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Dragon’s Cradle
Life is a game, we are the pieces and the environment is the board. Wanna play?
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Post by Lady Keyke Runi on Apr 9, 2023 1:08:20 GMT -5
After the grand win against the tribe people, I could only think of what could be a great way to move along. I knew I needed solars, if only to get my the final books to access the final parts of the space domain. Quickly, I look around, noticing a noble group panicking around. I could recognize some of the wounded as people from the race. They were in a separate wagon, one full of medical supplies by the looks of the care and treatments being given to the riders. I get closer and listen in on the chaos surrounding the main carriage.
"We need more protection! Do you know how to handle the many beasts that are located around here? We will die with so many injured and so few guards!" This was coming from a man who was covered in unique looking items that, as I got even closer and inspected them, were very well made fakes of the originals. Some of the riders had noticed me, freezing a moment before I gave a wave with my doll. They quickly relaxed after I showed a docile side, especially compared to the race. The soldiers and the rich, and very likely a noble, man quit talking as I walk up to them. The man glares, "You should really not race against men I put out there! I am" I stop him there, "I am guessing, but you are Honorable Lord George the third. A noble known for his riding practices around this area." I recall the gossip group sneaking me this information. The pride shows on his face, perhaps being recognized by a person without introducing himself. "Grand! You know who I am! I want you to compensate me for the damage you have done to my guards." He waves to the medical wagon, I once again interrupt him. "The damage I never did. I only deflected the things away from myself, always to the ground. You're men's riding skills are only intermediate, the rumors do nothing." The shock was evident, I could only grab at the opportunity presented to me. "I can help though, for compensation, of course." The negotiations begins. Quest Name: Royal Escort Participants: Two or more Location: Anywhere Post Requirements: 4 post per person, 200 words per post Reward: +1 Renown Description: A local noble is in need of an escort from one city to the next. With the world getting crazy, all kinds of dangers have become more common on the open road. They are willing to pay good money to anyone who can transport them to their destination. But be careful, their fears are valid, for bandits, wolves, and all kinds of creatures of the wild lurk right around the bend. All you need to do is make sure they get from their home city to the neighboring city alive, and unharmed if you can manage.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 9, 2023 2:01:46 GMT -5
After returning her steed, Taki took time to wander around the Valley. Many of the riders seemed to be dispersing, they and their steeds unhappy to have been beaten by a donkey and a young lass. Scanning the crowd for said winner, she spotted Keyke amongst a group of well dressed humans. Nobility was a mixed bag of personalities, though Taki was fairly untrusting of such people. Those given charge of others often became immensely self-absorbed and self-serving, often condemning the people they should have been serving with their authority and power.
Having no notion of what was going on, or being discussed, Taki found a shaded spot and began to meditate. Closing her eyes, she looked like a brightly colored sculpture from afar. Only when someone was close enough to see the slow, rhythmic flaring of her nostrils, the subtle chest movements of her breathing, that the illusion revealed her. She communed with the spirits of the area, listening to the soft songs of their voices, stories was Taki's treasured solace.
Often, the ideas presented to a shaman were interpreted in fragments and parts, a jumbling of disjointed ideas that had to be put together. Spirits lived outside of time's influence, only knowing it's passing through changes in things other than themselves. The mortal world, and Taki's own disconnect at times with it's inhabitants, were drawn from this disconnect. Some spirits' voices needed one to commune for days or weeks on a single word, others would spin an odyssey with each breath. Losing track of time was as simple as closing your eyes and waking up days later after getting caught up in the maelstrom of information, inflection and non-linear understanding.
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Dragon’s Cradle
Life is a game, we are the pieces and the environment is the board. Wanna play?
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Post by Lady Keyke Runi on Apr 9, 2023 16:48:15 GMT -5
Negotiations were, in all honesty, going really well. They needed man power, I could give my own, but they needed enough to make up for the three that participated. That was what caused my current delema, I choose to stay here till more adventurers find them or I could search for people to help but chance being left behind while they blackmail some other racers. I choose to do the latter, if only to be able to find Shitakibo once more.
In my peripheral vision, I do see her, but I also notice that she is meditating. Not the simple meditation for getting some basic healing, no, it was something completely out of body that I can't tell. No matter what, though, I have an inkling it relates to knowledge, if the itch in my head says anything.
I slowly approach her and sit across from her, allowing the calm to wash over me. I could feel my sense of time slowly dissipate. I shape myself out of it, not wanting to loose complete control, and quickly in take the surroundings to make learn all I could in the moment of peace. I quickly learned an hour had passed, I could still see the caravan trying to recruit people, failing miserably. I shake my head in exasperation before I look at the silent girl before me. Understanding anything loud would cause a shock wave, I simply gave a normal and calm, "Hello there."
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 10, 2023 0:21:35 GMT -5
Hearing Keyke's voice, Taki took in a deep breath and let it out, hissing through her nostrils as her crimson eyes opened and focused. After blinking a few times, and letting out a long sigh to help normalize her breathing, she unfurled from her seated position.
"Our paths cross once more, how interesting... to what do I owe this occasion?" Inquired the shaman, curious as to the nature of the disruption. Having been beaten in a race by the young girl only sparked further curiosity, had she come to gloat, to offer... ridicule the shaman's strangeness? The last one she genuinely didn't think possible but a few minutes of riding together was no measure of a person's character. Still, the spirits did not shy from her presence even if the girl couldn't sense them herself.
Taki stretched her body, having grown a bit stiff from sitting still for a prolonged period. She finally took notice of the group of nobles still parked by the grounds and tilted her head. They seemed to be trying to recruit other travelers, shouting in an uncouth manner at those who denied their offering or simply ignored them as hecklers. What a fascinating position that must be... to have something akin to authority and control, yet be so removed from the status and understanding of the very subjects one exerted that will over... She could empathize with the ensuing frustration, though it only made the immature display more unbecoming of nobility... What did such a person do with all the wealth, not to mention influence, when they left the bounds of it's relevance?
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Dragon’s Cradle
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Post by Lady Keyke Runi on Apr 10, 2023 17:02:37 GMT -5
The calmness of this girl is refreshing, especially compared to the chaos of the royals behind was. I once more felt the inquisitive nature at the proper question. I could chat firsts, but I doubt that she would appreciate the idle chatter after ruining the meditation she held. I tilted my head to allow her to see the group, but she just simply stood up instead. I shook the sudden change of behavior off and went straight to my question. "I was wondering if you would like to join a trip! Those idiots," I wave my hand to the chaos, "need three people to fill in, a guard, a tail watcher, and someone to steer the medical wagon. They didn't realize how serious the races around here are true to the rumors."
I tapped my fingers together, "They are able to pay for us! They just need people to guard around the medical wagon due to the fact that the three we are replacing are injured from the race." I lighten my smile, "I plan to be either the tail watcher for if people are following or driving the wagon to keep the injured safe! What do you say? Will you join the adventure?" I held my hand out, ready for both rejection and confirmation.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 10, 2023 18:51:57 GMT -5
"Very well, if you'll drive the medical wagon, I shall follow beside and guard it." Taki replied, giving her gear a quick check before they set out. Glad that Keyke simply wanted help on her adventure, the shaman followed the young girl back to the waiting nobility. The group of well dressed, overly fluffed men were arguing once more... perhaps they were still arguing... Taki had difficulty discerning.
As the pair approached, their arguing grew hushed. Taki scanned the group carefully, more than one person seemed out of place. Spirits gave them a wide berth, a sure indication something nefarious would probably be in play on this venture. Taki said little, letting Keyke speak to the group. This was her deal, she'd already spoken with this band of travelers, and stepping on toes now would only exasperate the situation.
She could understand at a basic level why the man was upset, noting the steeds and riders who'd tried a bit too hard during the race. They were battered, leaving the traveling group short handed for the foreseeable future. Circling the medical wagon, as well as the others, she tried to give advice to the crews loading and tending these vessels. She was on the job now, and took it seriously, doing all she could to make the caravan ready and defensible, even if it was only her own bow and blades that would be available in such a fight.
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Dragon’s Cradle
Life is a game, we are the pieces and the environment is the board. Wanna play?
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Post by Lady Keyke Runi on Apr 11, 2023 16:16:47 GMT -5
As we get to the group, I notice that Taki hanging back. I shrug it off, knowing that se is not much for talking. I walk once more to the group of planners. "I'm back!" I seemed to have startled them, even though I did nothing to attempt any form of stealth. I gave a smile as they shook themselves out of their shock. "I have a guard, and I'm driving, got anyone to fill the back watcher?" Who am I kidding, I could see a new face sitting in the back of the med wagon and is chatting with the injured. "Y-yes, there is. Bu-" I clap my hands, "Great! That means we can get going!" I turn away from them and hop onto the driver's seat of the wagon, ignoring any words being thrown my way from the shock. I turn around and ask, "Are all of you ready to go?" The passengers look to me as each of them recognize me from the race, the newest passenger and two of the riders go into a frozen stare, the final one heaves a loud laugh. "We have been for a while now! With you driving us, I doubt we will need to worry about the road ahead!" I gave a small giggle as I righted the reins and fixed the holders on the horses. 1 I gave a smile, prepped and ready for the challenges to come.
1. Telekinesis
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 11, 2023 17:42:20 GMT -5
Watching the young woman work over a crowd made Taki smirk, amused by how she handled them with reckless abandon. Taki had already taken a position atop the hard topped medical wagon, her bow resting in her lap as she watched the surrounding fore and sides of their journey. Supposedly a rearguard had been found, but Taki still checked over her shoulder from time to time just in case.
The steady hoofbeats of the caravan's horses, and the din of iron banded wheels over the paved stones lulled many of the travelers into a trance. A few even outright fell asleep despite the occasional jostling, resting weary minds and bodies while others drove on down the path. Occasionally, Taki would check in with Keyke to stretch and move her body around as well as change her perspective for a few moments. One could easily get hypnotized by the scenery during long travels through places, road blind, and be too slow to react to changes.
A whinnying horse drew her eye, an arrow already resting against the string of her bow on instinct. To the side of the wagons, one rider's horse had nearly stepped on some creature she couldn't well see. The rider was scolding the steed, trying to keep it from bucking the man to the ground. Taki slapped the wagon twice on it's roof, a signal to hold.
"MAKE READY!!" Shouted the shaman, calling for the others to move into a defensive formation. Off in the grass at a distance, she'd spotted a pointy green set of ears, then another... she counted their number as she took aim at the farthest one. A sharp twang of her bow, the soft whistle of an arrow in flight, and a few seconds later, the shout of a Goblin as the shaft punched right through it's scrawny leg and pinned it to the ground.
"At least a dozen, maybe more..." She relayed to the other guards, and Keyke, before drawing down on another Goblin...
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Dragon’s Cradle
Life is a game, we are the pieces and the environment is the board. Wanna play?
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Post by Lady Keyke Runi on Apr 12, 2023 21:56:14 GMT -5
This trip is nothing, simple chatter of different things happening, idle gossip is what really all the wagon held. Sad part was, it was nothing new, only previously confirmed or proven false rumors of the smaller lords and families in the area. The locals had already given me what I needed, nothing these guys would be saying would peak my interest. Nothing till I heard Taki shout for the first time, that signaled me to be on edge and ready, without even needing to hear the relay of information. I leaned down to the horses, "Keep it steady, no harm will get to you. I will need to release at least one hand to protect us, that is my only warning."1 No physical indication was given, none that others could see, but I hard a clear, "Yes!" coming from the two. I quickly turned my gaze to the guards, seeing where each one was and judge the situation for assistance. Many goblins were dead, but many more just kept appearing out out the grass. I turned my gaze to focus on the incoming goblins, feeling the magic reach and grab each goblin, one by one, snapping their necks quickly before moving to the next one to die.2 1. Necklace of Animal Speech2. Telepathy
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 13, 2023 1:02:54 GMT -5
Taki took aim, spotting a rather vibrantly dressed and larger goblin among the raiding group. She drew, firing an arcing shot that sailed over the battlefield. While her short bow may not have had the reach of something larger, it packed considerable punch with it's layered, recurve construction. Tipped with a bodkin head, the arrows were intended to punch through thick hides and tough armor with relative ease. It's high arcing trajectory meant it wasn't easily seen by many creatures from this distance until the arrow was too close to avoid.
A gush of ichor, and the look of shocked confusion followed the arrow's hit. Dropping out of nowhere, the other goblins began to panic and shout. Yelling obscene guttural words, they slung stones and tossed spears pitiably. Most either bounced harmlessly along the ground or sailed off well past their intended targets. The moral had shattered, the remaining few turned to flee and were hunted down by the caravan's swift guard.
Tucking her bow once again, the shaman said a prayer for the goblin's spirits to find rest. They had bravely charged, no matter how foolish the command had been by their leader. As the row of wagons and riders continued forward, Taki tried her best to appreciate the meal they presented for other creatures. What new life might spring forth from the end of theirs? How would the plants, bugs, mycelia and other cleaners of the natural world use this newfound bounty?
Always after a battle, the shaman tried to reflect on her actions and their merit. Even if it was only for a few moments, the act was both symbolic of her spirituality and a routine check of her emotional well being. As the outriders returned, she leaned over the front of the cart.
"I trust no extra wounds have appeared? Is anyone worse off than before this ill fated spectacle?" She inquired to Keyke and the passengers.
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Dragon’s Cradle
Life is a game, we are the pieces and the environment is the board. Wanna play?
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Post by Lady Keyke Runi on Apr 15, 2023 23:41:23 GMT -5
The battle had little to expand upon, it was quick, efficient, and most importantly, entertaining for me. Now the entertainment was not from the easy kills, no. It was because of a very specific carriage that was in front of me. During the battle, he had caused so much ruckus that I'm surprised the goblins didn't start targeting the carriage before running. It's an absolute joy to be one of the few who were around to hear the fearful commands and the driver doing the complete opposite to keep them safe. I was having a hard time remaining focused because of that, but I managed and I could tell it was about to become an inside joke between the drivers.
When the goblins ran about just as fast as they came, I could see Taki running back to the carts. I raised my hand to her and gave a wave. She quickly asked her question, checking on us. I could tell something ruined her a little, if her quick actions and flickering attention was to say anything. I allowed her to form a comfortable distraction, checking on the group. "We are all well and none even got close to the carriages! None harmed and only gained ground to our destination!" I give a cutesy salute with the same hand used for waving.
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Post by Shitakibo on Apr 16, 2023 4:46:18 GMT -5
Taki returned to her post after being given the all clear. Satisfied with her abilities, she was glad the rest of the trip to get these nobles back to their home proved uneventful. Their constant whining of policies and possessions was enough to make the shaman want to numb their tongues to give them rest for a day. Across the valley and onto the Sunset Plains, the group made their journey to Thunderhoof to drop off the noble caravan. Glad to be free of the nagging, pestered group, Taki enjoyed the return journey with Keyke. It was much quieter, allowing the shaman to commune with nature and the spirits as they traveled.
Foraging for the pair in the daylight, Taki was able to keep them fed, even whipping up a tasty stew each evening with home dried spices she carried in her traveling bag. Sinking her teeth into a leg of local fowl, the shaman savored the smoky, lean meat. Landing a clean shot in the morning hours, the creature felt little pain. Taki payed respects to it's spirit, cleaning and cooking part of it for each meal of the day.
"This has proven to be a fine adventure indeed Keyke. I do hope we have more together in the future. Feel free to come visit for some spices and seeds from the garden for your own use if you're out on the Isles." She said, offering her hand to the young woman on the day they'd arrived back. Taki had a ship to catch home, and there was no telling what Keyke's life offered in the future. There was work still to be done for the shaman, who was in the process of building her own home. It would require a few more trips for materials, yet she looked forward to completing the additions she had decided on. Things were looking up, with another vacation trip planned while more parts were being made to finish the buildings. By the end of spring, Taki wanted to be immersed in the world each day as a new adventure... meet new animals, and people, see new places others had yet to discover.
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