|
|
Post by Alistair on May 26, 2017 4:15:44 GMT
Alistair had heard the stories, mostly from Erinys given that Desmond had spent most of his time further up north. Stories of fairer weather and a bright green expanse. If one had spent their life in the Rigel fiefdom and then crossed the border into Zofia, then the phrase “the grass is greener on the other side” would be revealed as a true one. At least in this case. Mere hours past the bridge that stretched ou near the old sluice gate, and already Alistair found himself in a quaint forest.
Well, not JUST himself, at least.
“Okay, so juuuust past these woods should be a little farming village. We might be able to stop there for a day or two before we trek on to Citadel.”
Indeed, his younger sister Mira was with him. Face buried in her abnormally large map of Valentia as she stumbled along a few paces behind Alistair. She was the reason Alistair even had the opportunity to take in the sight of the trees. The border was mere hours behind them and yet the trees were so different. Not quite as tall, but the leaves were shaped so different. No trees had pines, either. Northern Zofia was still warmer, on average, than southern Rigel after all. It only made sense.
The trees that had surrounded the old house were mostly coniferous, with pines and pinecones rather than leaves and buds. The dirt was harder, too. Felt firmer beneath one's boots than the softer Zofian soil. If Alistair was to believe history, the difference in environment was more extreme during the era of gods, since Mila flushed Zofia with her magic to coax nature into producing an endless bounty with minimal work. Whereas Duma made certain that if Rigelians wanted to farm and eat, they would have to work the land as hard as they could.
...Well the latter part was still true even if the gods weren't around anymore. Alistair ran his fingertips over a few of his calloused fingertips as he gazed about the area. This time his eyes weren't set on the trees, but the bushes. Though the sights were nice to take in, of that there was no doubt, it wasn't as though he'd come for a vacation. He was making sure his sister made it to Citadel safely...and then, if need be, to the Archaneum over in Eastern Rigel.
“Eyes up, Mira.”
“I'm just checking the map Alistair. Last thing we need is to wind up lost...”
“Last thing we need is for you to trip and hurt yourself. Or stumble your way into a brigand...or worse. Eyes up, now.” Alistair glanced back at his sister. She let out a groan of protest and began to roll her map up.
“Fine.” She huffed, “But I don't want to hear any complaining if we get lost.”
“The only one who'd be complaining is you.”
“Because YOU won't let me follow the map!”
Zofia or Rigel, siblings would be siblings, it seemed. It was hard for Alistair to hide the smarmy smirk as Mira pouted at him – so he didn't. Her pout turned into a frown before she turned her head up in a huff. Ah, the silent treatment. At least he'd be able to enjoy the birds...
...Alistair's pace slowed for a moment. There was a faint whistle as the breeze drifted between the bushes and leaves, but no birdsong. That was often an ill-omen...
|
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on May 28, 2017 1:02:44 GMT
Along this road he should reach a village, so the maps said, but the forests were thick with closely nit trees and the roots out in the road threatened to trip him up if he ever let his feet drag. He needed to reach the village, he needed to find distressed people in need so he could help them and they could spread word of his good deeds! He also needed to make his way to some of those dungeons. Within those he could hone his skills AND make money so the villagers needed not to give him rewards. He had an impossible plan to make his fame, but more importantly, he needed to reach the village so he could get some food. His provisions were low and his stomach was already growling. And with nary an ally to whine to he was forced to hold in his frustrations in silence.
That was when he heard it, voices in the not so far off distance. "Huh?" He looked around not finding the source of it. He then realized they were coming from the other side of the trees, the road must have taken a twist and turn around the cluster. Well, no matter then, strength in numbers, shortcuts and all that, he would simply cut across to their part of the road. It was an easy enough first step, hopping up onto the banks of dirt. Moving through the trees was much harder however. His every step catching on something as he went along. Rustle rustle, "Dammit!" Rustle, rustle, SNAP! "Ah, uh! Ah ah!" Weylen desperately flailed trying to grab hold of something to spare himself.
Thoomp! Weylen made it to the other side but it was a terribly messy way. The branch fell first before he followed, landing atop of it. "Ow, ow, ow, ouch!" He was going to have splinters. He just knew it. He got to his feet having made a wonderful first impression. Well, perhaps they won't see him as a threat now at least. He waved a hand and introduced himself with, "Yo."
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on May 28, 2017 2:49:33 GMT
Two things became apparent at once.
The first was that Alistair and Mira were not alone in the woods. It was hard to tell if this silver haired man had tumbled down a hill top just past the tree-line, or if he'd fallen from the trees themselves, but Alistair found himself staring down at a man. Well, perhaps a boy rather. He seemed closer to Mira's age than Alistair's, though there wasn't that large a gap between the two.
“Really. Is THIS what you were so worried about?” Mira's reply came almost immediately, dripping with sarcasm. She brought one hand to her chest and extended the other towards the sky in a dramatic fashion. “Yes, may the Twins forbid I be assaulted by falling men whilst I read my map.”
Alistair rolled his eyes and didn't bother giving a retort to his sister, partially because he didn't have one, and instead wandered over to the young man. He'd gotten to his feet and even shot them a greeting, but that sure seemed like quite the fall to undertake. That said Alistair didn't move his hand off the hilt of his sword – thieves and knaves could be clumsy too.
“That fall looked pretty rough.” Alistair grunted out. He gave the young man a once over to check him for injuries, partly out of concern, but also to see if he could abuse a particular wound if the man attacked him. “You gonna be all right?”
While Alistair kept wary of the other man, he still tried to keep an eye out for his surroundings. Still nothing from any birds. This man had fallen from the tree-line and not a single bird had flown from their nest – and Alistair certainly didn't expect their absence to be a result of this teen. If Mira wasn't going to pay attention that just meant Alistair'd have to try that much harder for the both of them.
“We've got some spare bandages if you need 'em.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on May 28, 2017 3:28:34 GMT
"Ah, no no no, I am perfectly fine, fit as a whit!" He answered in turn to the offer for bandages. He began to brush himself off of the dirt that now clung to his knees. "Though the offer is greatly appreciated." He gave the two travelers a once over before focusing on Alistair, he was clearly the one to watch out for and who's trust he would need to earn, what with the sword hand trembling to be sated with blood. "As to that fall, I've had worse from a ship's crow's nest. Nasty landing that. I was in bed for weeks, this?" he shook out his wrist but grinned at them to emphasize it was nothing to worry about.
With a boisterous voice and hands on his hips he spoke. "Sorry to, DROP IN!, like that, but I was on the other side of the treeline when I heard voices, your voices to be exact. So, I stop walking and think to myself, well, now isn't THAT peculiar! I figured there must be a road on the other side if there were more people so I took the shortcut of going through the trees." He was talking fast, very fast. "I fell but low and behold here we are! All that out of the way, I am Weylen! Sword mage and hero in training. I'm heading to the village to find some work from people in need. Hey, speaking of, are you two by chance in need of some assistance?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on May 28, 2017 4:16:22 GMT
Alistair got quite a bit more information in return than he had anticipated. Apparently the man, Weylen, was some sort of ambitious traveler? He didn't mention anything about mercenary work, but he mentioned an attempt to help out nearby villages? Apparently the young man had experience on a ship, out at sea. Good for him – Alistair had been curious about traveling on a ship as well.
However all Alistair had been concerned with was whether or not the young man was wounded, and if he was a threat. He didn't seem to be either.
“Mhm. Well, then, we'll be-” Alistair was ready to dismiss the young man. Something about the woods still felt off to him, and he didn't want to tarry any longer than he already had.
“Oooh, an aspiring mage, huh?” Of course Mira had her own plans. Ever quick to show off her budding talents, the teenager flicked a silver lock of hair from her eyes before she held up her left index finger. A soft thrum could be heard as Mira poured magic into her digit, and at the tip of her finger an orange-yellow flame sparked to life. Mira winked, proud of herself, and Alistair rolled his eyes. “Of course, this is nothing for me. Name's Mira. The stoic one here is my brother.”
“...Alistair.” Well, wasn't much point in attempting to dismiss it now. Alistair'd always been too soft with Mira – they all had. Besides, on second thought, Weylen could prove to be a bit useful. Alistair wanted Mira's eyes on her surroundings, so no wandering with a map out. However this man could be headed to the same village that they were.
So Alistair extended his hand towards Weylen, offering him a shake. “Nice to meet you. We don't need much assistance, but we all may be headed to the same place. Know the best path there?”
“Preferably not the overly scenic route you seem to have been taking.” Mira teased. Alistair frowned at his sister, but she merely giggled at her own joke. Damned girl...she was either going to make a lot of friends at Citadel, or a lot of enemies.
|
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on May 28, 2017 4:53:10 GMT
"Ohhhhh! Very cool!" He complimented Mira. Well, he was not looking to be a mage per se, but he certainly intended to master a bit of the craft. He wanted to wield magic and sword in accord. Surely he would be a dashing figure to do so. The raw strength born of the mighty magic intermixed with the handsome sheen of the blade, ah, it was a romantic image even in his own mind scape. He knew he would fall for himself like that, and he would much rather ladies.
"Well, it is my pleasure to make the acquaintance of the both of you." Mira and Alastair. He certainly had a cooler name than him, and a roguish look about him. If he did not act so cold he was sure he would be popular with ladies. Maybe he already was. Weylen took the offered hand and returned a firm handshake. "Heading to the same place huh?" Well, that was convenient AND to be expected he supposed. They were on the same road and they were going the same way.
"I was not taking the scenic route, I assure you. I was traversing the path as laid out by the road, as poor a road it may have been. Now, that path aside there should be a break in the trees some ways up ahead. Beyond that a bridge over a ravine." The forest was still plenty thick so there was no telling how far it was just yet. "And that should take us to town. Well, about a thirty minute walk past the bridge will. That's what they guys in the last town I visited told me at any rate."
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on May 28, 2017 5:38:51 GMT
“You've got a point. This isn't the easiest forest to traverse.” Alistair admitted with a shrug. He made sure to ignore the sarcastic remark Mira uttered under her breath in response.
Anyway, it seemed there would be a break in the tree-line ahead, towards the South. The trail would lead them over a ravine. Weylen made it clear that the bridge was close to the town, but he said nothing on how close they were to the bridge. Odds were they weren't all that close, then. Either way it was a bit reassuring to have some key landmarks to watch out for.
“Oooh okay. Sorry then! Either way it's a pleasure to meet you as well!” Mira greeted back cheerfully, eager to move past her apology. She'd never been fond of saying sorry – it ran in the family. “And funny that we're headed the same way. Maaaaaybe you could travel with us, hm?” Mira shot Alistair a pointed look. Yeah, he knew that was closer to a demand than an actual request. Alistair didn't exactly trust Weylen yet, but...he didn't seem like he'd harm either of them. Besides, he at least trusted himself to protect Mira if need be.
She was probably just happy to have someone other than her brother to talk to. It'd just been the two of them on the road for the better part of a week now...not to mention the fact that the vast majority of the time spent at the house only included the two of them as well. Alistair loved Mira, and he was sure Mira loved him in return, but he couldn't really blame her for desperately desiring fresh company.
Alistair mostly wanted time to himself...but an extra companion, at least for the day, couldn't hurt.
“I'm fine with it, so long as you are.” Alistair decided as he nodded towards Weylen. “I'd rather not stick around these woods though. They don't feel right to me...so keep your wits about you.” Maybe it was just because the woods were different from those that surrounded his home in Rigel. Those forests were never silent. Whether it was the song of the birds – or their knocking as they pecked away at the tree bark – or rustling of bushes as smaller critters ran beneath the trees, it always felt vibrant.
In these woods, though, Alistair could only hear the rustle of leaves against the wind. Like all the wild life had abandoned the area.
“All right! Come on Weylen.” Mira didn't seem to be nearly as bothered as she skipped along behind Alistair. Then again she only spent time in the woods when she was practicing her magic. It was Alistair who did most of the hunting, foraging, trips to the village, and wood chopping. Heh, they really had spoiled the little brat, hadn't they?
“Soo, are you looking to head to Citadel? That's where we're headed! If I like the place I'll probably study there, see how far I can push my potential.” Mira nattered on while Alistair led ahead. Hmm, he didn't think Mira was right on that one. Weylen hadn't mentioned Citadel, but he'd also mentioned learning the sword. Did the Citadel even teach martial combat at all?
“Or are maybe you're more of a mercenary. You mentioned if we needed a hand, and helping out at the village. Looking for work?”
|
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on May 28, 2017 6:29:55 GMT
"Likewise Mira!" He offered her a smile and a raised thumb. She then asked him to travel with them, and that sweet drawn out tone. Was she embarrassed about asking? Did she perhaps have a crush of the moment on him? None of these thoughts or observations crossed his mind. And then Alistair extended the offer from his mouth too. "Well, I see no reason for me to refuse to do so. The more the merrier and all that noise, as they say." Well, they don't say it with all that noise tacked on but, eh.
"What do you mean about the woods?" Aside from being a mess of a place he had not noticed anything strange about it. But him making such an odd colored comment set his hairs on end. What did he know or notice that he had not? It made him uncomfortable. But they could discuss it later as Mira was already on the move and calling for him to keep up. A short couple of quick steps and he walked right alongside her.
"You are going to Citadel to study? Sounds like you're out to become a mage among the best then." He commented and questioned in a way. "But no, I am not heading there, at least not now." He nodded at Alistair's observations. He was not a mercenary, he was a noble, young lord of the house and a hero to be, but his guise of being a mercenary ought to work. It was not as though he was some important noble, even a desperate brigand would question taking him for ransom.
"you may call me a mercenary, but I prefer a HERO IN TRAINING!!!" He placed his hands on his hips ad began to laugh boisterously. "You see, for I am not looking for payment, I merely seek to aid those in need and to make my earnings in the dungeons of the world, where I can make it a safer place through my actions and reap the bounty at costs to no one!" The actions were far less heroic or noble when you spoke of them, just so long as he did not offer intent he would be fine.
Looking to raise his status and be important in the world so he held influence when civil war broke out was not what one would call 'noble.'
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on May 28, 2017 7:04:06 GMT
“Oooh, a hero in training, huh? That's quite the aspiration there.” Mira nodded in approval of Weylen's stated goal. Something about it seemed too pure to be true to Alistair, but perhaps he was just a bit too cynical. Either way Weylen's goal didn't negatively impact him or anything, so he had no reason to bother judging it. Though he did find it hard to believe one could try to be heroic without earning any sort of pay in kind.
Either way, Weylen was a bit too loud for Alistair's liking. Just because the woods were quiet didn't mean it was up to them to fill it with noise. On the contrary it probably meant the opposite.
“Sounds like a noble goal.” Was all Alistair could offer. It was true after all, at least when taken as is. “Though I don't think heroes mind being paid by those who can afford it. Would probably be smart.” Money was important, after all. Alistair presumed that heroes had to eat too.
“Mhm, maybe, but it sounds pretty cool. Valentia could probably use more heroes, right? Then maybe...” Alistair glanced back at his younger sister. Her expression hadn't fallen, her lips were still pulled into a grin, but he could see in her eyes why she trailed off. 'Maybe if there were more heroes, we'd get to see our big siblings more often'. It'd work more for Erinys, but hero or not the capital needed Desmond leading his Drakengard. Heroes wouldn't change that.
“Well, anyway, that's the goal for me! Become the best I can be at the Citadel...maaaybe the Archaneum if Citadel isn't to my taste. Or both!” Mira's hesitation didn't last too long before she bounced onto the next topic. Again the volume level was too high – Alistair couldn't hear much over it all.
“Not so loud, Mira.” He stated calmly as his gaze flicked back and forth. The wind had stopped too – yet the bushes to their left rustled regardless. Alistair's right hand went for his hilt and he bent his knees a bit, gaze fixed on the bush. Mira noticed Alistair's change and let out a small squeak before she took a step back. For all her practice with her magic Mira had never fought a proper enemy. Only dummies, stones, and trees that couldn't hit her back.
Alistair, though, had fended off wolves, a few thieves, and had routine sparring matches with their elder siblings whenever they came home. Not a lot of proper combat experience, but a great deal more than Mira. However, it wasn't Mira's inexperience that concerned Alistair the most.
“...You came into these woods alone, yeah Weylen?” Alistair glanced back at the silver haired man briefly. He'd heard stories from traveling peddlers when he visited town. Stories from Erinys, who had to warn her own men to be wary of such tricks. Send out the most harmless looking man in the group as bait, and then use them to lead an ambush.
Alistair didn't really think Weylen was some sort of bait, however. They had asked HIM to join them, not the other way around. Weylen'd been loud enough to serve as a good signal for any bandit friends, but that alone wasn't enough to warrant true suspicion. No, the reason Alistair asked Weylen that question was to get his attention. To see if he was ready to back up that hero talk.
But if he turned out to be a knave, then he'd give him a knave's end.
|
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on May 28, 2017 21:44:40 GMT
Hahah, Weylen was fairly certain that to mention his aspirations aloud would cheapen the value of them, but the others seemed not to mind any. Mira was impressed by his self named goals even. He had not done any real actions towards the image but even by just talk it sure felt good to be praised. Weylen grinned bashfully but he decided not to comment on it one way or the other, it seemed best to let it lie.
"Whether someone can afford it or not, I just want to do right. If I am taking payment for what I do then, well, it cheapens the actions. Plus I figure I can make a fine enough living from the dungeons and whatever else I can sell in there. I'm not looking to stay stationary long after all." Weylen explained his own viewpoint on not taking money even for living purposes.
Weylen may have not known what happened to the two of his allies of the moment, but he could tell one thing about it, it was a bad memory and he should not pry. Mira did not dwell on the subject for long before forcing it elsewhere, perhaps a bit too forced as Alistair went on to shush her. Weylen's brows furrowed ever so slightly but he kept quiet on the issue.
It was not much longer yet before Alistair took a readied defensive posture and began to question Weylen. In response he hardened his face and took the cue. He had a hand on his own hilt now ready to draw it from his back waist. "Yeah, I came here alone, no one wanted to leave home with me." He knew something was tipping off the other man but he added, "Is something the matter?" Which translated roughly into, tell me what is going on here and what you are seeing while I pretend to not be on edge to keep potential enemies unaware.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on May 29, 2017 0:49:14 GMT
“I ask because I don't think we're alone.”
Aye, something was the matter, but Alistair didn't have the luxury of knowing what. Nor did he have the time so share his concerns further. Moments after Weylen essentially confirmed his innocence two men burst forth from the brush. Twigs, leaves, and dirt clung to their bodies. Beneath the layer of terrain they carried on them Alistair could make out the dampness of their shirts – sweat. Further still they were armed, one with a woodsman's axe and the other with a cheap blade.
And mixed in with it all: they were covered in blood. Didn't all look to be theirs either.
“Hold.” Alistair stated as a firm warning. Both men stared straight at him with wide eyes, like they were crazed or struck with shock. Alistair took a step towards them and both men stumbled backwards in response. Apparently they were quite eager to keep their distance – that was good. Gave Alistair a moment to think. Neither of them had attacked the group yet, and both men looked in too sorry a state to pose as a threat. Still, Alistair wanted some answers. “You both look like hell. What happened to you?”
“R-run! Don't worry about us just run!” The axeman's response was so loud, so shrill, that Alistair flinched at the sound of his voice. Sure enough the man charged forward, pushing past Alistair before making his way into the treeline. The other man that traveled with him, the swordsman, made to follow suite but he stopped a moment to lock eyes with Alistair.
“There's a beast in these woods. Close. You don't want it to reach you. Go, go as far from these woods as you can. Now!” The warning was swift and sharp. Without another word the second man charged into the tree-line to chase after his companion. Alistair looked over his shoulder and watched them for as long as he could – until their bodies disappeared among the sea of branches and bushes.
“W-what the hell was that? Weird...” Mira tried to play off the situation cool, as cool as she could anyway, but there was a twinge of nervousness in her voice all that betrayed her. Alistair didn't blame her, in fact he shared the emotion. So he turned towards the other members of his group and made eye contact.
“We're not dallying any longer. We're going. Now.” Alistair turned to the edge of the forest and took a single step forward when he heard it. The first sound he'd heard in the forest since he'd entered it. It was a long, drawn out howl, the likes of which Alistair had never heard before in his life. It was far too loud to be that of a wolf, and the sound was too unnatural. It reverberated throughout the forest, echoing off of every tree...
Then came the shakes. Not from Alistair's legs, but from beneath his very boots. The earth itself trembled as something pounded against it. Harder and faster by the second. A heavy rustling drew Alistair's eyes to his left, from where the men had just come, and he saw the trunks of the trees shaking. In the distance there was a sharp crack as one such tree began to fall over...
No, nothing about this was natural.
“B-brother...?”
“RUN!” Alistair reached back and grabbed Mira by the hand. Without waiting for a response he bolted to the south – to where the bridge was supposed to be. He had no idea what was going on in the forest nor did he want to know. Especially not while he had Mira with him. Alistair only spared a single glance back at Weylen, to see if he was quick enough to follow him, and his eyes went wide.
“Gods...”
|
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on May 29, 2017 1:54:37 GMT
Not alone, words that were never good in this context. Weylen offered a singular nod in silence to affirm he understood, he shifted into a greater combat stance so he only needed to draw his blade to be ready for whatever may come. And come it did as two men frantically leapt from the treeline and into their path. Reflexively Weylen drew his blade as quickly as he could with the pointy end aimed on the two figures. Alistair was the one to do the talking however as he got the heart of the matter from the men. What manner of beast could have them both so terrified? And the blood, blood that did not seem to be their own.
As the first of the two men fled he made no efforts to act politely and nearly knocked Weylen off his feet with a shoulder check. He was lucky not to be impaled in his haste. "What manner of beast-" The shaking began. Weylen caught his footing after the forced tremor. How big was this creature!? Dreams of glory and heroics be damned! He was not going to stick around and face whatever this was, at least, he did not intend to, regrettably there was a looming threat of the very real possibility he would have no say in the matter.
That howl. By the Twins that howl, it would surely haunt his very dreams for weeks to come. Something was rushing them, something was coming to them with killing intent and the trees meant nothing. These tall trees so close together they could support each other, so old they had grown tall stretching to the heavens and here they were falling before them. There is no way he could become a hero if he was dead.
Run? No need to tell him twice! He would have run past the two others but someone had to pull up the rear. Weylen still had his sword in hand, not by choice, but by little other option presented to him. There did not seem to be time to sheath it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on May 29, 2017 2:41:49 GMT
 Prowling Terror - ? ThemeAlistair couldn't believe his eyes. The hulking beast was enormous, nearly the size of the trees themselves. It's body looked as though it was entirely composed of dark muscle, yet black smoke-like wisps clung tightly to it. Along its spine stood twisted, crooked spikes. They were almost like matted fur, shaped to a point, though several framed the creature's face as well. A crooked mane for a twisted beast. The creature had stopped just where the three of them had been standing. It lowered it's large snout to the ground and sniffed – if it was anything like a canine, or even a Hell Hound, it was no doubt tracking the blood scent of the men from before. Alistair didn't dare take his eyes off of it as he ran. He stared at the massive, jagged claws that lines the paws of the creature. Off the mace-like spikes that lined the beast's tail... Or the chains. Hooked chains that extended out from the creature's forelegs. He hadn't heard it before, but even as the creature stood there was an ominous rattle – the chains dragged along across the dirt and through the brush. This was no Hell Hound, he'd heard of those Terrors, but Erinys had never once described a creature quite like this one. The beast threw it's head back and let out another ominous howl.There was little doubt that the previous silence in the woods was directly related to this abomination. Birds had abandoned their nests in fear of this creature, men ran from it as if chased by death itself... And then this creature turned it's gaze on Alistair and the group. There were no pupils, no irises, just golden orbs where it's eyes ought to be. Like twin moons amidst an ominous night sky. The sight was enough to finally force Alistair to turn his head away from the creature and towards where he was running. The forest still continued to stretch out ahead of them – where was the damned bridge?! Another howl, one so loud it shook the leaves off of several trees. The earth beneath their feet trembled, with Mira nearly losing her footing altogether. Alistair cursed under his breath...then again when this howl was followed by a chorus. Not of howls, but of long, drawn out moans. They almost passed for human, but no sane man would emit a sound quite so haunting. Alistair was struck with disbelief and fear alike. That...that thing wasn't alone?! “Brother!” Mira cried out as something jut forth from the tree-line. An arm. It was mangled, the flesh rotted green and partially stripped off the bone. It appeared before Alistair so swiftly he had to skid on the heels of his boots to avoid running head long into it. Of course the arm wasn't severed, the source making itself known as it stepped from the bushes... “First that thing, and now revenants?” Indeed. Four corpses, vaguely resembling the humans they once were, stepped out into the open. Bone was visible on a couple of them, and one even had the tattered remains of clothing draped along its torso. They staggered out before the group, empty eyes transfixed on them as they steadily approached. “Tch, we don't have time for this!”Alistair drew his sword and charged forward at the closest revenant, bringing it in a downwards arc into the creature's head. They needed to deal with these creatures and FAST. Revenants were one thing, but that monster from before was not something they could handle. "Mira, Weylen, just try to incapacitate them. Get them out of our way!" |
|
|
|
Post by Weylen on Jun 11, 2017 7:32:39 GMT
Just, just what WAS that abomination!? The creature that had torn through the woods was enormous and horrifying. The sounds it made, the fear it instilled, it was enough to make a man flee in terror and have nightmares for weeks. At least it was enough to do so for Weylen. Yet, for all that this beast was, there was something about it that disturbed Weylen more than anything else, the chains. He never heard of terrors created with chains just so happening to be a part of their natural physiology. If it had chains that means someone had once tied it up somewhere, and broken chains meant it got free. Just how old was this monster, and where could it have come from? These thoughts could not quite be elaborated on now, but they gnawed at him all the same.
As the revenants revealed themselves there was little left to do but fight them. How many did they number? Could he even bother to count them? This would be his first real fight and it was one he had to do quickly, the monster giving chase was after all not likely to allow them to live. "Dammit dammit dammit!" It was all he could manage to use at a time like this. With sword readied at his side he prepared to fight the terrors. "Yeah, no need to tell me twice! You'd have to be stupid to think i want to stay and fight them all!" Or any of them really.
He looked for the smallest concentration of terrors, it would be the safest and quickest path to clear them and make room for their follow on escape. It was easy enough to find but they needed to break through before they could be overwhelmed. "Aaaaahhhh!!!" Weylen rushed in with an overhead slash. His strike cut deep into the dead flesh, splitting the terror open and rendering it's left shoulder useless. A wound to kill a man, but not a terror. He had to jerk his blade free of the body as the creature fell atop of him. "Ah! Ahhhh!!!" The terror began to fight with him on the forest floor clawing at him and trying to get a hold of him to bite.
|
|
|
|
Post by Alistair on Jun 13, 2017 23:02:36 GMT
Much like Weylen, Alistair also found his sword lodged in the defunct skull of the revcenant. Alistair snarled as his grip tightened. His biceps and fore-arms tensed tight, and with a roar he wrenched his sword from the revenant's head. The creature staggered forward, thick, putrid green ooze leaking from the gash left in the blade's wake...but it wasn't down. Alistair knew revenant's were durable, but they didn't have time to waste trying to kill them!
Between the three of them, provided Mira could do it, she would have the best chance at actually taking care of the creature's. Alistair glanced back quickly to see that Mira had given herself space between the backs of the two males. Her hand was extended towards one of the lumbering undead, flames sparking to life at her fingertips. As Weylen was overwhelmed by one of the revenants, Mira's attention quickly shifted to him and, with a startled cry, she launched forth a fireball at the back of the creature.
Flames licked and burned away at the creature's fetid flesh, sizzling and popping like boiled tar. The smoke that rose from the flames was equally putrid. A scent strong enough to rot the contents of one's stomach. The revenant hissed, vaguely aware of the innate danger it was now in, and it's strength began to slacken as it became distressed.
Alistair, however, did not keep his gaze on Mira and Weylen's battle for long. Instead he hissed in pain as one of the sharp, bone-like claws protruding from the revenant's hands raked his arm. Blood leaked from the wound but no pus, thankfully. With a roar Alistair brought his sword in a vertical arc across the revenant's throat – but his slash was not enough for a clean cut. It sliced the flesh of the creature's neck deep, but the Terror's head did not fall. Instead it simply tilted backwards, the Terror's balance now askew as it's entire world was literally upside down.
Desperate Alistair stepped forward and planted his boot into the creature's chest. With all of his strength he pushed it backwards, knocking the revenant a few feet back and onto the dirt – blocking the path of the other two revenants.
“Grrahh!” Alistair stepped forward and thrust his blade down on the revenant's wounded neck. His blade punctured flesh and bone alike, and the Terror's head rolled free at last. That was one, maybe two down...two more to go.
And a bone-chilling howl reminded Alistair that time was of the essence.
|
|
