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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Dec 15, 2022 4:55:09 GMT -5
Moonglade had always been so peaceful... Why did it look like, once she chose to make that quiet, tranquil place her home, the problems started to show up? Bandits, harpies, werewolves, haunted houses, giant spiders, and now... What?
Kamille arranged a meeting a few miles outside of the Moonveil village, which was a midpoint between her house and the house of the druid. He came, approaching her in the shape of an eagle but quickly shapeshifting back to his real, elven self to talk to her.
"Greetings, Kamille..."
"Good afternoon, Hy'thorn. You can be straightforward. I hope you have good news for me."
The moon elf let out a tired sigh. They were by the side of the road, in a bit of an open area. Following the road ahead would take them to the Moonveil Village - and taking a small detour, to Kamille's house. Taking the opposite path would take them to the marsh and out of Moonglade. There were two rock formations by the side of the road, creations of Kamille's earth magic meant to serve as small stools for them to talk. The druid took the seat. He looked a bit shook, but still reported everything he saw.
There had been reports of something destroying the Lanterns Light Woods these last few weeks, and they were trying to figure out what it was exactly. It would've been easier if it was just a few people collecting more than they were supposed to, but apparently there was more to it. Kamille couldn't help but feel a bit guilty, because she suspected she had a hand in it, since it happened after she and Beist ventured to the spiders nest and caused a ruckus. With the spiders pushed back, there probably would be a reaction to it...
"Giant murder hornets," the druid spoke, and his expression of dread was mirrored in Kamille's face. "I saw their hive. They used one of the natural caves to the northeast part of the forest as their hive and are populating without control. There hasn't been this kind of murder hornets around this place, so I don't know what happened..."
They talked a bit more, and when the druid left, Kamille remained there, sitting in her stone bench by the road. Her feathery cloak swooshed with the cold breeze, but she didn't feel the cold. There was no telling how long lasted that moment, but she remained still, her mind away in thoughts, as she thought about how to proceed. She should be doing something about it, right? Kamille was one of the people that searched those woods for reagents, and even if it was for her own selfish reasons, she would want it preserved. The Witch was starting to feel her distaste for insects growing, and that had never happened before. First, spiders.... And now, murder hornets? She sighed.
And while she was so busy that she felt paralized in that stone bench by the road, Mischief took wing. The raven flew over the area in search of his shinnies, as always, but would also stop to see a familiar face...
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 24, 2023 17:50:43 GMT -5
Leandros had heard similar tales of dangerous bugs overrunning the Lanterns Light Woods. He had traveled into the town to try and offer his help if he could. The knight would head into Moonveil village first to gather what information he could.
"Well you're a might large fella, don't suppose ya know what you're doing with that?" The barkeep motioned towards the halberd as Leandros stepped into the tavern. He laughs as he takes a seat, the wood stool creaking ever so slightly.
"I've swung it once or twice." He smiles with another laugh. "I'm hoping to put it to use actually. Heard there was some trouble in the woods?"
The barkeep gives a small nod before beginning to explain a bit of the problem. Few solid details could be given, but the sounds of heavy buzzing and large puncture wounds were wnough to make it obvious just how dangerous it was. He held a hand to let the barkeep save his voice as he seemed to grow a bit more worried and tired.
Leandros reassures him he will attend to the problem, leaving a few coins behind before leaving the tavern and heading down the road. Part way along the path he would spot a woman ahead, sitting alone one the bench. He picks up the pace ever so slightly.
"Sorry to bother you ma'am, but seems as these woods are a bit troubled at the moment. I wouldn't linger here longer than needed."
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Jan 27, 2023 6:39:48 GMT -5
Kamille was still lost in thoughts when she was approached by a person she never met before, and for a moment it took her thoughts away from the murder hornets incident. She flashed him a warm smile as she stood up to properly greet him, offering him a clawed hand to shake. Despite her ominous looks, her smile seemed warm and genuine enough. " Good day, sir. I can assume you're not from here?" That much was obvious. She wouldn't assume she knew everyone from Moonglade, but certainly someone like him would stand out. It was obvious, for a moment, that she seemed to be measuring him. Was he talking about the exact same trouble she was gathering information on? That looked like quite a coincidence... " Yes, these woods are quite troubled at the moment... The imbalance in the Lanterns Light Woods may cause us all trouble in ways we might not expect... For an alchemist, the lack of certain resources is the obvious, most urgent one." At a first glance, the man certainly gave her a knightly feeling - not only for his posture and weapon, but for his worry for her wellbeing. Sadly, she felt it became rare for her to cross those types. Maybe it was for the best, as deep inside, no matter what, they would always remind her of... him. "I would be careful to go ahead as well. The druids just told me it's an infestation of giant murder hornets that are eating the bulbs. Since they have no natural predator here, they are thriving... I would hope to do something about it, actually."
Her eyes glanced over to his weapon, before facing him again.
"What would you be doing around here, might I ask?"
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 27, 2023 17:06:13 GMT -5
"It seems there's no hiding that anywhere." Leandros smiles, seemingly unaware that a large man in shiny armor is quite memorable to most people. The concern on his face is evident as Kamille begins to lay out the issues she had heard of. It seems she was affected by whatever had turned the forest so dangerous as of late. Perharps that meant a temporary allyship, from the way she asked it could be reasoned she was at least familiar with the area and given that she was asking after the hornets she was likely capable herself.
The smile shifts a bit sheepish when she asks after his intentions, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well I promise I am no glory hunter, I just am keen on learning more about Charon, so I am traveling....but I find it hard to ignore people in need. It seems as if you're after them as well, which means our goals are aligned."
Quickly he regained his confidence and approached Kamille to offer out a hand, "Leandros Aurthurian of Capitol Landing." With her insight, Kamille could tell Leandros was doing his best not to tower over her or seem overly threatening, very much a gentle giant.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Jan 28, 2023 15:06:51 GMT -5
Kamille smiled at Leandros as he offered his hand, and she reached out to shake it; the ends of her gloves had black talons attached to them, not unlike a raven's. His remark about being from Capitol Landing seemed to get a curious reaction out of her: she looked surprised, raised an eyebrow, and then flashed a much more mischievous smile at him.
"Capitol Landing, huh? I'm glad your travels have brought you here in such a good time, then...."
If she was intimidated, it didn't feel like it. She wasn't particularly tall, but had made quite a few of big - BIG - friends to be used to looking up on them. It was too soon to prod and poke right now, but Kamille was already making her assumptions. Noble. Rich family. Possibly went to the Martial Academy and took classes like The Art of Leverage and Range, and Armored Combat Equestrian. Trustworthy. Solid, like the earth. She's been wrong before but... He seemed nice.
Yes, she could work with that.
"I'm Kamille. Curiously enough, I spent most of my life at Sol City, but came back to Moonglade, which is were I was born. Here, I do my best to help keeping it peaceful and safe. And-"
A flutter of wings caught her attention, and she turned to see a raven flying on their direction. The raven flew right up to her and landed on her shoulder.
"CAWWW! Found it!"
"Good job, Mischief. This is Leandros, be nice to him. Leandros, this is my familiar, Mischief."
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Jan 28, 2023 15:19:02 GMT -5
"It would almost seem as if t'were fate, but that is not something I have put too much stock in." Assumptions or not, Kamille would have been right about his training. Throw in additional classes on swordsmanship and the occasional etiquette class and that was basically his class load as a whole when he was but a child.
He is about to speak again when Mischief joins the pair. How coincidental, maybe he would put more effort into believing in fate having run into another person with a trained bird in so short a time. Maybe it's a sign from the gods that his childhood dreams were not so childish at all, it's never too late to start falconry it seems. What should he get? Maybe some sort of great eagle.....how would a bird get along with Byrr? Maybe he shouldn't get carried away, Byrr could be enough of a handful on his own.
Leandros nods his head in a small bow, "Good afternoon Mischief. Seems like you found something hm?" He addresses the bird directly like Kamille did, she had used the word familiar and not pet so he wondered if it was magical or of enhanced intelligence.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Feb 6, 2023 7:29:57 GMT -5
Addressing Mischief as a familiar was a formality that she got used to, merely because it explained a lot with a few words. Yes, she was regarded as a witch. Yes, he was her pet. And yes, he might be a little too smart for his own good. But in truth, he was a regular pet. As regular a mischievous raven could be, of course, stealing food from people's mouths, gold from their hands and guiding her into trouble. Yes, good job, Mischief.
"CAWWWW! Danger!"
That didn’t explain much, but was enough for her. Kamille gently caressed the feathers of his chest, and he affectionately leaned into her hand. Unlikely the knight, Kamille had seen the threads of Fate acting up, and while she herself didn’t like the idea of being entangled in it, it was hard to deny its influence and existance.
"You know, Lord Aurthurian... I'd love some help in keeping this place safe. Would you be willing to help me in ridding this place of the infestation? Mischief can show us the way."
Walking among commonfolk, druids and nobles alike, Kamille did seem to switch pretty easily between them, despite looking the part in all aspects as a Witch. She slided over to his side, gently resting her hand on his arm, the same way a Lady would take a gentlemen's arm to accept his guidance. Except this time the implied was that both of them would accept a raven's directions, which.... sounded like a bad idea. Specially if said raven was named Mischief.
But she seemed to trust the raven, oddly enough. "I know these forests as well as any druid, too."
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 6, 2023 7:49:33 GMT -5
“Please there is no need to be so formal.” He offers a sheepish smile and gentle laugh. “I am far from a place where my nobility matters. Leandros is just fine, I promise, Lady Kamille.”
As much as he insisted no one needed to be so formal with him, it was always slightly perplexing given his insistence on being formal with others. He looked the bird over, assuming it had no reason to lie or lead them into a trap. Honestly, he knows deep down this willingness to trust will bite him some day, but it was exhausting always being distrustful. Sometimes the witch you find in the middle of the woods with a talking raven asking you to fight bugs is actually a good thing.
“I’ll gladly follow you Lady Kamille anywhere.” He stepped forward, ready to at least lead in some small way. They may be following Mischief, but he could stay in front in case anything pops out and tries to ambush them. He had the benefit of reach with his halberd so he had a pretty good offensive circle to cover any angle. It was just a matter of finding out what manner of beast or monster they would be fighting. Bugs was a start but that could take any number of forms.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Feb 6, 2023 9:18:57 GMT -5
"Then you might as well call me Kamille. Just Kamille."
Far from playing the damsel in distress, Kamille was always genuinely glad to have help, not only because it got the job done quicker and easier... but because she liked to associate herself to competent, helpful and willing people. Like Leandros. She wouldn’t complain when he took a step ahead, as Mischief promptly flew to guide them into the forest. She was quick to fill in the walk to their destination with idle talk.
"Is this your first time away from Capitol Landing? How long have you been traveling? I would love to listen to your stories, I'd assume you have plenty of those... If you ever find yourself in need of lodgings, healing or food, just ask around for the Witch's house. I charge only the cheap cheap price of.... your story."
While seemingly upfront and too straightforward, Kamille was used to having the most asorted and random selection of guests at her house - from people directly invited, to random travelers and wounded people that happened at her doorstep.
It wasn’t a long walk, and as they left the road and started to walk into the forest, the sun started to set. For a first time traveler, the Lantern's Light Woods were fantastically beautiful, with glowing flowers and plants to light up their way. There was no need for other sources of light, for the nature itself guided their way. Even for the Witch, used to the beautiful landscape, these woods were always on one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen, even if.... sadly muted for now. This place used to be even brighter before the murder hornets, she noticed it. They were destroying the woods.
"This place used to be so much more beautiful... I hope the clearing with the jasmines remains intact..."
She sighed, sadly. It came to a point where Mischief perched up on a branch and looked forward, refusing to follow further. A soft, distant buzz indicated they might be somewhat close to the nest of the hornets. They would need a lot more caution - and a plan - to move forward.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 6, 2023 10:04:34 GMT -5
Leandros gives another soft laugh as they walk, “Taking up the invite of a woman who calls herself a witch and only trades stories sounds like the exact thing I was told to avoid as a boy.” Another follow-up chuckle.
”I admit I haven’t been traveling long, few weeks or so. I didn’t wish to be another noble caught in Sol City, chest full of unearned pride for having never worked a day yet somehow staying at the top. I know it sounds haughty and naive, but I have never been comfortable leading from the back and if I am to be a leader some day, I would like practical experience and knowledge of the world. Not what I’ve been told in books and passed through others hands.”
It is only after his rant that he offers a slightly embarrassed smile, realizing that was not in fact what she had asked. He’s about to stop and apologize when he notices Mischief stopping. The knight takes a slow look at the surroundings….no hives or anything in immediate sight but that didn’t mean they weren’t already in danger.
”I know fire and smoke are bad for hornets, but I don’t think incinerating the forest is the ideal solution…I wonder if there is a way to flush them out. I can handle myself, but I worry about the swarm overtaking us.”
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Feb 6, 2023 10:56:58 GMT -5
Kamille laughed softly at his remark. Indeed, the red flags were all there. Not to mention Leandros didn’t seem to know she was in a very skewed business of selling potions and poisons. A good chunk of people were fearful of being poisoned under her roof, which has never happened, of course. Her hospitality was sincere and often very generous, and she had always been satisfied with the stories, connections and friendships she received in return, even more than the gold. Stories were more valuable to her. She loved good stories...
"At most you'll come back a bit more chubby than before. I like to cook, you know. But don’t worry, I'm not going to eat you..."
With that final jest, she realized how silent and hesitant Mischief had become, breaking apart from Leandros to take a few steps closer and listen in. Well, now was the time to think of a plan.
"I can control the flames if they get out of hand.... There is a small cave down there if I recall it correctly. It must be where they made their hive. But if I know the first thing about giant murder hornets is that they will attack on sight. Do you have some kind of spell or ability to protect yourself?"
As for herself.... bursting out in flames tended to keep most creatures away.
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 6, 2023 11:23:47 GMT -5
“I have this, which affords us plenty of space.” He takes his halberd from his back, then taps his chest plate with a smile. “Plus this is not ceremonial armor, it’s well tested in jousts. I think that’s a fair enough comparison to these hornets.” The knight certainly wasn’t lacking confidence in himself even if he did seem to default to humility most times. “I can take the lead and give you space for your spells.”
He would step towards the cave, halberd in hand. As the buzzing grew closer and louder he would start to move his halberd in this fluid motion around him, the constant movement creating a sort of shield in front of him. He came within just ten feet of the cave before a Hornet screamed towards him much faster than he anticipated.
Thankfully the shifting block he had pushed the stinger away and he could quickly turn the halberd and cut through the midsection of the hornet, each half hitting the ground with a dull thud. That was one down at least, but out of how many? He couldn’t let himself get worried about numbers, just be ready for what’s next.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Feb 7, 2023 18:31:34 GMT -5
Kamille certainly had to give it to him. While not doubting his skills, he was certainly a brave one to want to face the giant murder hornets so upfront. Not even the Witch was sure she wanted to handle that alone, for one, and was grateful when Leandros offered to take the lead and went ahead.
The Witch remained as far as she could while still in eyesight of both Leandros and the entrance of the small cave. She knew it to be a shallow cave, barely providing much protection from the wilderness - how many giant hornets could there be, really?
A lot. The answer was "a lot".
She saw as the first murder hornet went ahead and charged at Leandros, and was happy to see he could handle it quite well. Her enthusiasm was short lived, as the buzz started to get stronger and more started to pour out of the cave. Some of them were almost the size of a small dog, which said a lot about how they looked small in comparison to the rage they carried. Mostly of blackish color, they had caramel stripes and heads and a huge sting that looked... fairly problematic, given how fast they showed themselves to be. The first wave of hornets fell upon them almost imediately, and Kamille quickly searched her brain for some spell that could be of help in that situation:
Raising her hands and clasping them together, Kamille showered the entrance of the cave with fiery stones coming from above, bringing down a curtain of fire the hornets had to overcome to reach Leandros[1]. The small meteors were enough to slow down the attack, but it was expected that some would pass through it and attack both Leandros and Kamille, but mostly the big knight right in front of them. A good portion of them started to fall down, hit by the flaming rocks, setting their delicate wings aflame.
While helping to some degree, the hornets seemed to start getting really angry...
[1]Meteor shower
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Post by Leandros Aurthurian on Feb 7, 2023 19:09:44 GMT -5
Really neither of them should be too surprised that the hornets were incensed at the killing of their friends. Leandros stepped back to give the spell space, keeping his eyes clear of the smoke and debris. He readied himself for another onslaught.
This time they were smart enough to try and swarm him with numbers. A wide swipe of the halberd took out a few, but more agile ones were able to buzz and dodge out of the way. One comes right for him, but the stinger isn't quite thick enough to pierce through his cuirass but it does leave a sizeable dent. He could hold out, but not forever. The halberd is pulled back and spun on the haft to jab the back end into the one that stung him, a healthy crunch coming as he pierces its abdomen. Leandros then jab steps forward and stabs through another hornet's wing, stomping that one out. The knight was becoming a mess of viscera, but there were few options.
"Their number doesn't seem to wane! If you've something stronger, cast away. I can take the brunt if need be. I'll hold out for as long as you need to cast." He calls back to Kamille, doing his best to keep everything in front of him or at least catch any quick ones before they reach Kamille.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Feb 7, 2023 21:09:02 GMT -5
It was worse than she had first thought. No wonder they were devouring all the plants in the woods! How many giant hornets could fit inside that little cave? If she didn't do something big - and quick! - Leandros could be in trouble. And she didn't want to repay his kindness by leaving him to fend for himself.
Standing up straight, she focused as a wave of heat started to emanate from her. It was hard to think sometimes how such unassuming figure could hold such amount of mana, but when it started to pour, it felt endless. The heat became oppressive, and as the arcane energies that flowed started to condense once again with her as a focal point, she started to speak a few words of power. Finally, she clapped her hands above her head.
For a second or so, nothing happened, and it was easy to assume the spell didn't work. But that was not the case: a giant ball of fire came hurling down from the sky, landing right in front of the entrance of the cave. The ground shook violently as lava spilled around the entrance, and Kamille hoped Leandros was far enough so he wouldn't get hurt himself - it felt a bit too much to summon on Mayhem for some murder hornets, but she felt like showing off a little too. Kamille also held the secret to controlling the flames, so they wouldn't accidentally start a fire on the woods if it depended on her.
But the spell didn't stop there, as the lava seemed to come back to life and started shifting and turning, piling on top of itself until it started to shape a giant lava golem that stood about ten feet tall, big enough to regard the giant hornets as actual insects. On top of its massive, lava body stood a small flaming head in the shape of a skull, fiery and angry eyes. For a moment it looked confused, barely noticing the hornets and landing its furious gaze upon Leandros.
"Mayhem! Inside the cave! Take care of those!", Leandros could hear Kamille yelling from her position, back into the woods where it was safe. The golem seemed to hold enough intellect to actually understand what was asked of him and, without hesitation, ran into the cave infested with giant murder hornets with a loud, monstrous battlecry. The murder hornets stood no chance to a son of Ginma like Mayhem.
She wondered what this knightly gentleman of the high society of Capitol Landing would think of her now... Few people have witnessed the landing of Mayhem by now, and though the stories have already reached far, she often wondered how people would react to it face to face. Mayhem apparently charged against the back of the cave by now, making the ground shake a second time and the remaining murder hornets fill the air with angry noises.
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