Fantasy Saga of the Nineteen Islands

[Dominaiscna]

Isolde sucked in a breath sharply when the trees of ice parted before her and the Garden came into view, still and cold in all its splendor. Her gaze flickered from statue to statue as the Guardian spoke, searching for the owner of the voice. So focused was she in listening to the Guardian's words, that she didn't sense Keenan approaching behind her. At the sound of her name on his lips, her heart skipped a beat and she whipped around to look at him, surprised to see him. Her eyes were wide for a moment before her gaze lowered to the ground, unable to maintain eye contact as surprise gave away to realization and, once again, shame. "Yes... maybe..." she said softly, hating how her voice shook ever so slightly. Taking a deep breathe, she continued, attempting to sound more confident, "I'll try."

As he walked away to talk to Kadri and Destrian, Isolde's eyes lifted to him, trailing him across the snow. It was like there was a tether connecting him to her; leaving her helplessly turning and looking wherever he went.

After a second, she tore her gaze away to turn her attention back to the Garden. The glistening trees of ice seemed to part even more for her, as if urging her to come in. Slowly she let out a breathe, taking a step forward towards the Garden. With that slight movement, the ice and snow seemed to shiver as if in anticipation.

"Guardians... if I may call you by such a name," she said slowly, voice soft yet for some reason, she knew that they could hear her, "I do have... questions, but...can I ask you... anything?"

The guardians voice echoed softly in the cold, frosty air, "Of course, blood of our blood. We will answer any question you ask of us to the best of our ability."

Baconhands SilverFlight A Not So Wonderful Story Athanas FTR

 

[Baconhands]

As Kadri was dragged to the side, she listened to what the deer had to say about the rest of her companions - it pretty much summed up exactly what she already thought of them. She quickly thought through what the being had said to her, before her attention was turned fully to Keenan. The warrior had a fear in his eyes, as if he expected nothing but trouble in the near future and his speech implied that he didn't trust her to keep the peace. A sigh escaped her lips; this was justified. She nodded slowly, "Of course... I understand your concern. I will let Isolde ask what she needs to ask, but please understand that we can't spend too much time here. If the lich sees we are already conversing with the guardians, I imagine that she will simply move on to finding another one."
She paused, thinking for a moment, "If I ask my question first, then I can wait by the ship. If I spot the lich approaching I can summon lightning to warn you... all of you."
Kadri looked to Destrian and then back to the ship. After a moment, her eyes once again rested on Keenan, "If diplomacy goes awry, I think you should give me a signal. I'll summon Aezi and try to get into the Garden with him."

Overhearing Isolde's question and the response of the guardian, Kadri looked to the Garden. The wall that had barred her path was gone, and she stepped towards it slowly, eventually coming to Isolde's side.
Dominaiscna SilverFlight Athanas

 

[SilverFlight]

"I understand." Keenan said with a nod.
"Though, what is to stop her from doing that anyway? Or, will she really seek to avoid us? I can't imagine our small band would give a lich pause." The admission seemed to make their predicament more real and Keenan shifted uncomfortably. Even if they did manage to get the artifact, what sort of a chance did they have if this lich decided to waltz in and take it from them?
"I'll stay here with Isolde then and we'll try to get the artifact. If something goes wrong, I'll send Blue to you." He gave a sharp whistle and a brown blur hurled over the side of the ship, bounding through the drifts to them with pink tongue lolling.

Once they had decided on a course of action Keenan followed Kadri, coming up on Isolde's other side. If she glanced his way she'd find a warm, supportive smile. She could do this. He believed in her.

Dominaiscna Baconhands

 

[Baconhands]

The party, after a brief moment, entered the Garden. Upon entering, Kadri took the opportunity to properly look around it and take the mystical place in, having been very much distracted the last time she had visited. One similarity she noticed was the unnatural quietness of it all - it was eerie, but surprisingly it felt comfortable. This feeling of comfort put Kadri into unease. As before, there were statues everywhere she looked, creating a virtual maze for the party to navigate through. She analysed a couple of them; almost all of them were human - some were animals, large wolves, bears, reptiles and many creatures that she could not name but was certain she had seen in books on legendary tales and myths.
The path the party took eventually led them to what Kadri assumed was the centre of the Garden. The statue of the dragon and the antlered man were there, as well as the deer, who regarded them with inquisitive, curious and kind eyes. As it looked over all of them, it cast a feeling of familiarity and pity. It bowed and then started talking
"Welcome again, cousins and siblings. I sense you have your questions. Please speak up." It encouraged.
Kadri, knowing the plan she had agreed with Keenan, asked her question first, rolling up her sleeve to reveal her scales and the slowly expanding circle of black ones, "I... I would like to know what is happening to me."
The deer took a couple of tentative steps forward, inspecting the specimen before it. When its voice began again, it was hinted with sadness, "My dear cousin of Arbuzs. Your body is not your own." It looked her in eyes, "You are becoming a Shade. Once your last scale becomes that of my uncle's, the process will accelerate. You will lose your speech, your ability to cast spells, you will lose your sanity, and finally become a creature that can only exist in darkness, driven only to find a new body to possess, where the process will begin again for another unfortunate soul." The deer looked down at the scales again, gently breathing on them, covering them in a thin layer of frost and snow, "The process has been slowed. It is unfortunately quite inevitable. My uncle Olikah may have a solution."
The deer backed away, regarding Kadri with expectant eyes.
The lineaged was stunned, catatonic. A few moments later she rolled down her sleeve. Her eyes wandered over the rest of the party. She turned, whispering despondently to Keenan, "You know the plan."
She began a slow meander back out of the Garden.
SilverFlight Dominaiscna Athanas A Not So Wonderful Story FTR

 

[Dominaiscna]

(Bacon and Dom collab post pt.1)

The deer watched Kadri walk away, a grim look in its eyes. And then, that grimness vanished, replaced yet again by a strange yet optimistic curiosity as its eyes wandered over to its kin. Its eyes regarded Isolde as if she were a long lost sibling, finally reunited with her true family.
"We sense... you are troubled by this development. Do not worry about our cousin of Arbuzs, for her condition is currently beyond any of our help. Only our green-scaled uncle can help her now." Its voice was sincere and not without sympathy, "Come... we will answer your questions before those of your companions, so that they are here to comfort you should you need them."


The Guardian's reveal with regards to Kadri's scales was a complete shock that had Isolde paling considerably. She had wanted to do something, to reach out and comfort Kadri somehow... but she found herself only capable of watching her go, gaze trained on the lineaged of Arbuzs back. At the Deer's voice, she tore her eyes away from her friend to look at the Guardian. She listened to its words carefully, but despite its sincerity and sympathy, she only felt dread.

Forcing her mind away from Kadri, Isolde flickered her gaze over to Keenan nervously. His warm smile offered her reassurance and his presence was comforting... but at the same time, him being there to witness the questions she had made her uneasy. She risked exposing to him a very personal part of herself that she did not even know should the Guardians have an answer for her.

"... Guardians... I do not know anything about my blood and my past... not where I was born nor who I was born to...nor what happened that brought me to this day " she breathed out softly, voice wavering with hesitation as she held the Deer's gaze, "Please tell me... who am I? And... who are my parents?"


The deer seemed to mull over the question for a while, as if perplexed or thinking. A solid five or six seconds passed before its antlers snap froze. The deer closed its eyes, and its whole body was encased in frost and ice. Its voice, however, emanated around them, "Our kin... you were born here, in the lands where our mother's blood fell. On the coasts of the northern shore, where settlers from the lands known as Norgard began a village." The voice stopped as the human with antlers stepped forwards, its skin a pale blue, snow-white robes clinging tightly to its body. In its cupped hands was a pool of water, that, as Isolde looked into it, showed a small settlement. Two figures swirled into existence, a man and a woman, with the woman cradling and comforting a child. Both the adults appeared proud, and happy.
"Your parents were born in that village, both were descendants of our mother," the human said with a smile, its voice identical to that of the deer's, "And so were you."
The human's smile vanished a few seconds later as the family swirled away, replaced by images of slaughter and strife, bodies littering the ground in every picture that swirled by. The sounds of battle, the clashing of shields and blades echoed from every statue in the Garden. "Not a week after your birth, your village was attacked. The losses for both side were horrific; but the village endured. Any respite, however would not be long lived."
The lich appeared, and the corpses that had been lying inert were seen rising, "She who worships the Dead Deity came not a day later, and recruited those that had fallen. The villagers had no choice but to flee."
A single river appeared in the image, and the sounds of running water, screaming and drowning mixed with the sounds of flesh being torn, "Those that did not fall to her army were claimed by the river. All except you."
Only the sound of the river could be heard now, "Your magic saved you, innately and subconsciously. You washed down river, and by the blessings of our mother, were found and taken to a new home."

The human let the pool of water fall to the ground, and stepped back, becoming a statue once more. The deer, now reanimated, took its place in front of Isolde, "We believe you know the rest after that."


Athanas Baconhands SilverFlight A Not So Wonderful Story FTR

 

[SilverFlight]

Keenan froze when Kadri asked her question. A knot of worry began to twist in his stomach, growing larger as the spirit answered her. Kadri was shocked, and rightly so, Keenan was as well and when she passed him, spoke to him, he nodded.
"That isn't going to happen to you Kadri."

The deer turned to Isolde next and its words were not much more encouraging. Keenan stood by, though he had the sense to step back, letting Isolde speak with the creature outside of his shadow. He listened but did not see the images in the water. He watched Isolde instead, the expressions changing on her face.
The lich. It seemed this dark figure was the cause of more than one member's misery. Hearing it made a ball of anger in Keenan's heart. He knew now what he had to ask.

Keenan stayed to the side, but his eyes stayed on Isolde, ready to go to her if she needed him. Awkwardness be damned.

Baconhands Dominaiscna

 

[Baconhands]

Kadri kept walking; Keenan's attempt at reassurance did not sway her; to be frank, she knew he had said something but precisely what was beyond her. She wandered aimlessly, past all of the statues, their faces, while frozen, all seemed to leer at her as she walked past them. Though she had been looking for it, at least consciously, she had come to the exit. The lineaged stepped out into the snow. All the effects of Selta's magic, that had been keeping her calm, melted away, disappearing like water down a stream. The first emotion to return to her was anger and it quickly made itself known. She didn't know how she had done it, but soon enough lightning had struck every tree in a single instance for miles around, and a thunderous boom erupted from the skies, laced with her cry of anguish, rippling across the Frost Veil's Interior for dozens of miles. Exhaustion hit her, and soon enough she collapsed into the snow, not even trying to keep on her feet.
Despair replaced anger; she did not have the energy to cry, or whimper, and thus she lay in the snow, letting the feeling of the cold wash over her. She had read the stories about Shades. How they worked, what they did. Tales of entire villages becoming nothing but beings of pure evil and darkness simply because one had been possessed. This was how she was going to die.
Despair turned to acceptance. The signs of the possession were explained. She knew what to look for, so did the rest of the party. And therefore, that meant...
"You know, I think something is bothering you," came the grinning voice of Elena as she trudged towards Kadri.
The lineaged turned her head to look at the captain, once she had regained her breath, "What gave it away?"
"Well you're not normally the one to do... all of this," the captain pointed to all of the smoldering trees that surrounded them. "Mighty impressive, got to say." Elena sat down in the snow, "And since I'm now going to act as your therapist you owe me an apology since I've got my arse wet cause I'm sitting in the snow, and since I know lineaged, I know you aren't moving for a while."
Kadri let out a sigh, and her eyes turned towards the sky. Silence settled. Snow fell and rose.
Elena, her patience worn thin, laid down next to her, "Now you owe me a second apology. Let me tell you a bit about myself. I've been a mercenary for hire since I retired from soldiering. I was in the Commonwealth's navy a long time ago. Well a decade or so. They have beautiful ships, the Commonwealth."
Kadri glanced at the captain, who interpreted precisely what she needed to, "Unofficially, the Commonwealth's been at war with the Kingdom of Fire since it emerged. We had three ships, two corvettes escorting a merchant ship. We were attacked by the Kingdom's ships. We were massacred. I say we, everyone but me was massacred. The Kingdom captured me and ransomed me back to my homeland for a price significantly lower than what I'm actually worth, an insulting price one might say. My next assignment, it happened again. A single survivor. I thanked Sidabrinis for keeping me alive every time it happened, but I also questioned why. I have a feeling the Aspects kept me around for a purpose. And given your quest, I think I know what that purpose is. Whatever is happening to you, Kadri, I think the Aspects are on your side, whether you think they are or not. You have a purpose the Dragons have determined, and whatever is happening, they don't want to see you fail."

 

[Dominaiscna]

From a young age, Isolde knew that she was an orphan.

She looked nothing like the other village children, born with the appearance of whom they called the invaders. And though Aminah treated her like her own as loved her dearly, she knew well that she was not her real mother... but that did not bother her.
It was during her time at the orphanage, surrounded by many other lost children, that she began to wonder about the parents she never knew.
Who were they, where were they... why they left her.
Did they not love her?
Were they forced?
Did she do something wrong?
Was it because of her magic?
She didn’t know.
And a part of her didn’t want to.

Her past remained as a blank and empty space, a missing shelf in the library of her memories. For years, she remained in the dark... yearning for the piece of herself that she never had. And now she would finally know everything.

Yet as the antlered figure stepped forward with a pool of water cupped in its hands, Isolde felt chill spread over her body; a ghostly fear seeping its way into her bones. She wanted so much to know... yet was terrified of what she would see. But as the surface of the water glimmered with images and to figures came into view, she stepped closer to watch the story unfold, mesmerized.

Every single word uttered by the Guardian... and ever flash of imagery was burned into Isolde’s memory... yet at that moment, it was as if she was watching the scene from outside her body... an odd feeling of detachment overcoming her. Her eyes seemed to see... yet her mind was silent, storing yet not processing the story the Guardian told. It was only at the shattering splash of the puddle on the snow that Isolde shook back into herself.

Isolde blinked for a moment and reached up to touch her face where there were frozen crystals glimmering down her cheeks. She knew not when... but she had started crying, fresh hot tears still trickling down to meet her fingers. She expected sadness, pain... and anger, yet she felt nothing. She felt empty and cold to the core. Yet even then, the tears would not stop falling.

Closing her eyes, she breathed in deeply, hands clutching her lowered face.

 

[SilverFlight]

He was good with words normally. Keenan was a leader, he always had words, but standing here, in the frozen garden, watching Isolde experience her tragic history again through the reflection of the guardian's magic Keenan could think of nothing to say. He wished there was something, some magic phrase that would make it all bearable, that would dry her tears and take away the cold emptiness that was etched onto her face. He couldn't stand just watching.
Keenan's steps were small at first, careful, the sound of the frozen snow breaking under his boots felt loud as thunder. Soon he had closed the distance. He reached up slowly and put an arm about her shoulder, folding her into a gentle hug. There was nothing he could say but he could hold her, remind her that she wasn't alone, that no matter what she faced here, Keenan would be there with her.
Dominaiscna

 

[Baconhands]

(Dom and Bacon collab finale!)
The deer tilted its head, seemingly studying its kin with a concerned glance. Specifically, it was looking at the shards of ice that had forged around Isolde's cheeks, the tears that had begun to roll and tried to join the pool that the human had dropped. "We realize this must be distressing for you. But we also sense that there is more you wish to ask. Mother's magic allows you to ask what you need to and then react as needed when you have left the Garden. Ask your next question, we will answer to the best of our ability."

Isolde lifted her head at the Deer’s voice, icy blue eyes meeting the Guardian’s matching chilling gaze. She was quiet for a moment, as if thinking about its words.
“... Guardians, “ she started, voice shaking slightly at first, but steadying out as she continued to speak, “I am unable to handle my magic and have often lost control over it... which has more than once resulted in me... hurting not only those I care about.. but also other people.” She held the Deer’s eyes evenly, wondering if the Guardians knew all that she had done. She was sure they were aware... yet still they looked at her with such... kind eyes.
“...Please, help me” she continued, voice quivering slightly as she begged, “Give me guidance with my magic...”

The deer at first shook its head. And then it paused. "We... may have something that could assist you with controlling your magic."
Its eyes fell to Destrian and Keenan, its voice calm yet threatening, "Do not follow us."
The deer then turned, walking towards the dragon and the human. It made sure Isolde was following. The pair walked for what could have been minutes, before the trees and statues gave way to a clearing, a block of ice as large as deer in its centre. Resting on top of it was a ring, itself an icy blue.
"Our mother made this. It channels her essence and magic on this plane. You may have it if you wish. It will help you focus our mother's magic."

Isolde deflated slightly as the Guardian shook its head... yet a confused and wary look slipped across her expressions at its next words. She followed the Deer’s gaze to her remaining to companions, eyes flickering to each person for a brief moment, staying a second too long on Keenan before she turned to wordlessly follow the Guardian.
Truth be told, she should have been scared following the Deer deeper into the Garden... yet for some reason, she trusted the Guardians... knew deep down that she could.
As they walked, her eyes what she could see of rhe frozen landscape, finers brushing away the last crystals of frozen tears from her skin. Her hands paused in their work as they came to a stop before the large block of ice and the ring.
Her eyes studied the object closely, narrowingly slightly as a question formed on her lips, “...is this not the Artefact we seek...?”

The deer nodded with a bow, a hint of a sigh to its voice as it replied, "We wish to tell you the truth, cousin. The one who came here, the woman who worships the Dead Deity, will soon come again, and will arrive before the moon rises. She seeks to claim our mother's work and use it to do terrible things, and while we may fight to preserve the Garden, she will win."
The deer turned to face her, "She did not attack us when she was here last, since you were here. You, our cousin of Arbuzs, our cousin of Olikah and our cousin of Awramaar. I fear, however, where she treads now, the undead follow, and we will be overwhelmed. As you call it, the Artefact can help you. But importantly, it will help us more if you have it. Travel with those who seek to protect it."
Its expression darkened, and its horns became ice, though the deer did not freeze, "With hope, should she come and realize you beat her to it, she will leave the Garden in peace and pursue you instead... and so we encourage you, implore you, to take it."
The deer did not let Isolde interrupt, as it continued, "A choice will come to you soon enough. A terrible choice, child. And you must ignore your heart. For it will deceive you. And if you choose your heart, the Dead Deity will rise and all of our work, and those of our parents, will be for nothing."

Isolde remained silent for a few moments after the Deer’s last words. Her gaze were trained on the ring and her brows were furrowed. It was clear that she was deep in thought, eyes reflecting her fear and concern.
“... okay, I will take the Ring,” she said, trying to sound brave and certain, “and... I will keep your warning in mind... ”
Hesitantly, she approached the artifact, reaching out a hand towards the magical object. As soon as her fingers made contact with the Ring, a blizzard whirls to life, encompassing her. Ice grows over her body, encasing her in a frozen tomb. Suddenly, as if at the flick of a switch, a torrent of emotions pierce her to her core. Rage and sorrow tear at her body and soul. She itched to claw at her throat and chest, yet the ice had rendered her immobile. She could only close her eyes to hot tears and bite down on sobs and whimpers.
And just as the ice closed over her, it began to thaw. Isolde slowly crumpled to the ground as the ice supporting her melted away. Selta’s magic once again returned... putting an end to her suffering. She rested her forehead against the snowy carpet of the ground, eyes closed and breathing hard.
A tingling on her right hand caused to shift her head to the side and open her eyes. There glimmering on index finger was the Artefact of Selta.

When Isolde thawed, the deer had already begun its journey back to the others, seemingly uncaring now if its cousin followed her. It now stood in front of Destrian and Keenan, its eyes betraying nothing of what had happened.

Dominaiscna SilverFlight Athanas

 

[SilverFlight]

Keenan was conflicted when the deer summoned Isolde further into the garden, ordering him to stay. He wanted to feel anger, but the emotional dampening stifled it and instead he just felt irritatingly uncomfortable. He gave a short nod and kept his peace. This was an opportunity for Isolde to get help with her powers, he should be happy about it. Whatever positive outlook he could have had however, was swallowed by the ominous feeling he had simply by standing in a place filled with more power than his shield could possibly stand against. He watched Isolde disappear in the wake of the creature.
After she went, the silence rose up to greet him, picking at his nerves but again he could feel nothing, magic stealing the pieces of him that made him feel human. He decided then that he did not like this place.
He took to pacing, kicking at the snow, and tending his dog, who sat, eyes fixed on the point where Isolde had vanished from view.

When the deer came back alone Keenan felt a jolt of fear despite the magic. His lips parted suddenly and he placed a fist against his mouth, preventing himself from asking where she was, and squandering his one question. As the creature stopped before them Keenan had a feeling that Isolde was well. It took a great deal of strength to trust in it.
"So then...my question." Keenan addressed the animal seriously, never taking his eyes off it.
"How do we defeat the lich?"
Dominaiscna Baconhands Athanas

 

[Baconhands]

The deer took a step back, as its horns froze and its whole form became a frozen once more; the human stepped forwards, its hands once again filled with a pool of water which it encouraged Keenan to look in to. As they began to speak, a crystal orb came into frame, "The one who worships the Dead Deity can only be defeated in the way she was created. Her soul was poured into a reliquary. Should it be found, it should be destroyed and she will be released from her mortal bounds."
The image swirled, revealing another orb. Where the first was onyx, this one was a mix of many colours. "Even now, as we speak, souls are added to this. Any she slays, or any her servants slay, have their souls added to this one. Like the first, it is hidden, and this ones purpose we do not know."
The human stepped back, and ice draped its form as the deer once again became animated, "Your question asked, we request you leave, cousin of Olikah."
SilverFlight

 

[Athanas]

Destrian had remained silent while the others each asked their questions. This by no means meant that he was calm, however: They knew. They knew who he had been, They knew who he still was. They had the courtesy not to fully explain it to the others, but it wouldn't take a genius to put two and two together. Hell, most of his companions had lived in Volk!
Luckily for him, everyone seemed to have bigger problems. Kadri apparently was in the process of becoming something called a "Shade". From the sound of it, she was going to go feral, lose her sanity, magic, and ability to speak coherently, effectively becoming the bipedal equivalent to a rapid dog. Despite having his own problems, he couldn't help but feel sorry for her: Dying or losing your mind is a part of life. But learning exactly when, and how it will happen? Destrian shuddered at the thought. That was pure...cruelty.

Isolde came up next, Inquiring about her past. He had been certain that something had gone awry in her life: He was rather good at spotting pain in others, having seen, dealt, and felt enough to last him a dozen lifetimes. What he had not bee expecting though was the sheer scale. The story was chilling, even by his standards. He could practically feel her sadness: At least he had spent half his childhood with his family before they were taken. The memories brought him pain, yes, but there were several good ones amongst them, too. To not remember a single day with your own... Destrian took a deep breath. He wanted to somehow help. Make her feel better about the horrible things she had just learned, but simultaneously he didn't have the slightest idea as to what might help . She wouldn't really be inclined to listen to him, would she now? Despite his doubts, he started to approach her, speaking in a low tone:"Isolde...I, uh..."
His voice trailed off as Keenan made his way to her and hugged her. His fists clenched to the point of his knuckles turning white. Of fucking course. What was he thinking? She didn't need him, or anyone for that matter! Her handsome, gentle, kind Knight in shining armor was there for her!

He berated himself for his thoughts. Keenan wanted to maker her feel better, just as he did. He knew that this would help console her. Even so, the anger refused to go away. In that moment, he wanted to punch Keenan so hard, he'd be sent tumbling a dozen meters away. He had no idea why, he merely knew that this was how he felt. It was worrisome, to say the least.

The moment ended. Isolde headed off to the Interior, leaving Destrian to ponder his own question. It didn't take long to find it: He had known what it had been for years. He had asked almost every person he had ever known. Yet nobody seemed to know the answer. Taking another step forward, he faced the deer head on, his gaze unmoving, not seeming to care whether or not the others had left.
"My life has been...Miserable, as I'm sure you're well aware. So much pain, So much... Isolation. So much Sadness. Of course, being thrust into this mess, I've always had a burning question: Why Me?
At first I was certain I knew the answer: It had to be because of my Lineage. I had powers that most of them couldn't dream of. It made them nervous, envious, you name it. Unfair? Yes, very much so. But I'd be willing to accept it and move on, for I knew that eventually, someone would be found that would be able to see past my magic. To see me for who I really was.

That someone was found. There were plenty of them, in fact. However, they all had something in common: Their lives had been also riddled with misery, in many cases even more so than mine. Most worrying, however, they each had exactly the same to ask Everyone else:
Why me?
Can you imagine that? Varestad had been a Smith, excellent in his craft. Calcain had been a town Guard, making a modest living. Uthane had been through so much that he was barely able to speak, without first consuming massive amounts of alcohol. Athelstan had been an Orphan, and the first time he ever had a gold coin was when I gave him one. Gordain was a soft spoken Merchant's son, and had been quite wealthy before.

And yet, all of us sat down together, and all of us asked each other the exact same question. Most shocking of all, we found that none of our answers fit: For, if what we believed was the reason for our misery was true, then there would have been no reason for the others to be miserable. We pondered and pondered upon that question until we had exhausted all possible answers, and yet none seemed like the right one.
Many people came after that: We asked them the same question, although at this point it was less of an earnest question, and more like a rite of passage. We never figured it out.

...So let me ask you today, cousins. Let me ask you, who like to judge so much, while hiding from the world here, in this safe place. Let me ask you the question that ruined thousands of lives, that brought nothing but pain to hundreds upon hundreds like me.
Destrian was practically radiating his emotions out now. Pain, anger, Hatred, Desperation, Sadness, all were pouring out in his Stance, in his gaze. His eyes were filling with tears, but he wasn't crying. His voice had begun to tremble under the weight of the words he was about to utter. He spoke after a delay, and it was like an unearthly chorus was speaking with him- a cacophony of failed expectations, ruined lives, and unfulfilled desires.

WHY ME? WHY ME!?

 

[Baconhands]

That Destrian was able to overcome Selta's magic for a short time, even as short a time as it was, surprised the deer. This surprise, however, was only visible in its eyes, for the deer did not back down, nor did it move any part of its being. It hadn't frozen yet. The deer took a couple of steps back after silence had settled, but this time, it did not freeze. The human did not reanimate. Instead the deer stood, quietly and contemplatively.
"Cousin of Awramaar," it began, "To think that this is somehow our fault, or the fault of the Aspects, would be foolish. The Aspects retreated from this plane many centuries ago, though they still hold influence on this plane."
The deer finally froze and the human reanimated. The statues around the group were drenched in the colours of fire, and the sound of drums was audible, "The humans from where you were born are fanatical in the worship of our uncle, Sendrin. And our uncle is capable of much passion and love, but he is also capable of destruction and evil, and his descendants are the same. For you, the humans of your homeland reviled your kind. Any who were descended not from Sendrin were purged from the Kingdom of Fire only a few decades ago, seen as a threat to stability. As for everyone else... their stories must be told to them, when they ask. It is not your place to ask for them, not yet."
The human took a step back and the deer came forward once more, "With your question asked, cousin, we request you leave."
Athanas SilverFlight Dominaiscna

 

[Dominaiscna]

The deer was far gone by the time Isolde had willed enough strength into her bones to push herself to her feet. Fortunately, it did not take long for her to catch up to the Guardian even when she moved sluggishly, weighed down by a ghostly exhaustion so much so that she lagged a good distance behind, finding strange difficulty in trudging through the snow.

By the time she had returned to where the Deer was conversing with Keenan and Destrian, her body had recovered most of its energy and the last ghostly pains of now numbed emotions had faded away. Isolde would be lying if she were to claim that she disliked the numbness and emptiness... the feeling of nothing. It was much better than feeling immeasurable pain and sorrow... and anger. A slow and burning anger simmering under the calming effect of Selta's magic.

Just as she came within earshot of them, Keenan stepped forward with his question and the Guardian moved to answer. Since she was behind the Deer and the humanoid figure, she could not see what was revealed on the orb. By the time she had walked around to rejoin her comrades, the Deer had reanimated and Destrian had begun talking.

Looking upon him... she felt like he was revealing to them something very personal about himself... and despite the Aspect's magic, she felt uncomfortable watching the exchange. For a moment, she figured that he would appreciate some privacy with the Guardian... yet found herself rooted to the spot as Destrian poured out his pain and anger into every since word he said. Nervously, she could only turn away to look elsewhere as the Guardian answered.

She wondered if there was even a solid answer to Destrian's question... or if there was even a specific reason for people from all walks of life to suffer and live a life of misery. Was it not merely.. life? How does one even answer such a question? She did not know. And as the Deer finished talking, she turned around to look at it again, gaze flickering over her companions.

 

[SilverFlight]

Keenan, seeing Isolde appear, felt relief but he wondered if he would still have to storm the garden anyway in pursuit of the artifact. Something on Isolde's hand as she came to stand by him caught his eye. A ring. He was sure she had not been wearing it before. Something tickled at the back of his mind as he looked at it. He felt a sensation of cold, more so than the surrounding air, radiating from it. He recognized it, through some building connection to his aspect. This was the artifact they had sought. The guardians had given it ti Isolde. He turned to the deer and bowed politely, keeping his eyes on it. There were finished here. He had meant to leave, but the emotion in Destrian's voice stopped him, and he looked back.
Since they had traveled together Destrian had always seemed...frayed. Like a rope bearing too much weight. As the man told his story Keenan for the first time had an understanding of why. The guardians had called him violent, and Keenan had seen for himself how that was true, but the anger behind it, how Destrian had become what he was, had until now remained a mystery to him.
Now he felt Destrian's rage in the air like a tangible thing, so desperate to justify misfortune, to find its source, give it a name as if that act would drag it from the intangible and allow him to strike it down.
Keenan knew the guardian's answer would not satisfy him, but to reach out to Destrian now...Keenan would likely see first hand just how violent Destrian could be.
Instead he stopped two paces behind the man, making his presence known, but keeping the space, a gesture of support, and respect for what Destrian was feeling. Then he turned back toward the boat, and Kadri.
"Come on." He coaxed gently, "They've given us all that they want to. We're done here."
With that Keenan began to lead the way back, Blue walking silently at his side.
Dominaiscna Athanas Baconhands

"That is the artifact isn't it?" He asked Isolde when they'd almost reached the boat. He still had a hard time believing these strange sensations connected to his magic. Isolde's voice confirming it would be miles better.
Then he paused, and seemed slightly embarrassed. "Um, about earlier...I'm sorry. I should have kept my distance. I know that. It's just...when I saw you crying I...I had to do something." It had seemed so right then, but maybe that was the fault of whatever emotion-drowning magic had shrouded the garden. This was the second time he'd done it and Keenan had a hard time explaining it to himself let alone anyone else.
He turned to her properly, looking down at her graceful face and gentle eyes. "All I meant by it was that, if ever something is hurting you...or scaring you or worrying you, I'll be there. Frankly I don't care what the others say or think. If you need an ear, I'll listen, and if you need a shoulder, you can have mine. You should never feel alone Isolde, no one should."
His face was thoroughly red now and he turned away from her, clearing his throat of an irritation he did not have.
Dominaiscna

 

[Baconhands]

The captain continued her moral tale, and Kadri occasionally nodded though she had mostly tuned out Elena's voice. She was sure that Elena was telling her something important, but all she could focus on was what the deer had said; Olikah had found a cure for this? Surely whatever knowledge that had been the key to this 'cure' would have retreated with the Aspect Dragon when he went into exile with his siblings. Unless... the artefact for Olikah contained the cure? Or even knowledge of the cure? Then-
Isolde, Keenan and Destrian exited the Garden. Kadri sat up in the snow, watching them walk towards the ship. Whatever answers they got was theirs to share with her. She would not pry. Though as Isolde left, Kadri's eyes followed the woman. What was that on her finger? Was that... two possibilities came to mind: either it was the artefact, or Keenan had proposed. A grin came to her face involuntarily; surely it was too early for the latter? Though if it had occurred, she completely underestimated Keenan's confidence when it came to romance. So this meant Isolde now had the artefact of Selta.
The lineaged stood and walked towards the party, the captain in tow, muttering something under her breath about disrespect. Kadri approached all of them, the grin on her face gone and replaced with an awkward yet humble smile. "So... Isolde," she began, "We're gonna have to look that over together. Look for some clues to the location of the next artefact. Runes that aren't dissimilar to the ones we saw outside of the Garden." Her eyes turned to the other three, "Meanwhile, I recommend we continue Northwards until we reach civilization, maybe one of the coastal towns this colony is known for. Base ourselves there for a week, no longer, rest and plan what to do for the future. What say you?"
Dominaiscna SilverFlight Athanas

 

[Dominaiscna]

As Keenan led the way back to the boat, Isolde remained where she was for a few seconds, realizing that some thing held her back from following the others. After a moment, when they were a few metres away, she turned back to the Deer. Her eyes glimmered with concern and fear as she thought of the Lich and the danger she posed to the Garden and the Guardians.
“...After today...will I ever meet you again?”

The deer regarded her with kind eyes and an expression that seemed caring, fearful, and parental all at once. "We're sure you will. One day in the future. Whether it is here or in the next life, we are certain you will find us again."
The deer took a step forward, its hoof on the very boundary of the Garden, "Don't weep for us. The future is not yet set in stone. We are our mother's spirit on this plane, if the worst happens, know that we will be with you in spirit in the form of our mother's ring."

As she listened to the Deer speak, Isolde felt herself choking up with emotion... yet Selta’s magic worked to calm the turmoil within.
“...I understand,” she said in a soft voice, not looking away from the Deer as if she was trying to burn ever glimmering crystalline surface of the Guardian into her memory.
“Thank you, for helping us.. for helping me...words can not express how... how..” her voice cut off as she thought back to the images in the pool of her parents and she forced herself to take a shaky breathe to release the tension in her body. “...I just... thank you.”

The deer nodded, "Help will always be available to you here. Even if we are not, you should know that our mother will always be able to guide you from the place where her blood fell."
It paused, "Take some time. Remember where this place is. Process the information. And know that your companions want only what is in your best interests."

She slowly nodded, gaze lowering as she processed the Deer’s words. “I will do so...thank you.” Her eyes lowered for a moment and she found it a little hard to speak.
“...Farewell then...and take care... Cousin,” she spoke after a moment of silence. The name was strange on her lips... and at once she felt both warm and cold inside, happy yet fearful and sad. But she forced herself to not dwell on it. Tearing her gaze away from the Deer and the Garden, she turned and walked away to rejoin her companions.

~~

When Isolde rejoined her companions, Keenan turned to her, inquiring about the ring. "Yes... it is. The Guardian's gave it to me..." Some part of her still couldn't quite believe the very artifact they sought now rested on her finger, radiating with cold power.
As Keenan continued to speak, Isolde's gaze lifted from the ring to study him carefully, her eyes never once leaving his face. Yet by some miracle... and most likely Selta's magic, her face remained without a blush yet her eyes glimmered with warmth and fondness.
Slowly, she reached out and placed a hand on his arm, pulling slightly as if asking him to turn her way. "Keenan," she uttered softly to get his attention, eyes searching for his, "...thank you." A gentle smile pulled at her lips, "...know that I will do the same... should you ever need me."

Her head turned to Kadri when the other lineaged began to speak, hand remaining on Keenan's arm. However, with the effects of Selta's magic slowly wearing off, Isolde could feel the slow return of a torrent of emotions like, bubbling to life like magma below the surface, trapped by cracking earth and thawing ice. Isolde's own powers began to kick in, frost coating the skin of her hands as she unconsciously attempted to stave off the heartache, rage and fear. It was getting increasingly hard to concentrate on Kadri's words, yet somehow her mind registered the majority of what her companion had said.
Once Kadri had finished, Isolde was the first to answer her, head nodding slowly. "...maybe not a week as time is of the essence but... a few days yes. I think it would definitely be best to take some time to plan our next actions." It was a wonder to her how she managed to keep her voice relatively calm and stable. "...if you don't mind... I um... need a moment to myself...to gather my thoughts." Without waiting for permission, she turned away from her group and started walking, not really caring where her feet took her, only that she needed to get away before her emotions overwhelmed her.

SilverFlight Baconhands A Not So Wonderful Story Athanas

 

[Baconhands]

The party boarded the ship, all taking their own time to embark. The process of boarding took around ten minutes. When the last member finally joined the rest of their comrades Elena spared no time in getting the ship moving once more, travelling Northwards with the intent of finding a coastal settlement where the party could bunker down for a few days. Barely half an hour into their renewed journey Kadri looked back in the direction of the Garden. Her mind wondered about the questions they had all asked - she contemplated asking the others what the Guardians had told them. However, she knew it was not the time. Not yet. This was a time of reflection, to contemplate what they had all been told. Her eyes had been watching the snow skim by, but her eyes were soon drawn upwards. A great flash lit up the sky, outshining the sun for a moment. The lineaged shielded her eyes, and her heart began to sink. Soon enough the trees began to whisper, and seconds later they were roaring. Snow billowed in the air, and then it all seemed to fly in the direction the party had come from. Kadri took cover; each flake felt like a knife against her skin. A minute passed; all the snow that was in the air fell to the ground, dropping lifelessly. An eerie silence gripped the surroundings. Kadri turned to face her companions, a look of dread on her face that betrayed her suspicions; the lich had gone to the Garden, and the Guardians had been destroyed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After one day and one night, the ship had come to the coast. The beach was littered with pebbles, and those in turn were blanketed in snow; the only indication of their presence was the occasional flash of grey among the sea of white. The tide was out, it seemed, and the sea appeared calm and docile. Following the coast, the ship came across a small fishing village. A brief stop for resupplying occurred, and then the party was on the move once more, looking for a larger settlement. Barely an hour passed before signs pointing towards a large town named Arbuzshaven appeared, stating it was twenty miles down the coast. Time seemed to fly by. Soon enough, the party was at its outskirts. The town was set out in a grid pattern, set up on a gentle hill a few dozen feet above sea level. Its buildings were typically wooden with thatched roofs and most had windows that faced out towards the sea. It was easy to tell the function of almost all of the buildings - those without signs were residential, those with typically indicated their purpose. Several inns had typical names such as the Squire's Choice hanging outside them, artisans oft had signs with their craft indicated, while administrative buildings were dully named as such - Court House, Governor's Residence, etc. Most of the people were dressed in furs or heavy robes and cloaks. It was apparent that fishing was quite important to the town, as the market place had several fishmongers, all of them well stocked with fresh produce.

Kadri addressed her companions, "I suggest we look around, speak to a few of the locals; then we meet at the Squire's Choice. Book ourselves in for a few nights. Sound good?"
SilverFlight Dominaiscna Athanas

 

[SilverFlight]

Keenan was ready to fall over when Kadri proposed to rest for a week. A myriad of teasing words ran through his mind but this time, he decided to hold his tongue.
He mentioned what the guardians had told him at the first available opportunity.
"I can't begin to guess where this reliquary could be, but it sounds as though that is the key to her power."

Their arrival at the small town was met with great relief on Keenan's part. He decided that he wasn't much for ships, sky or otherwise. The confines of the hull were cramped, and the wind on deck was always biting and cold.
Blue seemed happy to be on solid ground too and bolted around Elena's craft as fast as she could go.
"That sounds good." Keenan replied, and whistled for his dog as he started down the high street.
Isolde had made no secret of wanting to be left alone, so Keenan obliged, placating his mind by telling it she would speak when she was ready, and not before.

The market square was a very good distraction. Everywhere the things for sale caught his eye, with glinting edges, bright colours and glorious smells. There were children dashing about the snowy streets with toy swords and hobby horses, exciting Blue to no end. Eventually Keenan paused at a meat vendour and bought a thick, heavy bone for the dog before purchasing food for himself and standing by a stall to watch the people go about their lives.

Baconhands Dominaiscna Athanas

 

[Dominaiscna]

She did not know how long she walked for, but once Isolde was sure that she was far away enough, her legs collapsed beneath her and she sunk onto her knees with her head buried in her hands. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed, tears dripping from her cheeks and turning to ice in the frigid wind. With each broken wail, she crumpled further into the snow, seeming to grow smaller and smaller.

It hurt.
It hurt so much... more than she could ever imagine and she begged for the cold numbness to return... to feel empty and nothing, but all she felt was ever growing pain, sorrow and anger.

She’d been expecting another story; a version of her past that she had conjured up somewhere in the recesses of her mind... one that she unconsciously believed. Her single story that she was merely...unwanted.

Hence she’d been prepared to be told that she was abandoned and cast away by two people who did not love her, who maybe hated her and wished her gone. That her parents were walking somewhere under the same sky; parents who wanted nothing to do with her and who maybe did not even remember the little girl they lost in a river of ice.

That would have perhaps been less painful than to know that her parents loved her... and had died trying to protect her.
It hurt to know that she had once had a loving family and happy life... and that she had lost it all in one fateful night.
Her fate and the fate of her parents had been decided by another, rather than by some fault of her own.

The Lich... had taken her everything.

The thought sent a rush of something hot through Isolde, something that burned to her core: pure hatred.
The raw emotion set her blood on fire and caused her magic to explode out in the form of a snow storm. The enormous storm ravaged and flattened the landscape for miles around, reducing already charred trees and rocks to dust. However, before even a few seconds had passed, it disappeared as quickly as it had come, diminishing to a gentle flurry of snow and ice in the breeze.

Miraculously, the ship survived the blizzard completely undamaged.

~~~

Not long after, Isolde rejoined the crew on the ship. She wore a calm expression yet her eyes were red and puffy; telltale signs of shed tears. And though she offered weak smiles to her companions, she made no move to speak with anyone, sinking into a contemplative silence.
She was standing on deck when the strange phenomenon occured. Raising her eyes to the sky, she watched with her companions the as the world turned into a chaos of snow and ice as if the some delicate balance of nature had been thrown off. Yet even before the snow ceased to raged, the lineaged knew what had taken place.
Yet instead of tears and sobs, she watched the snow fall with an unfaltering gaze, eyes smouldering with something dark.


~~

As the days rolled by, it would grow increasingly apparent to those who watched that there was something different about Isolde, something that wasn’t there before. It was in the air about her, the burning in her eyes and the occasional frost glittering over the lineaged’s fingers. Something had changed.

~~

Isolde had been on deck when they finally stopped in Arbuzshaven, having been taking the opportunity to take in the view of the town. It reminded her of the vision of her home village... giving rise to mixed feelings as she gazed upon the buildings... yet even then she was no less enthusiastic about getting off the boat and onto solid ground again.

Isolde, due to needing to fetch her hood, left the ship a little while after Keenan and Blue. Her feet took her to the marketplace where rows and rows of stores were set up, displaying a whole range of goods on sale. She walked a while, gaze flickering from stall to stall yet nothing seemed to pique her interest... until she reached a table on which several musical instruments were displayed in delicate cases with glass windows.

However there was one instrument in particular that she was drawn to...and the vendor, sensing her interest, opened the case for her to have a closer look. Carefully, she picked up the wooden pan flute, eyes glimmering over the instrument as she remembered passed days filled with its beautiful yet lonely sound.

 

[Athanas]

Destrian watched the Guardian in stunned silence. It had done nothing, but merely tell him something he already knew. It simply couldn't grasp what the question was.
He knew perfectly well why his family had been butchered in such a manner. However, he was not sure why everyone else treated him like a freak afterwards. Anywhere he went in Volk, he would look for work, a home, anything, and he would be denied. They would deny him, even with no knowledge of his lineage, with no knowledge of his past. The only people who would talk to him were other other outcasts, like him. Solace was nowhere to be found. Nobody could comfort him, for they had their own problems.

Why was this happening was his question. And the Guardians had refused to answer. He was certain they were aware this wasn't his actual question. They were merely playing him for a fool.
He continued staring, backing away. Then, as if suddenly coming to a decision, he turned on his heel and began a quick march back to the ship.
He was visibly shaken. Thoughts and memories that he had successfully repressed were coming back to the surface. He felt...Broken. Every Inch of his soul was screaming in Agony, and he didn't have the slightest idea on how this could be Improved-He was not sure he even wanted to try.
So many years. So many tries. So many deaths, of the Innocent and the Damned alike. And he was not a step closer to finding something that resembled redemption. They took his world away, and Solemnly refused to give him another.

And they wanted him to believe as that somehow, all of this was his fault. Like there was something he could've done better, could've handled better. He couldn't even begin to grasp what he ought to have done- and he didn't want to think anyways.
He felt an emotion he hadn't felt in almost four years: Pure Desperation. He was beyond anger, hatred, Sadness-He felt panic rising at his throat. Everything was ruined, and it would never get better. He would die as he had lived, despised and feared by all. Awramaar himself would denounce him in his last moments.
He continued walking, but every step was taxing on him now. He didn't want to walk back to the ship-he wanted to scream, to hit, to run, to explode! To do anything but to go back to the cramped ship, and have nothing to do but think all day

Think about the corpses
Think about the sayings
Think about the end

He had once asked Uthane why he behaved so erratically. Why he so vehemently fought against his own mind, day and night, trying to prevent it from thinking. Why he preferred being some sort of Savage, hideous beast over being a person. Uthane had told him in his usual cryptic manner, but Destrian didn't get it. Uthane had merely told him that he'd understand, eventually.
He understood, and he now found him perfectly justifiable. A beast, unhindered by memory. By emotion. Merely acting on what it wanted at this very moment.

In the coming days Destrian talked little. He trained almost every available hour, pushing himself to the limits of exhaustion daily. Elena had almost started getting used to stray purple bolts whizzing inches from her head, and she stopped complaining about the hull once she saw the massive Gash the magic had done to Destrian. Despite his mood showing no signs of Improvement, his shileding consistency certainly did.

In the few times he actually took some time off of training and talked with his companions, he had noticed something most unnerving: Isolde was acting... differently. The information she had received appeared to have shaken her to her core. She remained mostly silent, and her constant pitiable looks, as could be expected from someone so inexperienced with the real world, had all but been replaced with a hard glare that turned his blood into Ice. He knew exactly what was going through her mind: Hatred, so focused and Intense, was very rare, even amongst the Damned. Anger was far more common. Even so, he could tell what she was thinking... And he didn't like it one bit.

Nevertheless, there wasn't much he could do about it. And upon reaching Arbuzsheaven, he rejoiced at the prospect of finally getting a chance to step foot in solid ground. While he didn't need anything in particular, he had headed for the market anyway, hoping for something interesting. His Interest was piqued when he came by a stall holding jewelery: And while he wasn't much for ornate earrings, a polished Steel medallion in the shape of a dragon's head was much more his style. poetic too.

He had spent quite a bit of time roaming around the marketplace when he happened upon Isolde, who appeared to be checking out a pan flute. While he had been wanting to talk to her, he felt somewhat uneasy doing that. He felt as if though he'd come off as rude, prying, or merely angry. However, he resolved to at least try: She probably needed someone to talk to who would understand what she was going through, and he felt like he could offer some decent advice.

His mind made up, he walked up to her, standing by the open case. He braced himself and spoke:
"Hmm. You surprise me. Not many people know how to play this properly. That's why the Gittern's the only instrument I'm actually decent at! Or at least, was, a few years back...."
He made a short pause, trying to find a proper way to pass onto more awkward matters
"Listen, I know what you learned must be...difficult, to deal with. And I can see that it's affecting you pretty badly. So uhh, you know... If you'd like to talk about it, I'm right here."

 

[Baconhands]

Relief was one of the feelings that came to mind when Kadri had stepped onto solid ground once more. Having been stuck in a confined space with company unwilling, at best, to talk extensively, the lineaged had been left alone with her thoughts. She could feel the slow but inevitable creep of shadow and darkness crawling across her forearm, and violent and angry thoughts had begun to frequent her mind albeit for only brief moments of time.

Like her comrades, she too had gone to the market, though for a much different purpose than theirs. She kept a close watch on all of them and made mental notes on several things: which stalls they went to, what caught their eye, what they were going to purchase if they had the money to do so. Kadri had deliberately withheld funds from them, explaining that she had little left on her and such money should be reserved for room and board.

The lineaged took the opportunity next to go to the harbour. A profound sense of disappointment came over her; compared to the mighty trading ports and industrious dockyards that frequented the Volkish coast this harbour was a mere footnote hardly worthy of the name. Several rickety piers, battered by years of harsh seas and weather attrition, jutted into the ocean for forty feet. They were surrounded by no more than twenty ships in total, of which Kadri believed there were only four or five trading vessels. The rest appeared to be fishing vessels. Several appeared to be in the process of preparing to go and brave the waves in search of a catch. Kadri mentally wished for the blessings of Sidabrinis for every one of them.

Ultimately disappointed, but thankful to breathe the sea air once more, Kadri decided to head back towards the market and the designated meeting spot of the Squire's Choice. She headed inside. While the outside of the building was unassuming, the inside was lively, rambunctious, and bright. The room was well lit, there was barely an inch where the light didn't touch. Two dozen tables were packed into the space, each surrounded by groups of people: most parties had six or more people. All attention was on a small handful of performers. Three had instruments, though people were primarily looking to the one with the fiddle and the two singers, who were trading verses between each other. Their songs were quick and jaunty and oft told fantastic tales of champions and legendary warriors from far and wide.
Kadri wormed her way through the crowd. The room was packed and excited, no less than a dozen times Kadri felt herself get elbowed before she managed to make it to the bar. There were three neatly dressed but clearly stressed staff that were servicing orders. Initially happy to wait her turn to be served, Kadri quickly noticed that there was no queuing order. At least four people who Kadri knew had arrived after her, were being served before her. It was apparent that the one who got an attendant's attention got served, regardless of how long they had been waiting.
The lineaged muscled her way to the front, slammed her hand on the table and triumphantly waited to be served. And was ignored, again. And again. And, "FOR FUCK'S SAKE I'VE BEEN HERE TWENTY MINUTES! GIVE ME SOME DAMN SERVICE!" Her voice boomed like thunder through the tavern.
Initially embarrassed, it became apparent none of the patrons seemed to care. The music continued and the patrons didn't stop singing along - it was the staff whom she had scared into compliance. She asked for four rooms and board - she was given a single key, a map of Arbuzshaven and a note. Her task complete, she shoved her way through the tavern, back to the entrance and out into the open air.
She looked at the note - it was festively decorated and asked a variety of questions about... Kadri mentally sighed. Customer satisfaction.
The lineaged resolved to wait outside the tavern for the others, her new acquisitions on hand.
Athanas SilverFlight Dominaiscna

 

[SilverFlight]

Keenan had caught sight of Isolde and thought about going over, but he stopped himself. As much as he wanted to spend time in her presence, she had said she needed to be alone, and so far, she had not told him otherwise. Destrian appeared and hope kindled in Keenan's heart. Isolde had been acting differently since she had found out about her history. Perhaps Destrian could better understand what she was going through, and help her.
He let his mind wander away from them, and as usual, it wandered back to his family. This market looked so much like the winter markets back in his homeland. He would visit them every year with his family. He let a smile escape onto his face as he recalled the happy moments, watching his nephews and nieces tear about the place with their new toys. The look of sheer delight on his mother's face, now creased with crows feet for all the joys she had had. His mother was so proud when Keenan became knight captain to the king's guard...but he couldn't think about her now without the grief of knowing that he would likely never see her again...or any of them. He hated feeling like this. The pain buried its way deep into him, sharp as a knife point. Aspects how he missed his family, and his team. What were they doing right now? Keenan tried to imagine them, happy, going on with their lives. If he could imagine them safe and well, he could be satisfied. Or...that was what he told himself.
Keenan finished his meal and stretched. Enough. Sitting here feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to help anything and so, Keenan decided to do what he always did when trying to avoid his own pain. He would help someone else.

~~~

Amidst the din of the tavern, one figure kept silent. He sat alone at a small table close to the back, hood up, a mug of beer half-finished before him and a map spread out across his lap, but he wasn't looking at it. He was looking at the young woman who had yelled at the top of her lungs and drawn the attention of a good half the room.
Someone, apparently, had cared.
When she turned for the door he rose and followed, moving behind her and out of her view, slipping like water through the rowdy patrons.

Keenan had seen Kadri come out of the door and he was ready to greet her with a smile and a wave, but there was a second person that came out just after her. His hood was drawn up and he couldn't see the man's face, but he saw his hand go down, grasp the hilt of a dagger.
"Kadri! Look out!"
Keenan was moving in the blink of an eye and before the stranger could register what was happening Keenan was sailing past Kadri to collide with him, sending them both sprawling in the fresh snow.

Graham felt like he'd been hit by a charging bull. He never would have guessed that a man in full armour could move that fast. They wrestled for a moment, but Graham quickly realized that his attacker was no street brawler and took the advantage. His knee came up neatly between the legs and Keenan grunted in pain as he was shoved away.
They both rose to their feet, Graham much faster but he stepped back instead of in.
"Kadri, stay back." Keenan warned her. "He means to kill you." Keenan had drawn his sword now and though he was clearly in pain, he was ready for a fight. Blue was beside him in an instant, running off of her master's mood. She growled threateningly.
Graham looked down at the knife in his hand. "Oh bollocks. Now, I see how bad this looks, but listen te me--"
He didn't get to finish. Keenan charged again, driving him back.
"I wasn' tryin' te kill anyone! Will ye jus' listen?" But Keenan wasn't listening. By then he had come to the conclusion that the Lich had finally made her move against them, and that this was one of her loyal thralls, attempting to stop Kadri for good.
Graham parried the sword and dodged the snapping teeth of the dog but took an armoured glove to the face.
"Fuck's sake!" He spat and suddenly, several things happened at once:
There was a rock hidden in the snow and by some twist of misfortune Keenan trod directly onto it in such a way that his boot slipped. Keenan tried to catch himself but trod on Blue's toe and she yelped and darted back. Keenan overbalanced, missed his swing. Graham stepped aside as Keenan spilled forward, sending him sprawling with a swift strike to the back of his shoulders.
In an instant Keenan was on his chest in the snow. He turned over to find the point of the blade in his face.
"Now then." Graham began, but was interrupted again as Keenan's leg shot out and kicked Graham's out from under him. Graham fell forward. The blade glanced off of Keenan's up-turned bracer but not before it cut his cheek badly on the way down. Graham fell and Keenan was on top of him, sword pressed against his throat.
Graham's hood fell away, exposing his face, flushed with exertion and anger.
"Aspect's scaly asshole will you just look!" Graham's arm was pinned to the snow, the dagger still in his hand. The pommel was visible now to all, and it bore the royal crest of Volk.
"I was tryin' te show ye the dagger, no' stab ye with it!"
Keenan looked back to Kadri. Blue was still snarling, ready to spring.
"Now will ye call off yer stupid hulking beast?...an' get that dog under control too."

Baconhands

Athanas Dominaiscna

 

[Baconhands]

While initially fearful, the lineaged was quick to notice that the one who Keenan was grappling with was not trying to kill him; which likely meant he was not trying to kill her. When there was a pause in the fighting, and Keenan warned her of the newcomer's supposed intentions, the lineaged's eyes were drawn to the apparent assassin's blade and the insignia on its hilt. It was like all time was frozen. Thoughts clashed, and her mind felt paralyzed. Indecision hit her. By the time she had made her mind up on what to do, the pair had begun brawling again, and her decision was made completely invalid.
While she at first wanted to stop the fight, she instead stood back and watched on, reassuring passersby that this was a duel and that the guards should not be involved. Even as Keenan fell to the floor, she did nothing to assist hi., continuing to ensure that no guards came to arrest the knight. If the insignia was correct, she knew neither Keenan or the newcomer were in any serious danger. When the fight ended, Kadri sighed and helped Keenan to his feet. A glance betraying her true feelings of anger and guilt was shot in the direction of Graham, and lightning struck within a couple of inches of his foot as a warning. The spell had been cast subconsciously, but Kadri wasn't surprised.
"Well well. I don't know who sent you but I know it wasn't the damn queen. You explain quick, and you explain in a way that ensures I don't leave you a smoldering cinder in the middle of the street. Who are you? Who sent you? Why did they send you?"
SilverFlight
----------------------------

Aistra was miserable. She had volunteered to travel in a fisherman's boat to avoid all of the politics of travelling through the Commonwealth as a member of the aristocracy of the Kingdom of Fire, and yet the journey had been no less trouble, in her mind, than if she had been travelling in a warship draped in the banners of her country. The waves had been rough, the storms plentiful, and there had been no end to the banter between all members that constituted the small crew. When land came into view, Aistra had practically leaped into the air with joy and almost capsized the rickety vessel when she landed. The boat wasn't even secure when she jumped off. One quick toss of a bag of coins later and she was moving swiftly into the town proper, eventually ending up in the market.