Marvina Joyce Loveridge's Story

Pride goeth before a fall, MJ repeated in her head. Mine went after a fall. "Thank you," Marvina said and smiled back at him. She placed the canteen in her bag and continued on. She walked silently and couldn't think of a thing to say. Her dress wasn't dripping anymore, but was still slightly damp, and therefore a bit chilly. As long as there isn't any breezes, I shouldn't get too cold, MJ thought, But then again a breeze may help the dress completely dry faster. Marvina let her mind wander as she walked. Then, she smelled the smell of lavender. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the lilac cloud that was her spirit guide. Despite it not having a face she got the feeling it was smiling. When she turned her head to look at it, it was gone. MJ turned to see if Nevas had saw it, but it didn't seem like he had. How bizarre it would show up now? "I wonder why?" Marvina murmured. She again spoke aloud words meant only for herself.

Turning his head slightly, Nevas raised an eyebrow before shaking his head slightly and turned his attention back to the road. He had no idea what she wondered and he was going to leave it at that, he wasn't some gossip monger who needed to know everything. The duo walked for hours before the sun started to set, luckily there was a small group of trees off to the side of the road, not big enough to be called a forest, but had enough trees together to provide decent protection from night time predators, "We should make camp here, easier to do when there's still sun than in duh dark."

After a few minutes of setting up, the Druid/gypsy duo sat in front of a recessed fire pit. The warmth was nice, as a rabbit slowly cooked over the flame. Not that Nevas needed to cook his food, but as a human he knew that it would be safer for Marvina to consume, "So tell me lass, where are ya from? I don't think ya ever mentioned ya home." the Druid asked, he was quite curious to know, but if she didn't want to talk about it then he wouldn't push. After all, he hasn't seen his family in years, so most likely his information on them is out dated.

"Well, I was raised with gypsies. We don't really tend stay in one place all that often. We're nomadic. I suppose the caravan itself used to be home." I smiled remembering it. "I'm not a part of it anymore. Mostly because I made a bad decision. Sometimes I still write letters to my aunt and mom though." I said pulling out paper and ink from my satchel to show him and then placed the items back in. "It always takes quite a while to get to them there because I have to find and pay someone who delivers letters and then, since they're always moving around it can be hard to find them. My aunt has talked to me in my dreams a few times. I'm not sure how that works, but she does it. It's especially strange since those are the only dreams I can remember. Under normal circumstances, I've never been able to remember my dreams." MJ realized that she had been rambling and tried to get back to the question. She answered the question but the next sentence rang in ther ears. I don't think ya ever mentioned ya home. She supposed she didn't really have one of those at the moment. She tried to spin it into a more positive way. "I suppose that currently, however, I am my own home because I haven't found my tangible home yet. What about you?" Marvina asked Nevas and hoped she wasn't intruding by asking.

Leaning back the Druid gave a small chuckle, "To a Druid like me, ya could say I'm already home." upon seeing his companion's confusion he went to elaborate, "From a young age we Druids are taught that if there be trees, there be home. So I can relate to ya in the fact that we Druid like to move around, but the main difference is that we just go from one home to duh next." after looking over to the tree next to there little camp he continued, "My people have a tale, that dates back before the time of man...."

Giving a sigh before shaking his head, "Now, I've never been good at tellin' stories so ya need to bear with me." Nevas looked towards MJ, continuing when he was given conformation, "It is said that before man and his creations roamed duh planet, duh world was covered in duh sea. We Druids sailed the Great Ocean for many years, until one day, duh sun shot down a beam of light. From that light came duh first continent, along with duh first forest. It was in that forest our people thrived, an' soon more rays of light came from duh heavens an' gave us more land."

The Druid paused his tale to take a sip of water before continuing, "It was there we where first connected to nature, an' duh trees became homes to our people. We became a mighty empire, we respected duh land, an' in return duh land provided. Our reach stretched the globe, until one day a fool, who's name we have long forgotten an' shunned, thought himself better than our ways. Duh fool took what he wanted, an' gave nothin' back. This angered duh sun, and in a rage, duh sun shot a ray of light so powerful that the continent split itself into many pieces, and most of our homes were burned into ash. So we share what homes we have left, and formed clans within with other families. We make an effort to never make duh same mistake as duh fool, least we want duh sun to unleash it's wrath once more."

Marvina sat quietly as she listened to the Druid's tale. MJ had heard many different stories about how the world may have started, but this one was new to her. She decided that this version was her favorite. Although she couldn't tell if was her favorite due to the story itself or the fact that Nevas was telling it. MJ smiled. "I really enjoyed that story. I think you did a great job telling it," Marvina told him. MJ hadn't known much about Druids, but she appreciated being able to learn more. Marina let out a yawn and stretched her arms a bit. "What do you plan on doing after your adventures in Vobrala?" She asked not knowing if she truly wanted the answer. They had talked about the past, it only made sense to talk about the future. But right now sitting with Nevas next to the fire, Marvina was really happy. She knew that at the end of their trip, this would most likely come to an end. MJ wondered if Nevas had a plan after this. She knew she didn't. She planned to just keep wandering until she found a place that felt like home.

Shrugging before shaking his head, the Druid replied, "Don't really know to tell ya duh truth." gazing up at the sky, he saw the sun had completely sank below the horizon, "Thoughts for later, we best turn in for duh night." after putting out the fire, Nevas climbed to a low-ish hanging branch. He offered Marvina if she wanted to sleep on a branch, but she declined and he wasn't going to push, using a minimal amount of mana, the Druid made a small extension of the tree to act as cover for his companion when she went to sleep. pulling out his rope he quickly tied himself to the tree's trunk before going to sleep.

Marvina went to take some of her medicine before going to bed. She noticed there was only about two days worth left. She wondered if it would still work if she used a smaller dosage so she could spread it out and make it last longer. She took the smaller dosage and placed the vial next to her bag before falling asleep. When she woke up, her heart beat was rapid and she was sweating. She looked around into the dark and began remembering where she was. Marvina looked up to see Nevas still asleep in the tree. She took deep breaths and calmed herself down. You're okay. You're fine, she told herself. Just a night terror. That's all. You need to get back to sleep or you're going to be exhausted tomorrow. MJ laid back down and tried to fall back asleep. It took a while, but eventually, she did.

Six came and with it Nevas' awareness. Groaning lightly the Druid untied himself, before slipping off the branch. Landing softly on his feet, the mage checked to see his companion was still asleep, 'I'll let her sleep in some. We be doin' good with time, an' it's also not like we have a time limit, so we can go at a leisurely pass.' the young man thought, before gathering some dead branches off the ground to restart the fire. Marvina awoke to the smell of cooking meat an hour later, "Mornin' lass, breakfast be about done so come help ya self." he stated before he bit into his rabbit on a stick. Rabbit was a pretty lean meat, so for someone like Nevas, who consumed a lot of energy, he needed to eat a whole rabbit it feel full, of course he had caught another one for MJ to eat.

"Morning," MJ replied as she rubbed her groggy eyes before moving and sitting next to the fire. Marvina decided to pick the leaves she felt stuck in her hair out before getting food. She ran her hands over her hair in an attempt to make sure she got everything out of her hair. Then she went and got a rabbit. "Thank you," she said before taking a bite, "It tastes really good." Marvina ate until she was full. She had only eaten about a third of it before she was full. "Thank you for the-" MJ paused and pointed at the covering from the tree while trying to think of what to call it, but couldn't think of the right word, "-that."

Taking a bite out of his rabbit, the Druid waved her off as he chewed before swallowing, "Ah, it was nothin'. Ya didn't want to sleep in the tree so I just made sure ya would be safe." the covering, while small, was enough to hide her body to those who didn't know what to look for. Also if it rained it acted as an umbrella to protect against the weather. After he finished eating, Nevas used his magic to return the cover back to the tree, before proceeding to put the fire out. Once the fire wouldn't be considered a danger, the nomadic duo continued on their way.

It was around noon when the clouds decided that they wanted to release their water on to the world bellow. Nevas once again had to use his magic to form a small umbrella with his staff, that he gave to MJ as rain didn't really affect him. They walked for another hour, making it to the base of the mountain, before having to run into a cave as the rain decided to pour down harder where Marvina returned the mage's staff. Of course between the two of them, the Druid was more soaked.

Taking off his shirts once more, Nevas turned his staff back to normal before having it grow twigs that died and fell off. Using the twigs he made a small fire to dry of his clothes, while either not noticing his gypsy companion's red face, or he had just decided not to mention as to not have her feel even more uncomfortable. MJ meanwhile, now was able to get a better look than before at the Druid's bare chest. Her companion's muscles were on the leaner side of the spectrum, though they still had definition to them giving the Druid a more stream lined silhouette, though she guessed that just made it easier to jump around like he did.

MJ found herself staring at the druid. She realized that she had probably been staring a bit too long and shifted her gaze elsewhere. Marvina looked around the cave and moved towards the edge and ran her hand against the wall of the cave. The cave had a strange energy. MJ shook her head and decided to ignore the energy. Marvina walked back towards Nevas. "I hope the storm doesn't slow us down too much," she said trying to make small talk. "Not that we have a deadline or anything. But, you know." MJ looked towards the opening of the cave and watched the rain fall. The sound of the storm was relaxing to her.

Nodding in agreement, Nevas cracked his back with a small grunt, "Aye, I understand lass. But there ain't much we can do but hope Mother Nature decides to give us a reprieve. Least we be needin' to spend duh night here." he stated before turning back to his clothes. They must have been more drenched then he thought as they still felt wet to the touch. Moving a bit away from the fire, the nature sensitive mage gave a slight shiver from the lack of heat. He never was a fan of the cold, it tended to slow him down and was generally uncomfortable for him.

Quickly wringing out the excess water, the Druid returned to the fire releasing a sigh of comfort as he laid his shirts back out to dry. The hours ticked away, Nevas' shirts were finally dry and were warm, but the rain kept coming. After two more hours it became clear to the duo that the were going to have to sleep in the cave. Braving the storm once more, Naves was able to bring back some nuts for them to eat. Wringing out his shirts again before putting them by the fire, which he made more twigs out of his staff to keep it going, Nevas decided it was time to turn in for the night. Half way through the nigh as both slept, a harsh wind blew threw the cave. Snuffing out the fire, and with the source of heat gone, Nevas began to shiver.

Marvina woke as the wind being blown through the cave and she saw the fire go out. MJ sat up not able to see a thing. She rubbed her eyes hoping they would adjust to the dark, but they took a while to adjust, and when they finally did she could still barely see. The little light that shone in from the moon and stars wasn't quite enough. Marvina moved closer to the where the now non-existent fire was. All that was left was a few orange embers. MJ turned her head and saw a shivering Nevas. Immediately, she was concerned. She didn't want to wake him up, but she didn't want him to freeze, and she wasn't sure if she'd be able to get the fire going herself. Perhaps I can find something to use to start the fire outside of the cave, but I better hurry. There are only a few embers just barely glowing. If those go out I don't think I'll have any chance of restarting the fire. Marvina ran her hands along the side of the cave as she made her way towards the entrance. Then a thought popped into her mind. It's just stormed. Everything will be wet. Marvina groaned in frustration. Nevas has done so much to help me, he gathered, caught, and/or cooked food, he created a covering to keep me safe, and an umbrella, but I can't even do such a simple thing to help him. MJ stood there for a little while thinking. I have my paper still, she thought, It's dry enough to burn, but it'll burn very fast. Probably too fast. But, maybe if I'm lucky it'll be enough to get the fire going again. She made her way towards her satchel fumbling around in the dark for it. As she reached in the bag she pulled out all her papers and moved back to the fire. She crumbled up a few pieces of paper and placing then on few embers that glowed. As the pieces of paper shriveled up she would add more. Please just stay lit. MJ thought as she was getting down to her last couple pieces of paper.

Upon using her second to last paper, the fire roared back to life using the remaining twigs and ash as fuel. Sighing in relief as she saw Nevas start to calm down and stop shivering. A feeling of pride swelled within MJ, she was able to get the fire started again, stopping the Druid from freezing. Nevas on the other hand subconsciously rolled over to the newly gained warmth. Reaching out, his sleeping form grabbed the gypsy before bringing her into a cuddle. Marvina felt her cheeks flush at the fact that the mage had gone to bed without his two shirt on, and she could lightly feel his muscles through her clothes.

Trying to get out of the sleeping Druid's grasp without waking him, was proving harder than she thought. Every time she got a bit loose, the brunette would tighten his hold on her. Giving a sigh she decided to go back to bed, it was clear he wasn't going to be letting go anytime soon. As the gypsy started to nod off, the smell of lavender entered the cave. MJ again felt her spirit guide smile at her, but she couldn't get up to try to look as she had a Druid holding her down.

MJ stopped trying to move out of his grasp and started to doze off. She hoped it wouldn't be too awkward the next morning, but didn't think about it too long. If he asks, I'll just explain what happened, she thought. MJ fell asleep in Nevas' arms with the faint smell of lavender in her nose. She wondered what it could mean but was too tired to think about it now.

Nevas awoke to the feeling of thrashing, still tired the Druid couldn't think of who or what was moving around. The smell of lavender filled his nose as a new song popped into his head once more. Not really knowing what to do with his sleep-ridden mind, the mage just sang the song, "Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay~. Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li lai-lay~. Lay down your head and I'll sing ya a lullaby~, back to duh years of loo-li lai-lay. An' I'll sing ya to sleep an' I'll sing ya tomorrow~, bless ya with love for duh road that you go. May ya sail far to duh far fields of fortune, with diamonds an' pearls at your head an' your feet~. An' may ya need never to banish misfortune. May ya find kindness in all that you meet~."

The song felt like a lullaby, and as Nevas continued he felt the struggling in his arms fade, "May there always be angels to watch over you, to guide ya each step of the way. To guard you an' keep ya safe from all harm. Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay~. May ya bring love an' may ya bring happiness~, be loved in return to the end of your days~. Now fall off to sleep, I'm not meaning to keep ya~, I'll just sit for a while an' sing loo-li, lai-lay~. May there always be angels to watch over you, to guide ya each step of the way. To guard you an' keep ya safe from all harm. Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay~, loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay~. Loo-li, loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay!, loo-li, lai-lay~."

By the end of the song the Druid felt arms circling around him, and the lavender scent faded. His brain, while still tired, was able to recognize that it was Marvina in his arms. Too tired to do anything, much less question why she was in his arms to begin with, Nevas just gave a slight squeeze with his arms as he brought her closer to him.

MJ's spirit guide smiled once more, it may not speak to the girl often, but it did care for her. Helping to find an easier alternative to her night terrors was an easy thing to do, once someone dependable came around that is. Low and behold this Druid just so happened to be on that boat, and after watching him interact with it's ward, he was clearly someone who act as a pillar to the gypsy child.

The next morning Marvina woke up in Nevas' arms. She lay there for a while not sure whether she wanted to get up or not. MJ felt safe and relaxed in his arms. Marvina tried, but could not seem to fall back asleep. Nevas was no longer holding on to her as tight. So, she carefully rolled over and got up trying not to wake Nevas. MJ walked towards the opening of the cave and decided to sit and observe everything around her. The sun was rising. Birds were singing. Marvina smiled and watched. I slept great, MJ thought, Normally I would've woken up sometime throughout the night from a night terror. Last night I didn't. Or if I did I don't remember it happening. Marvina noticed two squirrels chasing eachother from tree to tree and jumping limb to limb. She chuckled slightly at them.

The lack of warmth started to wake the Druid from his slumber. Groaning as he began his morning routine of cracking his back, which brought forth many cracks, he walked over and put both his shirts on. Turning around, he saw the gypsy girl that he had became fast friends with. To be honest it surprised him how fast they bonded, but he supposed that was due to the fact they were kindred spirits, as both were nomadic and both enjoyed traveling. Shaking his head he made his way over to her, "I see ya beat me to duh punch wakin' up today."

Marvina turned towards Nevas and smiled, "Yeah, I suppose I did." MJ then noted how soon after her Nevas woke up. "I hope I didn't wake you when I got up. I tried to be careful not to." MJ watched as a small white butterfly flew by. Those were always her favorite. She remembered one time she was a kid she when she went to a field full of butterflies with some of the other gypsy kids and while the other kids ran and chased the butterflies, Marvina sat still and watched. Then a small white butterfly came and landing on her nose. As a small child she was filled with excitement, but still kept as still as possible. Eventually the butterfly fluttered off, but ever since then Marvina had been in love with white butterflies.

"Ya didn't wake me, so it ain't worth frettin' over" he dismissed her worries with a wave of his hand, "There be nary a cloud in sight, we should be headin' out soon while Mother Nature still be kind to us." true to his word, there wasn't a single cloud and the sun was shining bright. After eating the leftover nuts, and gathering their gear the two headed out. After three hours of walking the two decided to take a brake. While the rested, Nevas decided to ask a question that was starting to bug him, "Lass, what happened last night? How did ya get in ma arms?"