Fantasy Into the East (IC)

[Oreo Cookie]

Averna Wilwater
St. Coraline
LadyOfStars​

“At least you’re wise enough to play innocent, but then again most criminals do.”

Averna fixated her crimson eyes upon the elf, her bitter smile now long gone. In its place was a scornful scowl. Her hands were so tightly balled into fist that she could feel her nails digging into her palms. Oh what she would give to have a swing at him right now. At the very least, a punch would knock him off his literal high horse. She released an exasperated sigh as a meager means of calming herself.

"Get this through your thick skulls. I. Am. Not. A. Criminal. If you weren't such a stub--ugh- -forget it". She threw her hands to the air in frustration, cautiously of course, lest she incite a reaction from the soldiers. If the words of a dark elf wouldn't convince them, what would? A bell toll would interrupt her pondering on the subject.

So this was St. Coraline. Days prior, a merchant had told her the name of this city in passing. She knew very little about it aside from some vague details. Her gaze stayed glued to the wall they approached. She came to a brief halt upon reaching it, her lips forming a slight frown as she inspected the barrier. The steep wall lacked any footholds or grips she could use to climb it. Instead of letting this dishearten her, she mentally checked it off her growing list of escape options. She was confident more chances to escape would present themselves to her once inside. Apparently having stood still a second too long, a soldier gestured her to move with his spear. Averna made sure to roll her eyes before hurriedly following the lead elf to the southern entrance.

"You high elves. . ." Averna's words were filled with venom. ". . .are a long way from home. What business do you have in these lands?. Besides arresting innocent travelers of course." It was a question that had been lingering on her mind ever since she met them in the forest.

 

[The Dark Creator]

Edwin entered St.Coraline from the West. If it is daylight out, his umbrella is out, shielding himself from the deadly sun. First of his priorities was getting used to the town, knowing where to go and how to get there. He strolled around the streets and pathways, searching for places of importance, and if anyone was willing to give him assistance. He had a casual, happy stride and a slight smile on his face, trying his best to appear friendly.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Duke Aurum Soleil and Company
St. Caroline
Oreo Cookie


“We’ve come to investigate the mysterious happenings here within St. Caroline.” Aurum didn’t owe the woman an explanation, but in the interest of gaining more knowledge about the city, he decided to share with her. His thin fingers ran through the soft mane of his horse as the steed trotted along beside the wall towards the southern gate. “If you’re not part of the trouble going here then you will be set free.” While he didn’t exactly like Dark Elves or this one in particular, they had more important business to conduct than the execution of one lesser being. As they continued along the path he surveyed their surroundings to keep track of where they were along their journey. “What was a lowly scavenger like yourself doing in this area? Any knowledge on what lies within the city?” As the gate came into view Aurum hesitated and brought his horse to a stop.


The elven woman’s movements didn’t startle the soldiers, but they did keep a very cautious eye on her. At the same time, it could be seen that their eyes were shifting every now and then to look at the soldier in the center of the ring. That singular elf lead the group’s movements with his eyes, instructing them on which way to move so that those with their backs to the path would avoid harm.


​

 

[Bacon is fluffy]

Market District
The Dark Creator
​

The vampire coming from the Western gates would have noticed an abundance of guardsmen of different rank and role. There would generally be at least two watching the gates from dawn when they first open, till dusk when they closed. In general the standard procedure would be to stop every person, even if a long line stretching for miles would form. One can never be too careful with checks, especially when magic's involved. Normally there would be dogs to sniff out the non-humans, with nostrils sharpened by the arcane arts to detect even the most sly of hybrids and humanoids. Seers would accompany them in case of a false alarm and to detect any abnormal cargo one my be carrying. Newly invented gunpowder, contraband, and even foreign foods are all regulated carefully. Or rather, they would normally be. Things have gotten lax at the capital, so no one would have even thought to stop the Vampire as he strolled in through the western entrance. Its doors left open and nearly pulled off their hinges, townsgaurd barely even conscious. Those that were, were lax as if they were on downtime with their families; eating good foods and enjoying the finer things in life, all while in uniform.

However there would be one guard which didn't stand for this nonsense. At the first junction leading into town a stalky knight approached the vampire, with a height exceeding 8 feet, he eclipsed the man's figure and bathed him in shadow. His armor was thick, but glistening with runic magics that shined brightly in the sun, which partially were used to intimidate people. Sleek steel plates seamlessly forged together to form a suit of arms which nary had even the slightest of weak spots which to exploit. Yet he moved as if he were in civilian clothing, with a eye possessing a crimson gleam. His broad shoulders wide like mountains and arms like cannons. He held his hand out to gesture the Vampire to stop,not a single creak from his metallic armor. Nor a single word to accompany his command, his presence alone would be enough to take a normal man back due to the runic powers bestowed upon him.

Oreo Cookie LadyOfStars

Crossing into Anduin, one would see an intimidating guard tower, with finely crafted blocks of stone and armaments for soldiers to use in case of an attack. Though now they were lonely, devoid of life and abandoned. The town's edge would carry the stench of decay, strongest where the barren trees reside, marked by the grayed earth. Approaching the walls one would notice a lack of guardsmen on duty, miles towering 100 foot walls left unmanned. Their catapults as lonely as the former check points marked by guard towers. An air of levity inundated the usually poor and struggling country side of Anduin, which were little more than vassals to the lords of St. Coraline. Meanwhile the streets outside of the walled city would be filled to the brim with peoples of all walks of life. Aristocrats jawwing away with peasants, demihumans such as elves and dwarfs playing cards with humans in taverns. And a bustling city which seemed to be in a perpetual state lively chaos. Although every now and then you might come across a guard's watchful eye. His fingers tightly wrapped around the stalk of their spears and shoulders slumped. Those who were consciously doing their duties, were often ignored as by civilians would pass through without a care in the world, even when threatened.

Spoiler: notes

Even though both mentions different exposition,they're both one in the same. Dark creator just required different details since he's within the city and our elf buds needed other details as they are still looking to enter. Combine both descriptions to form a picture of reluctant townsguard and a city seemingly in a perpetual state of festivities.

 

[The Dark Creator]

Bacon is fluffy
He stopped "How can i help you sir? Need to check my gear?" He stood tall, despite the height difference. He had confidence, but not intimidation. "If that is your reason for stopping me, i'll gladly let you search me." He raised his arms, with a friendly smile... His teeth were not exposed however, not expecting to reveal his vampirism. Reveal is used lightly, as the umbrella makes it nearly obvious
(AH crap wrong post)

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Averna Wilwater
St. Coraline
LadyOfStars​

"Uh huh." muttered Averna, her voice laced with disappointment. The high elf actually answering her question was the last thing she was expecting. She had prepared a nasty comeback in case he replied with a 'silence, dark elf.' or a 'none of your concern.' She was all too ready to pester him with questions in the hopes he'd snap at her. Although his answer told little, it was still eye-opening for her. At the very least, it confirmed strange things were happening in this land.

The high elf's next statement sent a wave of conflicting emotions flooding through her. Relief from the knowledge that there wouldn't be an attempt on her life by the end of the day. Anger due to the elf's attitude and his handling of this entire ordeal. Frustration because she couldn't get a read on what this bastard was thinking. Now knowing she'd soon be free, the dark elf allowed herself to relax a bit. The malice within her eyes started to wane, and although her expression was still fierce, it was softer than before.

"This scavenger is just a wandering hunter." Replied Averna in a strained tone. It was clear she was trying not to snap at him. "I come from beyond the mountains west of here." Her eyes turned to the gates they approached. "Besides its name, I know nothing of this place." She said with a shrug. A thoughtful expression suddenly crossed her face, and her eyes widened with realization. "Mayhaps that awful sensation from earlier is related to the happenings here."

 

[LadyOfStars]

Duke Aurum Soleil and Company
St. Caroline
Oreo Cookie


The poor state of the surrounding settlement was a large contradiction to the bustling noise within the city itself. It seemed almost as though whatever had warranted his visit, hadn’t actually affected St Caroline at all. The smell outside was gut wrenching, and while he didn’t expect the city to smell much better, the odor was still horrendous. It brought a few tears to the elf’s eyes as he tried to fan the smell away, even if it was a futile attempt. “How quick you are to place the blame elsewhere, wretch. I still have my suspicions of you.” Aurum waved his hand dismissively to show he was done holding a conversation with their prisoner and potential assailant. As they neared the gates of the city he gazed upon a world that seemed unchanged. Aurum stopped his horse and quickly looked in at the market area of St. Caroline. After all he had just witnessed, he was skeptic to believe that things were simply as they appeared. “Let us venture inside and see what has transpired here.”


When their master’s horse started forward once more, the elven soldiers moved as well. Surprisingly they removed their spears and lowered their shields, breaking the wall their formation had created. They remained in a circle around their prisoner, even as two of them raced off to walk beside Aurum and his steed. The bannermen held the High Elf insignia high to ensure others would be able to see. “Our Master has not released you yet, Dark Elf. Do not make us kill you in the city.” One of the soldiers warned since their group had taken on a less threatening stance.




​

 

[Bacon is fluffy]

Market square
​

Mercy...kindness, and compassion? What is it about the idea of avoiding bloodletting which convinces the masses of its virtues? How can one with the weight of their loved ones and comrades riding on their backs even consider such a preposterous notion?

One night on the outskirts of Anduin, east of the river and enveloped in the shadow cast by the Anduin mountains, Grahm was ordered to guard the entrance of the mines. The blackness even with a full moon was said to only exasperate the eclipse of its shadow, making even the nose on your own face invisible. A green recruit back then, he hadn't learned the lessons of duty or the virtues of discipline. His mind wandered off as he looked off into the distance absentmindedly at the looming darkness that was only staved off by the mere torchlight. " Keep focused private, you'll have plenty of time to marvel at the darkness later", snapped his senior. The man was not small, but compared to giant he had to look up as a child would to their parent. The giant looked down and nodded his head, before staring out at the road.

" Not much of a talker eh? Well we'll be here for a while, so if'n anything be on your mind, lemme know", he said slapping the statuous man's thigh. He flailed his hand for a moment and chuckled, " gee built like a rock...". Not much would be said between the two as they stood out in the darkness every night. A routine would be formed with a young man who was proficient with combat, but somewhat withdrawn, and his talkative senior who tried reaching out to him. Together they slowly became more acquainted with eachother, if that extent only went as far as their presence in the darkness. However, that all changed the night a woman in shambles stumbled through the dark, with claw marks etched into her back. Grahm ran forth and left his post. His meaty hands caught the limp body of the pretty girl whose back was stained with a fresh coat of crimson, enough to leave the taste of iron in his mouth. "My baby...please...my baby", she said, wrapping her arms around his wrist.

Grahm's eyes became blood red, teeth were clenched and body was flowing with a deathly glow. His partner ran forth, turning to face the mine, then his friend. He stammered as his body failed to meet his demands. " Argh big fella get back here! We can't abandon our post! Get BACK HERE"! His throat burned and stabbed at his esophagus as he strained to get the generally obedient giant's attention. " Come---arh---back"! Grahm didn't seem to register his senior as he frantically tried to patch the woman up. His eyes seething rage which ebbed and flowed at the whimpers of the woman who cried out in agony at the slightly bit of pressure placed on her back. "Please I know you have your duty, but my baby is still out there, alone in the dark! Being chased by god knows what"! Grahm merely nodded his head as her grip lessened. The blood had pooled in his palm, a once vibrant being in his hand fell silent. With gentleness not befitting of the giant, he placed her down before letting out a battle roar that echoed in the emptiness of the valley. He erupted into a rage once more, in search of the aforementioned child, leaving his partner alone.

A day which was deemed the New year's massacre. Grahm had found nothing, not even a trace of the dead woman or his partner. The mines which they were supposed to guard were raided by galthons, a race of shapeshifters. Under the cover of roaring machinery, they slaughtered all those within. The incident required the mine to be cleaned out, but it was at the cost of the workers who entrusted their lives to him. It was near the end of the clean up when Grahm would come face to face with the slitherine looking temptress, who was bound by beams of glowing light. She cackled like a hyena and looked the giant in the eye with a knowing expression. The scales on her face rubbed together as they made an unnatural expression, which her people were taught to brandish to humans after a kill. "Trust no one, question everything. Kindness and compassion have their own consequences young man".

The giant who stood before the vampire would not be deterred. He nodded at the question and only said, " ID". The main office at each major gate would give passes out, especially to those of non-human descent. In his other hand he had already brought out rusted chains, which clinked and clanked as they slid from a compartment in his armor. They hit the ground with an audible thud and drew up a cloud of dust upon impact. He'd grip his chains to make them rattle ever so slightly as the sun seemed to rise higher in the sky at that moment of the standoff. The citizenry around him seemed to pause together, their cheery gazes locked upon the dutiful soldier before maligning into expressions of indignation. " No ID. then. Jail", he said while gesturing his fingers toward himself, to signal the vampire to come forth. " Hey leave em alone"! The voice of a farmer boomed from behind the giant, followed by another. And another, accentuated by the sound of what seemed like a stampede, as the crowd began to swell in response to the giant. Grahm's did not flinch though, but his stance was far more ready to fight, than not. A simple slanted of his torso, arms raised at the ready, in response to the leverage his body would give him now. Though even in his measured aggression, he never closed the door to the vampire, hand still readied to accept his identification papers.

The Dark Creator

St. Coraline:
Western gate
On the outskirts of the Edwin incident
​

Built into the granite wall itself would be a small looking office at first, but upon closer inspection would delve deep into the wall itself. It was meant to be the first line of defense and literally act as the gatekeeper's office. There was no line today, nor has there been for quite some time. People passed through freely, forming a contrast between those who were exceedingly cheerful. And those who were tossed aside, wretches in the gutter and clinging to life in the shadows of the once pristine city. A crowd much akin to magnets were form to watch the high elves begin to enter their humble settlement. Though none blockaded their advance, everyone from young children to soldiers would gawk in amazement at what they just saw. Only a few kept their gazes fixed forward as they performed what little duties left to them. Mayhaps there would be the occasional peasant who did not stop pushing their cart, but overall it would seem as if life stopped so as to witness the arrival of these pristine beings. Who oft were held in higher regard, nobility or not.

A small group of guardsmen did come to meet the elves though, one was perpetually smiling while the other two had their expressions hidden by their standard helms. Instinctively they held their polearms, with their grisly, yet intricately crafted spear heads pointed at them. This was merely a warning in their custom, a signal to stop as the axeheads and their curved, yet sharp edges glistened in the sun. However, the smiling one stepped forward,releasing a pressure not unlike the sensation the elves felt in the forest. It was subtle nor nearly as pronounced as it was back then, but one attuned to the sensation would react involuntarily. " ah ah ah boys, that's rude to our guests". The already on edge soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons, even shaking ever so slightly before reigning them in. Held at their sides with one arm, but still gripped by their other hand, so as to keep themselves at the ready for any funny business. They stood erect like statues and awaited for the exchange, as their commander simply waited for Aurum's response.

Oreo Cookie LadyOfStars

 

[The Dark Creator]

Bacon is fluffy
"Ah yes. You see, i'm here to give a message to a Shopkeeper." This was a lie, but he kept himself tall and proud, making a great attempt to fool the armored behemoth. "It's to warn them of a supply shortage." He said as he pulled out a message. It was forged to support his bluff. "I must be quick, as i suspect there will be conflict soon in my home town"

 

[Oreo Cookie]

Averna Wilwater
St. Coraline
LadyOfStars Bacon is fluffy​

For a moment, Averna found herself too dumbfounded to say anything. She could only stare at the high elf with a blank expression, her mind trying to comprehend his callous dismissal. No matter how hard she tried, she found herself unable to wrap her mind around his logic. Her typical scowl soon returned, as did her words. The high elf might be done with the conversation, but Averna was far from it. "That's not what I'm doing you dolt! Why can't you see what's right in front of you?! Stop being so-Hey!" The high elf urged his horse onward, and Averna swore she felt her eye twitch. She kicked the ground in frustration, causing pebbles to scatter and a cloud of dust to rise before her. "Must be hard riding a horse with that stick up your ass. . . you arrogant. . . daft. . . brainless. . ."Averna mumbled a stream of insults and profanities while she stormed after the high elf.

Although her curses did not cease, Averna did raise an eyebrow as the elf soldiers changed formation. A soldier addressed her before she could make a decision on whether to use this opportunity to escape. She laughed dryly in response. "Y'know, I'm starting to find death more preferable than you lot." She made no attempt to flee, only laughing once more as she walked forward.

Peering through the spaces between the elf soldiers, Averna looked into the crowd that nearly surrounded them. "You have admirers." She stated plainly. The dark elf frowned upon seeing the faces of awe and wonderment. The peasantry and local soldiers acted as if the gods themselves had stepped into the city. She almost felt sorry for them. She donned her cloak's hood, covering the upper half of her face in cloth and shadow. Even though many eyes were glued to the high elves, Averna knew some would eventually notice the outlier of the group. The last thing she needed was someone associating her face with being an elven prisoner. A trio of soldiers met the high elves, and a small wave of relief washed over the dark elf. One of them seemed to be the authority figure here. Perhaps he might free her from this massive misunderstanding. "Oh finall-" She started to say, but her next words were caught in her throat as that familiar sensation returned. The dark elf shrank back a step. Her eyes seemed to glow from beneath her hood, her gaze fixated on the smiling soldier.

 

[LadyOfStars]

Duke Aurum Soleil and Company
St. Caroline
Oreo Cookie
Bacon is fluffy


The initial welcome was what Aurum had grown to expect from lesser, mortal creatures, especially humans. Their barbaric ways made them some of the least liked people in the elf’s opinion, but he hadn’t come here to scold or to let them bask in his grace. He quickly scanned the masses, but before he could address anyone, he found himself blocked with weapons aimed at him. “How dare you?” Disgust rang through in his words like the town’s bell had done prior to his arrival and as he spoke, his own soldiers acted and lowered their banners to use as spears. Aurum gazed down from his horse at the mortals, ready to sentence them all to death and do the whole world a favor. The command was withheld however as a voice rose up and saved the soldiers from their grievous mistake. Aurum looked to the new figure and his eyes narrowed upon them. There was something about the being before him that he disliked right away and it wasn’t the fact that they weren’t an elf, but that sudden sensation the figure gave off made Aurum like him even less.


“I am Aurum Soleil, Duke of Mandir.” He declared proudly and clearly for all to hear. “Unless you are the man in charge of this city then I have no business with you. I have come to establish a trade agreement, but I do not plan to do it out here.” Lying was easy, to call it work would be a joke. Aurum watched the man closely in the hopes of gauging his response and staying alert as he had no idea what this person was or what t they were capable of.​