the grove. He looked to another tree, that smelled lightly of unripened peaches... And looked like it had them to. They weren't good just yet but they looked plentiful, it stood brilliantly amongst a handful of others, he wondered how long the old man planted those in the past springs or summers. He didn't know much about trees and plants, but he could see a large old oak nearby the treeline.

Finn would grasp the hatchet and size up the tree first, choosing his direction he began to start chopping.

It would take awhile, not for the lack of wood but the sheer amount he had to put away once he had cut down a tree. he had the pleasure of cutting knot, heartwood, stones that somehow got lodging into the tree when they grew... he was cutting down history, but it was long time for the tree to go.

He always felt bad about cutting down trees... but modern life depended on them in colder months...

Once finished, he managed to get in before the storm, he did wait for Mimi and Shalys to be in before really settling in, a storm couldn't blow him away but he wanted to be certain the others were safe...

Once inside, he was happy to settle down and wait it all out, with everyone safe from the vicious storm.

 

[Norschtalen]

Shalys Dar’Miam "Hunter"

Location: Cabin in the woods

Interactions: Anyone at the cabin​

---

The day passes without incident, and that night Shalys spoke to the old elf more, first trying to learn his name and second trying to learn more about the spring. From what she could understand, this spring seems to be able to cure curses but at some sort of risks. Chances are Finn will under go some sort of trial if he enters the spring, and Shalys wasn't too sure what she could do to help. Thus she wants to investigate this spring more and try to get a better idea of how exactly it works so she can do something to help, or at least know what sort of harm could come to Finn. But before she does any of that, she had more chores to handle. First thing's first, dumping the breakfast. She was tempted to tell Finn or Mimi to do it, but Shalys begrudgingly did her work and scattered the remains for the boars. Some of it was already gone, though that might've been due to other beasts. Shalys makes a note of the new animal trails here to try and get an idea of what might be in the forest, especially if they may a surprise appearance if they come when Finn is in the spring.

Next was the hard part. Shalys needed to clear the overgrown plants over the stables. using the weedkiller would make things fairly easy, but the problem now was that it was going to rain. Shalys already had to diluted the weedkiller to even use it, but this rain presented to different issues: it would contribute to diluting the solution and make the weed killer less effective. It could also inadvertently carry the alchemical mixture away from the stables and to the surrounding areas, which could result in unforeseen consequences. "Uuuuuggghhh." Shalys groaned loudly when she was standing in front of the stables, because now this means she has to do all of this manually.

But then Shalys had an idea. Desperation is the mother of invention after all, and Shalys had an idea that she could use. The key point of making this weedkiller is to save time, the reason she shouldn't use it is due to the rain washing the chemicals somewhere more dangerous. But what if she makes sure the chemicals don't get washed away? Working with her alchemy tools again, Shalys changes the formula to her weedkiller a bit. Concentrating the formula into a bottle this time, she also made an infusion with her smoke bombs, creating a sort of gas bomb against the plants. Very potent, but with a very short shelf life. Fortunately for Shalys, she doesn't need it to last long, just enough to get the job done. When she finished she attached the gas bombs to her crossbow bolts, specifically the bolt designed to launch her smoke bombs. Now all she needs to do is shoot them strategically at the various moss, bushes, and other overgrowth and let the gas do it's work. And since these are effectively blunt bolts, they will do minimal damage against the stables itself, harmlessly shattering against the walls.

Of course she'd have to double check and make sure there weren't any animals in here. If there were, they would die a quick and painful death if exposed to these toxins. So before she fumigated the area, she made sure to drive off any vermin or birds from the stables, and even made sure to check the surrounding trees. While the fumes shouldn't go so far, once can never know if a freak wind could blow them in an undesirable direction. So making sure that no errant storm was about to send the gasses elsewhere, Shalys then fired her weedkilling gas bolts around the stables and within it. After about an hour, she would start to see the effects of the alchemical mixture.

The plants, once a shade of green or yellow, were quickly wilting into a black or brown color. They became hard and brittle to the point that Shalys could pull a single vine and bring down an entire section of dead plant matter. What she couldn't simply pull off, she used her knife to remove. When all of the overgrowth was gone, Shalys did one more alchemy check to ensure that there was no residue chemicals left that could leak into the surrounding area. After care was always important after all. Covering her nose and mouth with a bit of cloth and charcoal, Shalys went to clean the cabin of chemicals using water and a clean rag. Once she has sufficiently ensured that this little chore doesn't bite her in the ass later, Shalys gathers the remaining chemicals and heads back to the cabin.

"Job's done. Glad I managed to finish quickly. I wish we could go see that spring now, but I don't want to be out there when that storm comes. How are you all holding up? Not too sore I hope."

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Mimi

Mentions: Orikanyo Norschtalen
Language: Common | <Beastial>​

Mimi looked at the breakfast spread, disappointed until she noticed the hand pies on the counter. Once confirming they were for her, she tore one open in her hands to reveal a thick cut meaty filling. Her tail immediately began to wag as she next to Finn and greedily chowed down on the pies. As the others finished first she quickly shoved the rest into her mouth and followed them out into the clearing. She was glad she actual received a chore today, quickly heading to the pond to see what she had to do. Clearing the reeds seemed easy enough, but she wasn't sure how to handle the algae. So she decided she'd start there. She spent a few hours ripping the reeds from the ground around the pond. It was much easier to view now, though with all the algae, it wasn't much to look at. She frowned frustrated, then took off her outer clothes so she was in her small clothes. Setting them aside, she stepped into the pond and began to collect algae in her hands and fling it out of the pond. Soon there is a small pile of algae next tot he pond.

As the storm breaks, Mimi runs toward the house, meeting Finn and Shalys at the door. She is soaked from both the rain and her time in the pond. The elf brings towels out for all of them, which Mimi wraps herself in. She spends some time near the window, looking through the cracks out into the clearing. Sometimes she goes still and refuses to answer, before relaxing again. "It's still out there. It wont come in the clearing, but it's curious."

Mimi scarfed down the bread and ham, but barely touched her porridge. After dinner she stayed near Finn and Shalys, occupying herself happily until it was time for bed.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Day
​

As the sun rose the following day, Meranzen would once again call them to breakfast, this time consisting of small disks of potato shavings, sausages, and tomatoes with cheese. He seemed pensive while he served them, keeping any conversation short and curt, but never rude. Once he finished, he went outside and worked his garden while he waited for the others.

Once they were all present he gave them their tasks for the day.

Finn and Shalys:

"The clearing looks decent enough, thank you both for your efforts. Today I just need you to set up for the banquet tonight. There are several large tables and a multitude of chairs in the storage shed. If you could bring them and set them up out here, it would be of great help. Other than that you're free to enjoy the day as you see fit. Tonight is the full moon, so prepare yourself for the spring. At sundown, you should head there."

Mimi:

"You, do-... uh, Mimi, wassit? Come with me."

Meranzen led Mimi down a small trail in the woods behind the house and a short while later Mimi came back alone.

The old elf returned to them just before sunset. He addresses Finn first.

"Allright, it's time. Take the path out of the clearing to the south east and follow it for twenty minutes. Do not stray from the path. You'll come across a small ruins laying in a spring. Wait till the moment's right, then enter the water. You'll know when it's time. If you survive, you're welcome to join us back here for the celebration. If not, then the girls can join after you're dealt with."

He then turns to Shalys and Mimi.

"Once he's in the water he will pass out and shake. It won't matter what you do, he won't come out of it till the ordeal is done. If he fails, it would be kindest to put him down, but there is no shame in fleeing. It will not chase you."

He then addressed all of them.

"I wish you luck, though it is strength of spirit you will need. But, I feel I shall see you again."

With that he turned to continue readying for the feast.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finn


"...Starting to wonder just how difficult this trail in this Moonpool will be." Or just how much this old man underestimated him? Well, best he take this in stride because who knows what trouble could be within that pool...

its best he focus on the celebration for now.

Finn considered the whole thing as he put out the tables first, with his strength the tables were no issue to move around, but really he had to think... What could be the issue within the moonpool, what possibly could be so dangerous? Does it manifest the corruption? Does he have to do one of those fighting himself things?

the possibilities are in fact endless, but he had to accept what comes and deal with it. The fact the others would have to deal with him if he failed was too heartbreaking of...

"it wont come to that... I will succeed." he said, mostly to himself, the set up was easy but... these thoughts in his head wouldn't leave, even up till the time he had to go...

 

[Norschtalen]

Shalys Dar’Miam "Hunter"

Location: Cabin in the woods

Interactions: Anyone at the cabin​

---

The more that Shalys hears about this miracle pool, the more skeptical she became. She really should've been asking more questions instead of just doing chores, because now she was starting to wonder if this was even worth the risk. Or if this was just some trap to get Finn into an isolated area naked and alone, for some nasty monster or witch to get him. Tired of being left wanting for answers, Shalys simply asks the old man to elaborate. "What exactly do you mean? I mean, you seem to know how this pool works, so please by all means, enlighten us. This pool, is it suppose to cure Finn or... Transform him into something? And you said something might not chase us, but is something or some creature in the forest that guards the pool? You mention the forest taking those who go into the pool, are you saying that Finn might transform into some sort of monster if he fails? Mimi mentioned a creature that was curious, but I haven't noticed anything off about the beast trails."

Once more Shalys' disbelief about magic came forth. Prayers ands curses exist without a doubt, but she lacked the knowledge to just accept magic at face value without some further explanation. It's why she took up Alchemy instead of mysticism. "Finn doesn't need to go in alone, does he? Could one of us accompany him into this spirit realm or whatever? I've no doubt of Finn's strength, but I will not stand idly by to grant him mercy. What ever is the source of the spring's power anyways? Surely it is not just an isolated pond, there must be some sort of magic force it gains it's properties from. A crystal or tree upriver, or perhaps a spirit what lives within the water." But the truth in all of these questions what just that Shalys wanted to be able to do more to help Finn. Doing chores around the house may have earned her keep here, but she felt like she needed to do more for Finn's condition, to edge the bets in his favor. That's because she had little faith in something she knew nothing about, but she was confident in her own abilities. She just needed guidance.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Mimi

Mentions: Orikanyo Norschtalen
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

As the elf gave them their tasks, Mimi looked to the others then back to Meranzen. He didn't seem hostile or disgruntled, so she went with him, follow curiously. As he rounded the cabin he stopped and picked some flowers from the garden before continuing on, leading her to a lightly travelled path behind the house. They travelled down the path for roughly thirty minutes, Meranzen stopping occasionally to clear growth. The trail exited into a small clearing with naught in it aside from thickets and rocks, and a small wooden monument and bench near the center. Mimi stopped near the edge of the clearing while Meranzen approached the monument, opening a small door to remove, light, and replace a candle, laying the flowers at it's base. He turned and waved over Mimi, who approached slowly and cautiously, confused and not wanting to disturb the old elf. "It's alright, I won't yell at you... not here." He sat on the bench and patted the spot next to him. "Will you sit with me for a bit? You don't have to stay long." Mimi approaches slowly and sits on the bench next to Meranzen. They sit in silence for a while before he speaks again. "He would have liked to have met you. He was always more accepting than I was, eager to make friends with everyone. There was always room at his table for guests... I wish I could be more like him... Thank you for accompanying me out here. I just wanted to give him a chance to see you. You can head back whenever your ready. Do you remember the way?" Mimi nodded silently, and Meranzen returned the nod before turning away from her again. She waited a few minutes then headed back to the cabin and the others. With the table and chairs already set up, Mimi spent the rest of the afternoon near Finn and Shalys, lounging in the sun or chasing birds that landed to pick at seeds from the garden.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Afternoon
​

Meranzen listened to Shalys's inquiries, taking a moment before answering, his voice calm and understanding. "I do not know how the pool works, only how to work it. It's not a cure, more... a containment. He will always carry the signs of being cursed on him, but if he succeeds, the curse will be made dormant. Should he fail, the curse will claim him. The thing that is left will not attack you, but it will defend itself, should attempt to ease Finns suffering. The being that walks the woods I can't explain. Only that it has been here longer than our kind."

"Nothing is stopping you from entering the pool with him, but if there is a way to enter whatever ordeal he will face, I do not know it. The pool only effects those with curses, and even when multiple undertake its effects at the same time, they have never stated being aware of the others. you do not have to stand Idly by, in fact I recommend you support and encourage him while he is under. It is a test of spirit, as best I can surmise, and the aid of those close to him will surely help. I do not know the source of the springs power. I assume it is tied to the being that roams these woods, but as I said, it and the ruins surrounding the spring have been here longer than Bishri. We like to believe we are the masters of this world, but it will never cease to humble us from time to time."

"I hope I have satisfied your concern. Do you have any more questions for me?"

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Evening
​

The journey through the woods is uneventful as the trio follow the trail pointed out by Meanzen. It was heavily overgrown, having been sometime since anyone travelled it, but it was still visible in contrast to the thick dense vegetation that made up the forest brush. After about twenty minutes, the trees opened to reveal a pool amidst a clearing. Resting within the pool was an old ruin. It was a small structure, though where the door should have been was merely an impression. It would likely be too small to have an interior, even if the doors were real. The water was crystal clear, allowing them to see the bottom of the shallow spring, small rocks and plants decorating the floor. A small burbling that upset the still surface came from near the ruins, the apparent source of the spring. It would take them a moment, focused on the sight before them, before they realized the woods were silent all around them. It was an eerie scene as such a place seemed like it should be teeming with life. The last light of the day was nearly gone as the sun began it's final descent beyond the horizon.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finn


Well... it was time... he wasn't fully certain about the whole thing, but if this is what he had to do to cleanse himself thats what he had to do... Though he had thoughts on what this could be... But all he could really do is figure it out by... Well... Doing. Finn went with his full kit, keeping his sword handy he would lead on, face focused on ahead as opposed to his usual joviality. This wasn't to be underestimated... But he wasn't certain just how much a corruption of his body could manifest in levels of danger...

He would see, he supposed, soon enough.

He had to succeed... if he was to champion a cause for good over evil... if he was going to help others see the path of the Unreachable Star he had to be clear of this... the dream of peace, and the pursuit of it...

He had to fight this corruption first.

"...it looks innocuous enough. But.. if it's as strange as the old man says, be ready for anything you two. I promise, I'll succeed..." he looked rather stern with this...

as... he started to strip...

 

[Norschtalen]

Shalys Dar’Miam "Hunter"

Location: Magic Spring

Interactions: Finn, Mimi​

---

Shalys can't say she liked the answer she got. Oh it worked, she didn't really have anything else to ask, but it didn't settle her concerns at all. She felt rather useless and this only made Shalys continue to seek out some way to help, even if her methods may be useless in the end. To that end she offered what she knew best: her alchemy and her archery. Before leaving for the spring, she took some time to gather herbs and hunted one of the boars who would be eating the slop she's been spreading. Nothing big; a small piglet was more than enough for what she needed as she needed it's fat for tallow. She would craft some incense, insect repellant, and finally smelling salts for Finn. While she knew nothing of spirituality or curses, she understood the soothing effects of well made candles, knew the annoyance of insects near bodies of water, and if all else fails maybe she could rouse Finn from his stupor before the curse takes him. It was all she could think to do to help, short of putting a bolt into his eye if he succumbs to the curse. But hopefully it won't come to that.

The path to the magic spring was overgrown, a sign that this road was rarely traveled. She did still try to keep an eye on any clue of beast or monsters that might've been around. Bad enough if Finn has to wrestle with his inner demons alone, last thing they needed was some opportunistic predator to try and get him while he's naked and exposed. But they reached the spring without any difficulty, and here Shalys could see that the spring rested in some sort of ruin. Given the magic healing of the spring, maybe this place used to be a temple? She wondered if it was fey in origin, or belonged to some other civilization in the past. Lots of elven civilizations had risen and fallen in the See, some older than even her village elder.

Once at the spring, Shalys tries not to look at Finn. Despite how stoic she likes to be, she wasn't really used to seeing naked men. Shirtless sure, lots of men seemed to like to go without a shirt for some reason, but even stripped to their skivvies was something that Shalys couldn't really wrap her head around. Instead of focusing on Finn, she would sent up the various incense she had prepared, lighting the candles with a piece of flint and spreading the insect repellent around the area. This also ought to keep any snakes away, assuming there was any who took to calling this ancient ruins home. She held onto the salt just in case it wasn't needed, plus she could always fling it into Finn's face if he goes crazy.

The last thing Shalys did to prep was find some vantage point to climb to. Not only to watch over Finn, but the area as well. She was still paranoid of something lurking in these woods, and until she can get a better idea of it's a friend or foe, she's going to assume the worse. Mimi seemed to know something about it, so while they were at the springs Shalys looked to the dog girl. "Mimi, you mentioned there was something in the woods. Do you know anything about it?: I haven't noticed anything off myself." Taking some rope and tying it around a rock, she uses it as a makeshift grappling hook to get some high ground.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Mimi

Mentions: Orikanyo Norschtalen
Languages: Common | <Beastial>​

Mimi hummed as they made their way through the woods, leading the way on the path, clearing out bramble for the others. A few times she stopped to collect flowers or small rocks which she brought to Finn or Shalys, her burr covered tail wagging happily. When they reached the spring, she wandered near the edge of the water, bending over to look into the crystal clear pond. "Awwww... There's no fish..." She sat down on a rock and began pulling burrs from her tail, using her teeth when her fingers couldn't get them. Mimi watched as Shalys began preparing the area with her creations, curious why she seemed to be avoiding looking at Finn. The incense smelt nice, if not a little unusual, and the candles were pretty. Mimi pulled her own cloak, doublet, and pants off and sat on the waters edge kicking her feet. She turned to Shalys when the elf addressed her and thought her words over. "Yeah, it's something BIG. The other animals don't like it when it looks at them. That why they get all quiet. It's really hard to hear, so I listen to what the animals are doing. It doesn't have a smell either." She smiles and kicks her feet hard, causing a large splash.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Evening
​

Shalys keeps watch from the canopy above, her incense providing a barrier from any interfering pests, while Mimi splashes happily in the water, not completely understanding the weight of their mission, but keeping her ears tuned to the woods around them. And as the final rays of the sun disappear, shrouding the world in darkness, Finn steps into the pool. The water is cool, but not cold, and at first nothing seems to happen. A few minutes pass with nothing of note occurring. But as the moon passes from behind a cloud, the pool begins to glow, the water turning a milky white as it illuminates the clearing. A high pitched tone seems to build, starting out quiet, but beginning to reach peircing levels. Neither Mimi nor Shalys seem to notice anything different, continuing their individual activities as Finn calls out to them to no reply. Suddenly Mimi's face is one of worry as she let's out a voiceless cry and leaps into the water running toward Finn, but she vanishes suddenly as the piercing noice reaches a crescendo and stops. Finn is alone is in the clearing now. As he looks around, he sees the space on the ruin where a door should have been is now open, a dark passage leading inward. The rest of the wood seems dark and hazy. The stars in the night sky appear to be much closer than ever before.

Shalys hears Mimi shout Finn's name and turns to see the wolf girl jump into the water and rush toward an unconcious convulsing Finn.

 

[Orikanyo]

"....Huh well this is a interesting place..." the man looks up at the starry sky above him... the knight looked around himself... confused and... unsure of all the world around him... Where was he...? Did... it work...?

Was he currently on moon drugs and the old man sent him to have a seriously deep trip?

The heavyness was... concerning...

He blinked once... twice... trying to... understand the world around him... He called into his center and relied on what he knrw... He stepped into the pool, was suitably down to his drawers... Now his body was easily seen...

His body was that of a man who had seen years of conflict and training, strong muscles rippled beneath the surface and very little fat showed them off well. In that armor, it was hard to pack on much weight in that regard. And being an adventurous knight as he? Well, its simply to say he was, in fact, rather shredded.

But his skin was less than perfect, largely from the plethora of scars from being shot by arrows, stabbed, on one across his flank it looked like his ribs caught the business end of something very sharp. Needless to say, his arm was similar, but... what the corruption had done made it rather ugly to look at... palid and cracked, that skin needed more than moisturizer and abit of cream...

But... not much could be said, until told by a narrator exactly what he was seeing.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Night
​

As Finn took in his surroundings, a haunting wail escaped from the opening in the ruin, calling his attention. A sudden pain in his arm caused him to cry out in surprise and wince as an inky substance oozed from the cracks in his skin, dripping into the white water he stood in. The contrast between the two was more than any other. More than night and day. The ichor moved through the water as though it were alive, heading to the opening in the ruin. Even though the inside was pitch black, Finn could see something moving toward him in the darkness, somehow blacker than the lightless interior. A void in the void. As it stepped out of the shadow and into the clearing, Finn could see its humanoid appearance. It walked toward him, the water parting to avoid its touch as it stepped into the pool.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finn


"Shit, shit!" He grimaced as the pain flooded his arm, but nows the time for it... Its gonna get worse before it gets better after all... "tsk... knee it... Hey! If were going to have some sort of fight, we should get down to it. I got two worried people looking after me and I can't let em down.

...And I hope Mimi doesn't try jumping in or drinking the water shes a sweet thing but not always bright...

Well shes actually always sunny and smiley but...

You get me."

He waves off the thought, he rubbed the back of his neck with his un-extremely painful hand. "...Are you going to keep being ominous and quiet? I don't have my sword but..."

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Night​

As the being continues to approach, it attempts to match Finn's movements, not a mirror, more a mime, as it rubs the back of its neck with one hand. The other arms seems to be dripping a thick white substance that drips and runs into the pool, swirling with the black of the fluid running from Finn. It staggers to a halt a short distance still from Finn and watches him a moment. Suddenly, Finn could feel light pressure on his shoulders, as if small hands were gripping them, though no one was there. The smell of incense permeated the distorted clearing, the shadowy being seemingly aware of it too as it began to sniff the air. It returned it's focus to Finn, moving toward him faster now with arms outstretched.

Spoiler: Shadowy Being

 

[Orikanyo]

Finn


"...What the shi-!!" He couldn't help but shout as the shadow started coming for him, at first he thought he could maybe make it copy a dance or something up this got real quick!

The knight stood up quickly and skidded back, he was quick but if this shadow came from him he had to act quickly and....


Think...

FAST!!!!

GUT REACTION GO!

IT was at this point the author of Finn would step in, Finn is not the brightest man, he was full of energy, but he was never truely bright. That A grade in intelligence is very much a...

Raw power rather than a show of actual intelligence.

But what he was, was strong, fast, and very durable. And only really improving his perceptiveness not too long ago with glasses he keeps in his back pocket.

So, when his instincts came down to it, the man did what first came to thought.

Punch directly into the diapragmn, just below the ribs, then swing around into what is normally called a "German Suplex."

The author bids you adieu.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Mimi

Mentions: Orikanyo
Languages: Common | <Beastial>
​

Mimi splashed through the waist high high water, calling out to Finn until she reached his spasming body, putting her small hands under his shoulders to keep his head up. She drags him to the edge so she can rest against the wall while keeping him above the water. She started to panic, but quickly realized that wouldn't help Finn. What was it the old elf had said...? She really wished she paid attention more right now. Wait... Encouragement! She could do that! "Finn! I-I don't know what's happening, but you can beat this! I know you can... You can beat anything!"

---

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Night​

As the shadowy being approached Finn, he suddenly lifted it and slammed it into the ground behind him, the white water flying away from the entity as it was plunged into the pool. Finn would notice a burning sensation in his arms and hands from where he touched the thing, a light black steam rising from his exposed skin. It struggled to stand, raising a hand toward Finn, which caused his cursed arm to flare with pain as more of the inky substance was pulled from the wounds and absorbed in the pitch black figure. As Finn collects himself, a familiar voice [Little Sister] rings out through the hazy spring.

 

[Orikanyo]

Finn



"...Mimi..? I... Of... Of course.. of course I can beat this!" Finn stomped down upon the... floor...? before bracing himself once more, standing up and clutching both fists. "I don't know what you are, but I am Finnegan Huttman, knight unsworn and protector of Innocent and Chaser of the Unreachable Star! And this wont stop me any better than hordes of undead could!

So if you want this damn corruption... YOU CAN TAKE IT!" rushing forwards, Finn slid to a stop infront of the creature, in the space between his left arm clutched, rising up for the punch. But his other channeled the holy energy within his body... he circled it around the shoulder of his left corrupted arm, the place he made such energy force a bulwark against any further seeping of this corruption. And instead of holding the line more... He slid the wall of energy forwards, timing with the strike upon this creature as he impacted his fist upon it.

Like the push of a syring he planned to oust the whole thing straight at this creature with all the fury his body possessed!

This scene, while certainly a strong moment in mind, is somewhat undermined by the fact he was, stark naked.

A silent hope in his mind, deep within, hoped Mimi was averting her eyes lest he have to explain the birds and the bees to her...

...How old was mimi anyways...?

Surely somebody explained it to her.

 

[StarPrincessVal]

Somewhere in the Wilds of the See
Night
​

An immense pain erupted in Finn's arm, the kind of pain that would send a weaker person into shock, as the curse was ejected from the wounds, nearly shredding his hand to ribbons. The figure reeled as the white fluid was ejected from it's own arm in a similar fashion, causing it to stumble backward. As the inky substance sprayed from Finn's arm, it was drawn toward the being and pulled into its darkness, causing the figure to writhe and grow. A sound like words forming began to emanate from it, as if it was trying to talk. It lifted it's arm and staggered toward Finn once more. Suddenly, in a flash of white, a large fanged maw appeared from over Finn's head, clamping down on the shadowy being, leaving nothing but it's arm, which fell to the pool below. Finn spun in place to see a large pale beast standing behind him, swallowing the last of the pitch black figure. It stared down at Finn with a grin that seemed to never leave it's face and licked its lips before replying in a deep voice that never moved its mouth. "Well, THAT was certainly entertaining. I've seen many pass through here, many die here, but I've never seen someone quite like you."

Spoiler: Large Pale Beast