"Imgonnadie..gasp..gasp..Idontwannadie...gasp..Imgonnadie...gasp..gasp..Idontwannadie." Orric managed between bubble of blood and coughing, there was a steady stream of crimson that came from the corner of his mouth. It took everything he had to hoist his right arm up onto his stomache out of fear that he might spill his innards.
Who was this halfling woman that was talking to him or what she was saying but he was happy knowing that he would not die alone. Dying...I dont want to die! his tears flowed as freely as the blood from his wounds. Please Pecunia, dont let this fool die on this gods forsaken island.. the last resort of the damned, a prayer to the gods.
A Faraway Shore
Moderator: Mods
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Nilufar Simin
Nilufar was already in a foul mood because the half-giant was blatantly ignoring her repeated demands to return to shore.
Then the dwarf was tossed to shore, and Nilufar felt a sudden, unfamiliar feeling in the pit of her stomach -- of grief, and shock, and hopelessness. He had gotten blood ALL over the fresh outfit she had put on, which happened to be white!
She was sure he would be fine once all the blood was washed off. Well, frankly, she wasn't much concerned. HE didn't carry things for her, and therefore was of little use.
Still looking out at the lake, Nilufar turned her head slowly and with great condescension to look at the yappy little thing that was barking something at her. In some incomprehensible language. Really, could things get any worse?
"Listen, you ugly stumpy little beast," Nilufar said crisply, overenunciating for the sake of what was likely a woefully uneducated creature. "Don't talk to me. I'm concentrating."
"NEBHOTEP!" she bellowed, waving her arms over her head dramatically so that he could see her even if he was too far away to hear. "Come back in! The dwarf is making a terrible mess and this fish won't go away!" She could feel her lower lip begin to quiver and her lovely blue eyes well up with tears. This was not a fun trip. Not at all.
Then the dwarf was tossed to shore, and Nilufar felt a sudden, unfamiliar feeling in the pit of her stomach -- of grief, and shock, and hopelessness. He had gotten blood ALL over the fresh outfit she had put on, which happened to be white!
She was sure he would be fine once all the blood was washed off. Well, frankly, she wasn't much concerned. HE didn't carry things for her, and therefore was of little use.
Still looking out at the lake, Nilufar turned her head slowly and with great condescension to look at the yappy little thing that was barking something at her. In some incomprehensible language. Really, could things get any worse?
"Listen, you ugly stumpy little beast," Nilufar said crisply, overenunciating for the sake of what was likely a woefully uneducated creature. "Don't talk to me. I'm concentrating."
"NEBHOTEP!" she bellowed, waving her arms over her head dramatically so that he could see her even if he was too far away to hear. "Come back in! The dwarf is making a terrible mess and this fish won't go away!" She could feel her lower lip begin to quiver and her lovely blue eyes well up with tears. This was not a fun trip. Not at all.
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Guest
Orric's blood seemed to cool slowly within his veins- tight constrictions formed their way into an intricate pattern across his chest and down his functional limbs, slowly rearranging themselves in a dance that suddenly seemed vaguely amusing to the dwarf. Voices rang out around him, but only the echoes seemed to reach him- the vaguest vibrations rubbing at the edge of his tattered conciousness. His eyes couldn't seem to focus on anything except the fluffy clouds above his head...
The faintest breeze ruffled his hair, and the painful tightness starts to loosen. Even the sky itself blurred into a pale gray mass, with only the barest hint of curvature. Melisendre could feel the life flowing out of the small man, could hear the irregularity within his gurgling breaths- it was becoming rapidly apparent that nothing short of a miracle would save the dwarf. His eyes started to cloud over as the halfling watched- the tenseness relaxing gradually- the flow of blood stemming.
Nebhotep's struggle was hard-fought, but similarly hopeless. His arm flopping uselessly at his side, sending roaring waves of pain crashing through his body. The burning of his lungs forced him to eventually surface for air- and from the brief glimpse that he received of the environment, it was clear he had moved no more than a four feet closer to the shore, the fractured half of the shepherd's crook providing him with a moment of buoyancy before the half-giant was pushed beneath the surface once again- his lungs still aching despite their recent acquisition of fresh air. Small dots dance across his vision, and the crook slid from his grip of its own accord, bobbing upon the surface above his head- as if in mockery.
The red-tinged tide started to dilute as sounds once more returned to the environs. A bird called high- and another called low, and soon, the cacophony was returned in all of its splendor, as if no disturbance had ever intruded upon the peaceful island existence.
The faintest breeze ruffled his hair, and the painful tightness starts to loosen. Even the sky itself blurred into a pale gray mass, with only the barest hint of curvature. Melisendre could feel the life flowing out of the small man, could hear the irregularity within his gurgling breaths- it was becoming rapidly apparent that nothing short of a miracle would save the dwarf. His eyes started to cloud over as the halfling watched- the tenseness relaxing gradually- the flow of blood stemming.
Nebhotep's struggle was hard-fought, but similarly hopeless. His arm flopping uselessly at his side, sending roaring waves of pain crashing through his body. The burning of his lungs forced him to eventually surface for air- and from the brief glimpse that he received of the environment, it was clear he had moved no more than a four feet closer to the shore, the fractured half of the shepherd's crook providing him with a moment of buoyancy before the half-giant was pushed beneath the surface once again- his lungs still aching despite their recent acquisition of fresh air. Small dots dance across his vision, and the crook slid from his grip of its own accord, bobbing upon the surface above his head- as if in mockery.
The red-tinged tide started to dilute as sounds once more returned to the environs. A bird called high- and another called low, and soon, the cacophony was returned in all of its splendor, as if no disturbance had ever intruded upon the peaceful island existence.
Last edited by Guest on Mon Mar 22, 2004 6:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Melisendre
Scrunching her nose up at the tall woman, she tossed her bow in the sand and Melisendre’s fingers deftly went to the hilt of her dagger, which had been tucked safely into the sheath on her hip. The blade wasn’t much, but it could do a lot in the right hands, though in truth, the Halfling wasn’t exactly well trained with it. Edging closer (an inch or so) to the palely dressed female, she withdrew the knife holding it pointed toward the increasingly annoying lady. The youngling had understood some of the common, and it still hurt to be teased, but where she was no, there was no one to stop her from...
The gurgling breaths recalled the Halfling girl’s attention to the dying man, looking down at him, she wondered whether he was suffering or not. It was sometimes kinder to put down an animal, rather than to try and mend them and allow the pain to continue. The water was a washed-out pink colour around the dwarf, he’d bled out so much, and what a sight he made. With a clear head, she would have realized immediately that he was not going to pull through from that little mishap that landed him here.
Melisendre watched as the life faded from the dwarf without her having to do a damn thing, for which she was glad, she’d grown attached to the man in the three flickers that she’d known him while he was dying. She would have dreaded putting him out of his misery. Gasping quietly when the first bird call went up, having never really been too aware of the silence, she was surprised when it was suddenly broken, and then she sighed when the blasted creatures all began to make noise again.
Leaning down, she patted the dwarf man on the shoulder. She knew not who he worshipped, and could offer no profound words in his passing. The Halfling knew little of the stout man culture, she concluded, and remained silent.
Looking out onto the lake, her eyes a little glassy, Melisendre was acutely aware that while she could see the disturbance in the water, the giant man was nowhere in sight. What is he doing? It was possible that he too did not know how to swim, and that he was drowning, but then why was he in the water to begin with. Watching a while longer, the girl nodded her head decidedly. Yes, he is drowning.
Glancing over her shoulder and Mistress Screechy, the Halfling knew that the ‘refined’ lady was going to be absolutely no help. No doubt the poor thing was just going to sit there to whine and yell some more. Snorting, Melisendre knew that she would be the one who had to do all the work. And just what did they think she was? Some sort of hero? Far from it!
Turning, Melisendre sprinted back to where she knew her backpack had been dropped, she’d been the one to leave it there, after all. She was surprisingly swift for one so small, and even more shocking was that she moved so quickly in order to aid the too-large-man. Scooping up her pack, the girl flung open the top and stuck her hand inside to rummage around for the rope she knew was in their somewhere. Trying to hold only her dagger made the process much slower, but eventually she was able to withdraw the needed item.
Sliding her arms back into the straps, so as not to forget it again, the Halfling girl rushed to a tree nearest to the lakeshore. Wrapping one end of the rope around the base of the trunk, Melisendre did her best to tie a strong knot, even taking the precaution of tying two! With that finished, she looked down at her dagger and the other end of the rope. If she was to throw the line to the big man, she would need something to give it weight. Reluctantly, the girl began to wrap the hemp cord around the blade’s hilt, tying it many times into knots.
Dashing to the water, she waded in few feet before she stopped. Drawing back her arm and aligning her shoulder in the direction she wanted to throw, aiming for ridiculously large man, the Halfling took a deep breath to calm herself, and she flung her arm forward, launching the dagger and rope into the air. Leaning her head back, Melisendre watched the blade sail through the air, smiling when the metal glinted from the glare of the sun, it was kind of pretty.
The gurgling breaths recalled the Halfling girl’s attention to the dying man, looking down at him, she wondered whether he was suffering or not. It was sometimes kinder to put down an animal, rather than to try and mend them and allow the pain to continue. The water was a washed-out pink colour around the dwarf, he’d bled out so much, and what a sight he made. With a clear head, she would have realized immediately that he was not going to pull through from that little mishap that landed him here.
Melisendre watched as the life faded from the dwarf without her having to do a damn thing, for which she was glad, she’d grown attached to the man in the three flickers that she’d known him while he was dying. She would have dreaded putting him out of his misery. Gasping quietly when the first bird call went up, having never really been too aware of the silence, she was surprised when it was suddenly broken, and then she sighed when the blasted creatures all began to make noise again.
Leaning down, she patted the dwarf man on the shoulder. She knew not who he worshipped, and could offer no profound words in his passing. The Halfling knew little of the stout man culture, she concluded, and remained silent.
Looking out onto the lake, her eyes a little glassy, Melisendre was acutely aware that while she could see the disturbance in the water, the giant man was nowhere in sight. What is he doing? It was possible that he too did not know how to swim, and that he was drowning, but then why was he in the water to begin with. Watching a while longer, the girl nodded her head decidedly. Yes, he is drowning.
Glancing over her shoulder and Mistress Screechy, the Halfling knew that the ‘refined’ lady was going to be absolutely no help. No doubt the poor thing was just going to sit there to whine and yell some more. Snorting, Melisendre knew that she would be the one who had to do all the work. And just what did they think she was? Some sort of hero? Far from it!
Turning, Melisendre sprinted back to where she knew her backpack had been dropped, she’d been the one to leave it there, after all. She was surprisingly swift for one so small, and even more shocking was that she moved so quickly in order to aid the too-large-man. Scooping up her pack, the girl flung open the top and stuck her hand inside to rummage around for the rope she knew was in their somewhere. Trying to hold only her dagger made the process much slower, but eventually she was able to withdraw the needed item.
Sliding her arms back into the straps, so as not to forget it again, the Halfling girl rushed to a tree nearest to the lakeshore. Wrapping one end of the rope around the base of the trunk, Melisendre did her best to tie a strong knot, even taking the precaution of tying two! With that finished, she looked down at her dagger and the other end of the rope. If she was to throw the line to the big man, she would need something to give it weight. Reluctantly, the girl began to wrap the hemp cord around the blade’s hilt, tying it many times into knots.
Dashing to the water, she waded in few feet before she stopped. Drawing back her arm and aligning her shoulder in the direction she wanted to throw, aiming for ridiculously large man, the Halfling took a deep breath to calm herself, and she flung her arm forward, launching the dagger and rope into the air. Leaning her head back, Melisendre watched the blade sail through the air, smiling when the metal glinted from the glare of the sun, it was kind of pretty.
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Nilufar Simin
The little beast took out its knife, and for a moment Nilufar thought it might try to attack her. Why on earth it would want to do something stupid like that she had no idea, but she kept an eye on it (much as it pained her refined aesthetic sensibilities).
But then she started to do something elaborate with her pack and a rope and... she threw a knife! At Nebhotep! Or in his general direction, where it would be if he had heard her summons and was returning (as he obviously would be doing.) "Oh, no, you didn't," she breathed. WHO WAS GOING TO CARRY HER THINGS?
Setting her jaw grimly, Nilufar swung her mantle of feathers around her shoulders and in a matter of seconds had changed from a delicate young maiden to a large swan with murder in her eyes. Swans were among the animal kingdom's most lovely creatures; they were also among its most aggressive, and Nilufar was no exception. With a wingstroke, Nilufar launched herself at the halfling from behind, battering the halfling with her powerful wings and arching her snakelike neck to gnaw on the halfling's throat and face and any other exposed part with her powerful beak. This was a miserable trip, and she had to take it out on SOMEONE -- and it sure wasn't going to be the half-giant who took care of her.
But then she started to do something elaborate with her pack and a rope and... she threw a knife! At Nebhotep! Or in his general direction, where it would be if he had heard her summons and was returning (as he obviously would be doing.) "Oh, no, you didn't," she breathed. WHO WAS GOING TO CARRY HER THINGS?
Setting her jaw grimly, Nilufar swung her mantle of feathers around her shoulders and in a matter of seconds had changed from a delicate young maiden to a large swan with murder in her eyes. Swans were among the animal kingdom's most lovely creatures; they were also among its most aggressive, and Nilufar was no exception. With a wingstroke, Nilufar launched herself at the halfling from behind, battering the halfling with her powerful wings and arching her snakelike neck to gnaw on the halfling's throat and face and any other exposed part with her powerful beak. This was a miserable trip, and she had to take it out on SOMEONE -- and it sure wasn't going to be the half-giant who took care of her.
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Guest
As Nebhotep continued his gradual progress across the lake, he felt something rather heavy strike his head with a dull thud and then slide down the side of his face, wrapping lightly under his arm. It was impossible to see anything in the murky water- and so he could not tell what it was, except that it seemed to be some sort of weight attached to a long and slender cord, clearly stretched to near its limit- given the tautness.
Melisendre, caught up in the pretty sight of the departing blade, was caught off guard by the sudden transformation and subsequent attack from the swan. The beak found a bit of skin along the halfling's neck, and suddenly a thin line of red began to run down her neck, accompanied by a sharp pain and a sudden series of strikes from the creature's wings- strikes that were clearly going to leave a mark.
Melisendre, caught up in the pretty sight of the departing blade, was caught off guard by the sudden transformation and subsequent attack from the swan. The beak found a bit of skin along the halfling's neck, and suddenly a thin line of red began to run down her neck, accompanied by a sharp pain and a sudden series of strikes from the creature's wings- strikes that were clearly going to leave a mark.
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Melisendre
The Halfling might have been sad to miss seeing her throw hits it’s mark, had she any time to think. The sudden tearing and pain in her neck didn’t cause Melisendre to scream out in agony, or even anger, instead the girl threw up her arms in a defensive position, trying to cover both her face and her neck. She felt lucky that her pack and quiver of arrows rode so high, they would guard her back and hopefully some of her neck as well. Growling, the youngling didn’t exactly know what was going on, but whatever it was, it needed to stop.
Turtling, the girl began to shake herself violently from side to side, whatever it was might lose grip, or perhaps even be knocked off by the over-stuffed backpack. It was a slim chance, but it gave the Halfling some hope.
Determined not to be taken like some poor damsel, a knew light shone in her head. Mid-shake, Melisendre threw herself forward, as best she could with such weight on her shoulder, into a sort of clumsy summersault. If it worked for fire, to roll on the ground like a moron, it might do the trick for a sneak attack, too.
Turtling, the girl began to shake herself violently from side to side, whatever it was might lose grip, or perhaps even be knocked off by the over-stuffed backpack. It was a slim chance, but it gave the Halfling some hope.
Determined not to be taken like some poor damsel, a knew light shone in her head. Mid-shake, Melisendre threw herself forward, as best she could with such weight on her shoulder, into a sort of clumsy summersault. If it worked for fire, to roll on the ground like a moron, it might do the trick for a sneak attack, too.
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Nebhotep
His time running out, Nebhotep no longer had the energy to fight. He gave over his body to the downward pull, the water invading his mouth and lungs in a sudden rush of choking suffocation. Strangely, he had little difficulty with this: the terrible pain of his broken arm had driven him nearly mad, and he found the warm embrace of oblivion strangely inviting. Of course I should die in the water. How else might this happen?
When the falling massive struck him upon the head, he was beyond caring. Still, it seemed tethered, and it might hold some measure of hope. Reaching with his good arm, Nebhotep wrapped his hand around the small blade tightly, slicing his hand slightly as he descended under the surface. No. It is too late. I cannot pull myself clear with but one arm... he thought, giving the rope a weak, slow pull before his world began to fade.
When the falling massive struck him upon the head, he was beyond caring. Still, it seemed tethered, and it might hold some measure of hope. Reaching with his good arm, Nebhotep wrapped his hand around the small blade tightly, slicing his hand slightly as he descended under the surface. No. It is too late. I cannot pull myself clear with but one arm... he thought, giving the rope a weak, slow pull before his world began to fade.
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Nilufar Simin
Had Nilfuar been perched on the halfling's back, her tactics might have worked better; but since the swan was merely hovering above Melisendre, Nilufar was able to avoid being battered by the halfling as she tossed and turned.
Her sudden drop and roll took her slightly by surprise, and she fluttered in the air for a moment, her eye going to the water, where she could see something silvery strike the water, and a hand come up before sinking back down. Nilfuar's swan eyes goggled as much as they could.
That... THING had thrown a knife at her half-giant and had KILLED him, just the way that she had tried to kill Nilufar, with the very same blade! It was too much to bear. With an angry, hoarse squawk, Nilu descended on the halfling's crouching form, her wings beating and beak snapping with renewed vigor. Vengeance would be hers!
Her sudden drop and roll took her slightly by surprise, and she fluttered in the air for a moment, her eye going to the water, where she could see something silvery strike the water, and a hand come up before sinking back down. Nilfuar's swan eyes goggled as much as they could.
That... THING had thrown a knife at her half-giant and had KILLED him, just the way that she had tried to kill Nilufar, with the very same blade! It was too much to bear. With an angry, hoarse squawk, Nilu descended on the halfling's crouching form, her wings beating and beak snapping with renewed vigor. Vengeance would be hers!
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Melisendre
Strangely enough, Melisendre finally realized what it was that had decided to lay the assault upon her. The bird from the lake. The one that disappeared when all the commotion started, and now it was back. And it bit her! Catching her breath during the few flickers of relief that the creature gave her, the Halfling was beyond just making evasive actions.
Enough was enough. The goose was going to die, and she was going to eat it. As she got back onto her feet, the Halfling’s hand went to her belt, tucked between herself and the leather was her second dagger, which she slid out with quick care. Knee deep in water herself, her movement were slower, but when the white bird was obviously coming back for more, Melisendre also sprung into a charge. She alternated between wide slashes and stabbing motions, not particularly caring where she hit the damned goose, as long as she killed it.
Her forward movement lowered the level of water, a few steps and she would be back on the shore, and with her feet free from the heavy water, Melisendre could rely on being swift again. Trees. Realizing that her attacker might be handicapped if she took the fight into the forest, a plan was suddenly hatched in the Halfling’s mind.
Her hazel eyes flickered briefly to the bushes, with all the fuss the bird had been causing, the girl almost forgot about the big man in the water, but now she could see the rope she’d tethered to one of the trees she wanted to reach. There was a tug upon it. He had the rope! The distraction could end up being a costly one, but Melisendre was quite amazed with her incredible fortune. Twice now she’d met her mark.
With a renewed vigour, the Halfling pressed onward toward both the swan and the tree line, her blade furious seeking the feathered creature. The sooner she dealt with the bird, the sooner she could get the big guy out of the water and get her dagger back, too. With a crooked grin, and twinkling eyes, Melisendre couldn’t help but feel please, even if she might be mauled by a goose. “Huzzah!!â€
Enough was enough. The goose was going to die, and she was going to eat it. As she got back onto her feet, the Halfling’s hand went to her belt, tucked between herself and the leather was her second dagger, which she slid out with quick care. Knee deep in water herself, her movement were slower, but when the white bird was obviously coming back for more, Melisendre also sprung into a charge. She alternated between wide slashes and stabbing motions, not particularly caring where she hit the damned goose, as long as she killed it.
Her forward movement lowered the level of water, a few steps and she would be back on the shore, and with her feet free from the heavy water, Melisendre could rely on being swift again. Trees. Realizing that her attacker might be handicapped if she took the fight into the forest, a plan was suddenly hatched in the Halfling’s mind.
Her hazel eyes flickered briefly to the bushes, with all the fuss the bird had been causing, the girl almost forgot about the big man in the water, but now she could see the rope she’d tethered to one of the trees she wanted to reach. There was a tug upon it. He had the rope! The distraction could end up being a costly one, but Melisendre was quite amazed with her incredible fortune. Twice now she’d met her mark.
With a renewed vigour, the Halfling pressed onward toward both the swan and the tree line, her blade furious seeking the feathered creature. The sooner she dealt with the bird, the sooner she could get the big guy out of the water and get her dagger back, too. With a crooked grin, and twinkling eyes, Melisendre couldn’t help but feel please, even if she might be mauled by a goose. “Huzzah!!â€
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Nilufar Simin
As soon as Nilufar realized that the creature had pulled a blade on her, she tried to pull out of range with one beat of her powerful wings. It shouldn't be particularly difficult, she surmised, since the thing was awfully close to the ground.
Then, with one concerted swoop, she tried to fly directly into the creature from behind. From her angle she hoped she would be able to reach her target before the thing had a chance to respond.
Her hope was that, between her considerable weight and the force of her wings, she would be able to knock the creature into the water, face-down to impede the movement of the knife -- and then all she would have to do was hold the creature under until it stopped thrashing around. Yes, Nilufar rather liked that plan. What were a few cuts if she could get rid of the beast for ever?
Then, with one concerted swoop, she tried to fly directly into the creature from behind. From her angle she hoped she would be able to reach her target before the thing had a chance to respond.
Her hope was that, between her considerable weight and the force of her wings, she would be able to knock the creature into the water, face-down to impede the movement of the knife -- and then all she would have to do was hold the creature under until it stopped thrashing around. Yes, Nilufar rather liked that plan. What were a few cuts if she could get rid of the beast for ever?
Last edited by Nilufar Simin on Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Guest
As Nilufar beat her strong wings in an effort to get away, pain intruded into her mind- a slight prick followed by a deeper burning as she moved her wings- the fire emanated from the place where her powerful wing muscles were connected to her chest- certainly not a fatal wound, but a painful and distracting one. The wingbeats became successively harder to take- each one draining seemingly impossible amounts of energy, as blood steadily trickled from the muscular region.
Melisendre felt the give as the weapon pierced the bird's flesh- not striking any large veins or arteries... lodging itself instead in a particularly muscular region- which, from the feel of it, was constantly in motion. The blade didn't penetrate far before it was casually deflected by the thick bone. Still- a cut was a cut, and the halfling was suddenly aware that the swan's wingbeats were slowing at a rate barely detectable... but still noticeable to an astute observer.
By the time Nilufar was in any position to implement her clever tactic, Melisendre had moved too far ahead- crossing the dry stretch and moving closer to the forest- making drowning impossible. Nonetheless, her weight, combined with the small amount of momentum she was able to accumulate were sufficient to knock the halfling to the ground, with the swan upon her back- only a few feet from the edge of the forest- close enough that Melisendre could almost reach it, if she could only stretch her fingers a little further...
Melisendre felt the give as the weapon pierced the bird's flesh- not striking any large veins or arteries... lodging itself instead in a particularly muscular region- which, from the feel of it, was constantly in motion. The blade didn't penetrate far before it was casually deflected by the thick bone. Still- a cut was a cut, and the halfling was suddenly aware that the swan's wingbeats were slowing at a rate barely detectable... but still noticeable to an astute observer.
By the time Nilufar was in any position to implement her clever tactic, Melisendre had moved too far ahead- crossing the dry stretch and moving closer to the forest- making drowning impossible. Nonetheless, her weight, combined with the small amount of momentum she was able to accumulate were sufficient to knock the halfling to the ground, with the swan upon her back- only a few feet from the edge of the forest- close enough that Melisendre could almost reach it, if she could only stretch her fingers a little further...
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Melisendre
When her blade caught the big bird’s muscle, Melisendre felt particularly pleased. Those pretty white feathers were going to be very red when she was through with the damn creature. Not only was it a pleasing sight to the Halfling, but it slowed her attacker down, albeit, not terribly much, but she would take any advantage she could get. When she hit bone, the knife was quickly withdrawn, aware that she could go no further.
Gaining traction in the sand wasn’t the easiest task, but the girl was quickly scrambling toward the trees. She did not gain as much distance as she would have liked before she was knocked forward, and began to fall. As she stumbled and toppled forward, Melisendre outstretched her arms, holding her dagger so that the blade would sink into the sand and not her. The instant her free hand hit the ground, the Halfling was gripping a handful of sand, which she then proceeded to fling over her shoulder in the swan’s direction.
With the knife dug into the sand up to it’s hilt, the Halfling girl used the blade as an aid to pull herself out from under the bird, though she did not rely solely on the weapon. Her fingers also clawed into grains. She was trying to scramble forward and close the rest of the gap between her and the trees, which were looking better and better for a fighting ground. She knew forests.
The pain where the blasted animal had bitten her was hardly a distraction, yet it was unmistakeably there. She had an inkling it would hurt a lot more once she was finished nailing the bird to a tree with her dagger.
Gaining traction in the sand wasn’t the easiest task, but the girl was quickly scrambling toward the trees. She did not gain as much distance as she would have liked before she was knocked forward, and began to fall. As she stumbled and toppled forward, Melisendre outstretched her arms, holding her dagger so that the blade would sink into the sand and not her. The instant her free hand hit the ground, the Halfling was gripping a handful of sand, which she then proceeded to fling over her shoulder in the swan’s direction.
With the knife dug into the sand up to it’s hilt, the Halfling girl used the blade as an aid to pull herself out from under the bird, though she did not rely solely on the weapon. Her fingers also clawed into grains. She was trying to scramble forward and close the rest of the gap between her and the trees, which were looking better and better for a fighting ground. She knew forests.
The pain where the blasted animal had bitten her was hardly a distraction, yet it was unmistakeably there. She had an inkling it would hurt a lot more once she was finished nailing the bird to a tree with her dagger.
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Nilufar Simin
Nilufar ducked her long snakelike neck again to tear at any of Melisendre's exposed skin, but she was rapidly losing interest in this whole fighting thing. Her wing hurt, she was certain her feathers were getting mussed, and it would take forEVER to preen the sand out of the delicate fibres of her feathers. She was a lover, not a fighter, damn it!
The little creature was scrambling furiously to run away to the woods -- maybe that's where it lived. Why anyone would want to live in a forest was beyond her: no open space to fly in, no water to glide about gracefully on, not enough sun to bask in.
<i>Well, she's certainly learned her lesson,</i> she thought with some degree of self-satisfication, then smacked the halfling about the head with a final furious blow from her non-injured wing, then went alight again and headed back towards the lake. Was the half-giant swimming, perhaps? Perhaps there was a chance that he was still around.
Either way, she wanted to get back to the water -- she needed to nurse her wound, and if she changed into human form she might not have the energy to change back to a swan, and that could be disastrous.
Flying low to the ground, wound throbbing with every wingstroke, she gave a desultory caw at the fleeing halfling, then turned and headed for the lake. Why, oh why, had she ever left the shores of the Mer? This trip had been a disaster from beginning to end.
The little creature was scrambling furiously to run away to the woods -- maybe that's where it lived. Why anyone would want to live in a forest was beyond her: no open space to fly in, no water to glide about gracefully on, not enough sun to bask in.
<i>Well, she's certainly learned her lesson,</i> she thought with some degree of self-satisfication, then smacked the halfling about the head with a final furious blow from her non-injured wing, then went alight again and headed back towards the lake. Was the half-giant swimming, perhaps? Perhaps there was a chance that he was still around.
Either way, she wanted to get back to the water -- she needed to nurse her wound, and if she changed into human form she might not have the energy to change back to a swan, and that could be disastrous.
Flying low to the ground, wound throbbing with every wingstroke, she gave a desultory caw at the fleeing halfling, then turned and headed for the lake. Why, oh why, had she ever left the shores of the Mer? This trip had been a disaster from beginning to end.
-
Guest
As Nilufar flew above the surface of the lake, she could see the crystal depths were unusually shadowed- but the reason why wasn't immediately apparent to her- she could see a dark form floating vaguely in the water- a form just about the size of Nebhotep, but staying eerily still. The water lurched awkwardly- but not enough that the vapid swanmaiden would notice anything peculiar. As she began to lower herself toward the water's surface, the wound upon her chest throbbing with nagging persistence, the lurch came again- and the reason why the water appeared shadowy was immediately apparent.
Leaping from the water with grace uncharacteristic to a creature its size, the behemoth sailed upward toward the descending swanmaiden. The wound made any attempt to steer away impossible- and the creature was simply too large for any evasive maneuver to prove effective. Nilufar barely had time to look up- to see the massive maw bearing down upon her- before the inky blackness engulfed her completely. There was a moment of silence, and then the swanmaiden knew no more.
***
Melisendre heard a loud splash, followed a few flickers later by another, louder one- and the sound of wave after wave lapping upon the shore of the lake- as if something immense had risen and fallen in the water. The something in question was clearly larger than the bird had been- judging from the size of the splash, and the amount of noise produced. The weight on her back had faded- and her weapon struck only air. Before long, she was in the forest- the cool earth oddly familiar.
Silence hung thick in the air once again.
Leaping from the water with grace uncharacteristic to a creature its size, the behemoth sailed upward toward the descending swanmaiden. The wound made any attempt to steer away impossible- and the creature was simply too large for any evasive maneuver to prove effective. Nilufar barely had time to look up- to see the massive maw bearing down upon her- before the inky blackness engulfed her completely. There was a moment of silence, and then the swanmaiden knew no more.
***
Melisendre heard a loud splash, followed a few flickers later by another, louder one- and the sound of wave after wave lapping upon the shore of the lake- as if something immense had risen and fallen in the water. The something in question was clearly larger than the bird had been- judging from the size of the splash, and the amount of noise produced. The weight on her back had faded- and her weapon struck only air. Before long, she was in the forest- the cool earth oddly familiar.
Silence hung thick in the air once again.
-
Melisendre
With her back turned toward the lake still, Melisendre straightened up on her feet, her mouth hanging open as she tried to catch her breath. As if reluctant to turn and see what the commotion had been all about, the Halfling girl twisted around slowly. Her narrowed eyes watched the lapping of the disturbed water for several flickers and she stood in silence, frowning. It wasn’t the big man capturing the goose. The bird wasn’t even in sight, and the giant was... floating! Better not be dead...
A string of loud curses flowed uninhibited from the little one’s mouth and she hurried over to the tree where her rope was tied. Tucking the dagger back into her belt to free her hands, the girl then took hold of the rope with both hands, planted her feet, and tugged. She would have no hope of dragging a man of that size over land, but he was in water, and though the effort would be great, there was still a chance.
The real concern was whether she would get him in before whatever-it-was-that-stole-her-goose took interest. She assumed it was the fish. Furrowing her brow, and not only because she was suddenly very angry, but also due to the strain, Melisendre dropped a few more obscenities. Looking out onto the lake, the urge to yell overcame the Halfling. “The fish ate my bird! The fish! My bird. My fish! My fish ate my bird! Give the goose back right this instant! I am hungry.â€
Unless the fish flopped up on shore, properly dead, Melisendre wouldn’t be eating either it, or the bloody bird. There wasn’t a single shred of her being that was going near that water again, oh no, she was going to keep her feet right where they belonged. On the forest floor, good and proper.
And it’s probably too late to start praying to the Mother now. Not that she believed the blessing of food would be bestowed upon her had she been devout.
A string of loud curses flowed uninhibited from the little one’s mouth and she hurried over to the tree where her rope was tied. Tucking the dagger back into her belt to free her hands, the girl then took hold of the rope with both hands, planted her feet, and tugged. She would have no hope of dragging a man of that size over land, but he was in water, and though the effort would be great, there was still a chance.
The real concern was whether she would get him in before whatever-it-was-that-stole-her-goose took interest. She assumed it was the fish. Furrowing her brow, and not only because she was suddenly very angry, but also due to the strain, Melisendre dropped a few more obscenities. Looking out onto the lake, the urge to yell overcame the Halfling. “The fish ate my bird! The fish! My bird. My fish! My fish ate my bird! Give the goose back right this instant! I am hungry.â€
Unless the fish flopped up on shore, properly dead, Melisendre wouldn’t be eating either it, or the bloody bird. There wasn’t a single shred of her being that was going near that water again, oh no, she was going to keep her feet right where they belonged. On the forest floor, good and proper.
And it’s probably too late to start praying to the Mother now. Not that she believed the blessing of food would be bestowed upon her had she been devout.
-
Guest
As Melisendre pulled, she found only the briefest moment of resistance to her motion, which quickly faded. The halfling found herself pulling hard on what was essentially nothing- and with a quick thud she was flat on the ground, the rope tugging easily, as if there was nothing on the end- only the dagger. The droning noise was distracting and somehow aggravating, as if nothing at all had changed despite the death of two- if not three- of her fellow castaways. The thought was somehow chilling- to be trapped on this island with lake creatures and noxious plants, with nobody to turn to.
The wind flowed mockingly, and despite her efforts to tug, nothing came up from the crystalline depths of the lake- only the depressing sight of her own dagger emerging from the water. It lay lonely and depressing on the shore of the lake, and suddenly- Melisendre was aware of exactly how alone she was.
The wind flowed mockingly, and despite her efforts to tug, nothing came up from the crystalline depths of the lake- only the depressing sight of her own dagger emerging from the water. It lay lonely and depressing on the shore of the lake, and suddenly- Melisendre was aware of exactly how alone she was.
-
Melisendre
At first she thought the large man would actually be pulled in by the rope, though quickly she realized that would not be the case. When the resistance gave way so suddenly, the Halfling nearly toppled over, and once she steadied herself, the girl adjusted her tugs to ones that were short and swift. The only weight at the end of the line was her precious dagger, and soon it lay lonesome on the shore, water lapping at the steel.
Eyes darting from one end of the lake to the other, Melisendre dare not approach any closer than she already was. Continuing her pull on the rope until the blade was at her feet, the little Halfling woman bent down to scoop it up. Sand stuck to the damp hilt, creating an unpleasant feeling between it and her fingers, however she was relieved to have it within her grasp once more. With a heavy sigh, she began to untie the knots of hemp she made around the weapon, sliding the blade into it’s sheath while her hands worked diligently.
Looking up from the task once it was finished, Melisendre turned her hazel gaze upon the lake once more. There was at least one beast lurking there. With a goose swallowed whole inside it. The drowned body of a giant man, like to become a bloated floater. The dwarf on the shore, his blood no longer colouring the water. And... There was that noisy woman, but where that one was, the Halfling did not know or care. She would rather be alone if that was the only alternative.
The forest had left her light-headed and out of her wits, and beasts rose from the depths of the lake. The Halfling knew not where else there was to go. Nor did she know exactly where she was in the first place, for that matter.
Eyes darting from one end of the lake to the other, Melisendre dare not approach any closer than she already was. Continuing her pull on the rope until the blade was at her feet, the little Halfling woman bent down to scoop it up. Sand stuck to the damp hilt, creating an unpleasant feeling between it and her fingers, however she was relieved to have it within her grasp once more. With a heavy sigh, she began to untie the knots of hemp she made around the weapon, sliding the blade into it’s sheath while her hands worked diligently.
Looking up from the task once it was finished, Melisendre turned her hazel gaze upon the lake once more. There was at least one beast lurking there. With a goose swallowed whole inside it. The drowned body of a giant man, like to become a bloated floater. The dwarf on the shore, his blood no longer colouring the water. And... There was that noisy woman, but where that one was, the Halfling did not know or care. She would rather be alone if that was the only alternative.
The forest had left her light-headed and out of her wits, and beasts rose from the depths of the lake. The Halfling knew not where else there was to go. Nor did she know exactly where she was in the first place, for that matter.
-
Guest
The sun beating down upon her from its zenith reminded Melisendre of why exactly she had come this far in the first place. The need for thirst had yet to be slaked, and one look at the grimy, bloodied water made the halfling think twice about drinking from it. Muck and grim had apparently arisen from the depths and now floated about the surface. Various green and blue algal slimed now stirred and whirled among the various eddies that dominated the surface of the lake. Waves still lapped at the corpse, slowly but surely dragging the dwarf's body toward the center of the lake- toward the beast.
But there was still that need- the desire for water, clean and pure... and she remembered that the bird had been flying toward the center of the island, in the same direction as all of the others she had seen flying travel. It was a curious coincidence, that rang familiar to Melisendre's wood-sense. The travelling meant something... something important, if only the daze in her head would clear enough for her to focus on the issue at hand.
But there was still that need- the desire for water, clean and pure... and she remembered that the bird had been flying toward the center of the island, in the same direction as all of the others she had seen flying travel. It was a curious coincidence, that rang familiar to Melisendre's wood-sense. The travelling meant something... something important, if only the daze in her head would clear enough for her to focus on the issue at hand.
-
Melisendre
One last inspection of the lake told her it was no shame that the water was infected by beasts. The algae and mud coating the surface were no pretty sight, she wouldn’t be sad to never see this place again. If she knew how to write, she might have considered carving a warning into a tree.
Lifting a hand to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun as she looked up to the sky, Melisendre hadn’t noticed how warm it was until just then. The struggle with the goose had left her sweating, and her mouth drier than before, with the added bonus of sand being ground between her teeth. A cool drink of any sort would really have helped, yet the only source of water she’d come across was devastatingly polluted. And populated with unbelievable creatures.
There were birds before. Flying overhead, toward what must be the centre of the island. There was meaning in the direction they traveled, but what it was managed to escape her. Birds migrate south in the winter, they fly away from fire, out to sea to die... They... They... Whatever it was they were flying toward could be no worse than the death that had awaited the other travelers at this lake. On the flip side, following the flight path of the birds would perhaps yield the reward of fresh water, or maybe civilization. It was worth a shot either way, from her vantage point.
Releasing the dagger-without-a-sheath from her belt, the Halfling was going as prepared as she could manage, or she wasn’t going at all. Holding the blade at the ready and taking a cleansing breath, Melisendre double checked to make sure she had all be belongings in order, and when she was certain everything was in it’s place, the girl began the march forward. Her eyes darted from the ground, to the distance ahead, and to the sky as well, trying to keep tabs on each of them.
I cannot be caught off guard like the others... She didn’t want to be food for the wolves, crows, or fishes, and that was all there was to it.
Lifting a hand to shield her eyes from the glare of the sun as she looked up to the sky, Melisendre hadn’t noticed how warm it was until just then. The struggle with the goose had left her sweating, and her mouth drier than before, with the added bonus of sand being ground between her teeth. A cool drink of any sort would really have helped, yet the only source of water she’d come across was devastatingly polluted. And populated with unbelievable creatures.
There were birds before. Flying overhead, toward what must be the centre of the island. There was meaning in the direction they traveled, but what it was managed to escape her. Birds migrate south in the winter, they fly away from fire, out to sea to die... They... They... Whatever it was they were flying toward could be no worse than the death that had awaited the other travelers at this lake. On the flip side, following the flight path of the birds would perhaps yield the reward of fresh water, or maybe civilization. It was worth a shot either way, from her vantage point.
Releasing the dagger-without-a-sheath from her belt, the Halfling was going as prepared as she could manage, or she wasn’t going at all. Holding the blade at the ready and taking a cleansing breath, Melisendre double checked to make sure she had all be belongings in order, and when she was certain everything was in it’s place, the girl began the march forward. Her eyes darted from the ground, to the distance ahead, and to the sky as well, trying to keep tabs on each of them.
I cannot be caught off guard like the others... She didn’t want to be food for the wolves, crows, or fishes, and that was all there was to it.
-
Guest
The trek was difficult, especially for the halfling's weary and thirsty body. While the lake was set in a clearing, the forest encroached upon all sides of it, and was thicker and tangled as Melisendre grew further inland. Brambles scratched at her face, but her legs were protected, at least. Even so, she could feel the inch-long spikes grazing painfully along her legs, although they were thankfully not sharp enough to do anything but scrape on her exposed skin.
After about half a mark of the trek, Melisendre found the forest thinning out- and the purple flowers decreased in frequency thereafter. Slowly, the ability to concentrate returned to her- which served only to amplify the already extreme need for water that coursed through her person.
At last, though- the familiar sound of running water reached her trained senses. It was a small trickle, really- nothing like the bubbling of a brook, or the roaring of a river... but it was something, the barest hint of running water, perhaps a streamlet that led into the ocean from the highlands in the center of the island... and then, with a final push through some branches, she saw it.
Obscured completely from the sunlight by trees, giving the entire place a feeling of quietness and solitude, a large rocky outcropping emerged from the center of the grove- water trickling from the highest shallow pools down to the next in an endless march- ending only where the tricklet flowed into the largest pool of them all, easily capable of fitting fifteen Melisendres within it lengthwise. That pool, in turn, flowed in a narrow stream along the rocky path forging its way into the deeper part of the forest- closer to the sea, and away from the inland of the isle.
The stone was red streaked with black, familiar in only a vague way- as of something seen once in a curio shop, long ago. The stone was riddled with tiny pores, through which small rivulets of water flowed and merged, giving the entire structure an appearance of continuity in the shadows cast by the enormous trees surrounding it. There was a hush here, which meant something else- if the halfling would only remember... but the cool pool looked so inviting, and it was so terribly hot...
After about half a mark of the trek, Melisendre found the forest thinning out- and the purple flowers decreased in frequency thereafter. Slowly, the ability to concentrate returned to her- which served only to amplify the already extreme need for water that coursed through her person.
At last, though- the familiar sound of running water reached her trained senses. It was a small trickle, really- nothing like the bubbling of a brook, or the roaring of a river... but it was something, the barest hint of running water, perhaps a streamlet that led into the ocean from the highlands in the center of the island... and then, with a final push through some branches, she saw it.
Obscured completely from the sunlight by trees, giving the entire place a feeling of quietness and solitude, a large rocky outcropping emerged from the center of the grove- water trickling from the highest shallow pools down to the next in an endless march- ending only where the tricklet flowed into the largest pool of them all, easily capable of fitting fifteen Melisendres within it lengthwise. That pool, in turn, flowed in a narrow stream along the rocky path forging its way into the deeper part of the forest- closer to the sea, and away from the inland of the isle.
The stone was red streaked with black, familiar in only a vague way- as of something seen once in a curio shop, long ago. The stone was riddled with tiny pores, through which small rivulets of water flowed and merged, giving the entire structure an appearance of continuity in the shadows cast by the enormous trees surrounding it. There was a hush here, which meant something else- if the halfling would only remember... but the cool pool looked so inviting, and it was so terribly hot...
-
Melisendre
At first she attempted to protect her face from harm by cutting away at the bramble bushes, though quickly it became evident just how futile the notion was. The damage to her body was lessened by the cover of her clothing, but still the thorns stung enough to incite various curses from the Halfling. Luckily the cloud caused by the purple flowers still clung to her mind for the majority of the trek through the forest, otherwise the scratches might have proved to be more than just an irritation.
When finally her ears were greeted with the sound of running water, Melisendre’s pace quickened, more than ever she wanted to quench her thirst. As her senses slowly began to clear of the fog, and the Halfling strained to listen for the water flow, she realized that it was either very far away, or barely more than a dribble of a stream. Despite how disheartening either case would be, the girl pushed forward.
Her mouth fell open suddenly as she stepped through the last of the bushes before the grove. There wasn’t any lack for water here. It was silent and private, and oh-so-welcoming. A mad giggle erupted from her mouth, and her eyes ate up the beautiful nature surrounding her. Water had never looked so good.
Taking a step into the grove, she quieted herself, her hazel making a more careful inspection, remembering what had happened at the lake. It would be best to play it cautious, and hope there were no tiny beasts lurking in the shallow depths of these pools.
Creeping closer inch by inch, the Halfling continuously cast her eyes about, from the water, rocks, and to the trees. Soon her mouth ached for a taste from the trickle of water, however, and her body no longer wanted to be held back. With a surge of adrenaline, Melisendre scurried forward.
When finally her ears were greeted with the sound of running water, Melisendre’s pace quickened, more than ever she wanted to quench her thirst. As her senses slowly began to clear of the fog, and the Halfling strained to listen for the water flow, she realized that it was either very far away, or barely more than a dribble of a stream. Despite how disheartening either case would be, the girl pushed forward.
Her mouth fell open suddenly as she stepped through the last of the bushes before the grove. There wasn’t any lack for water here. It was silent and private, and oh-so-welcoming. A mad giggle erupted from her mouth, and her eyes ate up the beautiful nature surrounding her. Water had never looked so good.
Taking a step into the grove, she quieted herself, her hazel making a more careful inspection, remembering what had happened at the lake. It would be best to play it cautious, and hope there were no tiny beasts lurking in the shallow depths of these pools.
Creeping closer inch by inch, the Halfling continuously cast her eyes about, from the water, rocks, and to the trees. Soon her mouth ached for a taste from the trickle of water, however, and her body no longer wanted to be held back. With a surge of adrenaline, Melisendre scurried forward.
-
Guest
The halfling found the water cool and refreshing, the embrace of the fluid upon her parched lips was sweeter than any caress of any lover. The drink was like pure light, the way it filled her and seemed to mend her wounds... and a few stray droplets of the red and thick substance fell into the pool, forming rivulets and loose eddies in the seemingly still water. She felt refreshed and revitalized as she drank, and the water felt cool and pleasant on her wounds- her face only inches from the surface, as her hand greedily scooped the water.
It was then that she felt something sharp poke at her back, crouched as she was over the pool. In the dim light, she could see the rippled reflection of some strange beast, with the body of a well muscled man, but with an odd head- long and elliptical, with strange designs carved into the front, in varying shades of green, loose tendrils of what seemed to be grainy hair protruding around the edges.
The point stuck lightly into the halfling and the thing uttered words that may have meant something, had Melisendre understood the primitive language.
It was then that she felt something sharp poke at her back, crouched as she was over the pool. In the dim light, she could see the rippled reflection of some strange beast, with the body of a well muscled man, but with an odd head- long and elliptical, with strange designs carved into the front, in varying shades of green, loose tendrils of what seemed to be grainy hair protruding around the edges.
The point stuck lightly into the halfling and the thing uttered words that may have meant something, had Melisendre understood the primitive language.
-
Melisendre
After being wrecked upon a beach, a trek through the forest, too many events which occurred on the lake shore, and another hike through the forest, the fresh, cool water was more than welcome. Scooping handful after handful into her mouth, Melisendre struggled to swallow as much as she possibly could. With every bit that she drank, the Halfling felt more and more invigorated. Were she to give herself enough time between her gulps of water, the girl might have giggled with glee. The water was magnificent.
The sudden, sharp poking in her back, however, was not quite so wonderful. The motion of her cupped hands came to a gradual halt, the water trickling from the gaps between her fingers. Her hazel eyes narrowed to slits, knowing she was no longer alone, and that it was an intruder with the point of his blade against her. Then the reflection revealed to her the strangest sort of man she’d ever seen, or at least it had the body of a man, but his head was deformed.
It spoke to her, but Melisendre didn’t understand a damn thing. This new language was even worse than the Common the others spoke, because now she could not even begin to speculate what he was saying. She didn’t need to understand his words to know that she was in trouble, however, and the girl slowly stretched her arms outward, revealing to the creature she hand no weapons in hand.
Shifting her eyes along the edges on the pool, the Halfling saw where she’d managed to place down her dagger, without realizing she’d ever relinquished it. It sat lonely upon one of the porous, damp ledges of the stone outcropping, far enough away that she would be skewered before she could reach it.
“This cannot be it...†She spoke softly in her native tongue, and judging by her tone, she was not particularly pleased. She had outlived those others just to be finished off by the funny-headed man. No, this cannot be it.
Clearing her throat, so that her voice was clear, Melisendre scrounged around in her brain for the proper Common words. She needed to come to an understanding with this creature that probably understood Halfling as well as she comprehended his gibberish. With the Human dialect, however, there might be some chance. “I am no harm.â€
The sudden, sharp poking in her back, however, was not quite so wonderful. The motion of her cupped hands came to a gradual halt, the water trickling from the gaps between her fingers. Her hazel eyes narrowed to slits, knowing she was no longer alone, and that it was an intruder with the point of his blade against her. Then the reflection revealed to her the strangest sort of man she’d ever seen, or at least it had the body of a man, but his head was deformed.
It spoke to her, but Melisendre didn’t understand a damn thing. This new language was even worse than the Common the others spoke, because now she could not even begin to speculate what he was saying. She didn’t need to understand his words to know that she was in trouble, however, and the girl slowly stretched her arms outward, revealing to the creature she hand no weapons in hand.
Shifting her eyes along the edges on the pool, the Halfling saw where she’d managed to place down her dagger, without realizing she’d ever relinquished it. It sat lonely upon one of the porous, damp ledges of the stone outcropping, far enough away that she would be skewered before she could reach it.
“This cannot be it...†She spoke softly in her native tongue, and judging by her tone, she was not particularly pleased. She had outlived those others just to be finished off by the funny-headed man. No, this cannot be it.
Clearing her throat, so that her voice was clear, Melisendre scrounged around in her brain for the proper Common words. She needed to come to an understanding with this creature that probably understood Halfling as well as she comprehended his gibberish. With the Human dialect, however, there might be some chance. “I am no harm.â€
-
Guest
The spear pulled back, and more of the archaic sounding language reached Melisendre's ears- this time, less menacing. The voice honestly sounded confused- as though it recognized the words the halfling spoke. Of course- it didn't respond in the common tongue. Instead, the creature let loose with a long ululation of its throat- a sort of whistling and whining sound that seemed more akin to the sound of a calling bird than to any sort of dialect she had ever heard.
In any case, the call was soon answered- the spear point still pressed firmly enough that she could not breath deeply, lest her blood be spilled. It wasn't long, however, before a few more of the strange creatures approached- their faces different shades- but the same oblong shape, plant matter wreathing the edges- giving them an ominous and foreboding appearance. Interestingly, the creatures mouths moved not as they spoke- instead, the voice was muffled- and seemd to come from behind the face. But that made no sense.
Then again, it may have been the fact that Melisendre's view was greatly inhibited- mostly limited to glimpses of legs and the reflections of upper bodies and heads in the myriad smooth pools.
At last, after a very long discussion in the odd grunts and whistles, the spear from her back was removed- and replaced by a blindfold- her arms and legs tressed so quickly that she wondered at how she had not felt the bonds go on. But there was little time for wonder, as she was rudely lifted off her feet and placed over the shoulder of one the creatures- her bonds so restrictive that she could not move at all- only her mouth was left uninhibited.
The trek through the jungle was easier- possibly because she walked a clean path, or possibly because there were no branches. She heard no machete being swung, so the former seemed more likely. A sweet smell began to grow in her ears... as did a murmuring- as of a large gathering of people- which made little sense. This was an uncharted island- the captain had made great mention of this- that there was no civilization for miles around. One couldn't swim to the nearest inhabited isle if one wanted to.
Of course, the captain had also said nothing of lake beasts.
In any case, Melisendre could soon tell she was no longer in a forest- the sun was brighter than it should be- and she could hear murmurs hushing as she passed. The halfling could almost feel things staring at her- but that was all fleeting- replaced by the echoing of footsteps in what sounded like a stone room- echoey and eerie.
Within a few burns of entering the stone bulding, she felt the thing holding her simply drop her upon what felt like a cold stone floor, with what sounded to be an apologetic grunt. But what happened next was more surprising than all that had thus far happened...
"You. You halfling. What do you do upon my isle?" Came the callous question in the halfling tongue, repeated again in common. "Why have you intruded upon my home?"
((OOC: Sorry 'bout the long post... feel free to react and take liberties with things- fill in the blanks as you see fit.
))
In any case, the call was soon answered- the spear point still pressed firmly enough that she could not breath deeply, lest her blood be spilled. It wasn't long, however, before a few more of the strange creatures approached- their faces different shades- but the same oblong shape, plant matter wreathing the edges- giving them an ominous and foreboding appearance. Interestingly, the creatures mouths moved not as they spoke- instead, the voice was muffled- and seemd to come from behind the face. But that made no sense.
Then again, it may have been the fact that Melisendre's view was greatly inhibited- mostly limited to glimpses of legs and the reflections of upper bodies and heads in the myriad smooth pools.
At last, after a very long discussion in the odd grunts and whistles, the spear from her back was removed- and replaced by a blindfold- her arms and legs tressed so quickly that she wondered at how she had not felt the bonds go on. But there was little time for wonder, as she was rudely lifted off her feet and placed over the shoulder of one the creatures- her bonds so restrictive that she could not move at all- only her mouth was left uninhibited.
The trek through the jungle was easier- possibly because she walked a clean path, or possibly because there were no branches. She heard no machete being swung, so the former seemed more likely. A sweet smell began to grow in her ears... as did a murmuring- as of a large gathering of people- which made little sense. This was an uncharted island- the captain had made great mention of this- that there was no civilization for miles around. One couldn't swim to the nearest inhabited isle if one wanted to.
Of course, the captain had also said nothing of lake beasts.
In any case, Melisendre could soon tell she was no longer in a forest- the sun was brighter than it should be- and she could hear murmurs hushing as she passed. The halfling could almost feel things staring at her- but that was all fleeting- replaced by the echoing of footsteps in what sounded like a stone room- echoey and eerie.
Within a few burns of entering the stone bulding, she felt the thing holding her simply drop her upon what felt like a cold stone floor, with what sounded to be an apologetic grunt. But what happened next was more surprising than all that had thus far happened...
"You. You halfling. What do you do upon my isle?" Came the callous question in the halfling tongue, repeated again in common. "Why have you intruded upon my home?"
((OOC: Sorry 'bout the long post... feel free to react and take liberties with things- fill in the blanks as you see fit.
))