Setting
The Golden Vale was named for its long rolling hills and plains dosed with golden grass. The grass is widely known as a popular smoking weed with no ill effects on those who indulge the habit. It vale is cradled and was created by the Exalted Mountains and ebbs out into gentle hills. Many animals roam the vale and are hunted by the village man from nearby towns and smaller cities.
There are several stone roads that run between the many towns though some are nothing more than worn dirt paths. Sometimes curled and knotted trees line the roads but never in more than a few together. A breeze is always present in the air, gentle and comforting in temperate weather. There are manifestations of mana that take the form of stunning and shimmering see-through wyrms that play along the roads. They are seen as a form of ‘good luck’ for passing travelers.
The Golden Vale has been home to many wars and beneath the top soil lays the bodies of thousands of dead soldiers whether they be human, saurian, centaur, elven, and hundreds of other races. Even with such beauty in the land of Siv'en, there is always a dark history behind it.
There are several stone roads that run between the many towns though some are nothing more than worn dirt paths. Sometimes curled and knotted trees line the roads but never in more than a few together. A breeze is always present in the air, gentle and comforting in temperate weather. There are manifestations of mana that take the form of stunning and shimmering see-through wyrms that play along the roads. They are seen as a form of ‘good luck’ for passing travelers.
The Golden Vale has been home to many wars and beneath the top soil lays the bodies of thousands of dead soldiers whether they be human, saurian, centaur, elven, and hundreds of other races. Even with such beauty in the land of Siv'en, there is always a dark history behind it.
Golden Vale
The vale is a valley which encompasses almost two thirds of Skyfall Kingdom including The Whispering Woods, which runs beneath the floating Exalted Mountains. It is where Skyfall's towns and smaller cities lay, surrounding the Atargatis Lake, and reaches out towards the Empyrean Sea.
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
Golden Vale is a part of 
Siv'en.
2 Places in Golden Vale:
17 Characters Here
Una Markett [36] Bastard daughter of King Edenhelm and central in the plot to usurp the Crystal Crown upon his death.
Oaklum Stoneheart [31] A mighty Orc, who vaules strength, hardwork, and craftsmanship
Jamie Gisbow [26] "Adventure is fun, even with a risk.."
Parisa Evanthe Winters [24] My spirit talks, I know my soul believes
Nicholas Hawthorne [24]
Cynder [23] Cynder is a black dragon with a dark past. She has powers over Poison, Fear, Wind and Shadow
Aebbe Dmowska [19] Despite being very skilled in the arts, her own self-confidence holds herself up as does her belief of being inferior.
Qenna L'Tone [17] Qenna L'Tone, (pronounced Kwe-nah L Tohn), a member of the Tiefling race, is a rather friendly, good mannered being. She stands at 5''7' and weighs 106lbs. Looks and sounds seventeen.
Rika, The Green Warden [16] Whispers in the Woods
Aquari [9]
Start Character Here »
The storm was still raging after the sun had fallen behind the horizon. Una had dozed off and on in Oaklum's arms. When she opened her eyes Una could see the massive gate of Krinsgate. It was oak and fortified with cast iron bands. Men walked the tall walls, and a bow peeked from between arrow slits here and there.
"Krinsgate," said Una in a tired voice. Her mouth tasted foul and her back ached from how she was being carried. Perhaps a cleric was in town and she could be healed, or at least a hedge wizard.
"You may want to be careful here," warned Una just as a shout of, "Who goes there!" came from the posted gaurd. An approaching orc with a seemingly capture human wasn't exactly a welcomed sight.
"An orc! An orc! Sound the alarm!" came the cries from the battlement.
"Oh no..." breathed Una. She looked up at Oaklum and said, "Don't do anything careless. Let me handle this and put me down!" It wasn't a command but Una definitely urged the orc by squirming in his grasp. That, too, did not help what the guards were witnessing.
Several arrows were now aimed for Oaklum.
"Hold your bows! Don't shoot him! He's friend not foe!" Una cried out to the watch.
"Krinsgate," said Una in a tired voice. Her mouth tasted foul and her back ached from how she was being carried. Perhaps a cleric was in town and she could be healed, or at least a hedge wizard.
"You may want to be careful here," warned Una just as a shout of, "Who goes there!" came from the posted gaurd. An approaching orc with a seemingly capture human wasn't exactly a welcomed sight.
"An orc! An orc! Sound the alarm!" came the cries from the battlement.
"Oh no..." breathed Una. She looked up at Oaklum and said, "Don't do anything careless. Let me handle this and put me down!" It wasn't a command but Una definitely urged the orc by squirming in his grasp. That, too, did not help what the guards were witnessing.
Several arrows were now aimed for Oaklum.
"Hold your bows! Don't shoot him! He's friend not foe!" Una cried out to the watch.
"Yes indeed!" Bigsby shouted out at the armed guardsmen who seemed to be doing their duty without little in the way of common sense but more so in bravado than anything. It was strange to think that the old wizard was able to make his way up onto the battlements and past several other guards before smacking one of the young man upside the head.
"Do you not see that this orc here is carrying a woman in hand! One foul slip from those nocked arrows and she might as well be dead by your own hands rather than by the poor sod down bellow and his supposed captive. Open your eyes and look at her." Bigsby brought an old gnarled finger down upon the two only to gaze upon the young girl and orc with his sapphire hues. It would feel unsettling to most as those unnatural orbs seemed to flicker slightly from beneath the mages massive hat.
"Open the gate and let them in. The Lady Markett and her companion are my guests here. I would feel sorry for the fools who trained this lot if those arrows would have been set free from their strings." Bigsby began to frown and made his way down from the battlement and back into the market bellow. Several of the guards only seemed to be dazed and confused by the sudden appearance of big hatted wizard whilst others seemed inclined to follow such commands as the price of not listening to the man had silently come to them in threats of a telepathic nature.
Meanwhile in the markets not far away it would be obvious to the students of the wizard that things seemed to grow more interesting by the minute. But there would still be no sign of the mammoth sized hat that belong to the old codger or the wizard himself.
"Do you not see that this orc here is carrying a woman in hand! One foul slip from those nocked arrows and she might as well be dead by your own hands rather than by the poor sod down bellow and his supposed captive. Open your eyes and look at her." Bigsby brought an old gnarled finger down upon the two only to gaze upon the young girl and orc with his sapphire hues. It would feel unsettling to most as those unnatural orbs seemed to flicker slightly from beneath the mages massive hat.
"Open the gate and let them in. The Lady Markett and her companion are my guests here. I would feel sorry for the fools who trained this lot if those arrows would have been set free from their strings." Bigsby began to frown and made his way down from the battlement and back into the market bellow. Several of the guards only seemed to be dazed and confused by the sudden appearance of big hatted wizard whilst others seemed inclined to follow such commands as the price of not listening to the man had silently come to them in threats of a telepathic nature.
Meanwhile in the markets not far away it would be obvious to the students of the wizard that things seemed to grow more interesting by the minute. But there would still be no sign of the mammoth sized hat that belong to the old codger or the wizard himself.
The Orc groaned. Here he was, standing infront of a 'civilized' town wall. Here he was, again, bows pointed at him, as sounds of alarm was sounded. Here he was, yet again, judged for being a greenskin.
Idiots.
Of course, atleast the woman in his arms, which he began to let down onto her feet at her struggle, screamed for them to stop. Then there was some git with a giant hat that acted all important up there... He didn't mind it, but it would be better not to scream 'Orc! Orc! Orc!' In the first place.
"Y'all are a bunch'o soddin' gits, pointin' bows 'en 'rrows, 'en sticks at'ah lone orc! Wha! Woz ya' think I'm gunn'ah do 'eh!? Punch down ya wallz!? Toss up 'ah stables beddin'? Da' worst I 'ould do 'ez turn 'round 'en moon ya!"
He growled, crossing his arms. "'Et takes true 'allz ta' not kill'ah git in da' foice a' dang'ah o' fear! Now, if ya' dun' 'ave da' 'equired genital's, I'll b'eh sure ta' instruct ya' on what 'appens when ya' shoot sum'on who 'az a 'air." The orc shouted out, staring up at the battlements, his arms crossed, his feet spaced, ready.
Idiots.
Of course, atleast the woman in his arms, which he began to let down onto her feet at her struggle, screamed for them to stop. Then there was some git with a giant hat that acted all important up there... He didn't mind it, but it would be better not to scream 'Orc! Orc! Orc!' In the first place.
"Y'all are a bunch'o soddin' gits, pointin' bows 'en 'rrows, 'en sticks at'ah lone orc! Wha! Woz ya' think I'm gunn'ah do 'eh!? Punch down ya wallz!? Toss up 'ah stables beddin'? Da' worst I 'ould do 'ez turn 'round 'en moon ya!"
He growled, crossing his arms. "'Et takes true 'allz ta' not kill'ah git in da' foice a' dang'ah o' fear! Now, if ya' dun' 'ave da' 'equired genital's, I'll b'eh sure ta' instruct ya' on what 'appens when ya' shoot sum'on who 'az a 'air." The orc shouted out, staring up at the battlements, his arms crossed, his feet spaced, ready.
Lady Markett.
Una groaned internally. She did not like being called a lady. It was thrust upon her by birth but by no means did House Markett consider Una a lady. She was a bastard and nothing more to them. And yet, there she stood before the massive gates of Krinsgate a warrior and a Holy Cleric of the Order.
Neither did Una wished for any to know of her location. No doubt that the Traegar house and now her own would know where it was that Una was travelling. She must move from this place soon and rider for Skyfall Citadel at once.
The gates swung outward as shouts of men called out orders. After the wizard had called out Una's name, the men were quick to forget their grievance against the orc. If such a creature was in the company of a noble who were they to question. They did not wish to be put to the gallows for treasoneous acts.
Una kept a grip as much as she could on the orc's arm. She could bear no weight down on her ankle. It had swollen in the boot and throbbed for the mere pressure of being a lower body injury. It was likely broken.
"Hear not their words, Oaklum," said Una. "They carry the grudges of old men past, centuries long gone from the Territorial Wars. It is not their words, nor were they mine. Humans are not terribly smart creatures..." Perhaps the apology from her lips would suffice to the orc. She'd not dishonored the gods by offending their gift.
"I must find a cleric," Una said to Oaklum.
Una groaned internally. She did not like being called a lady. It was thrust upon her by birth but by no means did House Markett consider Una a lady. She was a bastard and nothing more to them. And yet, there she stood before the massive gates of Krinsgate a warrior and a Holy Cleric of the Order.
Neither did Una wished for any to know of her location. No doubt that the Traegar house and now her own would know where it was that Una was travelling. She must move from this place soon and rider for Skyfall Citadel at once.
The gates swung outward as shouts of men called out orders. After the wizard had called out Una's name, the men were quick to forget their grievance against the orc. If such a creature was in the company of a noble who were they to question. They did not wish to be put to the gallows for treasoneous acts.
Una kept a grip as much as she could on the orc's arm. She could bear no weight down on her ankle. It had swollen in the boot and throbbed for the mere pressure of being a lower body injury. It was likely broken.
"Hear not their words, Oaklum," said Una. "They carry the grudges of old men past, centuries long gone from the Territorial Wars. It is not their words, nor were they mine. Humans are not terribly smart creatures..." Perhaps the apology from her lips would suffice to the orc. She'd not dishonored the gods by offending their gift.
"I must find a cleric," Una said to Oaklum.
Oaklum snorted, regardless of Una's plea with him. They carry grudges of other men? They carry grudges not their own! Pitiful.
"Dun matt'ah. Dey wann'ah be pig 'eaded 'nuff ta' rely on oth'ah 'eoples words, 'den 'dey are people I dun' wanna know. Ya' nev'ah, ev'ah, judge someone by w'ah oth'ah 'eople say. Ya see 'et fo' ya' self. Otherwise, oth'ah 'eople have power over ya'." The orc grunted, hefting the woman back up and along.
"En da' fact 'ez, I know 'dere smart enough ta' build 'dis..." The orc made an offhand gesture to the city before them as he trudged forward. "En yet' d'ey so blind 'dey can't tell 'riend from foe, or 'dere own thoughts from oth'ahs. Woz ev'ah. M'ah fault for travlin' 'en hummi'eh lands. 'Dey wanna be gits, 'dey can be gits, 'en suff'ah da consquences fo 'et."
The orc passed under the gates with Una in tow, his eyes peering into the interior with steel. "Ta' be held back by da' grudges of da' past, 'ez ta' nev'ah take a step forward... 'He who walks, arrives!' da' sayin' goes, but folks like 'dese nev'ah even take da' first step. So I dun' care."
The orc merely snorted to this, then turned back to Una. "Cleric. Where 'ez 'dat?"
"Dun matt'ah. Dey wann'ah be pig 'eaded 'nuff ta' rely on oth'ah 'eoples words, 'den 'dey are people I dun' wanna know. Ya' nev'ah, ev'ah, judge someone by w'ah oth'ah 'eople say. Ya see 'et fo' ya' self. Otherwise, oth'ah 'eople have power over ya'." The orc grunted, hefting the woman back up and along.
"En da' fact 'ez, I know 'dere smart enough ta' build 'dis..." The orc made an offhand gesture to the city before them as he trudged forward. "En yet' d'ey so blind 'dey can't tell 'riend from foe, or 'dere own thoughts from oth'ahs. Woz ev'ah. M'ah fault for travlin' 'en hummi'eh lands. 'Dey wanna be gits, 'dey can be gits, 'en suff'ah da consquences fo 'et."
The orc passed under the gates with Una in tow, his eyes peering into the interior with steel. "Ta' be held back by da' grudges of da' past, 'ez ta' nev'ah take a step forward... 'He who walks, arrives!' da' sayin' goes, but folks like 'dese nev'ah even take da' first step. So I dun' care."
The orc merely snorted to this, then turned back to Una. "Cleric. Where 'ez 'dat?"
As the town's gates opened there seemed to be plenty of people gawking at the sight of the duo, the ork and the woman. Many of the merchants keep to themselves not wishing to draw upon their attention and those few guards who allowed them to enter did not come to their aid in order to help with the injury.
"Hey, move aside, move aside!" A loud and mouthy feline pushed his way past a few of the market goers only to look around at the scene before him and more specifically at the ork and his female traveling companion. Serratz the Feline Provocative would not engage them but simply gasped and watched on from a distance.
It would seem that many of the market goers would not act but Bigsby turned up with his mammoth sized hat atop his head and a strange staff in his gnarled grip. "Injuries upon the road as of late are becoming more common. I'm surprised that either of you did not take a safer route to arrive here." Bigsby reached deep inside his robe and produced a single clay potion bottle which had a tag of a stag sitting upon its neck.
"Hey, move aside, move aside!" A loud and mouthy feline pushed his way past a few of the market goers only to look around at the scene before him and more specifically at the ork and his female traveling companion. Serratz the Feline Provocative would not engage them but simply gasped and watched on from a distance.
It would seem that many of the market goers would not act but Bigsby turned up with his mammoth sized hat atop his head and a strange staff in his gnarled grip. "Injuries upon the road as of late are becoming more common. I'm surprised that either of you did not take a safer route to arrive here." Bigsby reached deep inside his robe and produced a single clay potion bottle which had a tag of a stag sitting upon its neck.
Una listened to the words that Oaklum spoke. There was wisdom in them and it made the creature a bit more endearing to the warrioress. The corner of Una's mouth rose the barest of fractions.
"The cleric will be-" Una's words were cut off as the wizard who had yelled her name from the parapets approached them. The ghost of humor dropped from Una's face and a frown replaced it.
"Wizard," Una stated. "It was not my intention to announce my arrival. I am on a mission of import and you may very well strike me down where I stand now." The displeasure was clear in her tone of voice. Una sighed however and let it pass.
"What is done, is done," the woman said while staring down eyes that may have lingered upon them. Far too many ears and eyes.
Una reached for the potion, and drank it down. A healing fire washed down her throat and settled down into her belly. Within a few moments Una was able to ask Oaklum to put her back on her feet.
"I need to find supplies for Oaklum and myself. I'll need a horse. I ride tonight," Una demanded, walking toward the stables. Even with it being well past sun fall, Una was determined to not rest and carry on with her quest.
"The cleric will be-" Una's words were cut off as the wizard who had yelled her name from the parapets approached them. The ghost of humor dropped from Una's face and a frown replaced it.
"Wizard," Una stated. "It was not my intention to announce my arrival. I am on a mission of import and you may very well strike me down where I stand now." The displeasure was clear in her tone of voice. Una sighed however and let it pass.
"What is done, is done," the woman said while staring down eyes that may have lingered upon them. Far too many ears and eyes.
Una reached for the potion, and drank it down. A healing fire washed down her throat and settled down into her belly. Within a few moments Una was able to ask Oaklum to put her back on her feet.
"I need to find supplies for Oaklum and myself. I'll need a horse. I ride tonight," Una demanded, walking toward the stables. Even with it being well past sun fall, Una was determined to not rest and carry on with her quest.
Oaklum settled his eyes on what Una called a 'Wizard'. Wizard. Oaklum could forgive Una for her use of magic, given it's more holy, and therefore divine, nature. After all, power gifted by the gods, the very beings who set forth the motion of this world, was in itself, a natural power. Well... He thought that. Draith on the other hand disagreed constantly, but the Orc wasn't friends with Draith for it's blasted opinions.
Wizards, however, made their own magic, deriving it from either divine, foul, or their own wit. It was unnatural in the orcs mind, and though he could forgive it for it's more practical uses, he surely didn't understand the more varied uses of magic.
When Una drank a potion, and was suddenly able to stand herself, all the Orc could do was stare. He'd have bashed her in the head again, except too many would cry out 'assualt' like a bunch of milk drinkers. Who in 'dere ioght mind goes travelin' without 'dat sort'ah thing? I mean, ya' obviousl'eh 'ave access to 'et, 'ell, ya can make da' dead mist shift back! How da'... Bah, woz ev'ah. He thought angrily, following behind her. He resolved he wouldn't head butt her... But ensured that she thought better next time.
"So, if ya' gunn'ah 'ave m'eh tag 'long... Woz ya' stor'eh? Woz going on with ya' 'en da' priceless lookin' sword?"
Wizards, however, made their own magic, deriving it from either divine, foul, or their own wit. It was unnatural in the orcs mind, and though he could forgive it for it's more practical uses, he surely didn't understand the more varied uses of magic.
When Una drank a potion, and was suddenly able to stand herself, all the Orc could do was stare. He'd have bashed her in the head again, except too many would cry out 'assualt' like a bunch of milk drinkers. Who in 'dere ioght mind goes travelin' without 'dat sort'ah thing? I mean, ya' obviousl'eh 'ave access to 'et, 'ell, ya can make da' dead mist shift back! How da'... Bah, woz ev'ah. He thought angrily, following behind her. He resolved he wouldn't head butt her... But ensured that she thought better next time.
"So, if ya' gunn'ah 'ave m'eh tag 'long... Woz ya' stor'eh? Woz going on with ya' 'en da' priceless lookin' sword?"
The wizard simply smirked like a devil from beneath his massive cap. He had no foul intentions for the lady or her traveling companion but thought it odd that one would simply take something with little regard as to what they would be drinking or how it would taste. It was honestly a miracle that she did not gag on the chalky liquid or that it would taste like grease set ablaze with peppers and burnt thime. All he could do was simply allow the two travelers to pass while keeping up from behind.
"You need supplies for a journey. I imagine it must be of the utmost importance if you once again intend on injuring yourself." Bigsby noted the feline in the crowd only to wave the young cat over. "Find my apprentice. Tell her we are making another distracting turn in our journey.....if she asks why inform her I have an interest here." Bigsby waved the feline off only to then follow Lady Markett and her orcish companion.
"I doubt you will find a horse worth saddling within this small town. Many curriers make their way around this locale unless bidden to do so." Bigsby began to speed up a bit as he looked back to see that cat gone from his sights. "What if I told you there was another way to arrive at whatever location your trying to reach."
The old man took note of the so called priceless sword that the orc had mentioned only to make a mental note of it. Perhaps she herself had a message to deliver and if so Bigsby needed to be present.
"You need supplies for a journey. I imagine it must be of the utmost importance if you once again intend on injuring yourself." Bigsby noted the feline in the crowd only to wave the young cat over. "Find my apprentice. Tell her we are making another distracting turn in our journey.....if she asks why inform her I have an interest here." Bigsby waved the feline off only to then follow Lady Markett and her orcish companion.
"I doubt you will find a horse worth saddling within this small town. Many curriers make their way around this locale unless bidden to do so." Bigsby began to speed up a bit as he looked back to see that cat gone from his sights. "What if I told you there was another way to arrive at whatever location your trying to reach."
The old man took note of the so called priceless sword that the orc had mentioned only to make a mental note of it. Perhaps she herself had a message to deliver and if so Bigsby needed to be present.
Meanwhile deep within the bowels of the Market, Qenna grew quite frustrated. She had been several alchemy shops, herbalist shops and over a dozen poison and potion makers and none of them seemed to have any sort of answer as to the dilemma the young woman had. She had an impossible task, one that seemed so relatively easy yet was so far beyond her reach. She slumped her shoulders and found a small bench to sit upon while holding the staff close to her. Maybe she wasnt meant to end him? Maybe her father would just continue his reign until the end of his incredibly long life? Maybe everything she had done was all for nothing.
She slumped and resigned herself to the fate that her father would most likely remain alive and that she could not attain the position as ruler of the city of Inikhethadaternock. With a grumble and a growl, the young Arcanist rose and went about to puruse the shops with a bit more of a mirthful nature. Perhaps something shiny would help cheer her up and she came upon a jeweler's tent, looking over the wares while inspecting the wonderful shiny things inside. She smiled a bit while she looked down upon the rows of amulets as the owner of the tent approached her. He was a tall human with short brown hair and deep blue eyes.
"My my...such a beautiful woman coming down to my humble establishment. Do you see anything you like?"
He asked as she gazed upon the jewels. Her eyes looked up towards the man and she simply bowed her head and pointed towards one of the amulets in particular. A large golden amulet with an impressively sized emerald in it
"Yes. How much for this one?"
"This? This is one of my most prized and expensive pieces. But for you...ten thousand gold"
The offer was too good to be true and she nodded eagerly, giving him the gold in exchange for the wonderful new trinket. Bowing she thanked the man and turned to see the cat standing behind her.
"My lady, The Grand Wizard is a-"
Before the cat could finish his statement, Qenna tapped her staff to the ground and all around her, time seemed to virtually freeze in it's tracks. At outward appearances anyway...she knew it was still flowing for everyone else but infinitely slower for herself
"I wonder what Bigsby could want" She said and began to walk towards the location of Bigsby and company, humming a tune as she went with her tail swaying back and forth in a delighted manner. Her eyes went down to the amulet around her neck and couldnt help but smile. Maybe it wasnt so bad that she could not take over Inikhethadaternock's throne. Her position was laughably easy to replace...and traveling with Master Big Hat was certainly much more adventurous. So many new things were being opened for her and the thought did make her smile just a bit bigger. So what if she didnt have power? She had something her father sorely lacked: All the time in the world.
As soon as she found the party, frozen in time she tapped the ground with her staff and as if she had just magically appeared before them, she stood there. She bowed and tapped the staff on the ground "You called Master Big Hat?" she asked, now looking upon the group he was with and gave them all a raised brow "I see you have found a few more traveling companions Master Big Hat"
She slumped and resigned herself to the fate that her father would most likely remain alive and that she could not attain the position as ruler of the city of Inikhethadaternock. With a grumble and a growl, the young Arcanist rose and went about to puruse the shops with a bit more of a mirthful nature. Perhaps something shiny would help cheer her up and she came upon a jeweler's tent, looking over the wares while inspecting the wonderful shiny things inside. She smiled a bit while she looked down upon the rows of amulets as the owner of the tent approached her. He was a tall human with short brown hair and deep blue eyes.
"My my...such a beautiful woman coming down to my humble establishment. Do you see anything you like?"
He asked as she gazed upon the jewels. Her eyes looked up towards the man and she simply bowed her head and pointed towards one of the amulets in particular. A large golden amulet with an impressively sized emerald in it
"Yes. How much for this one?"
"This? This is one of my most prized and expensive pieces. But for you...ten thousand gold"
The offer was too good to be true and she nodded eagerly, giving him the gold in exchange for the wonderful new trinket. Bowing she thanked the man and turned to see the cat standing behind her.
"My lady, The Grand Wizard is a-"
Before the cat could finish his statement, Qenna tapped her staff to the ground and all around her, time seemed to virtually freeze in it's tracks. At outward appearances anyway...she knew it was still flowing for everyone else but infinitely slower for herself
"I wonder what Bigsby could want" She said and began to walk towards the location of Bigsby and company, humming a tune as she went with her tail swaying back and forth in a delighted manner. Her eyes went down to the amulet around her neck and couldnt help but smile. Maybe it wasnt so bad that she could not take over Inikhethadaternock's throne. Her position was laughably easy to replace...and traveling with Master Big Hat was certainly much more adventurous. So many new things were being opened for her and the thought did make her smile just a bit bigger. So what if she didnt have power? She had something her father sorely lacked: All the time in the world.
As soon as she found the party, frozen in time she tapped the ground with her staff and as if she had just magically appeared before them, she stood there. She bowed and tapped the staff on the ground "You called Master Big Hat?" she asked, now looking upon the group he was with and gave them all a raised brow "I see you have found a few more traveling companions Master Big Hat"
Parisa made her way out of the woods and to a watering hole. It had been four days since she ran away from her home and so far no one had followed her. She had hidden in trees and bushes and even in someone's house. Now she was exhausted and thirsty. Making sure no one was around, she ran, and dropped to her knees. Cupping water into her mouth she laughed at how cool and satisfying it was on her dried lips and tongue. It had been a couple days since she had actual water. Anything from berries hardly did a thing.
Now she was here. She liked this place a lot. The animals were friendly and the butterflies loved her. It wouldn't be hard to make a home here. Though she had seen a few humans along the way, there were not so much that it would be a problem. Checking around one more time she dropped her cloak and spread her wings. They were almost translucent with a hint of brown and green. Her twin brother had the same pair.
"Ahh, this feel so nice." She stretched. "It has been forever since I could let you guys out." They flapped happily.
Now she was here. She liked this place a lot. The animals were friendly and the butterflies loved her. It wouldn't be hard to make a home here. Though she had seen a few humans along the way, there were not so much that it would be a problem. Checking around one more time she dropped her cloak and spread her wings. They were almost translucent with a hint of brown and green. Her twin brother had the same pair.
"Ahh, this feel so nice." She stretched. "It has been forever since I could let you guys out." They flapped happily.
Overhead, a shadow went over the trees. It was large, but not so large as to be gargantuan but large enough to be considered threatening by most on this planet. She had been here for some years now with her mate and while he slept, she took it upon herself to see more of this world and to enjoy the world around her.
Cynder flapped her wings and flew lower over the forests of the Golden Vale, far enough from home to be alone yet close enough to retreat should the rowdy humans get too curious. She let out a delighted roar as she flapped her wings ever harder and barreled her way towards the tree tops. Spying a spot in the forests that had a small lake, the black adult wyrm soon landed upon the edge of the pool and lowered her head to drink.
Completely unaware of the fairy that was nearby, she was just simply content to drink and enjoy the crispness of the waters that no doubt came from a spring that ran through the mountains.
Cynder flapped her wings and flew lower over the forests of the Golden Vale, far enough from home to be alone yet close enough to retreat should the rowdy humans get too curious. She let out a delighted roar as she flapped her wings ever harder and barreled her way towards the tree tops. Spying a spot in the forests that had a small lake, the black adult wyrm soon landed upon the edge of the pool and lowered her head to drink.
Completely unaware of the fairy that was nearby, she was just simply content to drink and enjoy the crispness of the waters that no doubt came from a spring that ran through the mountains.
She had been twirling when she saw the shadow rush over, but hadn't got a good enough look at it. She knew it was big, that's for sure. Thinking safety in the woods would be best, she hurried to the trees in just enough time to hear the roar and froze, it was definitely a dragon.
Her parents had told them stories of dragons. Some of them good and some of them bad, but none of them had ever actually seen one so to them dragons were things of myths and lore. Most of her siblings didn't believe in them and even took the time to tease her about the fact that she believed that they were real. There were always some truth in myths, legends, lore, etc. Now she was watched as one landed about a few hundred yards away from her. If only she could show her siblings and a parents, but there was no way she could 1. Get the dragon over there. 2. Get her family over here. 3. Or go back home.
The dragon before Parisa was black as night with red under its wings and body. The thing that caught her eyes the most were the blue gyms and silver color. Was this dragon someone's pet or ride? From what she heard dragons were creatures to always be feared good or bad and that if good they would stand side by side with humans, elves, and fairies.
She tired getting closer, using the trees as shields, this was an opportunity and she took it. If she died, and she hoped she wouldn't, at least she would have been doing something she wanted to do.
Her parents had told them stories of dragons. Some of them good and some of them bad, but none of them had ever actually seen one so to them dragons were things of myths and lore. Most of her siblings didn't believe in them and even took the time to tease her about the fact that she believed that they were real. There were always some truth in myths, legends, lore, etc. Now she was watched as one landed about a few hundred yards away from her. If only she could show her siblings and a parents, but there was no way she could 1. Get the dragon over there. 2. Get her family over here. 3. Or go back home.
The dragon before Parisa was black as night with red under its wings and body. The thing that caught her eyes the most were the blue gyms and silver color. Was this dragon someone's pet or ride? From what she heard dragons were creatures to always be feared good or bad and that if good they would stand side by side with humans, elves, and fairies.
She tired getting closer, using the trees as shields, this was an opportunity and she took it. If she died, and she hoped she wouldn't, at least she would have been doing something she wanted to do.
Cynder's maw dipped below the water so she could drink, eyes closed as she breathed out several plumes of black smoke from her nostrils as her tail swayed back and forth. The bladed claws and tail tip gleamed in the sunlight which cast some spots with light in the reflection. As the wind blow, she could smell something. Something rather close to her which caused her eyes to open sharply and looked about the trees. She took in another breath and exhaled again.
"Come out. I can smell you you know" She said, hunched over slightly as if to pounce. But her eyes went to the treeline, sniffing the air a few times.
"I haven't smelled one of your kind before. You must be one of the denizens of this world that I have not yet encountered. Come out so I may see you. I promise I will not harm you"
The Dragon sounded female, though it was very gravelly of a voice as the female moved away from the water and laid down on her belly while curling her legs underneath herself. Her fore paws went out in front of her while her wings closed and nestled themselves against her body. She laid her head upon her paws and simply waited for whatever it was to come out.
"Come out. I can smell you you know" She said, hunched over slightly as if to pounce. But her eyes went to the treeline, sniffing the air a few times.
"I haven't smelled one of your kind before. You must be one of the denizens of this world that I have not yet encountered. Come out so I may see you. I promise I will not harm you"
The Dragon sounded female, though it was very gravelly of a voice as the female moved away from the water and laid down on her belly while curling her legs underneath herself. Her fore paws went out in front of her while her wings closed and nestled themselves against her body. She laid her head upon her paws and simply waited for whatever it was to come out.
"A what? A Dragon? Show me!"
A small white sparrow fluttered about in Rika's face, chirping and telling her what was seen. The roar could have been proof, but there are some things in the forest that could make that sound. The sparrow tweeted and chirped before fluttering off into the foliage. Rika dashed forward and quickly scaled a tree.
With the precision and grace of an acrobat, she jumped between branches, swung on vines and slid down mossy logs to quickly navigate through the woods she so desperately guarded.
A dragon could be bad news, depending on the type and gender, the whole forest could be in danger. There were a few caves around in which large hoards of treasure might be found and Rika knew of the fierce passion in which Dragons coveted gold. She dashed quickly and silently through the woods until she reached the lake.
She stayed hidden in the darkness of the brush as she spied the Black Wyrm. Other than the Silver Dragon, she had never seen another. Great stories were woven around the Great Serpents and their potential. Cynder frightened Rika, though she was magnificent.
A small white sparrow fluttered about in Rika's face, chirping and telling her what was seen. The roar could have been proof, but there are some things in the forest that could make that sound. The sparrow tweeted and chirped before fluttering off into the foliage. Rika dashed forward and quickly scaled a tree.
With the precision and grace of an acrobat, she jumped between branches, swung on vines and slid down mossy logs to quickly navigate through the woods she so desperately guarded.
A dragon could be bad news, depending on the type and gender, the whole forest could be in danger. There were a few caves around in which large hoards of treasure might be found and Rika knew of the fierce passion in which Dragons coveted gold. She dashed quickly and silently through the woods until she reached the lake.
She stayed hidden in the darkness of the brush as she spied the Black Wyrm. Other than the Silver Dragon, she had never seen another. Great stories were woven around the Great Serpents and their potential. Cynder frightened Rika, though she was magnificent.
Parisa tensed, she didn't even think about them smelling. How could she forget such a thing? She slowly emerged from the trees, her wings were still out and her cloak still on the ground where she had dropped it. Her silver hair shinned in the sunlight and almost made her wings invisible.
Her hand made a small gesture, like a wave. "H-Hello...I uh...I was here first, but it isn't mine. You can totally drink from the water too. I was just...I wasn't trying to sneak up on you. I was actually curious you see, my parents... they... they told us stories when we were younger. Some good and some bad, though I hear the bad ones come from humans." She rambled on and on. Her eyes averted to the river and anything around the dragon to where she didn't have to make eye contact.
Her hands fidgeted with her ivory dress. Any form of bravery was almost gone.
Her hand made a small gesture, like a wave. "H-Hello...I uh...I was here first, but it isn't mine. You can totally drink from the water too. I was just...I wasn't trying to sneak up on you. I was actually curious you see, my parents... they... they told us stories when we were younger. Some good and some bad, though I hear the bad ones come from humans." She rambled on and on. Her eyes averted to the river and anything around the dragon to where she didn't have to make eye contact.
Her hands fidgeted with her ivory dress. Any form of bravery was almost gone.
Cynder spied the fairy peeking out, then emerging from the trees not too far off. Of course she was free to drink from the lake, it was there after all. Her head tilted slightly to the left, letting out a heavy breath in which a thick plume of black smoke came from her maw as she rose up to her full height. She made a few steps forwards to get closer to the small creature then laid back down once again, now able to get a better look at her.
Her tail curled inwards and rested by her side as her head slowly lowered down to inspect the creature and took in a few deep breaths then exhaled through her nostrils. With a slow motion, she leaned in and gently rubbed her snout against the tiny fairy in an attempt to calm it down.
"You are alright small one. I don't plan on eating one so small nor would I want to. You are certainly not on my list of favorite foods. In fact, I have never seen such a creature like you. Save for back where I come from. What is your name small one? My name is Cynder"
The Dragoness's eyes shifted towards the trees and scanned the treeline for a moment as another scent caught on the wind. Yet for now, she was more intrigued by this small fairy then whatever was lurking in the trees. After a second, her attention turned right back to the fairy with her head down so she could give the tiny thing her full attention.
Her tail curled inwards and rested by her side as her head slowly lowered down to inspect the creature and took in a few deep breaths then exhaled through her nostrils. With a slow motion, she leaned in and gently rubbed her snout against the tiny fairy in an attempt to calm it down.
"You are alright small one. I don't plan on eating one so small nor would I want to. You are certainly not on my list of favorite foods. In fact, I have never seen such a creature like you. Save for back where I come from. What is your name small one? My name is Cynder"
The Dragoness's eyes shifted towards the trees and scanned the treeline for a moment as another scent caught on the wind. Yet for now, she was more intrigued by this small fairy then whatever was lurking in the trees. After a second, her attention turned right back to the fairy with her head down so she could give the tiny thing her full attention.
Rika was transfixed on Cynder, she was completely different from the Silver Dragon. Rika jumped slightly at the black plumes of smoke, a fire dragon. A fire Dragoness to be exact. Rika quickly dashed around the tree line to find a different angle to observe from.
Then Parisa stepped out of the shadows and towards the Dragoness. It was a Fairy, they didn't live in this part of the woods. The situation grew curiouser and curiouser. A small field mouse scurried next to Rika and began squeaking softly. She reached down and picked the small rodent up and held it level with her eyes. "Go tell your king to spread word of a fire dragon in the Golden Vale, tell him to send word to all corners of the forest to prepare for anything"
The mouse squeaked and scurried off into the woods. Rika's attention returned to the Dragon and the Fairy who were conversing. She kept her eyes trained on the Dragon, her body was crouched and ready to leap and attempt to save the Fairy if the dragon turned violent.
Then Parisa stepped out of the shadows and towards the Dragoness. It was a Fairy, they didn't live in this part of the woods. The situation grew curiouser and curiouser. A small field mouse scurried next to Rika and began squeaking softly. She reached down and picked the small rodent up and held it level with her eyes. "Go tell your king to spread word of a fire dragon in the Golden Vale, tell him to send word to all corners of the forest to prepare for anything"
The mouse squeaked and scurried off into the woods. Rika's attention returned to the Dragon and the Fairy who were conversing. She kept her eyes trained on the Dragon, her body was crouched and ready to leap and attempt to save the Fairy if the dragon turned violent.
Her body tensed as the dragon got up and walked toward her, only to lay back down again. She wanted to relax, but this was all so new to her. She had to play it safe, though when she was nudged softly by the dragon's muff a small giggle let out. Warm and cold at the same time. She never felt that before.
Carefully reaching out she gently petted the dragon. Rough warm skin ran under her hand. It sort of felt like the cloth they used for their weapons back home. Her hand shot back, what if it was the skin of dragons they used. Shaking her head, that couldn't be. Her people were no match for dragons, let alone one.
"My name is Parisa Evanthe Winters, 7th daughter and twin of the Winters family. It is nice to meet you Cynder, Dragon of....where ever we are." She smiled gently swayed some. "I am not from here though. Oh no, I am from a place some kind of far away." She turned back where she came from and pointed. "My people, my family..." She turned back to the dragon, "they want me to marry and follow the same footsteps everyone takes. No questions asked. I simply do not wish to wed someone I do not love and would like not to be put in a boxed life."
Parisa's eyes followed Cynder, but saw nothing. Then she leaned in, smiled, and whispered, "I am, after all, a Butterfly Fairy."
Carefully reaching out she gently petted the dragon. Rough warm skin ran under her hand. It sort of felt like the cloth they used for their weapons back home. Her hand shot back, what if it was the skin of dragons they used. Shaking her head, that couldn't be. Her people were no match for dragons, let alone one.
"My name is Parisa Evanthe Winters, 7th daughter and twin of the Winters family. It is nice to meet you Cynder, Dragon of....where ever we are." She smiled gently swayed some. "I am not from here though. Oh no, I am from a place some kind of far away." She turned back where she came from and pointed. "My people, my family..." She turned back to the dragon, "they want me to marry and follow the same footsteps everyone takes. No questions asked. I simply do not wish to wed someone I do not love and would like not to be put in a boxed life."
Parisa's eyes followed Cynder, but saw nothing. Then she leaned in, smiled, and whispered, "I am, after all, a Butterfly Fairy."
"I am afraid I do not know the marriage customs of your kind or of those whom walk on two legs. But I do know that we as the females must submit to our males but only to those we find worthy. My mate is a strong male but he knows that I am worthy of his respect. We find our mates in the time that we decide to take them. An odd way of phrasing it but its the best I could do. I am not one for such matters as this is more instinct"
The female let out a plume of smoke from the sides of her maw to avoid breathing it out of her nostrils onto the poor fairy. Her head inclined up and down to nod before she lifted her head again to sniff the air a few times. The scent had moved and her eyes now moved about the tree line before speaking up.
"For a hunter, you are terrible at hiding your scent. Come out so I might see your face and know your scent better"
Cynder rose and turned to face towards the source of the scent, Rika though she couldn't see her through the foliage. While moving, her tail swept in front of Parisa to keep her out of view of who or whatever might be dwelling within the trees. She growled a deep, bellowing growl from within her throat and chest. Her maw dripped a green viscous fluid that dripped down onto the ground. Where it struck, there was an intense sizzling as the earth below began to be eaten away by a very potent acid.
"Parisa stay behind me just in case this is not a friend...I'd prefer you safe from harm"
The female let out a plume of smoke from the sides of her maw to avoid breathing it out of her nostrils onto the poor fairy. Her head inclined up and down to nod before she lifted her head again to sniff the air a few times. The scent had moved and her eyes now moved about the tree line before speaking up.
"For a hunter, you are terrible at hiding your scent. Come out so I might see your face and know your scent better"
Cynder rose and turned to face towards the source of the scent, Rika though she couldn't see her through the foliage. While moving, her tail swept in front of Parisa to keep her out of view of who or whatever might be dwelling within the trees. She growled a deep, bellowing growl from within her throat and chest. Her maw dripped a green viscous fluid that dripped down onto the ground. Where it struck, there was an intense sizzling as the earth below began to be eaten away by a very potent acid.
"Parisa stay behind me just in case this is not a friend...I'd prefer you safe from harm"
Rika's eyes narrowed "Hunter?" She mumbled. Maybe there was another person in the tree line hiding from the dragon? Shedidn't put two and two together until Cynder's eyes locked onto Rika's spot and she started drooling corrosive spit. "Okay! Okay! E-easy there!" She squeaked as she scrambled out of the brush. "There's no need for violence, my name is Rika, I act as the Green Warden and Guardian of these woods. " She said with her hands in the air.
"I am not armed, I do not wish to bring harm to you. I was simply wondering what a magnificent beast like you is doing in these woods? Some would say, a Black Dragon is an ill omen, that soon calamity will be upon us. Others say, a Black Dragon is death itself. " She explained, stepping forward carefully "Which is it, that brings you to our woods, and what are you planning to do with that Fae Folk?" She asked with a brave face.
"I am not armed, I do not wish to bring harm to you. I was simply wondering what a magnificent beast like you is doing in these woods? Some would say, a Black Dragon is an ill omen, that soon calamity will be upon us. Others say, a Black Dragon is death itself. " She explained, stepping forward carefully "Which is it, that brings you to our woods, and what are you planning to do with that Fae Folk?" She asked with a brave face.
Parisa's white cheeks flushed. The mere thought of a mate was embarrassing. For her to find someone would be almost impossible. She was too adventurous, too curious, too naive or so her parents and elders told her. Maybe she was, but she would be okay with that as long as she could find friends along the way in her adventures, but what if one day the adventures lead her to settle? Shaking her head, she wasn't going to think about that, not when there was a whole world out there waiting for her.
She had no idea that there was someone else among them and was a bit taken back at the sudden movement of the dragon. She did as she was told and hid behind the dragon, if only to peek around it to see who or what it was. The small girl was tiny, something she wasn't expecting... especially as a hunter. The hunters she seen on her way here were either bulky men or lanky women.
"Which is it, that brings you to our woods, and what are you planning to do with that Fae Folk?" said the tiny girl. Was she worried about her? Right then her defenses were up, what if the tiny girl was paid to bring her home.
"I won't go back! You can go back and tell my parents that!" She yelled from behind Cynder.
She had no idea that there was someone else among them and was a bit taken back at the sudden movement of the dragon. She did as she was told and hid behind the dragon, if only to peek around it to see who or what it was. The small girl was tiny, something she wasn't expecting... especially as a hunter. The hunters she seen on her way here were either bulky men or lanky women.
"Which is it, that brings you to our woods, and what are you planning to do with that Fae Folk?" said the tiny girl. Was she worried about her? Right then her defenses were up, what if the tiny girl was paid to bring her home.
"I won't go back! You can go back and tell my parents that!" She yelled from behind Cynder.
An audible hiss came from Cynder's maw while she stood in front of the small fae creature while looking upon this 'Green Warden' with suspicion. She had never seen nor heard of this organization before but the little fairy's yelling made her feel even more so then usual. She growled low while her eyes glowed a dull shade of red. She lowed herself down as if to pounce but held there.
"I came here to rest for a moment before searching for some food when I encountered this fairy drinking from the pool. She said she had left home and was exploring when she saw me. Seeing as how I had no reason to eat her, I wished for conversation as my home is farther away from here then most human populations. Then I smelled you...and I don't know what to make of you Warden"
Cynder's maw still drooled the acid as she glared daggers at this woman before taking a single step forward.
"So I ask you: Are you a friend or a foe?"
"I came here to rest for a moment before searching for some food when I encountered this fairy drinking from the pool. She said she had left home and was exploring when she saw me. Seeing as how I had no reason to eat her, I wished for conversation as my home is farther away from here then most human populations. Then I smelled you...and I don't know what to make of you Warden"
Cynder's maw still drooled the acid as she glared daggers at this woman before taking a single step forward.
"So I ask you: Are you a friend or a foe?"
"All you need to know is a Green Warden is a friend to the forest. As long as you remain as such then we have no problems."Rika said with a smirk "It seems like you have no intention of harming the forest, So I suppose I will take my leave. Good-morrow" She bowed and dashed back off into the forest.
Meanwhile, snoozing in a nearby tree was a young feline looking creature. Her tail swayed dreamily as she enjoyed a pleasant dream on a pleasant day. That was until a black cloud of smoke invaded her nostrils and lungs. She gasped and choked as her eyes shot open. She sneezed twice and coughed more. She dramatically gasped for air and shifted her weight slightly, enough for her momentum to topple her over.
Her face registered surprise for a moment before she started to flail her arms and legs. "N-N-Nooooo!!! Yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!" She screamed as she fell out of the tree, bounced off a few branches and landed on the ground, Face first in front of Cynder and Parisa with an "Ooof!". Her long tail fell over her slowly, like a drape. She groaned and whimpered a bit as she raised her head slowly.
The first thing she saw were claws like meat hooks. She held her breath as she looked up to see the Dragon's face "Hehehehehehe........heheheheheheheh........" She chuckled nervously "I was just...eheheheh....bye!" She said before dashing back toward the tree line, only to make it five steps and trip.
She did a silly little hop for a moment before, her arms flailed like a bird struggling to fly, before she fell on her face again. She skidded a few inches on her face before she stopped and flopped on the ground producing a small cloud of dust. Her tail once again draped over her slowly on the ground. All that could be heard from her were some more whimpers and groans.
Meanwhile, snoozing in a nearby tree was a young feline looking creature. Her tail swayed dreamily as she enjoyed a pleasant dream on a pleasant day. That was until a black cloud of smoke invaded her nostrils and lungs. She gasped and choked as her eyes shot open. She sneezed twice and coughed more. She dramatically gasped for air and shifted her weight slightly, enough for her momentum to topple her over.
Her face registered surprise for a moment before she started to flail her arms and legs. "N-N-Nooooo!!! Yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!!" She screamed as she fell out of the tree, bounced off a few branches and landed on the ground, Face first in front of Cynder and Parisa with an "Ooof!". Her long tail fell over her slowly, like a drape. She groaned and whimpered a bit as she raised her head slowly.
The first thing she saw were claws like meat hooks. She held her breath as she looked up to see the Dragon's face "Hehehehehehe........heheheheheheheh........" She chuckled nervously "I was just...eheheheh....bye!" She said before dashing back toward the tree line, only to make it five steps and trip.
She did a silly little hop for a moment before, her arms flailed like a bird struggling to fly, before she fell on her face again. She skidded a few inches on her face before she stopped and flopped on the ground producing a small cloud of dust. Her tail once again draped over her slowly on the ground. All that could be heard from her were some more whimpers and groans.
Persia's head tilted to the right, something was off with that Green Warden, but before she could do anything the tiny creature was gone. Not that she didn't mind, if she was working for her father and mother, it would be some time before they would find out though. So she would be safe for now, at least she hoped.
She had turned to look up at Cynder just in time to see a fluffy creature appear in front of them. Parisa's head tilted to the right and watched as the fluffy bunny like creature looked up at Cynder and became filled with fear. Looking from Cynder to the new creature she didn't know what to really make of it, but she knew that many things were afraid of the dragon.
She watched as the creature ran off and fall, a small laugh escaped her throat. "Are you okay?" She said behind her hand as if to stop the laughing.
She had turned to look up at Cynder just in time to see a fluffy creature appear in front of them. Parisa's head tilted to the right and watched as the fluffy bunny like creature looked up at Cynder and became filled with fear. Looking from Cynder to the new creature she didn't know what to really make of it, but she knew that many things were afraid of the dragon.
She watched as the creature ran off and fall, a small laugh escaped her throat. "Are you okay?" She said behind her hand as if to stop the laughing.