Fantasy Sorcery!!! (Completed)

[Yokai]

>> Try to edge around it <<​

Peering past the overgrown shrubbery and emerald foliage, Aquila caught sight of the skunk-bear in question. 'How cute,' Aquila thought, watching it dig around for food perhaps. Silently she reminds herself that though it may look adorable now -- from a safe distance -- it was a dangerous creature and not to be taken lightly. At least that explained the smell. Blue eyes flicker past the busied creature, quietly debating whether the two can slip past it without actively engaging in a fight. Personally she didn't want to harm the skunk-bear, it was just an animal after all; they weren't malicious like the humanoids she'd encountered.

"Let's try to sneak past," Aquila whispers, leaning into Ruven's gravity. She pulls up the hood of her emerald cloak, as if to conceal her shock of hair, but it is more of a comforting action. With that Aquila edges away from Ruven in an attempt to slink past the skunk-bear.

 

[ArcticFox]

Feeling the soft breath of the Panther on her neck, Aquila stepped around the shrubbery with confidence. Her spirit guide had been with her that day, its presence apparent in her actions. Skirting around the skunk-bear was an easy task.

--

The path led them through another alley and to the north. They had been walking for two hours, Ruven being silent the whole time, which left Aquila with her own thoughts to pass the time. Her thoughts were of the Crown primarily. She could feel it calling for her already, even though she had never seen it. It knew her name and it was waiting for her now, deep in the Fortress of Mampang. But, was it summoning her to rescue it and restore the balance of power to the Kingdoms? Or was it summoning her to her death and destruction, to place the final seal on the power of the Archmage?

The sun passed its zenith and dusty heat rose from the earth everywhere. Aquila was feeling worn out from the lack of proper sleep and the long trek. Not to mention she did not eat anything since last night. She will need to rest soon. Ruven was not showing any signs of tiredness, walking two steps in front of her, but his pace had slowed along with Aquila's, allowing her to catch up. Kristanti was just a kilometer ahead and she could see the figures of people mingling around the houses even in the heat of the afternoon.

- Go into Kristanti.
- Go around it.

 

[Yokai]

>> Go into Kristanti <<​

Exhaustion from the long day of trekking had begun to set in, aching deep within her bones. When Kristanti appeared within her sights, a beacon of hope on the horizon, she breathed out softly in relief. Aquila counted two days from her departure from Analand's gates, hopefully they'd made good time by Ruven's ruthless pace. Hopefully she hadn't fallen behind in her quest. Her gaze flickered to her companion's back, she was beginning to doubt whether Elvins ever grew tired or hungry. His silence weighed heavily on her mind -- originally it'd been a welcome respite but Aquila's thoughts continued to drift to the Crown and to darker things.

Past him the sight of Kristanti drew nearer and apprehension crept upon Aquila's senses; the last village she'd been to had almost resulted in a mugging. But she was exhausted and hungry, a night in one of the village's inns would be more than welcome. Aquila didn't even entertain the idea of circling the village. Instead she took a longer stride towards Ruven, intending to run the basis of her thoughts past him.

"Should we stop here for the night?" She said, though her tone suggested she'd already come to a decision. However, if Ruven was truly opposed to the idea then she'd reconsider. He was her guide, and here against his own free-will, Aquila didn't want to make that worse for him. "Perhaps find an inn?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"I agree." Ruven nodded. Then he turned to look at her with a serious expression. "You are covering all the expenses, though." He said in a tone that left no room to argue.

They approached Kristanti. Smoke was rising from the chimneys. Even though it was a warm summer day, the people needed the fire to cook and it looked like everyone was doing so diligently. One of the buildings more than most, a larger house on two floors that could have been an inn. The houses had stone bases and were hard set and sturdy, with roofs made out of thatched grass and thick leaves.

There was more than one street running to the center of the village, or rather, it could be called a small town. But, something was amiss. It looked like this place could have been rich once, but its heart had been scooped away. There was litter on the streets, discarded wood and leaves and piles of ash. The people they passed by were much cleaner looking than the Cantopani residents, though, and they did not pay them much attention as they strode into the center of the town.

"Hill Dwellers." Ruven spoke. "That's how the residents of the Shamutanti region are called." He frowned, looking around with disapproval, like he did not want to associate with them, though he did not voice any concerns.

As they walked into the center they saw that larger building, the inn, right in front of them. It was now clear that many houses in this town were long ago abandoned, windows laid opened and doors broken down. But the remaining people still went about their work. On the right side of the main road was a house with wide opened doors, raised voices coming out of it.

"An ale house. I'm surprised it's still open." Ruven said. His expression lightened a bit at the notice.

- Go to the inn for a meal/room.
- Find information or work in the ale house.

 

[Yokai]

>> Go to the inn for a meal/room <<​

Aquila's lips turned up in amusement as she briefly debated feigning hurt at the notion. Ultimately she decided not to push her companion and instead nodded, still looking strangely amused. She'd already assumed she'd be paying for the both of them. Still Aquila followed after him in silence as they wandered through Kristanti. The village itself wasn't terribly impressive, the state of it made her heart sink slightly; this could have been prevented after all.

Walking through the center she drifted closer to her companion and drew her cloak closer around her. Aquila wasn't fond of crowds and Cantopani's suspicious villagers had left her a little more wary this time around. At Ruven's comment she glanced up from where she'd been analysing a particularly odd shaped pile of trash. She looked up at the ale house and found enough energy within herself to be disgusted. Alcohol was one of the few things Aquila didn't tolerate, it brought back some unfortunate memories.

Quietly she sidestepped Ruven and headed for the inn, eager for a hot meal and a room with an actual bed. Aquila just hoped there wasn't more trouble waiting for her on the other side of those doors.

 

[ArcticFox]

They entered the nameless inn and realised that things were really going bad at that town. The inn was completely empty, save for a middle aged woman that intercepted them on the doorway, arms folded. She was taller than Aquila and her look was not that friendly.

"Are you from the King?" She asked, looking at Aquila directly. Aquila's attire made her stick out in this town as well, she was too well groomed and her robes were too finely made. She would probably stick out at every village or town that came before Khare.

She could see into the inn behind the woman's body. The rickety tables, devoid of customers, a counter in the middle of the room, polish peeling off the wooden planks and thick smoke coming from the fireplace behind the counter. Still, she could smell fresh food in there, some meet roasting over the fire. It only made her stomach growl louder.

"She is from Analand." Ruven answered, before Cosmin could speak. Woman's gaze shifted to him for a brief moment and then back to Aquila.
"But, did the King send you?"

- Yes.
- No.

 

[Yokai]

>> No <<​

Aquila barely contained an upset wince at the state of the inn, which was completely empty despite -- from what she'd deciphered at least -- being the only inn within Kristanti. The woman that intercepted them took the red haired archer by surprise, and the manner of her greeting did too. She almost seemed annoyed or perhaps frustrated with something, though Aquila couldn't comprehend what that was exactly.

"No, he didn't," Aquila responded slowly, obviously confused and thrown by the rapid questioning. "We would like a room and a meal, please?" Her words almost phrased it like a question, lilting off at the end as if she was unsure of her welcome. Blue eyes flickered over the battered interior and briefly she wondered if this place was closed.

 

[ArcticFox]

"I see." The woman nodded and then stepped away from the doors, letting them walk in. "I thought you were here for taxes." She continued, walking up to the counter and putting a small pouch of coins behind it. "I guess you won't be needing this, then." She paused, turning back to Aquila. "This is a guest house. The best in Kristanti." The woman continued. "Three gold to sleep over, two gold for a meal." She said, taking a grubby rag and starting to clean the counter. "Food will be served in a moment." The woman looked at Aquila. Her look was still suspicious though.

The two of them took a seat at one of the empty tables and soon enough their food arrived. An older man, with a bit of grey in his beard, brought out two large bowls of thick stew and set them on the table in front of the pair. He grinned at them and spoke with a rasping, yet somehow gentle tone.

"Skunkbear stew. The finest around. You are going to love it." He said, rubbings his hands together. "I hope my wife did not give you much trouble. You seem like decent folk to me."
"Go back to the kitchen, Jal." The woman behind the counter called out, glaring daggers as the man laughed merrily.
"Yes, my dear wife. I live to obey." He made a theatrical bow both toward her and toward the table the two of them sat at, and then, still laughing, disappeared into the back room.

"Ugh... skunkbear..." Ruven brought a spoonful to his mouth, his nose wrinkling. He did not look excited to eat the stew at all. In fact, with his wrinkled nose and a frown, he looked like a little child being forced to eat something they did not like. The expression made him look much less serious.

Despite his grimace, though, the stew was actually tasty. It certainly did not smell bad and the taste was fine, if a bit bland.

- Eat and take a room.
- Eat and go explore.

 

[Yokai]

>> Eat and take a room <<​

A quiet sigh of relief escaped Aquila's lips unwillingly at being allowed inside, the idea of a hot meal and a bed were too close now for her to give in so easily. At the woman's comments Aquila leveled her with a smile and a soft 'thank you', doing her best not to look suspicious.

Ruven and herself took their seats at one of the empty tables, Aquila subtly herding him towards one where she could put her back to the wall and look out over the room. Privately she dubbed this the best seat in the house. When the food was brought out she was suddenly reminded of her ravenous hunger and barely registered what the man had said before digging in. Distantly she felt a little sad, however.

"Poor thing," She mumbled under her breath, thinking of the skunk bear they had encountered only hours before. The couples banter delighted her and Aquila beamed up at the old man as he disappeared. "Thank you!" She called after him before continuing to eat at a more mindful pace. Glancing over at Ruven's expression Aquila could only just refrain from genuinely laughing -- which she hid behind a delicate cough. Though her eyes glittered with amusement.

"Ah, careful, you almost showed some emotion there," Aquila teased, keeping her voice low as to avoid detection. Her stew was gone in record time and the food left her in a much better mood than when they'd entered Kristanti. Standing up Aquila felt a wave of exhaustion hit her -- she could really do with an early night, and a long deep sleep.

Approaching the counter she retrieved the five gold coins from within her cloak pocket which she passed over to the woman. She felt no qualms about parting with the money, this inn looked like it was going through a rough time. And though the woman was suspicious of her they both appeared to be good people. Aquila tucked a strand of hair behind her eye and smiled.

"Which room are we in?" She asked politely.

 

[ArcticFox]

Ruven gave her an unamused look an continued eating, now in a hurry to finish his stew. Perhaps he was hungry as well.

When Aquila addressed the innkeeper, she picked up the coins and then nonchalantly pointed up the stairs that led from the common room. "First on the left. Not that it matters, none of them are occupied." Then she gave her a suspicious glare. "You paid for one only, so don't let me find you occupying two, either way." She shook her head and moved away from the counter, passing into the kitchens and soon enough yelling to her husband.

"That's not going to work." Ruven opened his mouth to speak as the innkeeper went away. "Thank you for paying for my food and bed, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable by sleeping in the same room. You are, you know..." He looked her up and down. "A woman." And stated that, like Aquila had forgotten about the fact for a moment. This had been the most he spoke to her the whole day.

Analanders were not generally shy people. They valued tradition that much was true, but it was a land with little boundaries. The people were free to do as they pleased, as long as that did not harm others, and other people would not judge them. Analanders did get married, but their partners were not chosen by the parents, as was the case in a lot of other allied Kingdoms. They were free to chose and change their partners as they pleased, without being condemned, which resulted in their type of society and opinion not being shared or very popular among other people.

As far as Elvins were concerned, Aquila knew little of their society and tradition. There were many Elvin tribes scattered all around the continents and it was probable that each of them had their own values.

- Sleep in the same room.
- Rent a room for Ruven.

 

[Yokai]

>> Give the money to Ruven <<​

Auburn eyebrows shot up in surprise at the woman's suspicions, Aquila hadn't even considered the idea of sneaking into another room. "Does that happen often?" She murmured in wonder, blue eyes following the retreating figure of the innkeeper. Ruven's voice broke her from her musings and she turned to regard him with a surprised look.

"I am indeed," Aquila confirms dryly, though she is smiling again. "You don't make me uncomfortable and I trust you, but if you'd prefer another room..." Mentally she deducted another three coins from her small collection of money and scrunched up her nose. She didn't want to spend more than needed but she also wasn't going to force the Elvin into anything.

"Alright," Aquila nodded to herself as she came to a decision. She reached back into her cloak to take three more gold coins, these she held out expectantly to Ruven with an open and genuine expression. "You can make your own decision, I don't want you to be uncomfortable." It was easier this way, she decided, instead of trying to gauge what he wanted. It was also easier because she couldn't regret something someone else had done.

 

[ArcticFox]

Ruven looked at her, accepting the coins without a comment, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips as she turned to leave. Aquila retreated up the stairs and walked into her designated quarters. It was but a small room with a bed and a crate at the bottom of it that could be used for storage. There was a bucket of water and a rag to use as a towel, and no other amenities. The bed was small, a single straw bed, with a blanket over it. There was also a single candle that lit the room, in a holder hanging on the wall.

As soon as she let down her backpack and weapons and took off her cloak, the doors of the room creaked open and Ruven walked inside. He stepped around her and Aquila could not help but notice his body brushing against her own in the tight space. The Elvin walked over to the window and tossed his own pack in a corner, laying on the floor and resting his head on it. He made no motion to return the given gold pieces.

- Give him the blanket.
- Insist on sleeping in the bed together.
- Give him the bed.
- Go to sleep.
- Ask about the money.

 

[Yokai]

>> Give him the blanket <<​

Glancing over the room Aquila hummed quietly under her breath -- a comforting lullaby from her childhood -- as she carefully went about removing her backpack and cloak. Ruven's appearance at the door made her visibly startle and she shot him a confused look -- which he appeared to ignore in favor of making himself comfortable on the floor. Aquila didn't mention the money, only sighed and ran a hand through auburn hair. He could keep it as babysitting money if he wanted it.

Biting her lip she ventured over to the bucket of water and quickly cleaned up, splashing water over her face, neck, and hands, to wash away any immediate grime. After drying up with the towel she returned to the bed, stripping the blanket from the straw mattress after a long look in Ruven's direction. He'd get cold on the floor, and Aquila could curl up under her cloak instead. The idea of sharing a bed that small made her too nervous to offer it, Aquila was bold compared to other kingdoms but in Analand she was much more reserved.

"Here," She murmured, approaching Ruven and placing the blanket beside him. "You'll get cold otherwise. I'd offer sharing the bed but.." Aquila blushed and gave him a bashful smile as she stood up, visibly flustered. "Please tell me if you get too cold." Picking up her cloak she slid back onto the bed with a relieved sigh, instantly curling up tightly on her side in the fetal position. The emerald material of her cloak nearly obscuring her completely from view except for a bright patch of red hair.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Thank you." Ruven responded, accepting the blanket. He provided no further comments and soon enough they were both asleep. Despite everything, it felt more secure to sleep in the same room. Ruven did have a vibe of a capable man, even though he might not be very talkative and even though Elvins were generally unreliable.

--

The morning came faster tan expected and Aquila was woken up by a hand shaking her out of her sleep. She was still groggy, though she did sleep much better than the previous night. Even though she had to blanket the night was a mild one and her cloak was enough. The straw mattress did scratch her exposed skin during the night, but it was not something that would bother her too much.

"Get up." Ruven commanded, looking down at her. He was already geared up and ready, not at all tired, or at least he did not complain. "A day to reach Dhumpus, half a day if we hurry it up." He was eager to get his guide business done with it seemed.

- Leave Kristanti.
- Go to the alehouse first.

 

[Yokai]

>> Restock rations <<​

Aquila dreamed of wide, open meadows of wheat and wildflower, an expansive blue sky stretching far above her. She dreamed of home and the heat of the forge, her father's charcoal smudged forehead wrinkling his laughter. Her awakening was far less sweet and instinctively Aquila whined, tucking her head further into the warm confines of her cloak with a pout. It'd been such a good dream.

At Ruven's prompting she sat up slowly, sitting cross-legged for a moment as she glared blearily up at him. Moving at the pace of a geriatric snail Aquila pulled her cloak back around her and slipped off the bed. As she passed Ruven there could be a quiet 'bossy Elvin' muttered under her breath though she said little else in the ways of a complaint.

Another splash of water to the face served to help in rousing her and Aquila finished quickly. Pulling her pack back on she faced Ruven with a quiet sniffle and a tired rub at the eyes.

"'M ready," Aquila mumbled, "We might need to restock on supplies before we depart."

 

[ArcticFox]

"There's no shop here." The innkeeper responded as they asked about a place to restock. "Could be one in Dhumpus." She shrugged.
"All the more reason to hurry it up today." Ruven nodded, almost dragging her out of the inn.

--

As the two of them left Kristanti, deciding not to spend any more time there, passing by the last rows of houses which were mostly abandoned and almost fully collapsing, they emerged onto a fork in the road. There was a clearing there and a sign communicating where the two paths led. The western one continued into a forest, this was the one that would lead them toward Dhumpus, according to Aquila's map. The northern path led toward Lia-Ki. She knew nothing of that town, it was never mentioned in Analand, but it was drawn on her map. It was also supposedly ruined.

Just as Aquila emerged on the crossroad she felt a strange presence. Something tugged at her cloak, an invisible hand pulling her toward the forest. The emotion she felt was urgency. Desperation. Someone needed help in that forest. But, Ruven's voice dispersed the feeling.

"We are not going through Meddiki forest." He said, his statement sounding quite final. "There's a witch living in there and I'm not eager to cross her path." He gestured to the northern path. "This way is longer, but we'll still be able to get to Dhumpus before the day is over." Of course, these could be just superstitious stories. Ruven would have to follow her to the forest anyway, if she chose to do it.

- Go west.
- Go north.

 

[Yokai]

>> Go west <<​

Their departure from Kristanti was hurried and Aquila didn't get to thank the owners or say goodbye as she would've liked to. Nonetheless she allowed Ruven to lead her out through the streets, past crumbling buildings that made her heart sink with guilt. They moved fairly swiftly, and Aquila found herself dreading her companions pace.

The tug on her subconsious was deeply concerning and for a second she wondered if that was Panther calling out to her. But there was no purring, comforting voice or benevolent presence -- only a clawing desperation that she hardly recognised. Aquila glanced to Ruven at his mention of a witch. Maybe that was what she felt? A witch trying to lure her into the forest? Aquila couldn't dismiss the desire to help however and she tugged slightly at Ruven's sleeve.

"But somebody needs our help," She frowned, turning to the western path that'd take them towards the voice calling for her. "You hold full rights to telling me that you told me so." Aquila assured him before continuing down the path.

 

[ArcticFox]

"I certainly will." Ruven said. He was reluctant to follow her down the path she chose, but he still did so. Out of curiosity or a sense of duty, she couldn't say.

Kristanti was surrounded by several miles of fields. It was a filthy town set into a bowl of mud. The road Aquila took led her through the lines of sun-baked crops. This was the third day of her journey and the muscles in her legs felt lean and strong from so much walking. For a short while the sun was beating down on her furiously, until she stepped into the shade of the trees on the forest's edge, thankful for the relief. The forest was cool and still. Nothing seemed to move in it and the tug she felt was gone.

Several hours passed by uneventfully. Ruven grumbled at times, for a change walking behind her now, reluctance apparent in his step. He hadn't been this insecure the previous day. It seemed that this path was never fully explored and it certainly was not popular among the locals. The path was overgrown by bushes and shrubs in some places. They moved slowly, but silently through the trees. Better to be careful and alert, who knew what wild animals prowled about those woods. Finally, they reached the fork in the road, deep in the forest.

There was a sign there - to serve as a guide, or a warning. The right path was marked for Dhumpus. The left turn pointed for Alianna. Neither way was walked through in quite a while, judging by the terrible state the paths were in. Aquila could sense the presence from the crossroads and it was quite clearly tugging her toward the left.

- Go right.
- Go left.

 

[Yokai]

>> Go left <<​

Stepping carefully over a particularly precarious tangle of vines Aquila snuck a subtle glance in her companion's direction, quietly assessing him. The further into the woods they ventured the more hesitant he appeared to be and his anxiety was affecting Aquila. Part of her still reasoned that this was a trap she was readily leading them into. The other part argued that the risk was worth it in case there truly was somebody in trouble. Aquila didn't have the heart to ignore such a desperate call.

Glancing up at the sign Aquila found herself being pulled to the left by the force that occupied her thoughts. It was an odd sensation. Aquila took a deep steadying breath and took the left hand path, gaze hesitantly lingering on Ruven. Hopefully she wasn't leading the Elvin into a trap. Aquila suspected he'd keep his word about rubbing in his victory if they were attacked. That was if they survived, of course.

 

[ArcticFox]

The path here winded between trees that were particularly green and lush. They must have been closer to a river here, although Aquila did not hear any sounds of water nearby. About half an hour of walking through dappled shade later the two of them came across a nicely built cottage. There were flowers decorating its walls and a well tended garden all atound it. This cottage looked more expensive than all of Kristanti. The path ended just in front of the it.

"Witch's hut." Ruven hissed beside her, taking a step back. He looked very much like an irritated cat.

- Knock on the doors.
- Snoop around the hut.
- Go back.

 

[Yokai]

>> Snoop around the hut <<​

Disappointment bloomed in her chest as Aquila stared at the house, picturesque and perfect among the lush trees. It seemed that Ruven was right after all, the lure had been a trap. Aquila huffed a quiet breath of irritation before nudging Ruven to the treeline. Part of her wasn't ready to give up yet -- maybe there was someone here who need her help. But this time she wasn't going to drag Ruven down with her.

"Stay here," She whispered, glancing over her shoulder at the house as if it could hear her. "I'm going to look around for a second, I'll be right back." Aquila seemed satisfied enough with those words before she turned back to the hut, slinking around the back to have a stealthy snoop around. She was looking for signs that somebody needed her help, for something that suggested the desperate call from before wasn't just a trap.

 

[ArcticFox]

Aquila performed a quick scout around the hut, but she did not find anything of note. Nothing unusual or concerning. It was just what it was - a hut, set by itself in the deep forest. But for someone to find on their own this deep in the jungle - they must be someone very powerful.

Just as Aquila was about to turn to Ruven, she felt the tug again. Another cry for help coming from the hut, silent to everyone but herself. Ruven was waiting on the path, sword now ready in his hands as he looked at the hut warily.

- Knock on the doors.
- Go back.

 

[Yokai]

>> Knock on the doors <<​

For a few moments Aquila stood with unseeing eyes, stating blankly into the foreground as she came to a decision. She should go back now, there were now obvious signs of a struggle -- that anyone needed her help. Every second it seemed clearer to her that this was a trap... and yet. She was going to do something extremely stupid now.

Blue eyes glanced to Ruven's position, his sword drawn and hovering on the path, Aquila raised a hand as if signaling that she was fine before turning back towards the hut. Now, Aquila didn't know much about witches or how they worked, whether they were inherently bad or no. Ruven's reaction hadn't been savory so she'd immediately assumed witches weren't sweet, old women who offered spells of enchantment and candies for a fee. Perhaps they were both wrong and it was the witch asking for help.

Aquila stood in front of the hut now and carefully raised a hand, knocking lightly on the door.

 

[ArcticFox]

There was no reply.

"Bloody hell." Ruven cursed, approaching the doors and kicking them in one swift motion. They flew off the hinges and swung open, then clattered to the ground. There was a loud crash and rising of dust and splinters, which made the Elvin cough.

The cottage was empty. The interior was neatly laid out - if it belonged to a woman named Alianna, as one might guess, she was very fastidious. The table was set, with four chairs around it and a nice tablecloth, plates and cutlery. Like she was expecting guests. There was a bench to one side, covered with cozy blankets. The large kitchen indicated that whoever lived here obviously loved cooking.

"Who the hell broke my doors?" A voice come from deeper into the cottage. A female voice. A witch's voice maybe. Instead of a response, Ruven raised his sword.

- Ready your weapon.
- Answer.
- Threaten the woman.
- Escape.
- Cast a spell.

 

[Yokai]

>> Answer <<​

"Ruven!" Aquila admonished, shooting the Elvin an incredulous look from behind the protective shell of her arms. It was the first time she had spoken his name outside the sphere of her own mind. She hesitated a moment too long, hand grasping the familiar shape of her bow as she ventured into the house.

The unfamiliar voice made her freeze -- Aquila positioned herself between Ruven and the oncoming (possible) witch. She was still hoping that the witch wasn't the kind that ate children or turned people into toads. Though Ruven's general attitude toward the witch and his.. dynamic entry was making that possibility smaller and smaller by the second.

"We are extremely sorry!" Aquila called out in reply, "That was an accident! We thought you were in trouble, ma'am." Better to get that out in the open while she still could. Honesty was the best policy and all that.