((Continuation from Prompt: The More They Stay The Same))
The pounding pressure against her mind was completely gone.
She felt wildly giddy, but at the same time, ready to run to the edge of the island and heave her stomach over the side.
It was over.
And Mother Tree! She could go to her homeland. To her home in the Reach. To her family on the Jester airship.
But before she went home, she would return to the golden Exalted city. They could help teach her to heal others and be strong.
Mordremoth was dead. He would never be able to use her again.
No one else would, either.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Prompt: The More They Stay The Same
((Continuation from Prompt: The More Things Change...))
Caedyn felt a supporting hand on her shoulder as she swayed, taking off her helmet. She was about to sally a joke with the charr at her side when her attention was caught by the green and purple sylvari doubled over in sobs. “Bear's balls, Zaree hurt?”
Even as the words left her mouth, Zaree and one of her brethren embraced with a laugh.
“Quite the opposite,” Callista assured her. “Mordremoth was telling her people they would die when he did.”
“Shit storms. I missed that intel. Shoulda kicked him in the nuts while I had the chance.”
Caedyn felt a supporting hand on her shoulder as she swayed, taking off her helmet. She was about to sally a joke with the charr at her side when her attention was caught by the green and purple sylvari doubled over in sobs. “Bear's balls, Zaree hurt?”
Even as the words left her mouth, Zaree and one of her brethren embraced with a laugh.
“Quite the opposite,” Callista assured her. “Mordremoth was telling her people they would die when he did.”
“Shit storms. I missed that intel. Shoulda kicked him in the nuts while I had the chance.”
Prompt: The More Things Change...
((Continuation from Prompt: Salt))
She looked around. A sense of relief washed through her siblings within the range of her empathy. Many tinged with shock to be alive.
“It's over, sister.” Her brother smiled, though she could feel a similar tempest swirling through him.
She clasped his hands, wanting to agree but unable to form the words. She pulled him into a hug. Relieved to feel her family, able to touch them, able to carry on despite their makers threats.
She felt a similar joy in her brother as they embraced, blooming against each other until they couldn't help but release it in laughter.
She looked around. A sense of relief washed through her siblings within the range of her empathy. Many tinged with shock to be alive.
“It's over, sister.” Her brother smiled, though she could feel a similar tempest swirling through him.
She clasped his hands, wanting to agree but unable to form the words. She pulled him into a hug. Relieved to feel her family, able to touch them, able to carry on despite their makers threats.
She felt a similar joy in her brother as they embraced, blooming against each other until they couldn't help but release it in laughter.
Prompt: Salt
((Continuation from Prompt: You Have to Fall to Fly))
“Wyvern onna north!”
Caedyn’s leg throbbed and sweat stung her eyes as she landed hard, having to veer her final approach on the island to avoid the acid of a wyvern. Not for the first time did she envy Callista’s natural agility, silently asking Leopard why she could only ever borrow those abilities on brief loan.
Stingy stinkin’ Spirits.
At least the chopper’s load was being put to use as Mordremoth attempted to consume the neighboring island. Caedyn let her glider collapse as she pulled out her longbow.
“Squadron, get yer-”
Her words were cut short by the dragon's scream.
“Wyvern onna north!”
Caedyn’s leg throbbed and sweat stung her eyes as she landed hard, having to veer her final approach on the island to avoid the acid of a wyvern. Not for the first time did she envy Callista’s natural agility, silently asking Leopard why she could only ever borrow those abilities on brief loan.
Stingy stinkin’ Spirits.
At least the chopper’s load was being put to use as Mordremoth attempted to consume the neighboring island. Caedyn let her glider collapse as she pulled out her longbow.
“Squadron, get yer-”
Her words were cut short by the dragon's scream.
Prompt: You Have to Fall to Fly
((Continuation from Prompt: Curmudgeonly))
“Incoming!”
Even with Callista's warning, Zaree shrieked as the island rocked under her feet. Mordremoth brushed against the floating rock, his massive eye greedily eyeing the ley energy weaving through the ground. His voice echoed in her head as she stood in his shadow.
You are nothing. Submit to me, and serve!
Distantly, she heard Callista's command to get to mortars of a crashed chopper. She pushed the dragon's words aside to leap off the platform, unfurling the leaves of her glider to catch the wind and follow the forces.
She wasn't going to let him devour any more islands!
“Incoming!”
Even with Callista's warning, Zaree shrieked as the island rocked under her feet. Mordremoth brushed against the floating rock, his massive eye greedily eyeing the ley energy weaving through the ground. His voice echoed in her head as she stood in his shadow.
You are nothing. Submit to me, and serve!
Distantly, she heard Callista's command to get to mortars of a crashed chopper. She pushed the dragon's words aside to leap off the platform, unfurling the leaves of her glider to catch the wind and follow the forces.
She wasn't going to let him devour any more islands!
Prompt: Curmudgeonly
((Continuation from Prompt: Silent Curses))
She felt old maneuvering with a bum leg.
Older still to see in all her time getting to the launch pad, no choppers had moved and the group of officers was arguing like early Pact days. All complaints about a lack of progress, but no one had ideas for a better strategy.
“We’re not going to have any choppers left if we keep going in. ”
“Aye, but we're on tha’ right path iffin the numbers of Mordrem be anythin’ ta go by,” she glanced around to spot some of the restless pilots. “We buyin’ time fer tha’ Commander!"
She felt old maneuvering with a bum leg.
Older still to see in all her time getting to the launch pad, no choppers had moved and the group of officers was arguing like early Pact days. All complaints about a lack of progress, but no one had ideas for a better strategy.
“We’re not going to have any choppers left if we keep going in. ”
“Aye, but we're on tha’ right path iffin the numbers of Mordrem be anythin’ ta go by,” she glanced around to spot some of the restless pilots. “We buyin’ time fer tha’ Commander!"
Prompt: Silent Curses
((Continuation from Prompt: Drowning))
Did you have to wash your mouth out with soap after you died?
Maybe it didn't count if you only thought the words.
But maybe it did count if the bad guy you thought the words at could hear your thoughts.
Did it still count if he really deserves it?
Especially if he really, really, REALLY, deserves ever so many of all the bad words ever said?
She should have asked mommy Diana about that.
Did you have to wash your mouth out with soap after you died?
Maybe it didn't count if you only thought the words.
But maybe it did count if the bad guy you thought the words at could hear your thoughts.
Did it still count if he really deserves it?
Especially if he really, really, REALLY, deserves ever so many of all the bad words ever said?
She should have asked mommy Diana about that.
Prompt: Drowning
((Continuation from Prompt: Voices))
“Leopard’s Litter Box,” Caedyn swore under her breath and let her bowstring slacken. The battles on the islands were out of range.
She’d been defending the cliffside where the main forces had launched into the final assault on Mordremoth. The main attack was getting the dragon’s attention if the dwindling enemies on the mainland were anything to go by. The norn captain had broken from her defense position to see how the dragon match was doing.
Not very well at the moment. The choppers supplying ammunition were barely getting through the winds, let alone Mordremoth's attacks.
“Leopard’s Litter Box,” Caedyn swore under her breath and let her bowstring slacken. The battles on the islands were out of range.
She’d been defending the cliffside where the main forces had launched into the final assault on Mordremoth. The main attack was getting the dragon’s attention if the dwindling enemies on the mainland were anything to go by. The norn captain had broken from her defense position to see how the dragon match was doing.
Not very well at the moment. The choppers supplying ammunition were barely getting through the winds, let alone Mordremoth's attacks.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Prompt: Transcendent
She watched, carefully timing her moment. With quick bursts, she blinked behind the target, summoning her clones.
An astonished face turned, mouthing in a silent count as his eyes flicked over her and her clones, back to her sister with her own doppels.
"Seven clones?!" He gaped at Fhíona. "Alchemy! Wai-wait here. I need to show- seven?!" The scholar trundled quickly away, still processing what he saw.
"You realize if he does bring Preceptor Valenze, she will see through this trick in a second?"
"Or she'll look at me with transcendental awe!"
Lasaíriona snorted, failing to hold in her laughter.
An astonished face turned, mouthing in a silent count as his eyes flicked over her and her clones, back to her sister with her own doppels.
"Seven clones?!" He gaped at Fhíona. "Alchemy! Wai-wait here. I need to show- seven?!" The scholar trundled quickly away, still processing what he saw.
"You realize if he does bring Preceptor Valenze, she will see through this trick in a second?"
"Or she'll look at me with transcendental awe!"
Lasaíriona snorted, failing to hold in her laughter.
Prompt: Voices
((Continuing from Prompt: What You Don't Know))
Mordremoth's threats were easy enough to ignore when used to some more unsavory spirits whispering from the Mists. Honestly, did he think he would have better success than Mallyx?
Take a number already!
The main forces were moving out now.
She watched them go as Jalis scoffed at their duty to stay behind. She got a few wary glances as she replied to the voice in her head.
Nothing unusual there.
She wasn't the only one getting weird looks. That Vigil charr talking with the year old tiger some ranger had left with her... She was sure they were talking.
((The charr that Éadaoin is referring to is another of my characters, Phaedra Growlchirp.
I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Phaedra, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Mordremoth's threats were easy enough to ignore when used to some more unsavory spirits whispering from the Mists. Honestly, did he think he would have better success than Mallyx?
Take a number already!
The main forces were moving out now.
She watched them go as Jalis scoffed at their duty to stay behind. She got a few wary glances as she replied to the voice in her head.
Nothing unusual there.
She wasn't the only one getting weird looks. That Vigil charr talking with the year old tiger some ranger had left with her... She was sure they were talking.
((The charr that Éadaoin is referring to is another of my characters, Phaedra Growlchirp.
I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Phaedra, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Prompt: What You Don't Know
((Continuation from Prompt: A New Friend))
Loud noises awoke Callista, but her alarm turned to confusion when it was clear the commotion was not from another attack.
Upon investigating, she found a gathering of Pact members. They were chuckling as Zaree scolded Bijali like a furious mother.
Vigil Captain Lopez explained the situation with a lopsided grin. “She caught her tiger trying to break into the food supplies. Been telling him off for being a ‘brambly bad friend’ and that it's 'ever bad manners to take without asking'."
He laughed. “Does she usually talk like that?”
Callista glanced around the amused onlookers. “Yes.”
Loud noises awoke Callista, but her alarm turned to confusion when it was clear the commotion was not from another attack.
Upon investigating, she found a gathering of Pact members. They were chuckling as Zaree scolded Bijali like a furious mother.
Vigil Captain Lopez explained the situation with a lopsided grin. “She caught her tiger trying to break into the food supplies. Been telling him off for being a ‘brambly bad friend’ and that it's 'ever bad manners to take without asking'."
He laughed. “Does she usually talk like that?”
Callista glanced around the amused onlookers. “Yes.”
Prompt: New Friend
((Continuing from Prompt: A Different Call))
It was good Ms. Callista was there to help. It was better when the night watch of the Pact sent more.
She took Bijali away when they burned his mother. It took a while to break through his anger and she used the words of Mommy Diana.
Hugs are hard to give through goop and anger. Callista helped her wash out the goop. It was tricky to clean from fur, and ever so stinky.
She told Bijali she had to go where things were worse. She had to keep fighting. He wanted to go. He wanted to go with her
It was good Ms. Callista was there to help. It was better when the night watch of the Pact sent more.
She took Bijali away when they burned his mother. It took a while to break through his anger and she used the words of Mommy Diana.
Hugs are hard to give through goop and anger. Callista helped her wash out the goop. It was tricky to clean from fur, and ever so stinky.
She told Bijali she had to go where things were worse. She had to keep fighting. He wanted to go. He wanted to go with her
Monday, July 31, 2017
Prompt: A Different Call
((Continuing from Prompt: Bitter Chill))
As they progressed through the tangled depths of the heart of Maguuma, the nightly rousings continued. Zaree only asked once if she was keeping her charr friend from sleep, and took Callista's negative reply as absolute truth.
Callista looked back with relief on her instinct to watch over the heartsick sylvari when, one night, with no other warning than a cry, Zaree darted hazardously away from the ogre camp where they were resting.
It was clear what had called the ranger when they got to the scene. A young tiger, his mother slain, was in a losing battle with chak.
As they progressed through the tangled depths of the heart of Maguuma, the nightly rousings continued. Zaree only asked once if she was keeping her charr friend from sleep, and took Callista's negative reply as absolute truth.
Callista looked back with relief on her instinct to watch over the heartsick sylvari when, one night, with no other warning than a cry, Zaree darted hazardously away from the ogre camp where they were resting.
It was clear what had called the ranger when they got to the scene. A young tiger, his mother slain, was in a losing battle with chak.
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Prompt: Galley
"Yer in trouble on my account!"
"Nah," Mazu's nose crinkled. "Ain't your fault you're workin' under a maggot-festooned, bilge-pissing ballast pig! I only got in trouble 'cause I got caught putting shrink tonic in his clothes. Gotta be sneakier to get past Second Mate's eagle eyes."
She hurried on, noting Pugsly's concerned expression. "Captain knows his punishments," Mazu held a half peeled spud aloft. "Nothing I hate worse than a dull job."
"I'll help." Pugsly sat down, plucking a potato from the pile.
Mazu grinned cheekily with a wink. "Aye, faster we get done, faster we can do other things."
"Nah," Mazu's nose crinkled. "Ain't your fault you're workin' under a maggot-festooned, bilge-pissing ballast pig! I only got in trouble 'cause I got caught putting shrink tonic in his clothes. Gotta be sneakier to get past Second Mate's eagle eyes."
She hurried on, noting Pugsly's concerned expression. "Captain knows his punishments," Mazu held a half peeled spud aloft. "Nothing I hate worse than a dull job."
"I'll help." Pugsly sat down, plucking a potato from the pile.
Mazu grinned cheekily with a wink. "Aye, faster we get done, faster we can do other things."
Thursday, June 1, 2017
Prompt: Crescendo
The music swelled as the norn dressed as Talon Silverwing launched the Kuunavang performer.
Gasps rose from the crowd at the height the actress was tossed. She sailed over the ensemble of heroes and could easily have ended up crashing into the musicians off the other end of the stage. Yet, just as she started to fall from the apex of her arc, she grabbed onto the silks forming one of the banners that set the performance in the Harvest Temple.
The momentum of the throw and her own twist brought her swinging over the audience to cheers and applause.
((I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Kanika, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Gasps rose from the crowd at the height the actress was tossed. She sailed over the ensemble of heroes and could easily have ended up crashing into the musicians off the other end of the stage. Yet, just as she started to fall from the apex of her arc, she grabbed onto the silks forming one of the banners that set the performance in the Harvest Temple.
The momentum of the throw and her own twist brought her swinging over the audience to cheers and applause.
((I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Kanika, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Prompt: Efficiency
"Cloff!"
The clockmaker lifted his monocle to give his apprentice a withering glare. It might have been more effective if the teenager didn't look fully capable of stomping him under one of her boots.
"I done heard someone claim that fixing of that Kurzick piece were your doing!"
"Your gear train was inimitably efficient, but the name on the door is mine. Not yours. Additionally, Ynghild, I specifically requested that you leave that piece alone."
The two stared each other down some minutes before Ynghild gave up and stomped off to the workroom with a great deal of grumbling.
((I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Ynghild, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
The clockmaker lifted his monocle to give his apprentice a withering glare. It might have been more effective if the teenager didn't look fully capable of stomping him under one of her boots.
"I done heard someone claim that fixing of that Kurzick piece were your doing!"
"Your gear train was inimitably efficient, but the name on the door is mine. Not yours. Additionally, Ynghild, I specifically requested that you leave that piece alone."
The two stared each other down some minutes before Ynghild gave up and stomped off to the workroom with a great deal of grumbling.
((I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Ynghild, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Friday, April 28, 2017
Prompt: The Waiting Game
It was late in the night and a bird with new orders had yet to come.
Stress flowed over when a simple question made Lassie snap at her superior. Her expression was immediately mortified and contrite. "I- I'm sorry Lightbringer."
Callista held up a paw to forestall further apologies. "I know what it is to feel grit in your eyes when sleep eludes you and your insides perforated because your life is outside your control."
Contrary to the look Callista might have received from a civilian, Lassie's look was one of relief.
"Focus on what is controllable. Prepare your gear."
Stress flowed over when a simple question made Lassie snap at her superior. Her expression was immediately mortified and contrite. "I- I'm sorry Lightbringer."
Callista held up a paw to forestall further apologies. "I know what it is to feel grit in your eyes when sleep eludes you and your insides perforated because your life is outside your control."
Contrary to the look Callista might have received from a civilian, Lassie's look was one of relief.
"Focus on what is controllable. Prepare your gear."
Prompt: Living Nightmare
It unfolded so fast that the horror was still penetrating her understanding.
The Call.
She'd rejected the dragon. But her sister...
The reveling fury morphing her twin was beyond her ability to rescue or reason with.
She did stop the Mordrem from killing.
Felt every moment of her mirror's death, now looping in her mind.
She had to get as far away as she could. Over and over she cast portals, past caring for the searing burns of overextending her magic. When her body could no longer maintain her adrenaline-fulled flight, she collapsed in the snow of the Shiverpeaks.
The Call.
She'd rejected the dragon. But her sister...
The reveling fury morphing her twin was beyond her ability to rescue or reason with.
She did stop the Mordrem from killing.
Felt every moment of her mirror's death, now looping in her mind.
She had to get as far away as she could. Over and over she cast portals, past caring for the searing burns of overextending her magic. When her body could no longer maintain her adrenaline-fulled flight, she collapsed in the snow of the Shiverpeaks.
Prompt: Sisterly Bonds
The door slammed open and Lasaíriona looked up as her twin threw herself on her bed and screamed into her pillow.
Her sister felt her amusement and chucked the pillow at her, which she dodged with a blink of a few feet.
"She's so frustrating!"
"Who is it this-"
"Preceptor Valenze!" Fhíona scowled with narrowed eyes. "I know Countess Anise will be at the Summit."
"We haven't even been de-podded a year, we aren't-"
"We could learn from the Collective!" Fhíona exasperatedly insisted. "How are you my twin?! You are-"
"so unambitious!" Lasaíriona finished with her before they both giggled.
Her sister felt her amusement and chucked the pillow at her, which she dodged with a blink of a few feet.
"She's so frustrating!"
"Who is it this-"
"Preceptor Valenze!" Fhíona scowled with narrowed eyes. "I know Countess Anise will be at the Summit."
"We haven't even been de-podded a year, we aren't-"
"We could learn from the Collective!" Fhíona exasperatedly insisted. "How are you my twin?! You are-"
"so unambitious!" Lasaíriona finished with her before they both giggled.
Prompt: Flibbertigibbits
"You shared a vision of the Whispers?" Aife looked between the twins at they explained their Dream to the Luminary.
"Well, not exactly-"
"For the details were in my Dream." Fhíona finished for her pod twin.
"Quite so!" Lasaíriona rejoined. "For while I saw us working with the Pact forces-"
"I was the one who saw the detail on our uniforms."
"I'm surprised you don't wish to be Vigil" Lasaíriona coyly nudged her sister. "You certainly had your eye-"
"Fie!" Fhíona shrieked, "At least I know his face! He was-"
"Handsome?"
"Powerful."
The twins dissolved into giggles.
"Saplings!" Aife sighed.
"Well, not exactly-"
"For the details were in my Dream." Fhíona finished for her pod twin.
"Quite so!" Lasaíriona rejoined. "For while I saw us working with the Pact forces-"
"I was the one who saw the detail on our uniforms."
"I'm surprised you don't wish to be Vigil" Lasaíriona coyly nudged her sister. "You certainly had your eye-"
"Fie!" Fhíona shrieked, "At least I know his face! He was-"
"Handsome?"
"Powerful."
The twins dissolved into giggles.
"Saplings!" Aife sighed.
Prompt: A Denied Truth
((Continuing some days later from Prompt: Rumpus))
Caedyn sat on the edge of the bed, her crutches propped unused beside her as she glared at her hands in distaste.
Her brother entered the tent, his brows nearly disappearing into his hairline with surprise at her brooding. "Here I thought ye be pleased."
Caedyn's unhappy grimace soured further as she held the offending item aloft, pinched between thumb and forefinger like a fetid mass.
"Glasses?" Tryggr nearly choked on his laugh. "About bloody time, eh?"
He snorted at his sister's horrified expression. "Ack, ca'mmon Cae. Everyone be knowing yer blind as a bat a' forty paces. Maybe less!"
Caedyn sat on the edge of the bed, her crutches propped unused beside her as she glared at her hands in distaste.
Her brother entered the tent, his brows nearly disappearing into his hairline with surprise at her brooding. "Here I thought ye be pleased."
Caedyn's unhappy grimace soured further as she held the offending item aloft, pinched between thumb and forefinger like a fetid mass.
"Glasses?" Tryggr nearly choked on his laugh. "About bloody time, eh?"
He snorted at his sister's horrified expression. "Ack, ca'mmon Cae. Everyone be knowing yer blind as a bat a' forty paces. Maybe less!"
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Prompt: At The Shrine
The Priest of Grenth was trying to calm the grieving widow; it was a difficult consolation.
His apprentice's head pointed toward the son of the deceased. "It sounds like New Krytan, but I can't understand a word she is saying." She muttered softly, missing the appalled man's expression.
"Ayana!" The priest grimaced, "Mr. Richardson believes you are addressing-"
“Oh! Sorry!” For a moment, the priest had a glimmer of hope that she would recall her protocol lessons until the pre-teen spoke again. “Can you step back, sir. You are standing in the middle of the ghost I am talking to.”
His apprentice's head pointed toward the son of the deceased. "It sounds like New Krytan, but I can't understand a word she is saying." She muttered softly, missing the appalled man's expression.
"Ayana!" The priest grimaced, "Mr. Richardson believes you are addressing-"
“Oh! Sorry!” For a moment, the priest had a glimmer of hope that she would recall her protocol lessons until the pre-teen spoke again. “Can you step back, sir. You are standing in the middle of the ghost I am talking to.”
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Prompt: Rumor Mill
Dorothea squinted out the window before hearing the door open. She turned to see her oldest daughter dart into the kitchen. “Ada, who's your sister talking to?”
“She says it's dead Richard Brase,” Ada replied, popping a blueberry in her mouth.
Her mother let out a frustrated groan. “Kormir's eyes, child! Stop telling Ayana ghost stories!”
"Momma!" Ada whined, "I never said nothing about Brase!"
"Mighta heard something by the docks," her father spoke without looking up from his ledger of daily hauls and market prices. "Been some rumors about since the accident. The ears of a cat, our Ayana."
“She says it's dead Richard Brase,” Ada replied, popping a blueberry in her mouth.
Her mother let out a frustrated groan. “Kormir's eyes, child! Stop telling Ayana ghost stories!”
"Momma!" Ada whined, "I never said nothing about Brase!"
"Mighta heard something by the docks," her father spoke without looking up from his ledger of daily hauls and market prices. "Been some rumors about since the accident. The ears of a cat, our Ayana."
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Prompt: Mother's Love
Ayana wondered if
her father was really having any luck salvaging more fishing cages
while she listened to her mother repeat her complaints once again.
“I just keep telling myself, Dorothea, you lucky those kids are grown and gone from here. Blessed Six, I thought I was gonna die and never see any of my babies' sweet faces again! Oh! I-”
“Never? Not planning to stick around as a ghost so I can see you for a change?”
She heard the sound of fabric shaking and guessed her mother was flapping a dishtowel in her fit of nerves. “Oof, Ayana!”
“I just keep telling myself, Dorothea, you lucky those kids are grown and gone from here. Blessed Six, I thought I was gonna die and never see any of my babies' sweet faces again! Oh! I-”
“Never? Not planning to stick around as a ghost so I can see you for a change?”
She heard the sound of fabric shaking and guessed her mother was flapping a dishtowel in her fit of nerves. “Oof, Ayana!”
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Prompt: Replacement
((Continuing from Prompt: Unbearable Heat))
Fingers danced over the air, the gylph shining as she formed it. She almost lost concentration as her eyes caught movement.
Helen flinched, the summoned axe raised before her face, an instinctual cover, as a dagger came shooting through the ring of fire like an arrow. While the weapon deflected the blade, it was no shield. A chunk of the axe head exploded in embers. She wouldn't be able to hold it's form much longer.
Luckily, her gylph was cast just in time. Helen let her axe crumble away as a large fire elemental swooped between her and the Mantle.
Fingers danced over the air, the gylph shining as she formed it. She almost lost concentration as her eyes caught movement.
Helen flinched, the summoned axe raised before her face, an instinctual cover, as a dagger came shooting through the ring of fire like an arrow. While the weapon deflected the blade, it was no shield. A chunk of the axe head exploded in embers. She wouldn't be able to hold it's form much longer.
Luckily, her gylph was cast just in time. Helen let her axe crumble away as a large fire elemental swooped between her and the Mantle.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Prompt: Bitter Chill
((Continuing from Prompt: Danger on the Horizon))
The noise of the jungle was all that followed Zaree's admission of the threat against her kind for a long pause.
Callista knew not what to say. It was a menacing claim, and while she knew enough, some from Zaree and some from overheard conversation, that Mordremoth was taunting sylvari, she'd not known specifics of what his threats were. The thought that the jungle dragon's death could possibly also kill Zaree and her people was chilling.
“He lies a lot, you know.” Zaree huddled in a tighter ball in the tree. “ “Or- we'll stop him anyway."
"You have admirable courage."
The noise of the jungle was all that followed Zaree's admission of the threat against her kind for a long pause.
Callista knew not what to say. It was a menacing claim, and while she knew enough, some from Zaree and some from overheard conversation, that Mordremoth was taunting sylvari, she'd not known specifics of what his threats were. The thought that the jungle dragon's death could possibly also kill Zaree and her people was chilling.
“He lies a lot, you know.” Zaree huddled in a tighter ball in the tree. “ “Or- we'll stop him anyway."
"You have admirable courage."
Prompt: Danger on the Horizon
((Continuing from Prompt: Spit It Out!))
“He's very thornily mean.” Zaree looked over her shoulder to glare past the tents, far to the South. Huddled up in the most northern edge of the perimeter, the farthest the sylvari could get from their heading while staying within the safety of the camp, the glare to the south was all the confirmation that Callista needed that Zaree was studiously ignoring Mordremoth.
“Indeed.” Callista agreed. “I have overheard enough from other sylvari to understand he is cruel in his taunts to your kin.”
Zaree's jaw worked a few minutes before she spoke. “He says we will whither without him.”
“He's very thornily mean.” Zaree looked over her shoulder to glare past the tents, far to the South. Huddled up in the most northern edge of the perimeter, the farthest the sylvari could get from their heading while staying within the safety of the camp, the glare to the south was all the confirmation that Callista needed that Zaree was studiously ignoring Mordremoth.
“Indeed.” Callista agreed. “I have overheard enough from other sylvari to understand he is cruel in his taunts to your kin.”
Zaree's jaw worked a few minutes before she spoke. “He says we will whither without him.”
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Prompt: Spit It Out!
((Continuing from Prompt: Cold Shoulder))
“Mordremoth?”
Zaree's head whipped down to look down at Callista. She was startled, Callista might have even thought afraid, but soon her expressive face morphed with flits of guilt, frustration, anger. She waved a green hand, struggling to find words.
“You need not explain anything if it pains you.” Callista assured her. “though I shall not judge you and keep confidence if you need release from whatever is clawing up your peace.”
Zaree looked away, though from her position, Callista could see her chewing her lip before she finally shook her head and spat out “I hate him.”
“Mordremoth?”
Zaree's head whipped down to look down at Callista. She was startled, Callista might have even thought afraid, but soon her expressive face morphed with flits of guilt, frustration, anger. She waved a green hand, struggling to find words.
“You need not explain anything if it pains you.” Callista assured her. “though I shall not judge you and keep confidence if you need release from whatever is clawing up your peace.”
Zaree looked away, though from her position, Callista could see her chewing her lip before she finally shook her head and spat out “I hate him.”
Prompt: Cold Shoulder
((Continuing from Prompt: Oasis))
The sounds of the depths of the forest at night were more cacophonous than the Serrated Blade Tavern, yet it wasn't the droning insects or the croaks of hylek watching for chak that awoke Callista. Her eyes flicked in the dark to catch the tent flap closing after someone.
It required several minutes to grab and don enough gear to follow. By that time, Zaree had settled in a tree on the outskirts of the temporary camp. Callista had the distinct impression that a certain dragon was being given a cold shoulder.
“Mordremoth?” Callista asked from below the sylvari's perch.
The sounds of the depths of the forest at night were more cacophonous than the Serrated Blade Tavern, yet it wasn't the droning insects or the croaks of hylek watching for chak that awoke Callista. Her eyes flicked in the dark to catch the tent flap closing after someone.
It required several minutes to grab and don enough gear to follow. By that time, Zaree had settled in a tree on the outskirts of the temporary camp. Callista had the distinct impression that a certain dragon was being given a cold shoulder.
“Mordremoth?” Callista asked from below the sylvari's perch.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Prompt: Oasis
((Continuing from Prompt: What's in a Name?))
The Pact company was ready to press on from the golden city. Callista appreciated the place only because it affected a cheer in Zaree's spirits.
She had been surprised her angry outburst effectively earned Zaree respect from the Exalted. She hadn't been sure he'd heard the term Branded before, but he understood. And extended friendship to the sylvari.
Callista found Zaree waving goodbye to another Bastion. She darted forward to join Callista, sparing a momentary wistful look back. Then, the increasingly familiar look of angry determination settled on her face as she squared her shoulders to move on.
"I'm ready."
The Pact company was ready to press on from the golden city. Callista appreciated the place only because it affected a cheer in Zaree's spirits.
She had been surprised her angry outburst effectively earned Zaree respect from the Exalted. She hadn't been sure he'd heard the term Branded before, but he understood. And extended friendship to the sylvari.
Callista found Zaree waving goodbye to another Bastion. She darted forward to join Callista, sparing a momentary wistful look back. Then, the increasingly familiar look of angry determination settled on her face as she squared her shoulders to move on.
"I'm ready."
Prompt: Bursting with Joy
((Takes place a little after the WM attack on DR))
Zaree fingered the silky pink petals blooming on her bow. It was plum wonderful.
The Exalted teaching had given her so much. She had never imagined how full of life the world could feel as a druid. It was nothing to Mordremoth's promise of power.
Better than- what's bigger than eleventy-hundred times?
Zaree giggled at the thought, rising up and testing the magical string of her loving crafted bow. Her joy spread a flourish of growth around her feet.
Her attention was caught from her finished labor by a bird fluttering down to land.
A letter from mother Diana!
Zaree fingered the silky pink petals blooming on her bow. It was plum wonderful.
The Exalted teaching had given her so much. She had never imagined how full of life the world could feel as a druid. It was nothing to Mordremoth's promise of power.
Better than- what's bigger than eleventy-hundred times?
Zaree giggled at the thought, rising up and testing the magical string of her loving crafted bow. Her joy spread a flourish of growth around her feet.
Her attention was caught from her finished labor by a bird fluttering down to land.
A letter from mother Diana!
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Prompt: What's in a Name?
((Continuing from Prompt: Anger))
As much as she disliked the scent of them, it was heartening to see Zaree's reaction to the Exalted. The sylvari's wide-eyed wonder was squashed soon enough, however.
"What is your business, Mordrem?" the golden being asked of her.
Callista saw Zaree stiffen.
She knew what it was like to hide your pain and hated to witness it in others.
"No more Mordrem than Glint was Branded." Callista's voice was low, rumbling with a growling undertone for the Exalted's hurtful address. Heads in her company turned, for even defending the Pale Reavers, she had maintained her calm voice of reason.
As much as she disliked the scent of them, it was heartening to see Zaree's reaction to the Exalted. The sylvari's wide-eyed wonder was squashed soon enough, however.
"What is your business, Mordrem?" the golden being asked of her.
Callista saw Zaree stiffen.
She knew what it was like to hide your pain and hated to witness it in others.
"No more Mordrem than Glint was Branded." Callista's voice was low, rumbling with a growling undertone for the Exalted's hurtful address. Heads in her company turned, for even defending the Pale Reavers, she had maintained her calm voice of reason.
Monday, March 6, 2017
Prompt: Unbearable Heat
((Continuing from Prompt: Dusty))
Her aunt's training came in handy, for Helen saw the anticipation of the Mantle's throw.
She dodged back, flames licking off the axe in her hand as she moved. The man was unnaturally fast, even her nimble move just saved her as she felt a sting against her cheek. He snarled at her, with teeth clenched so tight, Helen almost fancied she could hear them grinding. He stepped toward her, leaving the Seraph to his companions.
With the axe as a focus, she threw out a ring of fire. The unbearable heat of elementalist flames stopped him in his tracks.
Her aunt's training came in handy, for Helen saw the anticipation of the Mantle's throw.
She dodged back, flames licking off the axe in her hand as she moved. The man was unnaturally fast, even her nimble move just saved her as she felt a sting against her cheek. He snarled at her, with teeth clenched so tight, Helen almost fancied she could hear them grinding. He stepped toward her, leaving the Seraph to his companions.
With the axe as a focus, she threw out a ring of fire. The unbearable heat of elementalist flames stopped him in his tracks.
Prompt: Anger
((Continuing from Prompt: Looking Up))
It took some convincing to coax her sylvari friend to join her company.
Callista understood Zaree’s hesitation for she’d intervened days before, when a few soldiers came across some surviving Pale Reavers and nearly started a fight with their hostility to the elite squad.
Callista could read the shame in her posture like it was a magical aura she could smell. There was anger too. A lot of it. It was strange to see Zaree so furious.
Her determination to save her friends, even if that meant trying to fight Mordremoth on her own...
That was the Zaree she knew.
It took some convincing to coax her sylvari friend to join her company.
Callista understood Zaree’s hesitation for she’d intervened days before, when a few soldiers came across some surviving Pale Reavers and nearly started a fight with their hostility to the elite squad.
Callista could read the shame in her posture like it was a magical aura she could smell. There was anger too. A lot of it. It was strange to see Zaree so furious.
Her determination to save her friends, even if that meant trying to fight Mordremoth on her own...
That was the Zaree she knew.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Prompt: Rumpus
((Continuing some days later from Prompt: Idle))
Caedyn thought she’d go mad if she had to spend one more minute looking at the ceiling of the medical tent.
“Heil!”
Not just the shout, but the familiar voice made her start.
"Tryggr?!" the disbelief in her expression broke into a grin. "Ye braught 'er!"
Fifteen minutes later, the head medic burst through the flaps. "What in the name of the Alchemy is this infernal rumpus?!" The noise stopped and heads turned. Caedyn leaned around her brother's tall form to look at the frantic asura, once more strumming her nyckelharpa for another song.
"Ack, we be havin' a moot!"
Caedyn thought she’d go mad if she had to spend one more minute looking at the ceiling of the medical tent.
“Heil!”
Not just the shout, but the familiar voice made her start.
"Tryggr?!" the disbelief in her expression broke into a grin. "Ye braught 'er!"
Fifteen minutes later, the head medic burst through the flaps. "What in the name of the Alchemy is this infernal rumpus?!" The noise stopped and heads turned. Caedyn leaned around her brother's tall form to look at the frantic asura, once more strumming her nyckelharpa for another song.
"Ack, we be havin' a moot!"
Prompt: Dusty
((Continuing from Prompt: Beacon))
Pulling her attunement like a fast drawn, dust rose in motes around her. Just as her captor began to notice, she blasted him in the face with sand.
Or… attempted to. It was a weak cast without a focus in hand, and she might as well have had flicked a tablespoon of powder in his face.
Still, the man reacted with enough of an instinctive flinch that he let go of her hair.
Helen dodged away, switching her attunement to fire.
Possibilities… need a weapon and defense...
The roaring heat of elementalist flame heralded an axe Helen manifested in hand.
Pulling her attunement like a fast drawn, dust rose in motes around her. Just as her captor began to notice, she blasted him in the face with sand.
Or… attempted to. It was a weak cast without a focus in hand, and she might as well have had flicked a tablespoon of powder in his face.
Still, the man reacted with enough of an instinctive flinch that he let go of her hair.
Helen dodged away, switching her attunement to fire.
Possibilities… need a weapon and defense...
The roaring heat of elementalist flame heralded an axe Helen manifested in hand.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Prompt: Beacon
((Continuing from Prompt: All That Glitters))
Helen hated being helpless. Yet, being held as she was, any action seemed too risky to take. She had always been keenest for offensive rather than defensive magic.
Heart pounding, she wished she had her aunt’s skill for conjuring shields.
I really need to look into arcane magic if I survive this.
While her mind raced, the Mantle and Seraph traded blows. A Seraph fell injured and the cocky confidence of the traitors grew. The one holding Helen lifted his dagger to taunt the remaining guard.
Pink-tinted sunlight glinted off the blade. A beacon to Helen.
This is your chance.
Helen hated being helpless. Yet, being held as she was, any action seemed too risky to take. She had always been keenest for offensive rather than defensive magic.
Heart pounding, she wished she had her aunt’s skill for conjuring shields.
I really need to look into arcane magic if I survive this.
While her mind raced, the Mantle and Seraph traded blows. A Seraph fell injured and the cocky confidence of the traitors grew. The one holding Helen lifted his dagger to taunt the remaining guard.
Pink-tinted sunlight glinted off the blade. A beacon to Helen.
This is your chance.
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Prompt: All That Glitters
((Continuing from Prompt: Nuisance))
Helen couldn’t see the face of the Mantle who had her by the hair and throat, but she could see the leader of this fringe of outlaws. His eyes glittered, oddly red, as he smiled, spreading out his arms as though he was presenting at the menagerie.
“Ah, we require you to move aside, puppets of the faithless crown," He addressed the Seraph, "lest you wish this- Lady’s-” he sneered out the word, casting a glance over Helen like he truly saw her as a piece of trash- “blood upon your feet.”
Helen's stomach churned nauseously at his blatant cruelty.
Helen couldn’t see the face of the Mantle who had her by the hair and throat, but she could see the leader of this fringe of outlaws. His eyes glittered, oddly red, as he smiled, spreading out his arms as though he was presenting at the menagerie.
“Ah, we require you to move aside, puppets of the faithless crown," He addressed the Seraph, "lest you wish this- Lady’s-” he sneered out the word, casting a glance over Helen like he truly saw her as a piece of trash- “blood upon your feet.”
Helen's stomach churned nauseously at his blatant cruelty.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Prompt: The Impossible!
Even before making their way over the cliffs from Seraph’s Landing to see the chaos below, Callista knew the situation in Lake Doric must be desperate if Lassie was ordered to report in.
Still, without any skills in magic use herself, Callista was glad to have the mesmer along. She eyed the sylvari's shaking form before finding a good position to wait and reinforce any assault on Fort Evennia's gates. Trying to take even small pickings would be impossible on her own.
"Breath, Agent. Just keep a portal ready." Callista calmly instructed as she attached her rifle's scope.
((I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Lasaíriona, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Still, without any skills in magic use herself, Callista was glad to have the mesmer along. She eyed the sylvari's shaking form before finding a good position to wait and reinforce any assault on Fort Evennia's gates. Trying to take even small pickings would be impossible on her own.
"Breath, Agent. Just keep a portal ready." Callista calmly instructed as she attached her rifle's scope.
((I cannot add any more tags to my character introduction post, so do note that my *Introduction* post has a brief intro of Lasaíriona, as well as a little screenshot of her face.))
Prompt: Nuisance
((Continuing from Prompt: Destruction))
Helen wanted to stomp her foot at the Seraphs blocking the lift to the Palace.
Yes, she understood the reason for being barred entry when the city was under attack, but they could at least tell her something, anything, about the state of things upstairs!
She felt an odd rush of warm breeze, just turning her head to see a cadre of white and red clad figures de-cloaked around her. Her head was jerked back when one of Mantle pulled her ponytail and laid a dagger against her throat.
Really? By the hair?! The Mantle were as barbaric as Tamini!
Helen wanted to stomp her foot at the Seraphs blocking the lift to the Palace.
Yes, she understood the reason for being barred entry when the city was under attack, but they could at least tell her something, anything, about the state of things upstairs!
She felt an odd rush of warm breeze, just turning her head to see a cadre of white and red clad figures de-cloaked around her. Her head was jerked back when one of Mantle pulled her ponytail and laid a dagger against her throat.
Really? By the hair?! The Mantle were as barbaric as Tamini!
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Prompt: Destruction
((Continuing from Prompt: Shield))
The fleeing flood of people frustrated Helen as they slowed her progress toward the heart of the city. The streets were filled with chaos even before reaching the cobbled main road encircling the Upper City, but they were nothing to the sight that greeted her there.
Whatever was bombarding the city did some damage before the shields were erected: rubble, fires, and the general confused crowds either fleeing or trying to save those caught in collapsed structures. Fear struck hard as she stepped through Salma District's gate and looked up to see the damaged tower and wall of the Promenade.
The fleeing flood of people frustrated Helen as they slowed her progress toward the heart of the city. The streets were filled with chaos even before reaching the cobbled main road encircling the Upper City, but they were nothing to the sight that greeted her there.
Whatever was bombarding the city did some damage before the shields were erected: rubble, fires, and the general confused crowds either fleeing or trying to save those caught in collapsed structures. Fear struck hard as she stepped through Salma District's gate and looked up to see the damaged tower and wall of the Promenade.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Prompt: Shield
Helen's laughter, at watching Kitty try to coax Sammy down from a tree, died on her lips as the ground shook with thunder.
Helen, Diana, and Kitty looked up as boulders, seeming licked with purple and red flames, shot across the clear sky toward the heart of the city. An attack on the palace?
Mother!
Helen ran to the garden gate, clumsily stumbling with alarm when an unavoidable wall of magic passed through her. She glanced up to see it was a glimmering, pink shield that had expanded out, deflecting the assault.
She raced toward the promenade, ignoring everything else.
Helen, Diana, and Kitty looked up as boulders, seeming licked with purple and red flames, shot across the clear sky toward the heart of the city. An attack on the palace?
Mother!
Helen ran to the garden gate, clumsily stumbling with alarm when an unavoidable wall of magic passed through her. She glanced up to see it was a glimmering, pink shield that had expanded out, deflecting the assault.
She raced toward the promenade, ignoring everything else.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Prompt: Pomposity
“Your training has progressed with surprising expediency for a human youth.”
Helen bit her cheek to keep from chuckling at Librarian Wellx’s faint praise.
“Obviously, you must still complete your contextual analysis course with Teekla, but once that is completed, I will send you to the monastery to become a novice of our order”
Helen had already had one instruction class with Savant Teekla, and between the two asura at Durmand Hall, she was sure they had enough pomposity to rival a ballroom of nobility. Which was saying something indeed!
Helen bit her cheek to keep from chuckling at Librarian Wellx’s faint praise.
“Obviously, you must still complete your contextual analysis course with Teekla, but once that is completed, I will send you to the monastery to become a novice of our order”
Helen had already had one instruction class with Savant Teekla, and between the two asura at Durmand Hall, she was sure they had enough pomposity to rival a ballroom of nobility. Which was saying something indeed!
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Prompt: Milk Toast
Captain Köttrdóttir let her ladden breakfast tray thud on the table as she took her seat.
Slicing into the piles of flapjacks, sausages, and eggs, she halted upon seeing the tray of one of the new transfers, seated across the mess table from her.
“Soldier,” Heads turned, and Éadaoin looked up from her small plate of milk toast to find herself being addressed. “Ye get full drills and there be no easin’ up iffin yer hungry from a skimpin’ onna meal.”
Éadaoin nodded. “I do better with a light breakfast. I will make up for it at lunch, I promise.”
Slicing into the piles of flapjacks, sausages, and eggs, she halted upon seeing the tray of one of the new transfers, seated across the mess table from her.
“Soldier,” Heads turned, and Éadaoin looked up from her small plate of milk toast to find herself being addressed. “Ye get full drills and there be no easin’ up iffin yer hungry from a skimpin’ onna meal.”
Éadaoin nodded. “I do better with a light breakfast. I will make up for it at lunch, I promise.”
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