...In The Sea's RP Search Thread...
!!! Updates and Info !!!
~ Updates ~Jan 18, 2024 ---
Hello and welcome!!! This is my UPDATES tab!
Here I will post things that are updated so you can go take a look.
I won't be responding to comments here to keep things clean.
Please be sure to read everything!
There are important things listed in the tabs and I'll know if you do not read them.
Still searching for someone to do the following:
I also had an idea that in a supernatural world, some form of zombies are killing vampires and werefolk alike which leads to the post-apoc world with the peoples all scattered.Werefolk Leader x Werefolk Stray
The world had ended. 75% of the Earths population had perished in the Endless War, and those that remained created their own settlements in what was left of the planets cities. One such city was ruled by werefolk, humans who could transform into giant wolves at will. The Leader of the city knew all who lived within the Fence, their scents memorized. One day, as they lead a patrol around the Fence, they catch a new scent, and new meant bad.
Doesn't have to be modern, can work in some other setting too.
We also do not need to go with the plot as it's written above; the important bit is the roles.
!!! About Me, About You !!!
~ About Me, About You ~I will know if you don't read the other tabs. Don't skip out on them. This is just really important stuff.
I want to make it very clear that I write A LOT in my replies, especially in my intros if I am the one starting. Intros can easily be over 3000 words alone.
I post over 1000 words easily and I am looking for someone who can handle that and not be intimidated. This isn't a jab at anyone! It's okay! I totally get it if you're more of a rapid fire, short poster. I just prefer bigger things where I can post a crap ton over time and not worry about overwhelming my partner with a wall of text (which, even to me, is intimidating!).
I am looking for someone who can handle descriptions that don't necessarily add to the story. I will describe all of the things sometimes.
I play as NPC's often. Very capable.
I would like it further if you can consistently chug out a wall of text. If you can match me there, we will probably do well!
I don't expect daily posts. If you can, great!
I don't expect bi-daily posts. If you can, great!
I don't expect to be able to post daily or bi-day myself, but I try. If I can, great! But don't expect it.
Romance is secondary. If it happens, it happens, I will not force it.
Be 21 or older. I will not rp with minors. Sorry. I feel safer rping with legal adults, and being 21 means you're closer to my age.
If you don't think you can handle these things, we are likely not a match! But I still love you!
Please Call Me Sea
I Am A Female and I use She/Her/They/Them pronouns
My Age Is 30's
My Status Is Married
My Timezone EST (Eastern USA -5GMT)
My Schedule is Erratic. Some days I can post all day (very rare), some days I can barely do more than read (very common). I am married, have a job, and I am mom to three cats and a dog. I make time for them and rp (and games >_>), but RL comes first.
I write in Third Person Perspective, and I will write 1000+ words rather easily when the muse hits.
I've been rping since Autumn 2001
I usually rp as A female or feminine-leaning non-binary. I lack confidence with rping as males, so I won't be playing them as my main character. I will play them as side characters/NPC's though!
I am willing to double.
I do not focus on romance. It's seconardary to me. It's a struggle to RP romance when I myself am asexual.
I will not do: Excessive Violence, Excessive Gore, Smut. I am VERY emetophobic, so please keep references to vomiting to an absolute minimum. (Literally something simple like 'throws up' is fine. Leave it at that.) I also have a hard time with needles, so simple descriptions or no descriptions of their use is mandatory.
Looking For Story/Plot Driven, Advanced, Literate, Multiple Paragraphs, Grammatical, English, Male, Female, Anything In between, LGBTQA+ Friendly!
I RP in RPN DM's or Discord. I prefer DM's.
If you have made it this far, please add "peppermint" to the top of your DM so I know you read this page. I reserve the right to ignore your message if you fail to give the code word.
YOU MUST• Follow the RPN rules first and foremost!
• Godmoding is a nope (unless we agree to something before hand OOCLY!).
• Powerplaying is a nope (unless we agree to something before hand OOCLY!).
• You know, the usual rules!
• Tell me if you're going on hiatus. I have anxiety, so I will get a little bit worried about you! Just let me know so I can breathe lol.
• I don't mind if you're bored and want to back out, just let me know if you want to quit, or try to change it! I am opening to even changing the rp completely if you're just not feeling it. Talk to me, I am understanding!
• Please DM me with what you are interested in AND a writing example (feel free to copy paste a post you have here or send me a link to where you have posts)!
Dealbreakers
First Person Perspective: This makes me extremely uncomfortable. I don't know why, it just does! I even have a hard time reading books written like this. I'm truly sorry, but I will not accept an RP with this no matter how good you are.
One-liners: Give your posts depth. I require a few paragraphs at the very least. I need something to respond too, and I need to know you're just as invested. Want to describe those plates? Do those curtains interest you? Well they interest me too! Describe things, I love to read about the environment we are in!
21 and Under: You must be over the age of 21. I'm in my mid 30's, it just feels creepy otherwise, sorry. I feel I am not comfortable rping with anyone under this age. We live in a time where I can get in serious trouble for it, regardless of the content we rp. Please do not lie about this, you could put my life in serious danger.
OC's Only: I am uncomfortable playing the creations of other creators, I don't want to screw anything up. I will not expect this of you, so please do not expect this of me.
Grammatical And Literate IC: Proper spelling, punctuation, etc etc. No chat speak (in rp). Typos happen, I totally get that (and I will most likely typo myself)! You can speak how you like OOC of course, but IC must be clear and understandable.
Post Tolerance: I can't usually RP every day due to my random schedule. I'd appreciate not being nagged every 5 minutes, this is a good way to get it called off. However please feel free to send me a reminder every 3 days or so, because sometimes I DO forget and I do not want to ghost by accident (guilty af).
If you have made it this far, please add "butterscotch" to the top of your DM so I know you read this page. I reserve the right to ignore your message if you fail to give the code word.
!!! Roleplays, Plots, Etc !!!
~ Roleplays, Plots, Etc. ~QUICK NOTE: I do not rp as canon characters; you are free to do as you will. I don't mind referencing to canon characters as necessary to the story, but I don't personally like the idea of playing canon characters who belong to someone else.
- I have a lot of muse for these! Plzplzplz! I may still be learning about the subject.
I have knowledge of the subject. Convince me.
I may or may not have knowledge of the subject. Not really on the muse radar. It will take a lot of convincing.
BooksHarry Potter
Artemis Fowl
Warriors
Dragon Riders of Pern
The Hunger Games
Twilight
Shadow and Bone (I have seen the show and read the books, but not the Crows.)
Anime/TV/MoviesSailor Moon
Inu Yasha / Yashahime - (In the process of rewatching; have not seen Yashahime yet)
Fruits Basket
Pokemon - (I have the most knowledge of Kanto)
Familiar of Zero
Chobits
Avatar:TLA/LoK
My Little Pony (80's)
My Little Pony FiM
Supernatural (I am still new to this show, but love it!)
Star Wars
Star Trek
The Last Unicorn
Stranger Things
GamesWorld of Warcraft
Horizon Zero Dawn / Horizon Forbidden West
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild / Twilight Princess
The Last of Us
Silent Hill
Fatal Frame Series (Project Zero Series for you Europeans)
Haunting Ground
Sonic the Hedgehog (SEGA Genesis)
Resident Evil
Critical Role (Exandria)
More will be added as I think of them.
Magic: I HEAVILY enjoy magic in my rps so much I pretty much require it to some extent (unless the media does not call for it). If you really hate magic, I'd be willing to go more modern or whatever though, but magic is 100% a preference and I would prefer to include it in some way.
Time Periods: I'm pretty open to most time periods, so long as it's just the time period and not necessarily historically accurate. AKA, inspired by a time period rather than actually doing a realistic, historical rendition of.
- Lots of muse and the beginnings of a plot.
Could get some muse here, convince me.
Not really on the muse radar. It will take a lot of convincing.
BOLD means I will be playing this part. You'd be better off looking for someone else if you want the parts I am going to play, sorry!
I don't view pairings as romance, just an FYI. I see them as plot points. If romance happens, it will be natural and not be forced.
Hunter x Mythical Creature
I will likely play a unicorn, pegasus, dryad, "young" dragon, phoenix or centaur. Non-humanoid characters will have shifting abilities to become human at times.
Mythical Creature x Mythical Creature
Not two of the same; see above.
Royal x Non-Royal / Servant
Master X Slave (RPN Rules apply and no 18+ content)
Conjurer x Familiar
Vampire x Human
Human / Pirate x Mermaid
Merfolk x Mermaid
Werefolk Leader x Werefolk Stray (I leave this open ended. Doesn't have to be wereWOLVES, can be wereCATS or wereSNAKES, I'm open to discuss.)
Knight/Prince(ss) x Dragon
Slayer x Werefolk
Scientist x Experiment
Other
Animals: I am quite skilled at rping as horses, deer, and dogs/wolves particularly, but I am open to other sorts of feral rp!
Fantasy Creatures: Always open for this pretty much!
Steampunk (& Magitech): Victorian era with airships? Hell yeah count me in!
Apocalyptic/Dystopian/Etc: I'm really NOT a fan of zombies (cliche cliche cliche)...but I am a fan of the idea lmao.
Furries/Kemonomimi: I'm totally fine with them and can play both!
Gifted Children: Non-Xmen specifically, but obviously can be inspired by. I just don't know alot about Xmen but I love the idea.
More will be added as I think of them.
Fandom Plots
Horizon Zero Dawn / Forbidden West (AU)
MAJOR SPOILERS! Do not continue if you plan on playing the games!
It has been almost a thousand years since Elisabet Sobeck and the other Alphas finished Zero Dawn with the help of Operation: Enduring Victory. Ted Faro successfully deleted APOLLO and kills the remaining Alphas after Elisabets sacrifice at the hatch. GAIA and the rest of her sub-functions are working as intended. The Zeniths die aboard the Odyssey when it explodes on it's way to the Sirius system.
The tribes keep to themselves, and there is a tentative peace between all of them so long as they stay on their own lands.
Nora outcasts thrive despite the odds set against them, going against tradition and banding together past the ruins of Devil's Thirst in a settlement they dub Fallen Crown and calling themselves the Fallen. The local Tallneck keeps most Nora at bay, so the outcasts live in relative peace with each other. None dare to venture towards the Embrace.
It isn't until two friends, children of the Fallen, dare to venture to the Embrace to compete in the Proving. Should they win, they become Braves of a tribe that rejected their parents.
During the Proving, the Machines start to act wildly and kill two of the other combatants. The friends take it upon themselves to leave the Embrace and Fallen Crown altogether and go off to find the source of the machines wildness while other tribes try to stand in their way.
Pairing Plots
The following plots are in relation to the pairings that have in the second accordian and do not need to be followed to the T! Let us build together! Bolded roles are the ones I am going to play.
Hunter x Mythical Creature
All they knew was how to kill or be killed. The world was dangerous for humans, and the creatures that lurked in the shadows provided what was necessary for humanity to survive. They were tasked to end the lives of their enemies and bring back the remainder for use in potions, clothing, etc in exchange for gold. It was a good life. But things change when they stumble upon a creature that refuses to fight back and shows that these creatures are not mindless killing machines, but instead sentient beings that are just trying to survive in a world determined to exterminate them. (Humans can possess magic of their own in this world, but 'parts' of mythical creatures can be used to increase and protect against magic and the creatures themselves)
Mythical Creature x Mythical Creature
Creatures of myth typically tend to keep to their own, carving their own little civilizations away from one another yet living in relative peace. A strange, unknown threat looms on the horizon, threatening to destroy everything. Pride keeps the creatures from seeking aid from the other societies, and one by one they succumb and vanish without a trace. It isn't until two creatures happen upon each other, and despite centuries of ingrained xenophobia, the two form an unheard of alliance in an attempt to stand against their unknown foe.
Master X Slave
There are those born to riches who want for nothing, and those who have nothing at all. It is not unheard of for nobles or royals to be gifted slaves by their families, in fact, it is common to receive a personal slave when one comes of age. Some are mere servants who ensure their liege is well attended; after all, it costs money to have someone wait on you day in and out. Some are bodyguards or healers, ensuring their ruler is safe and protected, healthy and happy. It is the 21st birthday where a young noble receives their very own slave, their very own companion. Little do they know, their slave has a strange secret that could shake the entire kingdom forever.
Human / Pirate x Mermaid
There was nothing like freedom at sea. The smell of the salty air, the great, endless blue that went on forever. The sound of wood tearing through water. Life as a pirate was a good one. They could steal from whomever they pleased, get whatever they wanted. The only downside was the myths. There were those aboard who insisted that the oceans held within them leviathans the size of mountains that could take ships into the deepest depths. And one should not forget the merfolk, the intelligent beings who wielded powers of water and song and could summon said leviathans to destroy any who taint the waters.
The Captain always laughed that these stories. It wasn't until the ship came upon the wreckage of a vessel splintered against rocks that jutted from the sea did the Captain suddenly realize that the stories were true; tethered within a net amongst the wreckage, lay the unconscious form of a mermaid.
Werefolk Leader x Werefolk Stray
The world had ended. 75% of the Earths population had perished in the Endless War, and those that remained created their own settlements in what was left of the planets cities. One such city was ruled by werefolk, humans who could transform into giant wolves at will. The Leader of the city knew all who lived within the Fence, their scents memorized. One day, as they lead a patrol around the Fence, they catch a new scent, and new meant bad.
!!! Roleplay Examples !!!
~ Writing Examples ~972 Words.
Opening Post - Taken from The Aviary RP
There was far too much light. And there was far too much noise from everyone around her.
The building had so much glass, so many opportunities for others to peer in as Crystal peered out. She felt too exposed even though she wasn't even out in public and was dressed modestly. The transparent panes of the Aviary acted as a way for her to look out into the world she left behind while simultaneously acting as a barrier. A barrier that separated her from the rest of the world. If only everyone would just be quiet for a few minutes. Because of this, she couldn't help but allow the nagging voice in her head to continuously harass her as she stared forward towards those who would be acting as her new teachers; but she wasn't actually seeing them. It seemed to be the only way to block out the external noise.
Did you make the right choice? You could have had it made as a doctor. Or a lawyer. Maybe a politician. You never actually decided where you were going, and now you threw it all away.
But did she? Did she though?
Did I?
She shoved the voice aside and reached for the normal voice of reason. The young woman couldn't actually be sure, considering this was hardly what she expected the Aviary to be like. And she wasn't even sure what she expected from it to begin with. Somewhere in the back of her mind, where her imagination could poke out like a sore thumb, she had thought that everyone would be dressed in long wizard robes in a rainbow of colors, crowned with those unnaturally huge pointy hats with moons and stars on it, holding magic wands that glittered like sparklers on the humid summer night of Independence Day.
But no, it wasn't like that at all.
Everyone looked freaking normal. Well, they were a little less normal than the journalists there who she was absolutely sure wanted to interview her and the other applicants. And she was in no mood to divulge her reasons for dropping out of a full ride that would have made her life quite cushy. And in the beginning, living a comfortable life with a well paying job made so much sense. How could it not? It's not like her powers actually did anything remotely useful. Making water cold, even cold enough to freeze it solid. Yeah, so many uses, right? Perhaps if someone wanted to make a thousand different flavors of ice cube or something. Maybe she could have made it as a shaved ice vendor. And as for moving water with her mind? What did they call it? Water manipulation or was it hydrokinesis? Both? Okay sure, she would have been the cream of the crop when it came to plumbers or something, but that really wasn't a career she would have been at all pleased with. Weren't those guys expected to be fat and have their butts hanging out of their jeans? Wasn't that how the movies always portrayed them?
She inwardly groaned as this dialog ran through her mind. When was this conference going to start anyway? And what the actual hell was wrong with her this morning? She was supposed to be happy. This was supposed to be the start of a new life, a new beginning. Yet all she could think of was how utterly useless her powers were. She was intelligent, and her powers hardly reflected this.
But in the end, regardless of her personal feelings towards her powers, the Aviary had provided some hope. She was sure she had been given these powers for a reason, and she hadn't personally met anyone who could do what she did. Yet. She was accepted in this guild, and if that meant anything at all, then surely that meant that they saw something great in her. After all, they had only accepted a mere handful of applicants, and she was one of the chosen few. Of course she was, why wouldn't she be.
She took a moment to close her eyes and inhale through her nose. Calm. Losing her head was totally out of character and she wouldn't throw away this chance if they somehow noticed her going to pieces. She had given up everything she worked towards until now, so she had to make due with it. She would succeed no matter what.
A voice from the wall rose into a laugh, the clap snapping Crystal's eyes open and her attention to it. The woman, who strode forward to the small stage that rested before her, was imposing to say the least. But her smile was warm, so that was something. The girl straightened herself up, looking every bit the attentive pupil she knew she was. She was also aware of the other men who were still standing behind where the woman was.
After a few moments of talking, the woman had gestured towards the front row of seats where Crystal and the rest of the accepted applicants sat. For once, it took everything in her power to keep from looking around at the others. Focus.
And when the woman started taking questions from the journalists lining the back row of chairs, the girl permitted herself a moment to relax; at least she wouldn't have to be answering any questions. And as expected, it was pretty boring. Journalists and their stupid questions. The answers given would just likely be embellished with false gossip when printed, the media was hardly completely trustworthy.
But just as quickly as the series of questions and answers began, they were finished, and the woman was bidding the applicants to follow her. Without a word, Crys rose from her seat and obeyed. Do not cross this woman, she thought to herself. Down a set of stairs they went to the ground floor. Who knew what was going to be down here.
849 Words
Taken from The World that Time Forgot RP
Evergreen found she couldn't actually be mad. It was hard to be mad when one expected the outcome. The King was exactly what he looked like, a snobbish, uncaring foll with a complete disregard for other peoples feelings. It was pitiful, in all honesty. She had looked sadly at the couple who had lost their shop to a fire, and felt even worse when she just knew the greedy pig of a king wouldn't do anything to ease their pain. One object in this entire cage probably would have lightened their load.
But neither of those things was what got her truly angry.
The King could sit there on his throne of blood (because Evergreen was sure someone worked tirelessly on it through their blood, sweat and tears), and he could turn up his ugly nose at every poor person here seeking some kind of assistance whether it be to help them come out of dire straights or to progress them in the form of titles. That was all fine. What wasn't fine was tearing the injured apart further. It didn't matter if his hands didn't physically grip Hope and rip him to shreds. All that mattered was that his words did enough. And a lot of times, words were often far more painful.
And then came his cries.
Nothing brought an ache to her heart more quickly than to hear her friend apologize for failing them when he did absolutely nothing but try. And maybe if she were more accepting on the situation (to which she now was not because of this demon of a king), she may have offered Hope a shoulder to lean on as they left.
But that wasn't happening.
All of her rage, build up from the many months after her complete and utter removal from her homeland, rose to explode like a volcano bubbling lava it was going to unleash on the damned. She stared at the king with a blind fury, her hands balled into trembling fists. At least she wasn't deaf to the words of those around her.
Liz, sweet as ever, offered comfort Evergreen couldn't hope to give with how upset she was. She wasn't even upset for herself, everything she did was for Hope and the other orphans. Maybe some of her anger was directed at herself, because she was unable to even do anything about it herself.
Poor Omotholo simply wanted to leave, and she couldn't blame him. Despite how much she wanted to spew every colorful word under the rainbow and tell the King exactly what she thought of him, that wouldn't do anyone good, and she wouldn't dare put Hope under any other pressure now that she was sure he was suffering physically as well. She put a hand on Hopes upper arm, lightly squeezing, but said nothing. She had to let him know she was there in case he needed her. Even if her powers did him little good, she hoped it could provide some comfort. And yes, Caspians small outburst was heard, and it even made Evergreen smile a little. Nao seemed to try to calm Caspian down, and though she figured 'what the hell let him stab someone', she didn't try to physically stop him. Though she didn't condone murder, even of a merciless king, it was still kind of...nice to hear, as sadistic as that may sound.
The guards were coming, and Evergreen wasn't entirely sure what to do. Her main goal was to keep Hope safe, and if that meant she suffered any sort of consequence then so be it. Hope's health was too important.
It definitely was something out of some strange fairy tale. The way the teal haired man [Anghel] who had been dragged off to the dungeon hours before suddenly appeared before them, speaking in an eloquent voice and saying some of the things Evergreen wished she could have had the courage to say aloud, made her heart flutter. What he was suggesting, what he was offering, Evergreen just found herself respond simply out of spite for what had just happened, and what he wanted in exchange for Hope's compass.
"Well you can count me in." Her eyes flashed to the King, a look of victory because somehow she knew, no matter the outcome, he was going to have to go through some semblance of hell and it would be utterly worth it.
The teal haired man had a woman [Fan] with them who seemed cold and, maybe a little less than pleased to have a group of youths tagging along, but Evergreen was appreciative of her authority. Caspian knocked her shoulder when he tried to get ahead to help lead, so it hardly bothered her that he bumped her. All the better to get the heck away from the guards! And any bruise, should it occur, she can heal easily. The wild haired girl was also appreciative of Liz's and Amaya's excitement, it was a good thing to keep the spirits lifted while the world seemed to spiral out of control around them. For Hopes sake, always.
2604 Words
Taken from a private, 1v1 rp.
This is my best example of my abilities.
This rp has had consistently 1200+ words per post.
Myrna enjoyed the breakfast that the old women and Evnerth had prepared for them all, since even in the dim candled light she could see the woman's fiery hair among them and her tired smile, and made sure to have a little bit of everything. The bread was delectable as always, especially when paired with the cheese that had been provided. The stew still tasted just as wonderful as it had the night before, and the addition of the fish made it feel a little more fancy with the extra course. And while they ate, Indra of course lectured them again on the foraging skills they would likely have to employ, and Adalin reminded them of the danger. Myrna tried not to think about the danger, she needed this breakfast to keep her strong, so the thought was banished before her appetite was.
The young woman had heard of the city of Pendle, and she spent the few quiet times during breakfast thinking about it, as she really hadn't the night befpre. Though small, it was still a city, which made it far larger than her little town of Amberwell and this town of Oxwind. But why was it a familiar name? She tried to recall if her father had received a commission from there once, which she ended up being certain of after some moments of going through her memories; hadn't that been the city where the dragon tapestry had been inevitably sent to? Keeping this information to herself for the time being, she finished her meal. It would be an interesting discussion to have while they were traveling, after all, they would need something to occupy them for three whole days.
After breakfast was demolished and their kit was checked once, twice, three times over, the group had set off outside to get the horses ready. With tack in place and bags attached appropriately, Myrna looked over to Evnerth as she spoke up to the pink- dragoness and her rider. While Idross made it a point to attempt to not look like he was eavesdropping, Myrna didn't really put in the effort. She wanted to say something as well. Indra and Adalin didn't have to help Evnerth. Evnerth didn't have to accept them. But finally Myr tore her eyes away when tears were evident in the red-heads eyes and already spilling from Adalin's, and she gave her horse a pat on her neck.
It was hard not to listen to the conversation, especially when words were directed at herself and Idross. She looked back over, glanced to Idross, then nodded swiftly. When the old woman beckoned them over, Myrna didn't hesitate to obey. Hugs and kisses were given to the trio, and Myrna, of course, fought back her own leaky floodgates. She hadn't been in the farmhouse nearly as long as Evnerth had, but she had also come to see the old women as family. She had left her family back in Amberwell, and she was doing so again in Oxwind. The unknown road was laid before them, and they were quickly upon it. With the sun just peeking above the horizon, the trio set off on horseback, leaving the farm behind them.
Dreq was pleased that when he had risen from his bedroll, it wasn't long after that Atrei and Zucha had woken up themselves. The sun, not yet risen, had barely started turning the sky pink, and Dreq was ready to hit the road. Ever moment spent standing around was another moment not with his Evnerth, and now that he had a hunch that he was on his way to her, nothing, absolutely nothing, was going to stop him from getting there.
That also included the newbies.
Atrei and Zucha were silent as always as they quickly packed their things up, which Dreq approved of because he wanted to head out before the sun even started to stain the sky orange. While the duo got their things together, Dreq unceremoniously stomped on the lingering ashes of their fire until he could tell they were cool enough to be safely left behind. He also took a few moments to dismantle where the fire had been laid further, just in case some of the wizards henchmen happened on their trail. Not that he wouldn't mind ripping them apart...
Since they had no horses of their own, they had to walk on foot, which was a little rougher on Zucha. A few hours into their journey they had to stop to allow the man a rest. He was in good shape, but he was still human, and he avoided Dreq's eyes whenever he requested a quick respite. Atrei drew Dreq's attention away by giving approximations at how far they were, and how quick they would need to be to keep up a good pace so they got there in a timely fashion. She also reminded him that the rider was still training new riders and their dragons, and surely a slightly slower pace wouldn't kill them.
Of course Dreq knew the Songbird was ultimately right, he was just really impatient. He had gone for so long believing she was dead, which she still might likely be, but if it was her, they would finally be together again. And if it wasn't her...maybe the townsfolk knew about his rider and he could get more information as to where she could be. Like hell he was going back to the damned council group. He wasn't going back and he wasn't going to bond with anyone else. Even if Evnerth was dead, he firmly believed it would be an offense to her life and memory. It made him ashamed to think he had gone this long following the council while he could have been out searching despite how dangerous it was.
During the course of their trek, Dreq would often get into 'teach mode' when Atrei began asking questions about their training. He knew that they needed to start as soon as possible, so he indulged her questions. He eventually started teaching them about flying without actually letting them into the air as it was too dangerous. He told them how important it was for the rider to be the second pair of eyes for their dragon, and how the dragon needed to keep a sense on their riders balance while making quick turns so the duo would eventually work to compensate automatically for such things. He also spoke about how important it was not to pull to tightly on feathers because even though it didn't necessarily hurt, ripping them out could mess up the aerodynamics for the dragon while flying and it could mess up a timed dive.
It actually passed the time quite well, giving them verbal lessons that he figured would give them a leg up when they finally reached Oxwind. His voice even lost it's usual gruffness that Atrei and Zucha had grown accustomed to that even the young man was speaking up more often. At around Mid-day, the group had to take another rest so Zucha could catch his breath and work out the pain in his legs. Atrei offered to go find them fish, since they were close to a river that they deliberately avoided, just in case, and Dreq agreed but only if she was careful and called for help if something happened. When the Songbird nodded with a cheerful smile, she hurried off into the treeline in the direction Dreq could hear the water babbling in the distance. He quickly made a small fire in preparation for any fish she may bring back.
It was dead silent save for some twittering birds overhead moments after Atrei left them. Zucha positioned himself on a small boulder, facing away from Dreq as he kneaded his leg muscles and stretched him with winces. Dreq watched him carefully for a few moments, before leaning against a tree nearby, the fire between him and the young man. Now seemed like the best time to get some answers, and he knew his mood would dwindle if Zucha fell into his obnoxious, avoidant habits.
"So. You didn't answer me last night," Dreq began, silver eyes watching Zucha's form tense up as he paused in his tending. Without turning to look at the black-haired dragon, Zucha slowly began to massage his legs again.
"I'm fine." Came the reply, a familiar term that immediately lit Dreq's blood aflame.
"It's not wise to lie to a dragon." Dreq retorted, irritation heavily laden in his voice.
"I-I'm not sure what to say, I'm sorry." Zucha spoke in a low, nervous voice, and his head whipped around when he heard Dreq's quick approach.
Whether it was pure anger and frustration or just a loss of patience, Zucha found himself quickly being pulled up by the front of his clothes. His feet dangled off the ground as he stared into the sterling eyes of an angry dragon-man.
"Why are you so terrified of me!" Dreq shouted, the irony lost on him even as he caused the man to flinch away as far as he could while at the complete mercy of the black-dragon.
"Hey!" A shout came from behind them, and Dreq glanced over his shoulder to see an exasperated Atrei holding a wriggling sack in her hand. "Will you stop harassing my rider?"
Dreq dropped Zucha, who just barely caught his balance from the foot or so fall, and backed away a few awkward steps. Turning to Atrei, the silver-eyed dragon growled.
"Do you know how frustrating it is to have someone scurry around you like a terrified mouse? It's driving me absolutely nuts!"
"It's because it's what we agreed upon." Atrei replied quietly, approaching the fire and beginning to deal with the fish. Dreq was silent, and he heard Zucha let out what he could only imagine to be a relieved sigh. He glanced at the man who had sat back down on the rock, now facing the fire, but still avoiding the conversation. Looking back to Atrei, he crossed his arms and looked down at her.
"Excuse me? And why did you do that?" He looked between them. "Why did you do that?"
"Stop repeating yourself!" The orange-haired dragoness threw up her arms. "We just didn't want you to get sucked in your depressive state like you usually do so we thought if he acted all scared and quiet and we didn't act clingy you would feel better." Dreq stood in shocked silence for a moment, then growled again.
"You're an idiot." The dragon-man commented gruffly, to which Zucha spoke up.
"She is not. For keeping your feelings in mind? And it was my idea, I'll have you know. We know exactly why you came with us, we saw it, it's no mystery. We know what you are hoping for, what you think of every time you look into the sky. We thought if we got your hopes up further that you're on your way to your missing rider, and she ended up not actually there...isn't that just a little bit cruel?" The man had stood, running a hand through his dirty blond hair. He spoke with a more-matter-fact tone with a touch of the usual nervousness, but he stood up straight and didn't avoid Dreq's gaze with his grey-blue eyes. Dreq didn't say anything for a few, long moment, but then he replied with a saddened tone.
"No. What is cruel, is that you would avoid the connection you both deserve, that you need to have, especially in the early stages in your bonding." Atrei and Zucha shared a confused expression, having expected the man to literally explode. "No Bonded need sacrifice their relationship for others. Those of us who lost our Bonded understand. It's okay." He continued oddly gently. "I...appreciate that you care enough to pretend to be someone you're not. I do. I understand, and I do. But please, stop. Strengthen that bond." Suddenly, there was a decent bit of humor in his voice. "Heaven forbid that the Oxwind rider is my Evi. Do you realize the earful I would get if I allowed you to not to spend the time Bonding as you should? That I allowed you to to do that for me? If you two showed up with your connection, and I don't mean just the mental one, as weak as I feel it might be given the circumstances, she will lecture me for hours. And I am more in the cuddling mood." Seeing the surprised, if not utterly embarrassed expressions on their faces, to which he took quite the delight in, his eyes once again traveled to Zucha. "Sorry for roughing you up, by the way, kid."
"I've had worse." Zucha replied in good humor, a slightly nervous smile crossing his delicate lips. "Let's have lunch. I'm starving."
"You're starving?" Dreq let out an exasperated huff of air before looking at a teary-eyed and smiling Atrei as she sat with bloodied hands before the fire. "I hope you got enough. I'm so hungry could eat a horse." Dreq replied, hints of a grin on his lip as he and Zucha made their way to the fire, side by side.
Myrna was actually rather enjoying herself. Riding a horse was nothing like the wild ride of a dragon, but it felt nice not to have to walk herself. She allowed herself to relax in the saddle, but knew to keep herself alert for anything that might spook the horses as they rode on. Birds began to sing in the canopy of the trees above them, the subtle shafts of breaking sunlight poked through the trees and garnered the attention of clouds of tiny bugs. The shadows dappled the forest floor they traveled through, life wakening up all around them in the form of flora and fauna.
She didn't reply to Idross' comment about how the world just kept going, but she turned and gave him a sleepy smile. Unlike Evnerth, who had to cover her pale skin to protect it from the blistering sun, Myrna could afford to show off her earthy flesh. And as they moved from a the denser forest to sparser lands that separated the desert and forest and the heat of the wasteland began to make itself known, it was nice to get that breeze that occasionally wafted around them thanks to the horses gait. The smell of the dirt and plants reminded her of Indra's plants back home, home, and she realized she already felt a little homesick.
Idross was a great distraction, from both the monotony of travel and the heat. He was always the most curious person in the area so when he started up with his usual questioning, verbally this time as to include Evnerth, Myrna was only to happy to join in. It was fun to talk about different things, question them, and question the questions and so on until they were all delightfully confused because they'd forget where they'd originally started from and had to work back down the line to figure out where they segued from.
"Oh, you have no idea." Myrna laughed, turning her head to give Idross a wink. He was a chatterbox even when he looked silent! "But I don't mind enduring him. He has to deal with me too, after all." Everyone of them seemed to be in a good mood, which allowed Myrna to remain in that peaceful state. Even when she had to ride side by side and have an in-saddle lesson about magic, she would do anything to keep the harmony they currently had.
This is a very recent intro post that I am very pleased with. 2077 words
There was no better word to describe the Santuary other than utter perfection. How could one even begin to assign simple words? Open your eyes and look. It had been created by the world itself, a pocket of protection for all who fled the coming of humanity. Green and blue, endless food and the cleanest water, all untainted. And no pain would come to them, ever. There was no reason to leave, not that they truly had any choice in the matter. There was no way in, and there was no way out. They would live there for all eternity, or until the time the world decided it was safe for myth once again. For it would come, perhaps. Yet for those who lived immortal lives like the unicorns, they were content to live in indescribable peace, far from war, far from humanity.
Eea new not the troubles of the old world, having been born within the safety of the Sanctuary. Spoiled, some of the elders had scolded. Thousands of years had passed and even though the unicorns were a people of vast knowledge and experience, even they could forget their true origins; no one was infallible. History became legend. Legend became myth. Such is the way of things. And it was for that very reason that Eea did not know what to expect when the world decided it was time to reclaim that which had been lost. The bubble had burst, and she saw the weave of reality, of her reality, split and fray. It fell apart in colorful ribbons, splitting the world in two before her watery blue eyes. The ground shook, quaking through her bones and throwing her to the ground with little more care than a dying tree would have been given in its final moments. Then came the screams. All around her the voices of her kind rose in panic, shrill and confused, urgent in their pleas to run. Those horrifying sounds would forever haunt her dreams, gripping her heart with their shrieking pain as she scrambled to her hooves and fled into the forest in abject fear.
Away. Far away. But alone.
For what could a single unicorn do against the might of the world? Of unending magic and the destruction of what was, the creation of what used to be, of what could be. Though powerful in her own right, the enchantment she grasped paled in comparison to the eruption that spilled across the world in a tidal wave of what she could only describe as metamorphosis. As she ran through forests of tall stone and shimmering crystals, they crumbled and bent and shifted, vines and trees sprouted to cover the ruins. Strange structures that bounced with each quake turned orange and decayed, sinking to the strange, hard black ground.
But nothing was more horrifying than seeing humans for the first time. Or what was left of them
Though many of the stories of old had ceased to be told, there was one that was always repeated over and over again, because how could they forget the reason for their new life? They ran from the trees of stone and wood onto the blackened paths, screaming in horror as their bodies twisted and changed. Or some simply collapsed, their last breaths ripped from their lungs as stone crushed their bodies. The black ground turned red.
She feared she would die from the terror she witnessed, so confused and alone was she. But the mind, though forgetful it became after an epoch of complacency, the instinct still remembered. Something told her to hide, to reach for the newborn forests and to stay within. To keep to herself as her people were ought to do in the ages of old. Instinct could not overshadow loneliness, and such solitude made her weary. But fear was a stronger motivator than her forlorn feelings, so she suffered alone.
How many years had it been? Had it even been years?
The world had transformed in rapid succession, creating ruins overnight that would have taken eons if progressed naturally. It was hard to tell how much time had passed, only that she was ever alone. Though she kept to the darkened woods, she looked through the trees with hope that she would see her friends, her family, or simply her people in general. But things lurked in those forsaken lands, and as quickly as her glow filled the dark shadows in the groves, it disappeared like a snuffed candle. More and more, the Changed started to encroach in her forest. First it started just on the outskirts, where the trees thinned and let in thousands of shafts of light. Animal-kind that lurked there were hunted for their pelts and their meat, and her trepidation prevented her from stopping the Changed predators. And the deeper she moved, the bolder they seemed to get. Though there were not many, hardly any at all, one was far too much of a threat and she would not become their prey.
The Changed changed further. One became two, then four, then seven. Their bands grew larger, more threatening, singing praises of their loyalties and cursing those who refused to bend to their will. Or killing. There always seemed to be the scent of blood on the wind, a scent she reluctantly grew used to as the Changed took over more and more of her forest. She grieved for the trees that had once blockaded the entrance, having long been cut and burned for cooking or warmth. She mourned for the thousands of animals that had been captured, most skinned and eaten, their pelts warming the hides of the Changed and their kin.
"They come! They come!" A pinkish colored jay with blue and black striped wings fluttered through the glittering canopy, tiny rays of light piercing through the leaves above like a galaxy of stars. The morning was foggy, which in itself was not unusual. The jays fretting certainly was. When Eea lifted her head in alarm, she could feel them. Standing still, she honed in on their presence. All had the essence of the Changed, four of them the usual intruders in her wood and familiar in their own right. But the fifth one had an energy she had not felt the likes of before. It felt...familiar in a different way, an ancient way. It had the touch of a Changed, but there was a sheer sense of power that bothered her. It was not of her blood, she knew. She had not felt the essence of her kind since she left them behind in the Sanctuary.
Her chest tightened sadly.
"Silver-one flee! Big hunger! They come!" The jay continued to fuss, distracting Eea from the feelings of loss.
"They cannot sense me. Changed as they are, they are blind to my spirit."
"They come!" The jay took wing and disappeared through the trees, the sounds of it's hysterical twittering echoing behind it. Eea stared off in the direction the bird had gone, before looking in the direction of the intruders. The four would not be an issue, but the fifth gave her true concern. Were the Changed that capable of such immense power? She closed her eyes and took in a breath, steeling her resolve. She had to know. In a swift motion, the unicorn raced through the forest towards the origin of power. Possibly her own death. Effortlessly, she glided over fallen log and through bramble glade. Not a leaf stirred from her movements, nor did a blade of grass crunch beneath her cloven hooves.
She slowed to a halt and paused. Her keen eyesight could pierce through the fog of the forest, and she looked at the four intruders that posed little threat. And all four were seeking the same she did, the source of the strange power she had felt. She lurked in the billowing mist, listening to the attempted sounds of diplomacy, followed by arrows piercing the air and bestial shouts. They worried her not. Her eyes moved to the being of her true concern, the one who possessed the strange, familiar magic.
Between the fog and the distance, she couldn't be sure exactly what she was looking at. The being looked gilded, golden armor crossing it's features here and there, seemingly at random. Horns sprouted from the head, or perhaps it was some kind helmet. It didn't make sense, no Changed ever looked like this before, yet here he was. One by one, the lesser Changed fell at the hand of the golden-armored man. He was oddly dexterous in comparison to the lumbering bear-man, though that was only that much more prominent with how calm the man. The bear-man, not too unlike his ursine counterparts, fought with a feral fury that she had seen time and time again. He was wild, the product of his Change. Whereas the aureate man had a grace similar to what elves were thought to be, based on the tales of her people.
The horned man fell, but had gotten back up and was gone before the bear-man could recover, howling into the mist angrily. But as soon as he turned to face his prey, the horned man unleashed a cloud of smoke. Eea straightened, her clear blue eyes narrowing in concern. She had been told stories of dragons, of large scaled beasts that could fly and breathe all sorts of magic including fire. But this creature, this being...he was a man. But was he also a dragon? Was this man a dragon who took on a human-like form? Is that why he felt Changed?
She took an anxious step away from the brawl. Perhaps the jay had been correct. She had been content with her abilities to conceal herself from the like of the Changed, but this golden-man was different. The bear-man turned and fled, his prey notching another arrow in an attempt to finish the job. And yet...the horned creature did not let that last arrow fly. Mercy? Changed did not typically show mercy. The man was either overly confident in his abilities or he truly had no desire to do harm. What kind of Changed was this man?
It was time to leave, she noted her increasing uneasiness. The sun was burning away the mist as it rose higher into the sky, and even if the dragon-like man could not yet sense her, he would certainly see her if he chose to be more observant. Turning, the silver mare began her retreat, until the man's voice rang out through the forest, directed at her. Her ears folded against her head, her heart momentarily ceasing to beat in her chest. Did he actually hear her move? Did he see her? Her head turned to look to where she had last seen the gilded man, though he was focused on the water in the small brook beneath him. If he did not see or hear her, that could only mean that he had the power to sense her, a power that she was unaware Changed could even have.
Fear kept her from moving, completely immobile as she watched the man splash water on his face. She was still at a distance, so if it came down to it, she would easily outrun him. He had attempted discretion with the Changed before, and he pled for the same now. Regardless of such, she would not let her guard down. Her muscles tensed, preparing for that first leap.
"What are you." She said, the question flowing more like a demand than a true query. "How is it you can sense me when the others did not? What power do you grasp and where did you take it from?" The anxiety was laden in her voice. Though instinct begged she hide her feelings, she simply couldn't help herself. There was something more to this man than simply being a Changed. It was as ageless as the elders of her kind, and if there were others like him out there, she absolutely needed to know. To know and to avoid.
"I have no intent to harm you should you remain unarmed." She had never known a unicorn to attack, there was never a need. She had magic in her arsenal of course, but to use it offensively felt horribly wrong. Unnatural. "Answer me." The words demanded, ready and poised to flee if the man even so much as glanced at his bow again.
Last edited:
