Many Roads Merge
- Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
Protection. A community that looked after its own. Those were things Uluki missed a great deal.
"Maybe I should try to find them. It would be wonderful to find a safer place for my family. If they were willing to help us, we could help them too. I..."
They'd probably figured it out already. What sort of Fae would she be if she couldn't?
"...I know how to use magic. I don't hurt anyone!" she added quickly. "I only heal people. But I could heal them if they needed it, so maybe they'd be willing to help us."
Perhaps it was worth the risk, for her family's future safety.
"If we're all going to Marn, perhaps we should travel together? I could go get my family, and then we could all go to the city. Safety in numbers. We can all protect each other."
Now that her mind was made up, she was ready to go. She only hoped it was the right decision...
"Maybe I should try to find them. It would be wonderful to find a safer place for my family. If they were willing to help us, we could help them too. I..."
They'd probably figured it out already. What sort of Fae would she be if she couldn't?
"...I know how to use magic. I don't hurt anyone!" she added quickly. "I only heal people. But I could heal them if they needed it, so maybe they'd be willing to help us."
Perhaps it was worth the risk, for her family's future safety.
"If we're all going to Marn, perhaps we should travel together? I could go get my family, and then we could all go to the city. Safety in numbers. We can all protect each other."
Now that her mind was made up, she was ready to go. She only hoped it was the right decision...
- AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel nodded. A place where there would be protection...that was something he desired a lot.
"Perhaps that would be a good idea, then," he said. "I'm a magic-user myself, and I use it to protect myself and anyone who needs protection."
He had lost count of how many times he had cheated death since his magic was there to protect him. He had also lost count of how many lives he saved from aggressors.
"In all honesty, I really don't like to fight," he said. "But if I have to protect myself and those around me, then I will."
He only hoped that they would trust him with that.
"Perhaps that would be a good idea, then," he said. "I'm a magic-user myself, and I use it to protect myself and anyone who needs protection."
He had lost count of how many times he had cheated death since his magic was there to protect him. He had also lost count of how many lives he saved from aggressors.
"In all honesty, I really don't like to fight," he said. "But if I have to protect myself and those around me, then I will."
He only hoped that they would trust him with that.
- Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
Uluki nodded. She knew well the need to protect others by whatever means were available, including magic. Even if you hated hurting people. Even if you always felt guilty about it afterward. Even if the people you didn't manage to kill ended up becoming your friends too often for comfort. Even if someone you love dearly was once your mortal enemy. That, more than anything, had been why Uluki was willing to give up her combat casting powers... because she had become less and less sure that anyone was really that different from herself and those she loved.
There were other problems with her magic, too. Some of her more mundane spells she had taken for granted in her old life-- sending messages, mending things, producing lights, all that sort of basic stuff-- seemed not to be working. She hadn't been able to do any of it since the magical accident that had sent them halfway across the world. She didn't know if it was because of the distance from where she had first been sucked out of the Astral Plane or because of the spell itself, but all she seemed to be able to do magically anymore was heal. She hoped that would be enough.
"I need to go tell my family about the magic people who might be living in Marn. They should know there's a place we can be safe. I'll come back with them, and meet back up with you."
Nodding politely to her two companions, Uluki set off toward her campsite. It was a longer walk than she'd remembered, but she arrived before too much time had passed.
Stepping from between the trees, she saw the grey-haired human. His back was to her as he scanned the tree-line, and his hand moved instinctively toward the sword at his side when he heard her footsteps.
"It's just me!" she called.
He turned to her. "Uluki!" He embraced her. "I'm glad you're back. You were gone longer than usual. I was starting to worry." He kissed her forehead tenderly.
"I'm fine. I met some other travelers on the road." Seeing his worried expression, she added hastily "But they were friendly. They're going to Marn, to try to find magic users there. I think we should go with them."
"To the city? It's full of humans."
"I know, but it's full of people. We'll attract far less attention than we do out here, where we're the strangest thing for miles. We'll be able to blend in."
He raised an eyebrow. "Us? Blend in?"
She appreciated how he included himself in the "us," even though it wasn't strictly necessary. "They think there are other magic users there. We could all help each other. We could protect each other."
This seemed to covince Rollick. That was how it had been in their old home. "Perhaps that would be best. Once we get into the city, it should be safer. Of course, getting there may be a challenge..."
"I know, but we can work something out. We always do."
He smiled at that. "Yes, we always do. Well, I suppose we should pack up the camp, such as it is, and be on our way to Marn."
Two young women, apparently teenagers, were sitting by the camp fire. One was tiny and delicate, auburn-haired, with grey wings folded behind her. The other was tall and blond, very curvy, with horns and fangs.
Zee, the blond, was ecstatic to hear the news. She loved seeing new places, and her simple heart delighted in the trip. Dash seemed more wary, but her adopted parents seemed fairly confident, so she raised no serious objections.
"Well," Rollick said, hoisting the pack onto his back. "On to Marn."
"Yes, on to Marn," Uluki said cheerfully, and with more certainty than she actually felt. She hoped she was doing the right thing, and leading them to safety, not greater danger.
There were other problems with her magic, too. Some of her more mundane spells she had taken for granted in her old life-- sending messages, mending things, producing lights, all that sort of basic stuff-- seemed not to be working. She hadn't been able to do any of it since the magical accident that had sent them halfway across the world. She didn't know if it was because of the distance from where she had first been sucked out of the Astral Plane or because of the spell itself, but all she seemed to be able to do magically anymore was heal. She hoped that would be enough.
"I need to go tell my family about the magic people who might be living in Marn. They should know there's a place we can be safe. I'll come back with them, and meet back up with you."
Nodding politely to her two companions, Uluki set off toward her campsite. It was a longer walk than she'd remembered, but she arrived before too much time had passed.
Stepping from between the trees, she saw the grey-haired human. His back was to her as he scanned the tree-line, and his hand moved instinctively toward the sword at his side when he heard her footsteps.
"It's just me!" she called.
He turned to her. "Uluki!" He embraced her. "I'm glad you're back. You were gone longer than usual. I was starting to worry." He kissed her forehead tenderly.
"I'm fine. I met some other travelers on the road." Seeing his worried expression, she added hastily "But they were friendly. They're going to Marn, to try to find magic users there. I think we should go with them."
"To the city? It's full of humans."
"I know, but it's full of people. We'll attract far less attention than we do out here, where we're the strangest thing for miles. We'll be able to blend in."
He raised an eyebrow. "Us? Blend in?"
She appreciated how he included himself in the "us," even though it wasn't strictly necessary. "They think there are other magic users there. We could all help each other. We could protect each other."
This seemed to covince Rollick. That was how it had been in their old home. "Perhaps that would be best. Once we get into the city, it should be safer. Of course, getting there may be a challenge..."
"I know, but we can work something out. We always do."
He smiled at that. "Yes, we always do. Well, I suppose we should pack up the camp, such as it is, and be on our way to Marn."
Two young women, apparently teenagers, were sitting by the camp fire. One was tiny and delicate, auburn-haired, with grey wings folded behind her. The other was tall and blond, very curvy, with horns and fangs.
Zee, the blond, was ecstatic to hear the news. She loved seeing new places, and her simple heart delighted in the trip. Dash seemed more wary, but her adopted parents seemed fairly confident, so she raised no serious objections.
"Well," Rollick said, hoisting the pack onto his back. "On to Marn."
"Yes, on to Marn," Uluki said cheerfully, and with more certainty than she actually felt. She hoped she was doing the right thing, and leading them to safety, not greater danger.
- AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel nodded as Uluki left the 'camp'. He wondered what her family would be like. He hoped that they were as friendly as she was.
Over the past twelve years, he had made very few friends (he estimated about 3 or 4). However, those few friends had been very true, kind, and benevolent to him, perhaps because of the fact that they were discriminated against, just as he was. He had helped them get through their troubles, all while embarking on adventures of thievery and plunder, giving whatever was stolen to the poor. It was hard for him to part ways with these friends, but he had a world to explore and a place to find that would accept him.
In his point of view, it was better to have few very devoted friends than it was to have many friends who were not so devoted.
Angel then heard voices in the distance. They were very faint, so he could not quite make out what they were saying, but he assumed that it was Uluki talking to her family. It reminded him of his "family"...all of a sudden, he wished they were by his side again.
Absentmindedly, he formed a tiny, fairly dim orb of light, no bigger than his thumbnail, in the palm of his left hand, cupped it with both hands, then just stared at it, sighing as he did. This light gave him comfort when he needed it, but tonight, it wasn't the only thing that comforted him. It was the fact that he felt accepted.
But what about Aislinn? She seemed very wary about him, at least from what he could tell. But he was also used to people not trusting him for some reason or another, so it didn't bother him to a large degree. He'd still have to keep an eye on her, though.
A short while later, he extinguished the light.
Over the past twelve years, he had made very few friends (he estimated about 3 or 4). However, those few friends had been very true, kind, and benevolent to him, perhaps because of the fact that they were discriminated against, just as he was. He had helped them get through their troubles, all while embarking on adventures of thievery and plunder, giving whatever was stolen to the poor. It was hard for him to part ways with these friends, but he had a world to explore and a place to find that would accept him.
In his point of view, it was better to have few very devoted friends than it was to have many friends who were not so devoted.
Angel then heard voices in the distance. They were very faint, so he could not quite make out what they were saying, but he assumed that it was Uluki talking to her family. It reminded him of his "family"...all of a sudden, he wished they were by his side again.
Absentmindedly, he formed a tiny, fairly dim orb of light, no bigger than his thumbnail, in the palm of his left hand, cupped it with both hands, then just stared at it, sighing as he did. This light gave him comfort when he needed it, but tonight, it wasn't the only thing that comforted him. It was the fact that he felt accepted.
But what about Aislinn? She seemed very wary about him, at least from what he could tell. But he was also used to people not trusting him for some reason or another, so it didn't bother him to a large degree. He'd still have to keep an eye on her, though.
A short while later, he extinguished the light.
-
Aislinn Vahtees
After Uluki left to find her family Aislinn was left with the half elf as he played with his magical light. Not content with just sitting and waiting for the duskling to return to busied herself around the camp and started packing her things away. Her flute was slid into a saddle bag with her blankets. Her stolen bay was whinnying again, annoyed at being disturbed no doubt. The dawn was breaking in the east and light was slowly creeping back into the world. The deep grey of that eerie time between night and dawn wrapped her momentarily in awe. The peace of that moment was something she felt she needed to savour, as it was a rare occasion when she could feel such tranquillity. She had almost forgotten about her new acquaintance's, and was brought back into the world by the sound of hooves.
She was not alarmed however, as the sound of horses on the road at this time was not unusual. It was not the sound of galloping either which further relaxed her. The clip-clop of the horse drawing near was slow and methodical. It was accompanied by the creaking of wheels and someone humming. Through the trees she saw a red wagon and a grey horse, moving steadily and slowly down the road towards the city of Marn.
An idea suddenly struck her. They were in a country were magic was outlawed, and even though her new companion did not do magic (the foolishness of the half elf notwithstanding) she knew they would still find it hard getting into the City if they were trying to walk in. If she could smuggle them in, once they were past the City Guard they would be free to seek out shelter in the underground.
"Angel, could you watch my horse for me?" Not waiting for an answer she jogged towards the road. The red wagon, which marked the old man driving it as a peddlar, rolled towards her, coming to a stop beside her heeding the arms that hailed him. Wrapped in a cloak to protect himself against the elements he leant forward and stoked his horse and said, "Hello young Lady, are you alright?"
She was not alarmed however, as the sound of horses on the road at this time was not unusual. It was not the sound of galloping either which further relaxed her. The clip-clop of the horse drawing near was slow and methodical. It was accompanied by the creaking of wheels and someone humming. Through the trees she saw a red wagon and a grey horse, moving steadily and slowly down the road towards the city of Marn.
An idea suddenly struck her. They were in a country were magic was outlawed, and even though her new companion did not do magic (the foolishness of the half elf notwithstanding) she knew they would still find it hard getting into the City if they were trying to walk in. If she could smuggle them in, once they were past the City Guard they would be free to seek out shelter in the underground.
"Angel, could you watch my horse for me?" Not waiting for an answer she jogged towards the road. The red wagon, which marked the old man driving it as a peddlar, rolled towards her, coming to a stop beside her heeding the arms that hailed him. Wrapped in a cloak to protect himself against the elements he leant forward and stoked his horse and said, "Hello young Lady, are you alright?"
- Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
Rollick noticed the wagon before Uluki did. He pointed to it without speaking and raised an eyebrow questioningly. Uluki shook her head, indicating her friends hadn't been in a wagon. Exchanging glances, the family quietly slipped back into the trees. They'd become quite practiced at this, at avoiding unwanted attention.
"I have to go find my friends," Uluki whispered. "They could be in danger."
"And you could be in danger if you go after them. Who knows what's in that wagon? For all we know it could be the City Guard."
"Do you really think that's likely?" she asked quizzically. It seemed highly improbable to her that many armed people would actually fit in that wagon, not without weighing it down to the point it wouldn't be able to move.
He took her point. "No, probably not. But still, it's far too dangerous."
"I'm not just going to abandon my friends. You know I wouldn't do that."
"Nor should you. That's why I'm going instead. If a fight breaks out, it should be me in the middle of it, not you."
"And if someone is hurt, what do you intend to do for them?" She knew he would have no answer to that. That was her talent, not his. "I'll be careful. I won't let them see me."
"Well, let me go with you, at least." Rollick's voice betrayed his concern.
Uluki saw no reason to disagree with this. They were, after all, safer together. "Thank you," she said simply.
She handed the baby to Dash, managing the exchange so smoothly the child never woke up. "I need you two to stay here and protect the baby." Dash nodded briskly, and Zee gave Uluki's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Then, exchanging a glance, Uluki and Rollick moved closer to the wagon, keeping together and keeping hidden. First they would try to see and hear what was going on at the wagon and then, if necessary, they would go check on Uluki's new friends.
"I have to go find my friends," Uluki whispered. "They could be in danger."
"And you could be in danger if you go after them. Who knows what's in that wagon? For all we know it could be the City Guard."
"Do you really think that's likely?" she asked quizzically. It seemed highly improbable to her that many armed people would actually fit in that wagon, not without weighing it down to the point it wouldn't be able to move.
He took her point. "No, probably not. But still, it's far too dangerous."
"I'm not just going to abandon my friends. You know I wouldn't do that."
"Nor should you. That's why I'm going instead. If a fight breaks out, it should be me in the middle of it, not you."
"And if someone is hurt, what do you intend to do for them?" She knew he would have no answer to that. That was her talent, not his. "I'll be careful. I won't let them see me."
"Well, let me go with you, at least." Rollick's voice betrayed his concern.
Uluki saw no reason to disagree with this. They were, after all, safer together. "Thank you," she said simply.
She handed the baby to Dash, managing the exchange so smoothly the child never woke up. "I need you two to stay here and protect the baby." Dash nodded briskly, and Zee gave Uluki's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Then, exchanging a glance, Uluki and Rollick moved closer to the wagon, keeping together and keeping hidden. First they would try to see and hear what was going on at the wagon and then, if necessary, they would go check on Uluki's new friends.
- AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel had heard the wagon not long before Aislinn did, but he had paid it no mind until Aislinn asked him to watch her horse. Angel stood up as Aislinn made her way over to the approaching horse and wagon. Angel quickly observed the wagon and its driver; from under the hood of his cloak, the driver seemed to be an old man, a peddlar of sorts.
It occurred to Angel that the old man didn't seem to be any threat, but he also realized that things sometimes weren't what they seemed to be. Thus, he mentally prepared himself for anything.
As he went to Aislinn's horse, he noticed movement in the trees. He turned his head to the direction of the movement, expecting an ambush. Then, seeing that it was only Uluki, his heartbeat slowed down, and he quietly sighed in relief. But he noticed another person with her...a human male, from the looks of him. He then remembered that Uluki went to get her family...could this be her husband?
"Uluki? Is that you?" he whispered, loud enough so she could hear him, but quiet enough so that Aislinn couldn't hear him, as he quietly made his way over to Uluki and the man.
It occurred to Angel that the old man didn't seem to be any threat, but he also realized that things sometimes weren't what they seemed to be. Thus, he mentally prepared himself for anything.
As he went to Aislinn's horse, he noticed movement in the trees. He turned his head to the direction of the movement, expecting an ambush. Then, seeing that it was only Uluki, his heartbeat slowed down, and he quietly sighed in relief. But he noticed another person with her...a human male, from the looks of him. He then remembered that Uluki went to get her family...could this be her husband?
"Uluki? Is that you?" he whispered, loud enough so she could hear him, but quiet enough so that Aislinn couldn't hear him, as he quietly made his way over to Uluki and the man.
- Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
Uluki smiled at Angel and nodded. She took Rollick's hand, not for comfort just now, but to indicate to Angel that, although human, Rollick wasn't a threat. Together they moved closer to Angel, to be able to talk to him more freely without fear of being overheard.
"Yes, it's me. I seem to be doing a lot of creeping through the forest tonight." She smiled ruefully. "This is my husband, Rollick." She pointed to him, and he nodded politely. "I know you've had trouble with humans before, but he won't do any harm to you. He's a friend to people like us." That was probably obvious... especially if Angel noticed how much Rollick resembled the baby, though the baby's skin was blue like his mother's.
Rollick reached to shake Angel's hand, wrapping his other arm lightly around Uluki's shoulders.
Uluki smiled briefly at her husband, grateful for his company. His calm, steady presence always made her feel safer. "What's going on? Who is in the wagon? Where's Aislinn? Is she alright?"
"Yes, it's me. I seem to be doing a lot of creeping through the forest tonight." She smiled ruefully. "This is my husband, Rollick." She pointed to him, and he nodded politely. "I know you've had trouble with humans before, but he won't do any harm to you. He's a friend to people like us." That was probably obvious... especially if Angel noticed how much Rollick resembled the baby, though the baby's skin was blue like his mother's.
Rollick reached to shake Angel's hand, wrapping his other arm lightly around Uluki's shoulders.
Uluki smiled briefly at her husband, grateful for his company. His calm, steady presence always made her feel safer. "What's going on? Who is in the wagon? Where's Aislinn? Is she alright?"
- AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel nodded, smiled, and shook Rollick's hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Rollick," he said pleasantly. He then remembered that he used to have a human friend at one point...the only one who was willing to accept him...and that friend was killed by other humans because of that fact. Angel was glad to befriend another human...because, as he learned from that time, not all humans are bad people.
Turning to Uluki, Angel calmly said, "To answer all four of your questions, I do not know what is going on, but I can hear what is going on. There seems to be just an old peddlar in the wagon, but I do not know who or what else is in that wagon with him, if there is anybody. Aislinn is alright...I can hear her talking to the peddlar. But still, I would advise on being careful." He was still mentally prepared to take action if anything should go awry.
Turning to Uluki, Angel calmly said, "To answer all four of your questions, I do not know what is going on, but I can hear what is going on. There seems to be just an old peddlar in the wagon, but I do not know who or what else is in that wagon with him, if there is anybody. Aislinn is alright...I can hear her talking to the peddlar. But still, I would advise on being careful." He was still mentally prepared to take action if anything should go awry.
- Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
Uluki was relieved that Angel had accepted Rollick so quickly. She had thought it might be more difficult to convince him-- not that she would blame him, after all he'd been through. Still, she was glad that the hatred of a whole species seemed not to have infected Angel. She wanted her family and friends to be able to get along. She knew Rollick would prove worthy of Angel's trust. He always proved worthy of trust. That was one of the things she loved most about him, his loyalty. No matter what happened, she never had to worry about where Rollick stood... he stood by her, always.
That was something that had been lacking in much of Uluki's life. She gave so much love, invested so much care in others... friends, her birth family, even a Duskling she'd been engaged to once, long before she met Rollick... but it had seemed that no matter how much of herself she gave, people always got tired of her, or got scared of her strangeness, or no longer found her useful, and then she was alone. Suddenly there were harsh words or a turned back-- or, one horrible time, a sword slashing across her ribs, wielded by one she considered a friend. She'd thought there was something wrong with her, something bad deep inside her that made people decide they wanted her to go away.
There were two people who had changed that. Ironic as it might seem, both were human. First was Mercedes, her best friend, the one she now called her sister. Mercedes who, when Uluki was falling to what should have been her death, had reached out to try and pull her back. It hadn't worked. Uluki was falling too fast, was too far away, and there was nothing Mercedes could do. Uluki hit the ground and was horribly injured. Still, something broken inside Uluki began to heal that day. Someone had cared enough about her to reach out and try to help, even at the risk of the rescuer's own life. Someone had thought Uluki was worth saving, not because of what she could do or her usefulness, but just because she was a friend. Uluki would never forget that.
Then there was Rollick. Her dear Rollick, a man who had been through so much, yet who accepted it all with grace and good humour. He had accepted her too, in spite of all her flaws and mistakes. She'd been so afraid, at first. Not afraid that he'd hurt her-- she trusted him completely-- but afraid that once he knew her, once he really saw what she was like, he wouldn't want her anymore, that he'd leave like other people had. He didn't leave. She'd showed him her scarred body, and he told her she was beautiful. Gradually he'd seen her scarred soul... and he thought that was beautiful, too.
Though her physical scars were permanent, her emotional scars had faded. It was amazing what ten years of love could heal. She'd never thought she would be this whole...
Uluki leaned against Rollick and, though of course he had no idea what was going through her mind about him, he gave her shoulders an answering squeeze.
"I think you're right to be careful," she said, agreeing with Angel. "More than likely she's just negotiating to buy some supplies, but situations like this can go sour quickly."
Rollick nodded his agreement as well. Though he was a friendly person in general he tended not to be very talkative around strangers since he didn't have much confidence in his own conversational abilities (which were, in fact, perfectly adequate,) but he seemed to be relaxing a bit. "Yes, we should be cautious. Although... I do wonder if that wagon is headed toward Marn."
Uluki saw what he was getting at. "Yes, if we can find some kind of transportation-- like a wagon-- the trip will be easier. Of course, that depends on the driver being sympathetic, which may be too much to hope for."
Uluki hoped that, whatever way things were resolved in the end, Aislinn's discussion was going well...
That was something that had been lacking in much of Uluki's life. She gave so much love, invested so much care in others... friends, her birth family, even a Duskling she'd been engaged to once, long before she met Rollick... but it had seemed that no matter how much of herself she gave, people always got tired of her, or got scared of her strangeness, or no longer found her useful, and then she was alone. Suddenly there were harsh words or a turned back-- or, one horrible time, a sword slashing across her ribs, wielded by one she considered a friend. She'd thought there was something wrong with her, something bad deep inside her that made people decide they wanted her to go away.
There were two people who had changed that. Ironic as it might seem, both were human. First was Mercedes, her best friend, the one she now called her sister. Mercedes who, when Uluki was falling to what should have been her death, had reached out to try and pull her back. It hadn't worked. Uluki was falling too fast, was too far away, and there was nothing Mercedes could do. Uluki hit the ground and was horribly injured. Still, something broken inside Uluki began to heal that day. Someone had cared enough about her to reach out and try to help, even at the risk of the rescuer's own life. Someone had thought Uluki was worth saving, not because of what she could do or her usefulness, but just because she was a friend. Uluki would never forget that.
Then there was Rollick. Her dear Rollick, a man who had been through so much, yet who accepted it all with grace and good humour. He had accepted her too, in spite of all her flaws and mistakes. She'd been so afraid, at first. Not afraid that he'd hurt her-- she trusted him completely-- but afraid that once he knew her, once he really saw what she was like, he wouldn't want her anymore, that he'd leave like other people had. He didn't leave. She'd showed him her scarred body, and he told her she was beautiful. Gradually he'd seen her scarred soul... and he thought that was beautiful, too.
Though her physical scars were permanent, her emotional scars had faded. It was amazing what ten years of love could heal. She'd never thought she would be this whole...
Uluki leaned against Rollick and, though of course he had no idea what was going through her mind about him, he gave her shoulders an answering squeeze.
"I think you're right to be careful," she said, agreeing with Angel. "More than likely she's just negotiating to buy some supplies, but situations like this can go sour quickly."
Rollick nodded his agreement as well. Though he was a friendly person in general he tended not to be very talkative around strangers since he didn't have much confidence in his own conversational abilities (which were, in fact, perfectly adequate,) but he seemed to be relaxing a bit. "Yes, we should be cautious. Although... I do wonder if that wagon is headed toward Marn."
Uluki saw what he was getting at. "Yes, if we can find some kind of transportation-- like a wagon-- the trip will be easier. Of course, that depends on the driver being sympathetic, which may be too much to hope for."
Uluki hoped that, whatever way things were resolved in the end, Aislinn's discussion was going well...
- AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel nodded as well. He, too, hoped that things between Aislinn and the peddlar would work out in the end. But still, something didn't seem quite right...what reason would Aislinn have to talk to the peddlar in the first place? Even if the peddlar were travelling to Marn...
A thought suddenly struck him. Perhaps, if the peddlar was, in fact, trying to get to Marn, then Aislinn could be persuading him to sneak this group into Marn. As crazy as that may seem, maybe it was going on right now.
Angel had to get this thought out. "Do either of you suppose...that Aislinn might be negotiating with the peddlar in attempt to sneak us in to Marn?" he spoke. "I just have a feeling that this might be the case."
He was afraid of how Uluki and Rollick might react to this.
A thought suddenly struck him. Perhaps, if the peddlar was, in fact, trying to get to Marn, then Aislinn could be persuading him to sneak this group into Marn. As crazy as that may seem, maybe it was going on right now.
Angel had to get this thought out. "Do either of you suppose...that Aislinn might be negotiating with the peddlar in attempt to sneak us in to Marn?" he spoke. "I just have a feeling that this might be the case."
He was afraid of how Uluki and Rollick might react to this.
-
Cody
And yet another creature roams this forest!
Cody enjoyed spending time in the forest. The tree’s surrounding him, the air blowing against his main when he ran. The land itself spoke of a freedom that you would never find in the cities. Now he had to pull from his trot, to a walk and after a few more steps he came to a full halt. Ahead of him were 3 people talking.
The large paint stallion shifted his weight from one front leg to the other, ears flicking to all sides. 2 men, one woman. Lowering his head, he rubbed it against his leg in thought. He could continue enjoying the time out here alone, or he could get a closer look…maybe even say hello.
After a bit more thought Cody slowly walked towards Angel, Rollick, and Uluki. However, he was careful to make sure however he approached; he would be closest to one of the men. The stallion was a fair size, standing easily over 16hands. His coat seemed well kept, though of course there was some shedding and bits of dirt could be seen on the shoulder blades and rump where his coat turned white.
The nearer he got the more seconds it took to take a step. Once he got to approximately 12ft away he stopped, swishing his tail, ears pricking towards the group. Cody was a bit nervous, but he was equally curious. Cody imagined with all this open area, even if they turned out to be dangerous they would never be capable of catching him.
Cody enjoyed spending time in the forest. The tree’s surrounding him, the air blowing against his main when he ran. The land itself spoke of a freedom that you would never find in the cities. Now he had to pull from his trot, to a walk and after a few more steps he came to a full halt. Ahead of him were 3 people talking.
The large paint stallion shifted his weight from one front leg to the other, ears flicking to all sides. 2 men, one woman. Lowering his head, he rubbed it against his leg in thought. He could continue enjoying the time out here alone, or he could get a closer look…maybe even say hello.
After a bit more thought Cody slowly walked towards Angel, Rollick, and Uluki. However, he was careful to make sure however he approached; he would be closest to one of the men. The stallion was a fair size, standing easily over 16hands. His coat seemed well kept, though of course there was some shedding and bits of dirt could be seen on the shoulder blades and rump where his coat turned white.
The nearer he got the more seconds it took to take a step. Once he got to approximately 12ft away he stopped, swishing his tail, ears pricking towards the group. Cody was a bit nervous, but he was equally curious. Cody imagined with all this open area, even if they turned out to be dangerous they would never be capable of catching him.
- Lylessa Uluki
- Citizen
- Posts: 669
- Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:12 am
- Name: Uluki
- Race: Duskling - Fae
Uluki considered Angel's suggestion. She'd never really done anything against the law... although this was in no small part because she'd never lived any place that had much in the way of laws... and the idea made her a little uncomfortable. On the other hand, how else would they get into Marn?
She was visibly Fae, and everyone probably knew Fae could do magic. Even if they didn't know, their family lacked any really good liars, and so they wouldn't be able to do much effective bluffing. The children, while not actually possessing any magical talent (in the baby's case, at least not so far,) would probably cause concern simply because of their strange appearance.
Uluki had horrible visions of her whole family tossed into a dungeon, or the children left motherless, or even Rollick, the only one who shouldn't have any trouble, dying to protect the rest of the family, as she knew he would, willingly. She couldn't let those things happen.
She'd gladly give up magic to spare her family trouble and danger, but it didn't work that way. Magic wasn't something she did, it was something she was. The healing was only the outward manifestation of the essence of her being. She could no more stop being magical than she could stop having blue skin, no matter how much she might desire to protect her family.
"That could very well be Aislinn's plan. Perhaps it would be best," she suggested cautiously, wondering once again if the trip to Marn was really worth it. Would they really be safe there?
Then she saw the horse. She was a bit surprised that it seemed to have wandered over to join them. She supposed it must belong to somebody; wild animals were generally more cautious.
Uluki loved horses. Back in their old home she'd had a grey pony named Sprocket, and she'd missed her pet very much since she'd been wrenched away so abruptly.
"Hello there," she said kindly, speaking to the animal as though it could understand, as she always had to Sprocket. She stretched out her hands, indicating she was no threat, and reached out to pet the horse's nose if he would let her.
She was visibly Fae, and everyone probably knew Fae could do magic. Even if they didn't know, their family lacked any really good liars, and so they wouldn't be able to do much effective bluffing. The children, while not actually possessing any magical talent (in the baby's case, at least not so far,) would probably cause concern simply because of their strange appearance.
Uluki had horrible visions of her whole family tossed into a dungeon, or the children left motherless, or even Rollick, the only one who shouldn't have any trouble, dying to protect the rest of the family, as she knew he would, willingly. She couldn't let those things happen.
She'd gladly give up magic to spare her family trouble and danger, but it didn't work that way. Magic wasn't something she did, it was something she was. The healing was only the outward manifestation of the essence of her being. She could no more stop being magical than she could stop having blue skin, no matter how much she might desire to protect her family.
"That could very well be Aislinn's plan. Perhaps it would be best," she suggested cautiously, wondering once again if the trip to Marn was really worth it. Would they really be safe there?
Then she saw the horse. She was a bit surprised that it seemed to have wandered over to join them. She supposed it must belong to somebody; wild animals were generally more cautious.
Uluki loved horses. Back in their old home she'd had a grey pony named Sprocket, and she'd missed her pet very much since she'd been wrenched away so abruptly.
"Hello there," she said kindly, speaking to the animal as though it could understand, as she always had to Sprocket. She stretched out her hands, indicating she was no threat, and reached out to pet the horse's nose if he would let her.
- AngelMacleod
- Outsider
- Posts: 32
- Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2007 3:12 pm
- Race: Half-Elf
Angel, too, noticed the horse. He never had much experience with horses, as he always preferred to travel on foot. However, he did know that horses are proud creatures that are revered with respect. To most people, they are mere beasts of burden, but to some, they are reliable, respectful partners with a deep bond connecting horse and rider. Angel never established that bond, but he hoped to do so in the future.
Thus, when Uluki reached out to the horse, he assumed she knew what she was doing and did nothing to stop her...he just smiled.
Thus, when Uluki reached out to the horse, he assumed she knew what she was doing and did nothing to stop her...he just smiled.
-
Cody
Maybe he should have thought this through more. She was not a human female, but she was a female. His ears were had pivoted straight forward to fully focus on her, he exhaled deeply, and shifted his back haunches. She was so small…he’d be a pretty big coward if he decided to be scared of her after all. Cody let her touch his face while his muscles inwardly tensed in case she did more than touch.
His one ear flicked towards Angel. Men just weren’t as scary as females. Why was it the female that had wanted to see him first? Cody imaged he was a pretty pathetic excuse for a stallion. He was rather pathetic in many ways when It came to courage, he wasn’t sure if it counted for much that he was aware of it.
Cody was pretty sure if he could stand being around them a few tense moments he would be able to decide if it was safe. People would say anything in front of him, after all horses don’t really understand what people say. It was such a stressful endeavor, but so much better to have a herd, or friends, or whatever you want to call them than to live alone.
When he decided she wasn’t hurting him he turned his head to face Angel, making what started as a soft questioning whicker and growing a bit louder as he finished
His one ear flicked towards Angel. Men just weren’t as scary as females. Why was it the female that had wanted to see him first? Cody imaged he was a pretty pathetic excuse for a stallion. He was rather pathetic in many ways when It came to courage, he wasn’t sure if it counted for much that he was aware of it.
Cody was pretty sure if he could stand being around them a few tense moments he would be able to decide if it was safe. People would say anything in front of him, after all horses don’t really understand what people say. It was such a stressful endeavor, but so much better to have a herd, or friends, or whatever you want to call them than to live alone.
When he decided she wasn’t hurting him he turned his head to face Angel, making what started as a soft questioning whicker and growing a bit louder as he finished
