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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 11, 2023 14:14:00 GMT -5
The recent discovery of the Steam Springs in Dragon's Cradle offered an interesting reprieve from the chaos in Vulcadreus' wake. The area was still being surveyed but some of the springs were large enough that the water cooled to a comfortable warmth away from it's source. There was talk from the local merchants and builders that it was a fortuitous discovery that might bring immense new trade and tourism to the much needed and little traveled area. Motivating the local nobles and investors to build roads for better traversal of the area, improve city infrastructure and open new businesses was something Taki was happy to help with.
She'd brought Hanehiko, Yukina and Shuna along on this trip to train and have a pleasant few days as reward for all their hard work. They arrived mid-day and spent much of the afternoon scouting various pools of steaming water, settling on a suitable medium pool of oblong shape. After setting up a modest camp with a small hammock tent, the group spent the afternoon practicing various commands, attack patterns and maneuvers in mock battles until the sun was starting to tease the horizon. She turned her companions loose to rest how they see fit while she shifted her Morph Suit to a simple swimsuit and submerged in the hot spring up to her eyes and nostrils. She relaxed, letting out a long sigh that rippled the water around her nose like a tiny breeze. She watched Hanehiko and Yukina far off in the distance, flying in wild patterns about each other like a cat and mouse chase. She couldn't see Shuna from here, but she knew the brown and grey Jungle Cat was resting nearby somewhere, blending into her surroundings.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 11, 2023 16:21:17 GMT -5
After days of struggling up craggy mountain faces, being thoroughly drenched in surprise showers, and nearly struck with lightning more times than Sylvari cared to count, one might consider her trek towards Steam Springs the voyage of a well-deserved break. They would be wrong. Sylvari had received several reports of strange beasts roaming about, not native to the area. Most adventurers had written off the claims as impossible, or beneath notice, but Sylvari was honor-bound to investigate and protect the weak, especially when others could not or would not help.
Although, in all honesty, even she was unconvinced of the truth of these claims. A snow owl, a great jungle cat, a flying manta? Sylvari sighed at the thought. It was likely that the townsfolk had simply been mistaken, but she was obligated to give a thorough search before discounting their concerns.
Sylvari looked with interest at the various steam springs as they began appearing on the land before her. She had heard that people came from far and wide to experience their comfort and the supposed magical properties the heated waters harbored. For her part, Sylvari seriously doubted the claims of magic, [Chaos Touched] sensing no excess arcana from the pools. Moreover, ever since her change, things like heat and cold became largely irrelevant to Sylvari, her resilience such that only the most extreme of either would affect her. In all likelihood, the pools would just feel wet, and Sylvari had plenty of that with the storms of the past few days.
So preoccupied was Sylvari with her thoughts, that she did not see the large grey cat, laid out sunning itself on the ledge she was just about to step onto, until it growled in warning. Sylvari reacted immediately, stepping back and dropping low in a defensive stance. She had not wanted to harm any of the wildlife that were reported, and from her initial hunch, assumed the animals were quite a bit smaller than they were made out to be, if they existed at all.
So Sylvari stood there, with a length of coiled rope in a loop that would fit over a dog's head, feeling like quite an idiot as she stared at the beast. "Good kitty?"
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 11, 2023 17:34:48 GMT -5
Rising up quietly from the pool she'd been soaking in, Taki was alerted by Shuna's growling to the presence of another. She'd been meditating and hadn't sensed their approach so it was somewhat of a surprise to see someone standing across the scattered pools of heated water.
"It's alright Shuna... I think. Greetings to you miss, what brings you out this far into the Cradle?" The shaman called out, her cyan scales dripping water as she watched the seemingly young woman with large owl-like eyes. Many folk would be unsteady barefoot on the rock, it's smooth slick surface easy to slip on. Taki managed thanks to the wide pads like gecko's toes on her own hands (of which she has four) and feet. Shuna stood up, unfurling from her perch to stand atop a rock waiting for further instruction.
Something about the newcomer was unusual, her senses felt as though they were missing some vital piece of information. Pondering the possibilities might only cloud the outcome of the situation she concluded after a few moments, waiting patiently for an answer. The spirits of this place seemed friendly enough, hopefully she would sense a shift in their demeanor if something was off.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 11, 2023 18:01:25 GMT -5
Sylvari let out a never chuckle at the stranger's words, never taking her eyes off the large feline. She raised the hand not holding her makeshift lasso in a gesture of peace. "You do, evidently. I take it this creature is allied with you?" Sylvari gestured with her head towards the great cat, who now stood, staring at her. Sylvari's black and silver veil that she wore on the upper half of her face shifted slightly in the breeze, hopefully not enough to reveal the crimson glow that it hid.
"Some of the village folk sighted this creature and two others and voiced concerns they may be hostile." Sylvari let a close-lipped smile cover her face, looking at the majestic creature. "But it seems their worries were unfounded. This one seems to be very well behaved, seeing as I still have an unblemished body after disturbing her nap. I assume the others are in your company as well? May I ask what brings you to the area?" Sylvari, paused before remembering that she hadn't introduced herself. "Oh, I'm Sylvari, by the way. Sylvi, if you'd prefer."
Even from the short distance between Sylvari and the unusual blue-tinged stranger, [Chaos Touched] Sylvari could sense the powerful current of arcana running through her veins, powerful enough to evoke a needling thirst within her breast.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 11, 2023 18:12:50 GMT -5
She let out a whistling tune that carried on the air, signaling her other companions to return before replying.
"Hostile, no... Strange sure, but they'd do no more harm than snack on a few rodents or fish. I am Shitakibo, or Taki if that's easier for you. Rest assured there are far more dangerous things in these hills than myself or my companions. In fact, I was considering hunting such a creature come morning if you'd be inclined to join?" Offered the shaman, who figured there were plenty of unsavory critters stirred up in the mountains when Drakolt, and the slumbering god within, decided to erupt.
Having heard Taki's call, both Yukina and Hanehiko came soaring into the clearing moments later. The manta circled above lazily, while the owl perched opposite Shuna. Taki's companions all seemed to be conversing back and forth while the shaman stood smirking as she listened to their opinions on the subject. If the girl was some sort of hunter or adventurer, perhaps giving the villagers some other trophy would stem their fears and give her a bit of good will here in the Cradle.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 11, 2023 18:23:49 GMT -5
Kind of her to offer shared credit for her quarry. Romarii would call me an idiot for not questioning her motives. I wonder what she stands to gain from this. It looks like she has help enough with her pets. Discounting my... special abilities, I'm not much to look at. Certainly not someone to take a chance on with in battle. Is she trying to conceal some obscured motive? Lure me away from civilization before ambushing me? Well, willing trap or not, if she is cause for concern, it's not like I can just leave her here in the wilds for the villagers to deal with alone.
Sylvari sighed at her inner monologue, disgusted at the routine paranoia she was obligated to engage in. When did everything become so complicated? It was a rhetorical question, of course, even within the confines of her mind. Everything ended and began the day she died months ago.
"Charmed, Taki. What manner of beast are you hunting? I may not look like much, but I sort of specialize in monster slaying. At the very least, I could take a few hits so your friends here don't have to." Sylvari unconsciously reached out to the snowy owl where it perched, before pulling back her hand quickly, thinking it may be rude or patronizing. An unconscious scarlet graced Sylvari's cheeks in her instant of embarrassing thoughtlessness.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 11, 2023 20:53:27 GMT -5
"What type of beast is still a bit of speculation, but the rumors are there's an ambushing predator of some kind. I have my suspicion it's something somewhat unpleasant, but that remains to be seen." Replied the shaman, who motioned to the small camp she had set up earlier. There were still radiant embers in a ring of small stacked stones so she added some fresh fuel to stoke a flame. After retrieving a pot and filling it with fresh water with a bit of magic from the Broach on her Cape, she set about making tea for the pair and feeding her companions.
"We should go in the early hours, tonight would be a poor idea for many reasons, the least of which is extraneous encounters with other unsavory things that live in the area. They won't come here, the sulfurous smell keeps most creatures with keen noses at bay... and a steady light source should take care of the rest." Taki said as she served the tea that had just finished steeping. She set out treats for her companions, then gave them leave to rest for the night. Shuna and Yukina would stay close by and keep watch, while Hanehiko was likely to head out to sea and rest until she was called again. Either way, tomorrow would start to get interesting so it was best to get the rest while she could.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 12, 2023 11:07:05 GMT -5
Sylvari closed her hand into a tight fist hearing about the creature apt to prey on the weak and helpless. This was why she fought; this is why she continued this torturous existence. If she could use these unsavory powers to keep evil at bay, to become a monster to defend against monsters, her life would have meaning where all else had faded to nothing.
"I will go with you, Taki. We will purge this evil together and give the citizenry peace of mind. Well, as much as can be had in this place." Sylvari gave a half-hearted grin at her forced humor. As Sylvari listened to Taki's estimation of the situation, she found herself nodding along to the sound logic her companion explained. A good head on her shoulders and a strong sense of justice besides. A fine person, if she is all she seems. Which means she shouldn't be in my company. At least she seems capable, should the worst come to pass...
As Sylvari was passed the brewed tea, she took it in reverent hands and expressed her gratitude toward the druid. It was warm, enough for Sylvari to feel the comfort of the drink as it trailed down her throat. It was also lovely and refined in taste, so good Sylvari could almost ignore the far more delectable drink nearby, in her new companion's veins. Almost.
She couldn't do it. Taki's good heart, in her kindness and pursuit of justice, weighed heavy on Sylvari's mind. She couldn't keep her nature from a person that seemed so genuine in dealings with her. Sylvari could imagine Romarii screaming in frustration as she was about to throw weeks of ingrained caution to the wind, but Romarii wasn't here. She wasn't the one who would be parasitically latched onto should something go wrong. Sylvari had only come to that desperate place once before, where she had absolutely no control over her thirst, but she wasn't eager to ever tread that ground again. Not without giving her companion at least adequate warning of the monster whose company they kept.
"Taki..." Sylvari began and faltered, her carefully practiced speech for this situation evaporating into mist in her mind as she attempted to employ it. "There's something you should know. I am... not normal. A wolf in sheep's clothing, and though you seem accustomed to the wilder beasts of the world, you shouldn't have to be blind. I..." Where words once again failed her, Sylvari could only rely on action. She removed her veil and looked at her cyan partner with the soft crimson glow of her pupil-less eyes, a sad smile, showing the points of her fangs, plastered on her face.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 12, 2023 11:21:43 GMT -5
Taki tilted her head, observing the young woman as she responded. While some instinct told her to be wary of such a person, her curiosity was far more intrigued. She only knew of the Vampiric affliction through folk tales and second hand tales, but she recognized the oddness she'd been sensing from the young woman at last. Her heart did not beat in the way a persons did, nor did she seem to need to breathe in the same way. It was an interesting subject, though she could only imagine the story based on the look on Sylvari's face.
Most would and should be frightened, but something about the girl's sense of justice and determination to be an effective hunter and protect others overshadowed what the shaman might consider less savory traits to such an affliction (if tales were based on truth anyway).
"If you seek to unnerve me, it won't be so easily accomplished but I do appreciate your honesty and trust. While I personally would not wish to be in your circumstance, I won't hold it against you so long as you keep your wits. While I know only rumors and tales of the affliction you face, I will still defend myself if need be. Am I to presume with this information that there's some danger presented, or that your hunger is growing unreasonable?" Asked the shaman, insightfully gleaning much from the interaction and her demeanor. She wasn't sure how such an affliction were spread, but she supposed if there were a safe way to feed the lass... she might be inclined to do so, much in the way she wouldn't swat away a mosquito if it managed to find purchase. It was an odd thought to the shaman, who usually wasn't keen on the undead... but it wasn't the first exception she'd encountered, nor would it be the last most likely.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 12, 2023 11:51:59 GMT -5
A nervous chuckle escape Sylvari's lips at the shaman's questioning, teetering on the line between overwhelming relief that she had not been immediately hostile upon discovery and the pressing weight of anxiety as her companion cut so insightfully to the crux of the matter.
"Unnerve you? No, that was not my intention. But as you so adroitly put it, traveling with me poses certain... risks. I have slaked the thirst as much as I was able, given my self-imposed restrictions, but it always grows... difficult to manage in the eve. It's particularly potent with one so..." Sylvari stared deeply at Taki and unconsciously licked her lips before forcibly shaking herself away, covered in the scarlet of an embarrassed blush and turning away. "Adept in the arcane, as you are."
Sylvari hung her head in shame at her instincts and looked back at the druid with a hesitant glance. "This affliction, this curse in my blood bids me partake often, but I am usually able to curtail it before it causes any lasting damage. I've even been told... it feels nice. There are those who willingly allow me..." WHY am I telling her this?! What's wrong with you Sylvari?!
"Ahem, I tell you this because I have only traveled with a competent mage once before, and I drained much from him. Granted, I was on the verge of death, but I never want to subject someone to that again." Sylvari's eyes are deadly serious as she delivers her closing statement, meaning to emphasize the depth of her sorrow at the incident. "I understand if you wish me to leave."
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 12, 2023 13:30:22 GMT -5
"You don't have to leave on my account, and if you can ensure that your curse does not spread so easily... I might be willing to help you sustain. While I've got no plans on being a regular on your menu, since this is not exactly the most civilized of places an exception could be made. Besides, how can you act as the lure for our prey if you're not here Sylvari? Or is that not of interest to you any longer?" Asked the shaman, curious about how enthralled they were by the hunger that fueled their curse. While she wasn't keen to be someone's snack per say, if feeding the lass would provide some sort of boost to her vitality and resilience... it seemed like an easy decision.
Taki had experienced plenty of injuries in her life, both of her own and others. Pain she knew was a fleeting experience, but it could also be immensely impactful. She weighed the options as her companions observed it all carefully. Perhaps it was their presence that had the shaman lowering her guard so easily... but then she sensed no animosity or ill will from the woman across from her. She sends a sadness, and a lingering desperation that probably was attributed to the curse, but mostly there was a strong desire to protect. That last part was something she understood all too well, the desire to protect and care for those unable to do so themselves.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 12, 2023 14:36:17 GMT -5
Sylvari blinked once, twice, while she processed what was said. She... she wants me to feed on her? I've had willing partners before, but always after the initial bite. There are not many who who take the chomp without knowing its pain. Even despite her confusion and misgivings about the strange situation, it was getting harder and harder to ignore the raging thirst within her. She could feel herself salivating and leering most unbecomingly but had little power to stop it without the normal iron will fortress that defending others provided. A willing target, it seemed, was a breach in Sylvari's mental armor she had not been prepared for.
Still, even in her desperation, something the druid said forced her to pause and think logically. "Lure? Dear Taki, I believe you're holding out on me. You have an idea of what this creature is after all, don't you?" Something snapped inside Sylvari, a taut thread that she didn't know was under such pressure broke, and with it, something deep within her it was restraining. As she opened her mouth again, it was not words she intended that spilled out. "Well, no matter, you can make it up to me with a little snack." Sylvari moved closer to her cyan companion, crimson eyes blazing, as she angled her mouth toward the soft skin of the nape, begging to be pierced.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 12, 2023 18:00:00 GMT -5
Taki leaned back and embraced the young vampire, much the way she would an injured companion or a lost child. While she was painfully aware there wasn't much more that she could do to ease the girl's suffering, she also knew her all too rigid past would have seen her shunned for such a thing. Many powerful and wide spread organizations across Charon held a similar stance, that all undead are to be put down as monsters... even if they were no different than other life and abominations they might tolerate instead. She felt the sharp sting of fangs, which gave way within a few moments to a pleasant coolness as she relaxed.
Centered, she took slow even breaths to keep her body calm and her mind clear. She could feel not only the physical drain but the magical one as well. Taki had a secret though, one that only she was fully aware of. Her spirit reached deep into the earth, tapped into primordial energies not unlike the recent awakened primordial dragon. There she had been training to use the gift given to her some time before Ash Ruins were destroyed. A well of solid warmth welled up from deep beneath the ground and filled the shaman's spirit with energy, despite the draining fluids her skin grew warmer and her magic seemed to open up like the gates of a great dam.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Sept 12, 2023 18:20:34 GMT -5
In her mind's eye, Sylvari was lying in the midst of a peaceful meadow, the gentle breeze tickling her face as it brushed the long locks of her platinum blonde hair along its surface. She felt comfortable, suffused, connected. It was always thus when she fed, those tiny fleeting moments of blissful peace among the raging tempest of conflict that formed the core of her being since her transformation. Sylvari basked in the joy, the radiance of this moment, trying not to think about how soon it would end. She had seen before how the flowers of this place quickly wilted and crumbled to dust, how the lazy white clouds in the blue sky turned to storm and became grey. She dreaded it, and knew it was the necessary warning to stop her before she took too much.
But Taki was a font, a meadow without ending. In fact, as Sylvari rested, the flowers became more vibrant, a rainbow sprouted from the clouds overhead, and small, friendly animals began to circle her in this place. The temptation to continue on here was strong: so strong, it took Sylvari precious extra seconds to release her grip and retract her fangs.
As she became aware of her body in physical space once more, she gave a light lick over the wound to heal the punctures and felt Taki's arms around her. Sylvari was stunned and much too shocked to make a sound. Why? I stole from her life essence. What she has spent years honing into a reserve for her use, I stole in the span of a few seconds. I'm a monster that can only take. So why does she hold me so? Why are her arms so soft, her touch so light?
First in a trickle, then in a torrent, tears came down from the corners of Sylvari's eyes, even squeezed shut as they were. She couldn't comprehend this kindness, this grace, when even her kin had cast her out for what she had become. And so she cried, not knowing what else to do.
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Post by Shitakibo on Sept 12, 2023 20:43:12 GMT -5
She held the girl gently as she cried, understanding at least to some degree the depth of her sorrow. Often one was shunned for even the smallest of difference, the slightest change to one's life could end in an abrupt severing of their life and support in an instant. As the wounds on her neck finished healing, she felt a surge of magic pouring through her body, refilling that which was lost like magma pushing up through cracks in the earth and stone. A wash of spiritual magic cooled her skin down to a normal temperature, so she relaxed and rested to the best of her ability. Shuna and Yukina watched with cautious intent, knowing that if the girl went wild, they'd be Taki's only real chance at survival. As things calmed down, so to did her companions.
Doing the best she could to comfort the lass, Taki lay as still as she could and let her reach her own calm. So often in life one is faced with a situation far beyond their own capability, left without support or even a shred of kindness to see them through for too long. What else could the shaman do in such a situation but offer whatever comfort and kindness she could. Letting herself recover, her thoughts drifted deep into the earth, spreading out like the roots of a great tree and communing with the spirits of the area.
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