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       #Post#: 407522--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Demonreach Date: August 28, 2016, 2:35 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       'You forget that the woods are more my home than most creatures
       that live here...' But he was met with the same cryptic answers
       as always. Wizards of all kinds rubbed him the wrong way with
       their constant verbal dancing, sometimes even their physical
       dancing. 'Finding you, with or without the markings, would be
       child's play, but it wasn't my intention. For my reasoning for
       being here, there had been reports of things about here.'
       At the emergence of another black dog, the horse started to
       prance about; a hand resting on the side of its neck to calm it,
       stroking the horse gently. Tristan could feel himself getting
       irritated at the situation; already two of those had frightened
       his horse and not a lot did that, given the situations it had
       been through with the Rahl.
       But he was brought back as the old mage was interrupted by the
       slight figure of a woman, naked; the Rahl cocked an eyebrow at
       the inhuman woman. 'Not to be trifled with? My, you wound me,
       Shenir. Have I ever done you wrong? Or is it that you merely
       respect my abilities as such? I am not as powerful as you make
       me out to be.'
       However, Tristan studied the elf as she in turn did the same; he
       scoffed a bit at the singular word but shrugged it off. He'd
       never call himself interesting, though perhaps to some foreign
       entity he might be; though, aside from his cousin who lay long
       dead and a limited few in his family, he was the only War
       Wizard, an oddity from thousands of years ago when magic and
       wizards were far more bountiful than today. He had seen plenty
       of such creatures in his travels on the run for so many years so
       her ilk meant little to him, aside from her being so far from
       her native land. He looked askance at Shenir, pondering;
       stroking the beard in that thought process before dismissing the
       idea.
       As the elf woman looked upon him though, she'd see differences
       in his appearance up close; his eyes shifting different hues;
       the features not quite right; even the beard seemed to be off.
       In truth, Tristan often used this guise upon traveling, an old
       habit that never failed him in the slightest, especially as he
       perfected it over the years. A bit of Additive magic and he was
       someone else entirely, but he didn't show off his magical
       disguise by changing or adding, even though the idea of
       startling even Shenir would be worth it.
       It had been so long since he had last seen himself in the
       mirror; everyone knew he was Rahl with some magical ability,
       Shenir perhaps knowing more than he should, but for the moment,
       the magi hadn't sold him out. It was odd to trust someone with
       his identity, an identity that was a death sentence back so many
       years ago; the fact that it was gone with the former D'hara
       emperor's death meant there was little for Tristan to fear these
       days, but he was not exactly friendly with the main bloodline,
       nor did he want to be. Although, the Empress was a sight to
       behold. He had the pleasure of meeting her a handful of times,
       but she was an intimidating presence as well as she was
       beautiful.
       It excited him in ways he didn't know existed.
       His eyes narrowed however at Shenir, the laughter that
       threatened to bubble forth, but his words were for the woman.
       'What do you find less than impressive about my person, auphe?
       My lack of fire? Or is it my person itself that you find so...
       lacking?'
       His questions were filled with any sort of self-consciousness,
       but a general sense of curiosity. There weren't many women that
       found him unimpressive, but given that she was more elf than
       human, perhaps she didn't find the same qualities endearing as
       his female counterparts. Not that he would sweat the opinion of
       a singular person, or even a multitude of them.
       #Post#: 407527--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Gia Date: September 2, 2016, 2:47 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Upon such a close inspection of this second man, she found
       herself gripped even more by Shenir; this supposed magi hunter
       was narrow in the shoulders compared to the larger one doing his
       best to kill the humour that threatened to bubble to the
       surface, standing just a few feet away, and if it wasn’t for the
       facade the shorter one had already put up, Thalia might’ve
       enjoyed his company.
       Turning over to Tally, she watches the same look of fear that
       was on Thana’s face paint itself into her eyes, the lighter dog
       growling deeply. Just then, the humid air coagulated and wove
       itself into the shape of a woman; she looked old and worn out
       and though it took the young elf a minute to realise who she
       was, swaying left to right in the air without touching the
       ground - Thalia still  bowed her head respectfully,
       acknowledging her presence the moment she had made herself
       present.
       It takes a moment for her dogs to calm down, Thalia watching
       proudly as they mimic her actions and just as quickly as she had
       appeared, before the gentlemen could even grasp what or who they
       were looking at, Lady Ava disappeared into the wind as if she
       had never been there, as if she was just a figment of their
       imagination, playing a cruel game.
       “You two, and then our Lady, and that stupid wench. .” she spoke
       more to herself than her companions, words turning into a quiet
       little mumble before she turns away from the new man, to face
       the one whose thoughts she read like a book; the ones he allowed
       her to anyway. A look of relief washes over her features for a
       moment when he begins to explain what he had used the flames
       for, smiling softly to express her gratitude.
       Tobacco. To inhale, and exhale. And to occasionally choke on.
       Her thoughts would now peek through the curtain of his mind, and
       wonder through, like a running current, a smirk on her lips as
       she watched him silently, waiting for his reaction, silently
       hoping he didn’t give their little secret away.
       She turns her attention to the man as he spoke, furrowing her
       brows while contemplating his question, before she walked back
       to him, floating so she could look into his eyes, and he could
       see hers clearly as she responded in a calm, almost ethereal
       voice, “the lack of fire can’t be ignored, that is for sure but
       more so, this little mask of yours. I see you, you’re right
       here, but this beard, and those eyes,” she points to his beard,
       and then his eyes, changing in colour, “they’re not you. Are you
       too much of a coward to show the real you or is there another
       explanation?”
       His will to hide his real form might not even have an
       explanation, but it was a threat to Thalia, even if it was done
       in good faith. It was quite possible that in the years he had
       lived, which she imagined would be less than her, that he might
       have acquired enemies.
       Maybe his mask was his protection like she was made to protect
       the forest.
       She flies over to Shenir, pointing to where he had started the
       fire.
       “And how would one turn the flames off if they didn’t need it
       anymore?”
       #Post#: 407537--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Dems Darkfire Date: September 5, 2016, 8:20 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       He watched the interaction between the Elf and the Rahl. A
       chuckle left his lips as he heaved his staff against his
       shoulder and let it set there. His opposite hand brought his
       pipe to his lips, a strong inhale bringing the sweet tobacco
       into his lungs and then a soft exhale brought a bellow of smoke
       through his nostrils and down his beard, the heavier mist
       seeping down over the front of his body like a curtain.
       He felt the presence, but did not turn to look. From his
       position he just caught a glimpse of her from the corner of his
       eye. Shenir simply lifted his pipe in salute with the other fae
       and then went back to drawing in the sweet, thick vapor and
       keeping an eye on the Elf ash she elevated herself to lock eyes
       with Tristan. It was strange to see a creature call him out on
       his disguises. Shenir’s whiskers turned up with his smile as he
       let out another small cloud of smoke, this one rising up instead
       and away.
       He had almost forgot the link he set up with the woman before
       her mind returned a signal to his, the side of his face curled
       up slightly and he drew in once more and nodded at nothing in
       particular it seemed.
       “Well, Tristan. When was the last time you ever heard that word
       with you as the subject of the sentence?”
       Shenir chuckled and let his staff slip. The staff slid down and
       tapped the ground as he released a large O from his mouth. The
       circle passed the woman as she now flitted through the air in
       his direction. It broke for one second and then reassembled on
       the other side of her body. It widened and struck Tristan across
       the chest as he snickered.
       He took a few puffs from his tobacco as their eyes met. He
       sighed at her question and glanced over her shoulder to Tristan
       with a smile. “Well, my dear. There are many ways to snuff a
       fire out.” He nodded and blew another cloud of smoke between
       them. “Take away its fuel, douse it with water, douse it with
       dirt, and starve it of oxygen are a few.” He nodded and swirled
       the smoke with his hand. “But if you have a more magical flame…
       You would need something a little stronger.” Shenir stamped the
       tobacco down with his thumb and placed it back inside the tail
       of his cloak. “Usually another Magi or wizard. An Apostate could
       possible fight it if they knew the right invocations.”
       He looked at the two animals and pondered their position for a
       short time before looking to Tristan. “Even a warrior like him
       can fight a fire to a point.”
       He now took a moment to circle the elf as she had circled them.
       He made his way from in front of her to the back and then back
       around once more. He inspected her anatomy, turning his head one
       way or the other to get the right angles. “So. I have answered
       your questions… Do you have a name, my dear? Or has it been lost
       among the leaves?” He stepped past her and towards the dogs,
       maintaining a little more distance from them than he did with
       the Elf woman. “And why the deep fascination with fire? Odd you
       would know of something that you seem have no need for.” The two
       dogs came up to nearly chest height on Shenir. He shook his head
       and then turned toward Tristan and walked before him.
       “So you avoided my question, a tad Rahl. Everyone knows you like
       the trees. But that doesn’t explain why you aren’t where the
       orders said you were going to be.”
       #Post#: 407542--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Demonreach Date: September 7, 2016, 2:41 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       'The last man to call me a coward died.' His tone was
       conversational, speaking to Shenir in response to the question.
       'But I have nothing to prove to this auphe.'
       Tristan had spent his life being called names, so it was nothing
       to be called a coward; or the insinuation that he was one. There
       had been plenty of times he'd proven himself and come out on
       top; his whole life a trial, every fork in the road an obstacle.
       Despite his Rahl blood, people underestimated him, choosing to
       see past the surface for what man could do what Tristan had done
       in a lifetime?
       Let her be on her toes should she view his distance a threat.
       He welcomed it, after she had so rudely scared his horse. A hand
       idly patted the thick neck of the beast, who snorted; the eyes
       warily resting on the two hounds, but relaxed at the touch of a
       trusted companion. Tristan felt that same reassurance from
       touching the horse, knowing that the one creature that had seen
       him through so much still remained at his side. He felt some
       regret at the idea of keeping the animal on the road, but any
       new horse would feel like a betrayal. That, and the changes he
       had made to Horse with his Additive magic would take too long on
       a different horse.
       He sighed, allowing his thoughts to slide away. 'A warrior like
       me?' Perhaps it was easy to forget that Tristan was one of the
       most powerful wizards within his homeland, being a War Wizard;
       one of a very select few remaining, as Tristan rarely flaunted
       his own power, relying on his more natural skills and talent to
       kill his enemies. But he mostly used his magic to defend against
       other magic-users.
       As he exhaled once more after a deep inhale, black lightning
       roped around his arms and body; sparking as bright red lights
       danced between the coils before igniting with a great suction
       that made it difficult to breathe for a moment; even the air
       began to grow colder; the breathing of persons and animals alike
       misting, a cold air surrounding the warrior. The black lightning
       seemed to arc within the thin layer of mist, dancing between the
       molecules.
       A rush of air pushed all of this away, touching all the living
       things harmlessly; a feat hard to pull off with the Subtractive
       lightning that manifested itself. After a few meters the magicks
       fell away to nothing. 'He speaks of spells and incantations,
       invocations, that summon when in reality, all magic comes from
       your willpower. Words are nothing but a buffer, a cushion; a
       crutch. An enabling factor that allows for weakness, but
       sometimes such things are needed for bigger magicks.'
       The voice was ominous, strained with anger, which was also
       lurking within the eyes of the Rahl but not directed at any one
       thing. Shenir's magic was a lot more versatile than Tristan's
       own, but it was a handicap that Tristan had overcome; learned to
       manipulate his dual powers with efficiency.
       'As for why I am here, there was some reports of trouble. They
       have no respect for a run of the mill magi hunter.' He shrugged
       the broad shoulders. 'You know how it is with common folk who
       know nothing of our ways, but no. As I said, I didn't find your
       markings, following a different kind of markers from a different
       source. Finding you and her was merely happenstance.
       Unfortunately my display earlier may have given my location
       away, but very few can detect my kind of magic; you are one of
       the few outside of my homeland.'
       #Post#: 407548--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Caroline Date: September 7, 2016, 6:07 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Sitting atop of a branch, Luna had been witness to Thalia and
       the two strangers, their conversation not particularly
       compelling but enough to distract her from venturing into
       another heartrending memory of what her past would soon be -
       Lady Ava having been the first to remind her. For a moment, she
       looks over the scarlet horizon, ignoring everyone and
       everything, a blissful silence blanketing her mind and though it
       lasts a mere second, she doesn’t take advantage of savouring the
       very brief moment before she’s brought back to Earth as a rush
       of air hugs her body and just as swiftly leaves. Like the elf,
       Thalia lets her body fall, looking like one with the wind,
       moving as gracefully and elegantly as the nixie. However, just
       before she hits the ground, she grabs the shortest branch,
       lifting her body and twisting in the air, so her legs are
       suspended over the branch, and the top half of her body is
       hanging upside down.
       “Her memory is the only thing that’s been lost among the leaves,
       her name is Thalia,” a smirk is on her lips as she interrupts
       the three and introduces her emerald friend, watching her
       immediately turn and puff out her cheeks conveying how annoyed
       she was in the flare of her nostrils, “don’t look at me like
       that, did you forget about the ceremony taking place later
       tonight?” Luna hadn’t expected the eyes and ears of the forest
       to forget about the celebration to come tonight, and when she
       mentions it, she feels like a sacrificial lamb, deciding to take
       advantage of the last few hours of freedom she had.
       Luna’s father had chosen her to be offered and the young girl,
       by his expressed desire, had agreed, not giving way for her own
       selfish ambitions to urge her to higher aims, though she was
       sure she was burying her talent, along with her spontaneity,
       into the dirt beneath them. Throwing herself off the branch, she
       lands a few feet away from the Rahl, dismissing her friend’s
       angered facial expression, an angelic and soft giggle filling
       the air around them before answering the man’s second question,
       her answer not carrying the entire truth, “don’t mind her
       fascination with something as straightforward as fire, she’ll
       move onto something as equally as straightforward after this,
       ice, water. . . a bug.” Luna knew why Thalia had asked so many
       questions, she bore the responsibility of their land’s safety on
       her shoulders, and a fire was a threat to these woods, to their
       plant life, so she had to know everything about it.
       Luna had dark hair and tan skin, which was uncharacteristic of
       an ethereal fae; she was a slender woman, her collarbones
       protruding from her skin, though a big necklace adorned it, her
       posture not giving away how heavy it was. A gift from Vaeymere
       himself, crafted by metals only he obtained, and though it
       wasn’t given to her by him personally, she felt the weight of
       it, quite literally. Like Thalia, she too didn’t wear clothes,
       her hair an effortless mess, and though she was slender, the
       curves to her body made her irresistible, a sight to behold, and
       very popular, simply put, she possessed physical attributes of
       light, and so, took the form of it herself, making her seem like
       an angel. Her brown eyes peeked through the thick curtain of
       lashes and stared out into the distance, at nothing in
       particular, a slight smile painted onto her plump lips.
       “Well then,” she turns to Thalia, floating over to pet one of
       her hounds, kissing the dog's forehead before turning to her
       friend, “I expect you to be there tonight. Bring these gents,”
       she tilts her head towards the two men, before slowly dissolving
       into the air, leaving in her wake, the smell of sandalwood and
       vanilla.
       #Post#: 407560--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Demonreach Date: September 7, 2016, 7:13 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Deeper still, within the heart of the forest, rested the Elder
       Fae.
       Eyes were a deep crimson, that reflected dully in the light of
       the torches and candelabra surrounding him within his ritual
       chamber. Blue-ashen flesh was absorbed the light, as if the skin
       had been deprived of light its entire life. The Elder Fae was
       naked, revealing the tattoos were apart of his flesh; grooves
       and ridges, spirals and sharp circles, a pattern of magic long
       lost to this world.
       He was of the Old Magic, a legend; immortal even by Fae
       standards of longevity. That Wild Magic swirled within his
       veins, in his soul; glittered darkly within the crimson hues. He
       wasn't exactly handsome by the fae standards of beauty, offering
       a more rugged and rough beauty; though that was mostly due to
       age. He could still captivate any mortal should he so choose.
       The white hair hung about his shoulders, moving briefly with
       some form of air that turned about his person.
       His fellow fae offered up their young to him as some sort of
       honor, as if to please him; to placate him. The problem was that
       he grew bored, his long life now holding little meaning. Years
       passed like seconds, mulling over pointless thoughts. How long
       had it been since he ventured among the world of the humans? Of
       his own people? He thought of the Nevernever, a home lost to
       him, with some melancholy.
       Vaeymere knew himself to be a sad creature, unmoved by any sort
       of plight; he was but mere fragment of the man he once was, but
       despite that, his presence was palpable; heavy; wild.
       He stood, finally, after a few more minutes of contemplation and
       dressed himself in his usual garb.
       A dark colored shirt that was covered by a leather vest;
       fingerless gloves and pants of the same leather; boots with
       steel heels and toes, though decorated with silver etchings. He
       stuffed the pants into the boots and strapped the sword to his
       person.
       The sword was finely crafted, to be sure, despite its simple
       design; slightly curved much like a scimitar though not was
       wide. The weapon held its own magical properties. He looked at
       himself, noticing that the clothing was bit looser in some areas
       as he is no longer at the peak of his physique. Much like old
       veterans, he longed for the days of old; of being young,
       youthful; full of pride and arrogance instead of wisdom and
       caution.
       The look in his eyes spoke of a man long dead, just waiting for
       the body to catch up.
       As he made his way into the forest, he sat beneath a tree; his
       eyes closed as he embraced the nature around him, letting the
       wild magic within ebb and flow; his senses immersing themselves
       to the sights and sounds.
       Soon... But how long before this new one grows boring?
       His body began to lax, his mind loosening, as the light embraced
       him; kissed his flesh so gently like a lover seeking comfort. A
       soft sigh left his lips, feeling his spirits come to life after
       so many years within. He disliked the weakness he felt upon
       waking from his slumber, knew it was a matter of time before he
       never woke up; dreaming eternally. A part of him longed for
       that, but a part of him, the warrior's pride, wouldn't allow him
       to die in such a quiet way despite him deserving that much. The
       Elder Fae could feel the presence of the two wizards, hear the
       conversation on the breezes of air. Perhaps he would join them
       in their mission...
       #Post#: 407587--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Dems Darkfire Date: September 8, 2016, 9:09 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       “Dead, haha, yes.” Shenir leaned against his staff as it drove a
       light hole into the dirt and steadied itself against his weight.
       His diamond eyes shimmered at the thought as he shook his head,
       sounding silver bells through his hair as the braid snaked back
       and forth behind him. “We did war him not to play the fool. But
       alas… Poor Appetence of the first tower thought himself ready.”
       Shenir’s chuckle turned into a dark, snide snicker as he watched
       the par before him. “He found out.”
       Shenir let the power wash over him as it expanded from its user
       and shortly after he listened to the speech Tristan gave on the
       use of incantations, the pipe between his lips suddenly as it
       had gone away and a long drag entering Shenir’s lungs.
       “A crutch? I’d call it more of training wheels. Once you get
       past the first three towers, you don’t really need them
       anymore.” Smoke billowed from his mouth as he spoke, his eyes
       fixed on nothing in particular. He felt the other presence
       before she ever appeared. Shenir, now climbing the ranks of the
       fifth tower understood this well. Incantations and spellwords
       were forbidden unless using more powerful magics.
       It had felt like the Elf had grown quiet with their
       conversation. His eyes flicked over towards the elf for one
       second, but then Shenir continued his talks with Tristan.
       “Well, Rahl. The common folk played you a fool. There has been
       no trouble this side of the pass. Maybe with the woods. This
       place seems alive and well enough to keep us off track. The
       Holdfast is a day’s ride from here once you get outside this
       blasted place. Those apostates won’t kill themselv…”
       She appeared, just as the other had, as a flitting leaf falling
       from the branches above and catching herself only to hang above
       them on the lowest branch as light as air it seemed. Shenir had
       felt the presence, his feelers now out at the sight of the Rahl
       to keep anything else that might come their way within proper
       range for a warning. He didn’t speak, he just watched this new
       one with pipe in mouth and smiled at her words, chuckling at the
       rise that flushed Thalia’s face as her companion spoke.
       His eyes turned to Tristan as the woman spoke and then vanished.
       He chuckled softly and let out a small stream of smoke from his
       lips. “Seems our presence is required at some ceremony for the
       night.” He turned on his heel, still against his staff, both
       hands turning to let himself tool to Thalia. “So. I suppose you
       can lead the way for us if you wish.”
       #Post#: 407601--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Gia Date: September 10, 2016, 5:53 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       As Luna dissolves into thin air and Thalia is left with Shenir
       and the magi hunter, whose name she still hadn’t gotten, not
       caring for it much now because a name without a face wouldn’t do
       much, she crosses her arms over her chest and puffs out her
       cheeks, lost in deep contemplation. On one hand she could use
       her weather manipulation technique to kill a fire should she
       ever need to, on the other hand she could begin to prepare for
       it now. Tonight however, she would give her mind, and shoulder,
       to Luna; Thalia hadn’t forgotten about the annual sacrifice but
       she could only nod, to nothing and noone in particular as she
       finally realises why Lady Ava had made an appearance.
       The ancients were all coming to town tonight, and the power they
       possessed would run through the roots of the trees; it made
       Thalia tingle with excitement.
       “Oh I’ll lead the way alright,” it was evident how exuberant she
       was, her dogs taking the lead, turning so she’s looking at
       Shenir and walking backwards, “we have this annual sacrifice for
       Vaeymere every year. I mean of course, him being the most
       ancient Fae, he’ll need a young, ripe woman to keep him
       entertained,” her voice was laced and dripping with sarcasm, but
       it passes quickly, replaced with songs of woe, “every year,
       dozens of young girls volunteer, but it’s not up to them, the
       elders decide who’s worthy and this year, they decided on Luna.”
       Luna didn’t deserve it and Thalia could only imagine what she
       was going through right now but as they make their way deeper
       into the woods, she watches the diamond sky get brighter - it
       was only a matter of time before they made it to Lake Qurbani.
       It seemed there was magic in the air around them the deeper they
       got, the pathway leading to the bridge they had to cross
       decorated with little faes, flapping their little wings about
       and leaving in their trails, specks of dust, of all colours -
       pinks, different hues of purples, emeralds. It was beautiful.
       The leaves had a life of their own too, rich and vibrant in
       colour. As they crossed the bridge, Thalia looked at the
       turquoise waters of the bay, filled with fishes whose scales
       shone brightly, like flashing lights, matching the same lights
       that were wrapped around the wooden structure beneath them.
       Having crossed over now, they would walk down another pathway,
       animals crowding around the trees, waiting for the night to
       begin, and there, in the heart of the forest was the start of
       the big lake, surrounded by the ancients, the elf-folk, faes,
       talking and cheering among themselves. They would place cups
       under the waterfall, drinking the sweet beverage and passing it
       around, a huge grin painting Thalia’s face at the drunk folk
       that stumbled around clumsily. She looks back at her companions,
       grey eyes full of glee, “I’ll go get us some drinks.” Though the
       faes had beautiful wings, the elves didn’t need them to fly, it
       was the magic that dominated their very existence that allowed
       them the art, so without another word Thalia floats over the
       river, scooping down to pick up three cups before filling them,
       landing beside Shenir. She holds out the cups waiting for the
       men to accept them, and when they do, she would take a sip of
       hers.
       It was hard to put into words what their holy water tasted like
       - because it runs through the forest and makes encounters with
       oak every day as if they were two lovers passing by each other
       in the dead of the night, it tasted earthy, with a hint of
       vanilla. It tastes like comfort and warmth, and never the same
       to everyone, each person would have their own unique experience
       with the drink, and as she sips on hers, she looks over to the
       two men, wondering what it was like for them.
       The magical beings around them were radiating, and beautiful and
       on a night like this one, it was hard to ignore the love in the
       air, the romantic setting, the deep colours, the light breeze -
       everything was perfect and it was almost time.
       #Post#: 407602--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Caroline Date: September 10, 2016, 9:08 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       She appeared before the only mystical being who would
       spiritually be at the ceremony, not in person because she had no
       legs; one couldn’t simply yank Grandmother Willow’s roots from
       the dirt and plant her near the lake. A year's worth of guidance
       and the young brunette still felt she was at a disadvantage, the
       nerves in her stomach screaming to be heard, and as she takes a
       seat on the sturdy, old branch, Willow’s eyes come to life, the
       ebony gems searching for her, the corners wrinkling when Luna’s
       own auburn gaze meets them.
       “What is it that plagues you still, my dear?”
       Her voice alone gave Luna solace, though it was filled with
       years of misery and fatigue.
       “Earlier today, I was sat on top of a branch contemplating how
       everything would change tonight - my spirit was,” she pauses
       momentarily to correct herself, “is low. I had reflections of my
       father when he was just a man of the soil but with that
       endeavour, I didn’t succeed in consoling myself. I went to Mount
       Morz, remember?” There was a sadness in her soft voice that
       could move the coldest man should it wish to do so. “I thought
       that would do it, but passing two strangers on my path here had
       more effect in cheering my spirits, than all the sage
       reflections and steady resolve I had forced my mind to frame.”
       Now her voice is begging for someone to grasp how difficult it
       was, this burden they had placed on her, begging for a friend,
       “I feel I am too young, Nana, I’ve not acquired half a rule over
       my own spirit, as trifling as that may be, and I fear Vaeymere
       will see right through that.”
       Her ancient voice filled the vast terrain around them, as
       tender, as a rose, “Years ago, when the first sacrifice was made
       to Vaeymere, he had asked for a Physical fae, no one knew why
       but he was a young man himself, I suppose even he was confused.
       Perhaps it was because of boredom years later, that he then
       asked for a Spiritual fae. And once again, I suppose he was
       disappointed. Now, he has asked for you, an Ethereal fae. At her
       prime, Lady Faylinn had been sacrificed, but during that time
       she had been in mourning, and so reserved. Her lack of affection
       made it hard for Vaeymere to get attached, so when he was just a
       young boy, he came and asked me about her. Not even he could
       manage to elicit a single adequate answer or even get me to
       shine a ray of light on her plight.”
       Luna wasn’t deaf and though her advice was weaved into a
       narrative that only Nana seemed to present so perfectly, she
       understood. Though he had had many before, Luna wasn’t on that
       list. She would be different, her confusion or even uncertainty
       might be the cause of some sort of intimacy between them;
       perhaps he would be her comfort, even. Standing at full height
       now, she walked over to place a hand on the bark of the tree,
       her magic shining beneath her palm to give thanks, before
       pressing her plump lips to Willow’s right eye.
       It was time.
       With Willow’s blessing, she soared through the sky, her wings
       flapping effortlessly behind her, going higher and higher, until
       she’s floating just above the waterfall, watching Vaeymere take
       his seat beneath the tree, surrounded by their folk. For a
       moment, she watches him, the intensity painted in his creased
       forehead enough to unsettle her equilibrium but she takes a deep
       breath and her heart manages to come back to it’s senses. She
       smiles as everyone looks up at her, the area so quiet now you
       could hear a pin drop.
       [center][spoiler]
  HTML https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsz5ijRQvUY[/spoiler][/center]
       The sound of the harp fills the air as the brunette begins to
       dance elegantly, her body twisting up and down, in and out of
       the water, becoming one with the waves, watching the eyes of
       their folk, plastered on her. And then her voice, dainty and
       graceful, singing, brown eyes meeting with Vaeymere’s every so
       often, her words directed at him - portraying and pouring into
       them, her devotion, her allegiance to him and all she could do
       was hope it impressed him enough. The more she sings, the closer
       she gets to the ground, and to the ancient fae, until at last,
       she lands before him, kneeling down and bowing her head. Her
       last words are a whisper, a private exchange from her to the man
       sitting opposite her.
       “You are an ocean of waves. . .”
       #Post#: 407609--------------------------------------------------
       Re: ☾Willow☽
       By: Demonreach Date: September 11, 2016, 8:43 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Tristan held some trepidation, but this is what he had come for.
       Answers.
       Given Tristan's life of being on the run, he'd immersed himself
       within various cultures. His favorite, perhaps, had been the
       Northmen with their gods. As they had walked, his disguise
       removed itself, revealing the true man beneath.
       While not a lot had changed, Tristan was clean shaven; eyes like
       a hawk, watching everything with a predatory gleam. A few scars
       stood out on the white skin; an odd color given his time on the
       road. The blue of his eyes glowed with some inner light,
       excitement stirring within the ocean hues. He left his horse
       just outside of the area of the ritual, knowing how uneasy it
       made the beast. Instead, he carried the two swords -the smaller
       at his hip with the larger along his back; the bow was slung
       across his back as well with the quiver at the opposite hip.
       There was no doubt this man was nothing other than a Rahl, or
       someone of high importance; despite him not growing up in such a
       manor, he held himself with a regality that belied that; his
       gait easily and almost feline. Finally, he felt some semblance
       of self. He was a tower of personality, dominating and imposing.
       Any questing wouldn't give much about his person, marking him as
       human while most would feel the magical prowess of his partner,
       Shenir. There were few that could sense that magical power
       within the young Rahl.
       He sipped idly at the water before him, watching intently;
       striking casual conversation with Shenir to pass the time.
       The thing with rituals was that they dragged on.
       [center]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/cen
       ter]
       As the Light Fae would begin, Vaeymere sighed softly; enjoying
       the quiet that followed just before but nothing was quiet with
       the gathering of so many Fae. His eyes took in everything,
       resting on both the outsiders; annoyance creased his eyes as
       they met briefly with Thalia's own.
       But he could sense the unease of the Fae woman before him,
       pouring her soul into the task at hand in hopes of not offending
       him. Had the Fae always been so weak? So seeking in their need?
       Was he not the same?
       As she would get halfway through her song, he held a hand,
       forestalling any further singing. The hand stayed, to stifle any
       murmuring.
       While the Light Fae's voice had been soothing, enjoyable really,
       the Elder Fae's voice was deep; a growl from within his throat.
       It commanded entire armies at one point in its life, as it
       carried easily between all listeners.
       'Enough.' It carried boredom with it, touching a darker emotion
       that shined dangerously in the red hues. 'I grow bored with this
       farce, year after year. It is tiring and only seeks to drive me
       to my slumber sooner.'
       He paused, watching; listening, before continuing. 'I am
       leaving. Luna, you are free from this obligation; do with your
       life as you would for I have no need of you lest you feel the
       need to accompany.' He met the eyes of the two warriors, as if
       in challenge before nodding his head in some answer to some
       question only he held the answer for.
       'Thalia, return these two to their people.'
       He rose as he spoke, exiting much the same way he had entered.
       'Luna, attend me for a moment.'
       All around him, as he left, the forest seemed to breathe once
       more, as if holding its breath. The Wild Magic so untamed within
       him flowed greedily; hungrily all around, touching upon his
       people and the two humans. As he departed, that magic left all
       but Luna, swirling around her. While he had freed her from this
       ritual, his command offered no alternative.
       It had been so long since he had immersed himself so heavily
       within that magic; his eyes shining with dangerous intent; his
       body poised on the edge of violence. There was a balance to all
       things, he thought, and his magic demanded that there be war for
       the years that passed by so peacefully.
       How delightful.
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