Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 14, 2023 12:23:42 GMT -5
Javal was running as fast as he possibly could, he had made the basilisk furious. The creature stopped waddling behind and now was full blown charging at Javal. If it wasn’t for the head start Javal got it would’ve been over for him. He flicked his wrist and summoned his lightning spear to his hand. Then he saw a cliff to the right of him. He knew what he had to do to get this basilisk off his trail and in his own sights. He changed direction and sprinted to his right he could easily hear the basilisk change directions right behind him. He started to approach the end of the cliff and smashed his sandals into the floor changing them into boots. He then goes over the edge, grabs the edge of the cliff and vaults himself into the wall. At first he begins to fall but soon he gets enough traction to smash his feet into the wall. Roots and vines coming from his boots plant him firm on the wall.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 15, 2023 12:50:09 GMT -5
Soaring through the ravine, Keta and Ryu searched for where Javal had landed. The pair of spirits were quite different from each other, one was playful and silly, the other serious and deliberate. Ryu kept to the center of the divide, guiding Keta while searching. They spotted Javal, clinging to the cliff by his boots and approached. In the hazy fog that had been swirling since the Basilisk fell, the pair would appear as lights, one swaying gently while the other flitted about back and forth.
"I'll make sure he's up on the ledge safely, then head back."
"Very well, see you in a bit."
The pair split off once more, Ryu soaring up and over as Keta helped Javal pick his way back to the top of the rock formation. Dancing across the rocks and bouncing about like a lightning bolt given living form, Keta did her best to guide the man. While obscured in the haze, her roughly feline form bounced between safe places to step leading over the edge and to safety. As this was going on, Ryu wound their way back to Taki.
Meditating on the flattened top of a rock, Taki felt the approach of the spirit long before they flew into sight. Trailing dust deflected the soft glow the serpent gave off, revealing their form to the shaman's eyes. A sleek skull, tipped with a pair of forked horns and long whiskers, connected to a powerful undulating body with large overlapping scales. Giving the spirit a somewhat segmented look, they swam effortless through air toward the kneeling, relaxed shaman.
"Neither Javal or Keta are harmed, and he managed to land safely on the opposite side of the chasm with magical boots of some kind. They should be able to rejoin the group once the man climbs down, back to the trail on the other side." The spirit reported, their voice as clear as their form to Taki. She was struggling to wrap her mind around the idea, having spent her life knowing the spirits as an ephemeral and phenomenal simplicity that existed as a sort of mirror to the mortal world. Now here the spirit had name, form and voice... had she met her Guardians?
"Thank... you. It is good to know they are safe... I have many questions, but that will come in time... this will take quite a bit for me to get used to. My first question and possibly the most important... Are you both here to stay? or is this a fluke due to intensely dangerous circumstance?" Inquired the shaman, trying to think her way through the situation, recalling as much of the books she'd read in her library on the subject recently. Either way, she was thankful for the presence of the pair of helpful beings.
"We're here to stay, though your circumstance was definitely dire... let's start back, we can talk more after everyone gets some rest." Suggested the spirit, wanting to take the shaman's mind off the recent brush with disaster.
Taki stood, brushed off the fine layer of dust from her clothing and made her way down the rocks. When she reached the path leading back to the caravan, she walked away towards the direction Javal should have been. Finding a place to sit in the sparse shade, she waited for the Security Company leader and her other companion to return.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 15, 2023 23:44:08 GMT -5
It was close way too close for comfort for Javal this brush of death the Javal was almost within its deadly grips. If it wasn’t for this quick thinking and boots he’d be dead where he was stuck. He sighed heavily relieved that the plan was working . He soon heard a loud thump dropping under him. He was so happy he didn’t die but was a bit confused now for how he would get out of this situation. He began thinking of ways to get back to the pilgrims when he saw a translucent spirit approaching.
“Hello there, translucent person my name is Javal it appears I am quite stuck to this wall you wouldn't happen to know how to get out of this situation".
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 16, 2023 3:05:32 GMT -5
The feline shape rested on a spot about a pace away from Javal. Now and again, the glowing shape would leap a bit further away, about the same distance, and leap back. She beckoned the man to follow, hopping away a pace each time he would get close. Keta patiently guided the man off the precarious divide, down around the jagged rocks and back to the path. She was unable to answer the man's words in her own at the time, so far away from Taki's side for so long. Taking all of her concentration, the glow she gave off was steadily draining the spirit's energy so far away.
Her four hands rested upon the powerful scaled body of her spirit companion. Eyes closed, her breathing steady, the serpentine dragon spirit coiled about her body. Together, they shared thought and feeling, giving Taki further insight into the world of spirits. Their voices and forms became clear as speaking to another person, and for the first time, the shaman acknowledged how much of the spiritual world she still had to learn of.
For the first time in her long life, the world seemed to take on a new color and dimension. Tears trickled from her crimson eyes as she conversed with the gentle spirits that lived on the mountain, and learned of the ways in which her guardians could and would be available in the future.
As they'd moved further away from the starting point, Keta seemed to grow more and more weary. Approaching a bend in the path, the feline walked along just ahead of Javal. No longer bounding from rock to rock like a playful creature, she walked along as if she hadn't eaten in days. Once the trudging road started taking them back closer to the caravan, the spirit was reinvigorated.
The closer they got to Taki and Ryu, the more she bounced about. Eventually, she shot off down the path. Only a few yards away, the spirit nearly tackled the duo from their perch. Unfurling herself, the pair of spirits slowly dissipated, their glow fading from view. She waved to Javal, happy to see he was alive and well.
"Keta says well done, congrats on making it out safely. The pair will be around again, once they've had a chance to rest and recharge." Remarked the serpent, smiling for the first time in what felt like days. "It's good to see you once again Javal, let's head back and report in with the others... then it's time to rest..." She yawned, stretching her limbs to ready them for the walk back.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 17, 2023 15:24:55 GMT -5
Javal was relieved to see any sign of help after he had geniusly stuck himself to the wall trying to escape the basilisk. This translucent guide would direct Javal on how to escape although he was a bit hesitant to follow at first due to his fear of being led astray he had a feeling he should just trust this glowing guide.
He decided to try to talk up the spirit as they made their way, "So what's your name, why are you here, are you a spirit, is this the afterlife, am I a ghost" As he said this Javal pinched himself, "I think I'm alive at least".
Javal continued with his one-sided conversation with the spirit but he did notice that the spirit started to look weaker. He was worried about it but didn't know what to do. But soon his worries went away as the spirit began to regain its energy going faster than it was before.
Soon he was back to the site and say Shitakibo he ran as fast as he could and yelled, "Shitakibo you're alright how's everyone here, how're the people we saved doing", he then followed behind Shitakibo asking as many questions as he could.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 19, 2023 3:57:58 GMT -5
"Everyone should be fine, thanks to your antics... and a little help from the spirits. Let's get back before that Basilisk gets up from it's nap even less pleased than it already was." Taki replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. She could feel her guardians close by, their spirits resting as the group walked back. An exhausting hike back was quickly overcome by the sight of the rest of the group. Shouts and cheers, as well as a few excited bodies, greeted the pair as they made a triumphant return. A few of the elders approached Taki, wide eyed and reverant.
"Has your guardian shared it's name with you?" asked the first.
"Do you know their voice?" Asked another.
"Settle down, there will be plenty of time for this later. For now, we all need to make ready to leave this area. We cannot stay where this creature dwells, it will come back eventually." Replied the shaman, wanting to see to the safety of the group before getting side tracked. She couldn't be more excited at the idea of having her own guardian spirits, but this pilgrimage wasn't about her own journey, it was about everyone's... Taki could feel blessed when everyone was safely at their destination.
She checked in with the rescued ones, glad things hadn't been worse. The group had patched the pair up as best they could, splinting broken bones and mending injured parts. Taki had already pestered a few of the wisened mages about their crafts, trying to research and study all she could about the magic of life. She helped others get ready as she checked in, wanting to make way before they had another encounter with the Basilisk. Once the convoy was ready, the shaman made her way back to Javal and company to report in.
"Everyone is ready to move, you have only to give the word." Taki reported in, eager to make way towards their destination.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 21, 2023 12:47:38 GMT -5
Javal stood facing Shitakibo, “Yes, let’s get going. I wouldn’t want anybody to get in any more danger than they already are".
He and Shitakibo hiked all the way back to the Pilgrim’s safety encampment to cheers and applause. They were both revered as heroes.
He alongside Shitakibo told the elders that they needed to move and now.
“We have to get out of here as fast as we can, everyone needs to get ready to go at once”, he yelled as loud as he could.
He then went to talk to his friends, Nadia, Bootsamon ran to him while Asleipmir slowly trotted along.
“Boss your back, are you ok”, Bootsamon remarks, “I knew you’d be able to beat it”.
“Don’t ever do that again I swear”, Nadia shrieks
“I’m fine”, Javal chuckles, “That basilisk almost got me but thankfully it didn’t”.
He then saw Shitakibo walk towards him asking when they should all leave, “We should go at once, everyone who doesn’t have any packing to do help the others who do".
He as well as his company start helping everyone get ready to embark on the next part of their journey.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 22, 2023 4:52:37 GMT -5
Together the caravan packed, tidied and prepared to put more miles to the road. They had made good progress prior to the storms, and the Basilisk of course. What a journey the group had already endured. Before leaving, Taki held a small memorial for their fallen comrade. The Kobolds, along with most of the other shamans, held a solemn ceremony for a few minutes. After creating a small cairn on the side of the path, the caravan was ready to travel once again.
As they moved out, Taki went to thank each of the Security Company's members for keeping the others safe and easing their minds from the strenuous situation. While they traveled, Taki would occasionally hold to the side of the medical wagon. She was trying to teach herself to meditate while moving, and to commune with her Guardian Spirits. She could feel their presence, sense the pair roaming nearby. There was much for the shaman to learn, and she had plenty of time while on the road to do so.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 24, 2023 17:53:45 GMT -5
Javal stood by Shitakibo in paying his respects to the fallen shaman, he hung his head low. He failed the young kobold, if he wasn’t slow, maybe if he was a bit faster, a bit stronger then young life would still be alive. He looked back up and smiled softly he would never let that happen to someone else again, not on his watch never again. Once the small ceremony finished the caravan was set and started to move at a hurried pace trying to put a large distance between them and the trapped basilisk in case it found a way back up. Javal told his company to get into standard security formation with Nadia manning the back, Bootsamon manning the right, Asleipmir rounding the left, and Javal himself manning the front. Soon after the groups, Shitakibo thanked them all for their work so far.
Nadia responded simply bowing, “It’s been my pleasure”.
Bootsamon tipped his hat and said, “Ain’t no problem snake lady”.
Asleipmir simply nodded and neighed in a bored tone.
Finally when Shitakibo went to thank Javal he bowed deeply and said, “No need for thanks, I should be the one to thank you, you really helped the pilgrimage and myself. I don’t know how I may thank you”.
After that they continued on their travel, not stopping pushing forward only until it turned nighttime. Once the night hit Javal yelled for everyone to set up the camp to take a rest.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 25, 2023 3:10:53 GMT -5
Ethereal visions danced through Taki's mind that night as she slept. She dreamed of a strange and beautiful place, one that at once seemed as clear as polished glass and shrouded in a thick, swirling fog. Wandering this dreamscape, she came across many strange and wonderful creatures. These dream spirits were unlike those she experienced day to day, taking forms that mimic life with unique twists. A flock of birds soared overhead, though they had the wings of beetles, a pair of rabbits with scaly hides and a sharp horn hopped along the edge of a copse of trees. Even the trees, grasses and plants had an oddness to them.
"Welcome Shitakibo, your spirit has come to our world."
"Yay!!" Exclaimed Keta, almost knocking her over as the fluffy cat-like spirit pounced.
"Where... what... This is the spirit world then?"
"It is a fragment, yes, opened by your connection to us while you dream."
"I think I understand, at least as much as one being could. This is your retreat, your place of rest from my side of the veil yes?"
"Sort of... it's not just ours, but this is home. Want a tour of the best spots?"
"Perhaps not this time... this is all a bit much to process as is."
"Settle down Keta, we'll give her the grand tour once she's ready."
Taki spent the dark, cool evening entranced in her slumber, learning all she could about her Guardians. The pair were very different, one a playful, overgrown cat, the other a wizened dragon spirit with incredible and fascinating knowledge. By the time the next morning came, she felt less rested than usual but her connection to the spirit world had grown once more.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 25, 2023 11:19:22 GMT -5
After saying goodnight to everyone in the caravan, Javal decided to go to sleep. He was forced to go to sleep because his employees said that they wanted to take the night shift. Although Javal was reluctant to accept, he couldn't refuse their plea due to his honor.
He approaches a random piece of land next to the encampment and waves his hands around creating a sand house out of the floor. He opened the sand door feeling the sand in his hands as he opened it.
He threw his body onto the sand and it hurt but it was decently comfortable. He rolled to his right side and cradled his katana and immediately fell asleep.
He had a dream about chasing a giant sandwich down a mountain. He spent most of it chasing after it, almost reaching it countless times but every time he thought he was close it got farther away. He had almost been able to catch it until he finally woke up, he screamed out in anger, “Ahhhhhhhh damn you giant sandwich, I shall have you one day”.
He stretched and decided to explore the encampment while they were still getting up. He was approached by a panicked half-awake dwarf, “Is everything okay sir, do we need to evacuate”
It then dawned on Javal that he must’ve panicked the nearby people, “Everything is fine good sir, I just had a nightmare”
He then went around the perimeter apologizing to all the people he scared nearby.
After that he decided to explore and try to find someone who needed help as he sprinted around looking, he found something interesting.
Two shamans yelling at each other.
“You stole from me how dare you”, one with fancy clothes said
“No, I didn’t, I don't even like your fancy sparkly stuff. I don't need to commune with the spirits", one with ragged clothes said.
“What seems to be the problem here, good sirs”, Javal said as he walked in front of the arguing pair.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 26, 2023 3:13:47 GMT -5
Making her morning rounds, Taki visited the other groups of shaman. Each had their own morning routines, and would make ready to continue on their journey once the call was made. Some cooked a hearty breakfast, some had a simple meal, others offered prayers and communed with spirits. Like many aspects of the shaman's role in their cultures, ritual became an important part of their lives. Even this journey would provide them all with different outcomes, lessons, and trials.
She greeted the Security members as she passed each, then made way back to her own camp to begin packing. The calls of morning birds in the cool spring air was a lovely soundtrack to a day that seemed to be setting itself up for easy travel. Clear skies and calm winds, with sparse cloud cover overhead seemed a stark contrast to the previous few days' storms and chaos. Distracted by the fortuitous weather, it took Taki a few moments to notice the sound of heated voices as she neared her tent.
Wanting to keep drama and internal conflict to a minimum, she approached to see Javal already engaging the others and decided it would be rude to interfere. While she felt a bit of motherly responsibility toward the group overall, understanding that the growth of others could be impeded was equally important. She kept walking, reaching her tent and beginning to pack it quietly. Taki kept an eye and ear on the others, but knew this would be a good chance to shake off the emotion and chaos of the Basilisk's visit for Javal and perhaps even the other shaman of the group.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 26, 2023 13:00:11 GMT -5
Javal was currently sitting on top of a random crate listening to the two arguing shamans.
“Alright alright enough arguing, tell me both of your perspectives on what’s going on. I'll decide who’s right and who's wrong since I don't have a preference towards either of you”
“Fine, fine, I guess this is an acceptable way to resolve things and tell you how I have been grievously wronged. I was just trying to escape during the Basilisk incident and dropped a few of my belongings during the panic. Stuff like gold, silver, and other very expensive items. This heathen here was one of the only people nearby from where I dropped it. I mean look at him he’s a poor heathen shaman in rags”, says the shaman in fancy robes".
“No that’s all wrong, during the basilisk incident I just wanted to get to safety. I was even worried about the treasure, I don’t care about your fancy items, I prefer to worship the spirits more modestly. I saw some other people pick up your stuff people who were dressed in red robes”.
“Hmmm” Javal pondered out loud, “Hey Shitakibo what do you think about this he says turning to Shitakibo”.
|
|
Mage's Guild
IS OFFLINE
28
Renown
Crescent Isles
623 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Shitakibo on Apr 26, 2023 15:59:21 GMT -5
Taki finished strapping her tent into it's pack and securing the other gear for it. All the while, she listened to the group discussion. As Javal asked her opinion, she pivoted and locked eyes on the overdressed noble. Her crimson eyes locked on the man, whose hubris was worn on their well tailored sleeve. She took a few steps closer, watching the noble falter and back away from her and her seemingly furious gaze. In truth, Taki held little interest for such petty squabbles but she would indulge the Security Company's leader all the same.
"My opinion of the matter is simple. You, pompous one, ran in the face of the Basilisk, prioritizing your own life over your possessions or the well being of the group. You forfeit the right to those possessions in doing so, no one 'robbed' you of anything... would you call a wanderer thief as well, if he should stumble upon a few fortunate coin dropped by another? No... you would not... not if you were a decent individual. Secondly, if you choose to pursue this matter to it's ultimate folly, then every part of it should be investigated. One: the claim that you are indeed missing items. Two: the claim that the gentleman beside you is responsible. Three: the claim that this man also witnessed others committing the foul deed, and it is another who currently holds your dropped goods.
Lastly, if none of this suits your royal incompetence, then we shall settle this, you and I... In the Orochi way. It is very simple, I have 10 Kunai in my traveling gear... I will give you two, I will take two, and the rest will make a rough circle in the ground... first one to leave the circle or concede to the other is beaten, and the victor's side is considered correct in the matter by default. Should you kill your opponent for any reason, you are also considered to have lost, and the rest of the witnesses will shall see to justice accordingly." Her demeanor was calm, but her voice held a quiet, seething rage. Moments like this reminded her of her tribe, their ways, and the acidic stupidity that saw her tossed out of her home and exiled. Her guardians brushed against her consciousness, a gentle reminder that these folk were not her tribe. Taking out her frustration on them would not help the situation any. She stared into the man's vacant eyes, so full of deceit and devoid of character. Even the very spirits shunned this so called shaman... no wonder he sought pilgrimage to commune, no spirit would even so much as fart in his direction.
|
|
Noble
IS OFFLINE
21
Renown
Human / Fellblood Hybrid
Wicked Fiends Beware
1,251 POSTS & 0 LIKES
|
Post by Javal Zarrias on Apr 26, 2023 18:44:19 GMT -5
After hearing Shitakibo’s scathing and honest opinion on the matter, Javal chuckled, “Man Shitakibo you truly are honest, I respect that and find it honorable”.
The pompous man who was acting so high and mighty seconds ago become nervous and shaking as Shitakibo dug into him, “Yes Ms. Orochi, you have a fair point whoever found it deserved to keep it. Hopefully, those heathens who decided to nab my property make good use of it. Sir Javal may I plead with you to look for my missing items before we leave”, the pompous man pleads.
“Yes, of course, good sir. Javal Zarrias is on the case”, says Javal is excited to play detective like his older brother Raoul.
The pompous man then thanked Javal and almost ran away from Shitakibo, Javal could hear him cursing Shitakibo as he ran away.
The man in rags turned to thank Shitakibo, “Thank you, Miss Taki, usually, nobody would stand up for us poor shamans nowadays”, he then walked away from the two, happy that he had been saved from the man's wrath.
“Well, thank you for helping me with that Shitakibo once again your genius has proven valuable. What are you gonna be up to for the next couple of hours, it’s still gonna be a bit before we all head out. I plan on searching for the weird fancy guy's stuff. How about you”?
|
|