Completed [Bronze Woods] Calamity Glade (Shiyami, Viper, Wrenmae)

[Radiant]

Sacred Arch Hotpsrings, 6th of Bell, 55th of Fall 513 A.V

Ama, the Radiant White Wolf and guardian of the Bronze Woods, was worried. Since a few weeks ago, odd events had been happening in the Woods, particularly in a glade deep inside the forest. She got reports of hunters being slammed with misfortune, when they stepped into that glade, every single hunter. Ama was skeptical at first, she decided to prove it, and it was true, snakes came raining down from the trees around the glade just moments after she stepped into it. That was definitely unnatural, evident of some unknown power taking hold.

Ama couldn't let this be, yet she wasn't confident on tackling this matter alone, she needed help. So she asked a hunter to post her announcement at the city's bulletin board. The people of Syliras loved their city as much as she did, courageous men and women were sure to come, the reward was just an incentive and icing on the cake.

So, she waited, an elegant giant white wolf perching near the Hotpsrings.

OOCAlright, guys, feel free to make your entrance, ask some questions, etc. Since Ama is in her dire wolf form, she would reply in my next post.

[Shiyami]

Walking along the path towards the Hotsprings, Shiyami sighed. He was originally planning to head to Sunberth, but doubled back as he remembered that he had left his scythe behind in Syliras. However, of one were to walk past and take a glance at his face, they would see a grin on his face, and barely contained excitement in his blue eye. He was on the way to the hill where he left his weapons, and gave the bulletin bored a quick glance as he passed. That glance, quickly became a wide eyed stare, as he saw a new request. A request for brave adventurers, given by the Dire Wolf. The same one that he was with during the Yukmen hunting. Of course he took up the offer in a heartbeat...well, a heartless heartbeat. Floating along his left side, was his double sided scythe, making lazy flips through the air ever so often. There was something that was bothering him however. A quick glance to his right proved that his minor problem hadn't backed off. Kimi was walking to his right, with a childish but smug expression on her face. He had ran to his hill, picked up the scythe, and ran to the Hotsprings, which didn't give him enough time to make an elaborate groundwork to convince his adopted daughter not to follow him into dangerous job offers. ...I should stop spoiling her so much..., he thought with resignation.

Finally reaching his destination, Shiyami smiled as he saw the Dire Wolf there. Raising his hand, he called out, "It's good to be back.", while Kimi, seeing the Kelvic, ran over to examine Ama, her face barely a foot away from the wolf's own. Sighing slightly, Shiyami said, "I apologize for the little one. I couldn't convince her to stay behind.", to the Wolf, before adding, "Come on, where are your manners?", directing the second half of his sentence to Kimi, earning him a childish pout. Sighing once again, Shiyami shrugged, before waving his hand in a gesture that seemed to say 'Fine, fine'.

Shiyami

[Viper]

Viper was making his evening ride through the city, gazing at the different things being sold. Making sure he didn't need anything before he went out to go for a hunt the next day. As he passed by the bulletin board on his way out to his campsite, he instinctively decided to check it out. Just for curiosity sake if nothing else. One posting in particular did catch his eye. An eyebrow raised as he read about "strange occurrences" in the woods. The mention of magic brought a slight frown to his face along with a sigh. Why did nothing good ever seem to come from magic? He pondered to himself as he made a mental note in his mind of where to meet and who he was looking for. "Well...if there is something there that is threatening the woods I hunt in. It'll need to be put down." Viper said to himself with a bit of grim determination. He did wonder how useful someone with no knowledge of magic would be...but nevertheless, he'd help however he could.

The next morning saw Viper awakening early, just a bit before the sun peeked over the horizon. Quickly gathering the items he felt would be useful for the days journey, he mounted up onto his Strider and rode out to the predetermined meeting site. There was a coolness in the air giving evidence to summers defeat and the coming forth of winter. He always loved this time of year and usually spent more time than ever in the forest. Simply soaking in the pleasant scenery and beautiful weather. Unfortunately today was not the day to simply enjoy what lay around him. Instead it was to preserve it.

It didn't take long for he and Aeyan to make there way to the Sacred Arch Hotsprings. When it finally came into view, his mouth opened some as he took in the spectacular locale. Much to his regret now, he hadn't really ventured to this place before because he had heard it was usually a popular place which tended to draw a fair amount of people. Not usually his idea of a relaxing setting. But the beauty of the place more than made up for this fact, and he made a note to return...if all went well.

His eyes were soon drawn to a trio not to far away from him. The first one, he recognized from who he was told to look for. The "big white wolf". The other two though, he did not recognize. There was something odd about those two as well. Well other than the fact one appeared to be nothing more than a small child. What in the name of the gods was that moron thinking, bringing a little person like that on a quest like this!? He prodded Aeyan, and the two began to trot closer to join the group.

Getting closer, his continued observation of the strange pair revealed that at least one of them was not even touching the ground! Were they...floating? Suddenly everything became clear. No wonder this person brought their significant smaller other. They were ghosts. Well that would come in handy. At least these were a couple members of the team he wouldn't have to worry about dying. If it wasn't for the fact that they had in fact died some way, he might have snickered. Still, so far this was already proving to be a rather interesting beginning. Finally closing the gap, he gave a small bow to those gathered. "Greetings." Was all he said at first, though in a friendly manner. Quickly dismounting, he took a quick glance at all three before continuing. "I assume I'm in the right place to help clean up whatever is plaguing our woods with it's presence?"

[Wrenmae]

He'd torn the posting from the board when he found it, crumpling it between his hands before dropping it onto the cobblestone. Jobs like this only complicated with the addition of others. The notice suggested magic at work, and that meant only three types would hearken to the call left here. The first, and most obvious, were the justice toting metal-skins of the city. The Knights, grand gardeners of their sacred King-tree. No doubt word like this so close to home would rouse the noble savages to gird themselves for battle and ride for war. The last thing a matter of magic needed was the heavy, ever stupid hand of a self-righteous bigot. If none of them leaped into the fray, mages would be the next logical conclusion. Some would come out of a sense of duty, the over-given mage with scars on his hands and past, seeking some sort of redemptive penance for mistakes made and never paid for...or perhaps the curious and scholarly, too afraid of harming phenomenon before extracting its secrets. Of course there were the mad ones, shells of mortals that barely clung to their damaged humanity. Did he number in these faceless, cautionary, numbers? Perhaps.

Third may be the soldier with nothing of magic in their heads but that made of dreamstuff and tavern tales. The gloryhounds, soldiers of coin, mercenaries, or mavericks. They would see the words and seek themselves spit of gods and shaped by Mizahar's harsh truths. Fools, every one of them, mistaking instinct for fear and common sense for stupidity.

But at the least, the last two groups could be made to listen, to learn.

To be commanded.

He tread on the ruined notice, head down and away from the prying eyes of Knights and citizens before retrieving his horse and making way. It had almost been a pleasant ride as well, out of the city and into the Wildlands besides the mud-brown Kabrin.

Almost.

You know what I love most about Syliras?

...

It's not a fun guessing game if you don't play.

Zan, I couldn't care less what you thought of Syliras.

Really? Couldn't care less? What if I had never told you? What if it had never occurred to me? You're annoyed, which means you care a little...so you could probably stand to care less, couldn't you?

I liked it better when you were playing observer.

I liked it better when you weren't an ass-face with delusions of candor.

Grandeur, you imbecile, delusions of GRANDEUR

The first step to recovery is acceptance. We've made important progress today. I'm so proud of you.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT SYLIRAS?!

Oh. That it makes you such a barrel full of sunshine. I mean, you haven't stopped frowning since we got here. I can't tell what I like more, that you stopped plotting cause you're afraid some fleshlings in a cage-suit will run you through with all their pretty, pretty sticky-stabs...

Swords. They're called swords.

I like mine better. Anyways. I can't tell if I like that more or the fact that this city is just making all your smiles go bottom up, like dead fish. Misery or impotence. Take your pick, but this is just hilarious.

Zan, I swear to the gods that-

You'll...give me a stern talking to? Sit me down and show me the error of my ways? Make me the first convert to your church of Vagalliohl, the three headed savior of no one? Praise Vagalliohl, may his multiple discordant realms always be a staple of a happy home...of most likely cannibalistic, sadistic, dead people.

...

That's right. Now we're taking bitch work so you can not do that thing your species does when it doesn't ingest dead things...die, I think?

Wren said nothing, gritting his teeth against each other rather than snap back vocally, spooking his horse. Instead he passed the rest of the journey in brooding silence.

Perhaps what struck him first about the Hot Springs was not the other hunter-esque individual on a horse, nor the giant wolf (hadn't he killed one or two of them before? And besides, the notice said to expect one...probably a giant misbegotten guard dog). It was the floating, cavorting ghost that flickered in with another of its kind, his skin like an oil painting.

Wren remembered Isaacs.

"There's your problem," He remarked to the hunter, holding out a hand to the two ghosts, "You have echoes too stubborn to lay at rest. You'll probably need a Spiritist."

He didn't even bother to talk to the wolf.

It was probably someone's pet. Someone's giant, poorly camouflaged, pet.

Scowling at the ghosts, he brought his horse up beside Viper's and grinned. "You're Ama, then, right? Awfully pretty name for a man, don't you think?"

[Radiant]

The first volunteer that arrived was no other than the ghost, Shiyami. Ama owed a great deal to the ghost, if it was not for him, she couldn't save the rest of the group that hunted the Yukmen a season ago. Her canine form smiled in gentle warmth, nodding in acknowledgement to the arrival of the ghost. He seemed to be bringing another, younger-looking, ghost. What is it with ghosts and ghostly little girl companions? The two ghosts she met recent in Syliras had them. Ama was wondering where the heck did the dangerous little waif and her little sister went? She assumed The Bane of The Wolves went back to Avanthal, her hometown.

The second person to arrive was a man on a beautiful horse. Ama examined him and he looked capable indeed. Viper's very light hair reminded Ama of her own and his emerald green eyes captivated her, Ama found herself liking this man already. The way he carried himself confidently suggested that he was no stranger to dangers and combat. He greeted them, Ama nodded in kind, acknowledging him since she couldn't talk in her wolf form.

The third man to arrive was... odd indeed. He was also on horseback, but Ama's instincts told her that something strange was within this man. She squinted her eyes in worry as Wrenmae approached. It was clear that he did not think of her as a sentient being, maybe he was unaware that she was a Kelvic? If he didn't, the this man was most likely a newcomer or someone confined to the walls. Ama knew she was rather famous among the hunters and knights in Syliras. She was a prominent figure in the Bronze Woods and besides, one couldn't miss a giant white wolf with shining yellow light around her body. She snorted in amusement, the man didn't even notice her indeed and it was clear that he held disdain for the ethereals. The moment when he registered Viper as herself made her exhaled and shook her head.

Thinking that she got enough volunteers, Ama's body shone and a naked woman with snow white hair and deep reddish brown hair replaced the giant wolf. She stood up and coughed, bringing the group's attention to her. Shiyami was already familiar with her, the Drykas was gawking - and loving - the view, and the strange third man, well, Ama didn't know for sure, he seemed to be an enigma.

"Greetings, gentlemen, I am Ama, Goddess Priskil's follower. I live and take care of the Bronze Woods." Then she began to greet each of them personally. "Shiyami, it's good to see you again, I hope your days have been faring well and I see you brought your companion with you, such a lovely little girl. What's your name?" When Kimi answered her, Ama smiled and motioned her hand to look like she was ruffling Kimi's hair "Young Mistress Kimi, nice to see you." Ama wasn't worried about her safety since she was one of the ethereal dead.

"And you sir, ehehe, my eyes are up here, you know." She teased the Drykas and also asked for his name, when Viper gave her his name, whether his real one or his nickname, Ama would nod to him.

"...." She turned to the third man, keeping a smile on her face "Ahaha, Sir, I'm Ama, yes, I'm a dire wolf kelvic. What might your name be? And rest assured, I have worked with Shiyami before, he is not the problem here." After Wren gave her his name or whatever he wanted her to call him, Ama motioned the group to gather closer as she explained about the job.

"Gentlemen... we have a problem here in the Woods. In a particular glade deep into the forest, nicknamed "Calamity Glade", by the hunters happened a series of strange and unfortunate events. I'm told that every hunter that stepped there were met with suspiciously deliberate negative events... like a pithole suddenly spawning below their feet, a pack of wolves coming from seemingly nowhere, and other things." Her face turned serious, she slightly activated her gnosis, yellow light shining from her palms to ease the mood and find out if Viper or Wren held any ill intent. If they did, they would feel the light to be searing hot instead of soothing.

"I was skeptical at first, until I proved it myself, when I stepped into the glade.. believe or not, a rain of snakes came pouring down from the trees around me. I immediately retreated and the snakes didn't chase me afterwards... My assumption is that some power is at play here, I do not know whether it's trying to "protect" that glade or just plain pranking people for the fun of it. A problem that we need to root out." She clapped her hands together then put her hands to her waist, her bare form glistening in the morning light as Syna began rising up for the day. "Any further questions, gentleman? If not, we can begin the investigation. Please be aware that you may need to defend yourself from harm. If any of you want to back out, now is your chance."

[Shiyami]

Shiyami kept his expression neutral, but his blue eey held slight annoyance, in response to the third man that joined their group. If one looked carefully, his left eye was opened a tad bit. Looking at that crack, a sliver of his red eye could be seen. At least, the man before him -the Drykas-, seemed less hostile then the human. Turning is attention to Ama, as she transformed to her human form, he listened carefully to the situation. His brows furrowed slightly, as he noticed the warm looking light coming off of the Kelvic. The last time he was hit with that, it felt like a battering ram was shoved into his chest by six good Myrians. However, he did feel slightly comforted at the same time, mentally that is. Sighing in resignation, and attempting to ignore the light, Shiyami continued to listen in.

Snakes falling from trees? That would be rather funny, depending on what snake was used. Potholes forming? Nice prank. Random wolves spawning from nowhere? Alright, perhaps this is getting more serious then I first thought, Shiyami thought to himself. Sounds like some strange magick is as work..., His eye shifted over to his right, taking a glance at Kimi, as he thought of the likeliest cause of the problem. Hearing that Ama believes a fight would happen, Siyami turned around and looked at Kimi. "See? Even she says its going to be dangerous. Now, why don't you head ba.....", He started to say, but his voice died down as he was given the 'Pout of a Spoiled Child'. Sighing once again, Shiyami could do nothing but shrug. "I get it, I get it.", he finally said, earning him a hug from Kimi.

Shiyami

[Viper]

Viper's attention was grabbed by a third arrival. Someone declaring he already knew what the problem was and even had the answer. When Viper heard what was said, he smirked and shook his head. Everyone's a comedian. He thought amusingly to himself. At least he seemed friendly enough...at least to himself.

The late arrival's next question took him by surprise. With a bit of a snicker-snort, he simply shook his head and then gestured to the wolf when she began to change to her human form. Turning his attention toward the one that seemed to have called this "merry" band together. A slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Ah, so it was a kelvic we are working with after all. Man I seem to be drawn to their kind for some reason. He thought as he remembered all the Kelvics he had interacted with within just these last two or three seasons alone.

Still, cute lil thing. He had to admit. Apparently, enough so, that his normal skill at hiding his thoughts on a matter had totally abandoned him. His cheeks flushed a light red when she had to get him to refocus. At least she had a good attitude about his momentary lapse of gentlemanly respect. "My apologies miss. I was unaware we were going to be in such ...pleasant company for this quest." He winked with a smirk as he gave a gentle nod to her introduction. "And a pleasure to finally meet you Ama. The name is Viper."

He then stood by quietly as he waited for introductions to finish and her to tell the current situation. From what he could tell, it almost sounded like someone playing immature pranks on people...but not really seeing the severity of their actions. As if they didn't realize these things could really put the people they were being thrown at in danger. Like a child to powerful for their own good.... Course then again, it could just be someone who meant to harm them, but had an apparent sick sense of humour. He began to imagine that yet again, only time would unravel this particular mystery.

Upon hearing the opportunity to back out being granted them. He stepped Aeyan forward just a bit. "My bow is yours. Ready to move out when you are." He said simply. Not really knowing what else to ask. Magic never was his interest. Viper pondered if that fault would be the death of him eventually.

[Wrenmae]

If anything, the wolf's transformation did little to change Wren's demeanor. His eyes flashed as she transformed, reflecting the light of the shifting. But his frown only deepened. Ghosts and animals, no wonder there was trouble in the forest of the Knights. They sent beasts and echoes to do their work.

Revolting.

The light she emitted was annoying as well, too bright and something...else. It bothered his skin, almost like an uncomfortable heat source and although his instinct was to flinch from it, Ama was watching both Viper and himself with a calm and collected gaze.

So he stared into the light and sneered, pulling back on the horse as it faded from them.

"Did you perhaps think to hunt somewhere else than that particular glade?" he asked the wolf, "Or are your favorite rabbit and deer in there?"

He doubted he'd win the respect of Viper, but in company such as this, he could care less what they thought of him. Snakes falling from the trees, wolf attacks, pits...they were either tracking a very clever hunter that wanted to stake the forest for himself, or some sort of djed induced insanity. It would be easier to simply cordon off the edges of the glade and steer hunters to another place. The Wildlands was large and full of game. Truly, it often seemed like Mizahar wanted civilization to fail. It certainly pushed at the edges.

"It sounds typically knightly. If the forest offends you, attack it till submission. If it wants to be left alone, scour it of secrets and put lives in danger to do it. No stone left unturned, no soul left unthreatened. They chose quite the protector of the forest then, Ama. The Canine family are well renowned for their boundless loyalty, are they not?"

His hands lightly touched the long daggers at his side...not to draw them, not unless anyone made any sudden moves. No, this was more for comfort...thumb tapping on the handle.

"My name is Murdock," Wren lied...it came easily to him now, "And I'm not from around here. Before we tackle your little territorial dispute, I need to be sure I can be paid." He crossed his arms, "Unless you have a very creative way to hold mizas or gems, I suggest you show me what I'll be able to take away once your little jaunt is over and..."

He turned to the little girl and the other ghost, undisguised loathing on his face, "Yes, do run along home. Gods know we wouldn't want to put your LIVES in danger."

[Radiant]

Ama giggled at the gentlemanly act Viper showed and the cute interactions between Shiyami and his companion, Kimi.

"It's alright, Shiyami. But be responsible for Kimi, alright?" She gave the duo a wink. They looked like young people so Ama opted to treat them as such, besides, they didn't mind.

"Well, an honor to meet you Sir Viper." Ama shook his hand. She was liking this archer already. He had this demeanor around him that made her comfortable. His clever fix of his reaction earlier was a plus, Ama giggled and traced her fingers over Viper's chin "Well~ I'll be sure to keep being pleasant then~" Ama was not above flirting here and there.

Finally, she sighed at "Murdock". He didn't get it, not at all. If that glade was let be, who knows it could spread, and in the end, the whole Bronze Woods would be a hive of calamity. No, this man was like a typically arrogant person. He may be secretly be an Alvina or have some amazing hidden power, but he was not forced to participate in this, the demand for reward and the clear disdain he showed for the ghost. It all made Ama shook her head slightly, he acted as if someone forced him to be in the party.

"Sir Murdock... please do know that I'm not forcing you to do this, no one is... so if you are unwilling, you are completely free to leave... I can find others who are more willing to help." She smiled gently, this man brought high risks of inner-fighting, something Ama would not want to happen "So, Sir... what if I tell you that you are doing this for the good of Syliras and not for monetary gain, would that make you back away? If yes... then, I humbly recommend that you do not participate in this, Sir. I do understand that you are a foreigner." She exhaled then gestured for the group to depart. "If you want to come with us, please... contain your hostility and snide remarks. We are not here to quarrel and fight."

She shifted to her dire wolf form, white fur shining with yellow light. Then she began walking into the Woods, motioning for the group to follow. Whether Murdock came with them or not, she would expect him to at least change his attitude.

[Shiyami]

Shiyami smiled at the interactions between the Drykas and the Kelvic. Even after all these years, with culture and the lands changing, the bonds between the living -and sometimes the dead- are always being formed, even against the odds that life throws at them. But, his good mood didn't last too long. Shiyami was none too pleased, with the behavior of the man who introduced himself as Murdock. The man did not even make any small attempt at hiding his disdain against ghosts. In this situation though, it would be better not to be fighting against supposed allies, even if one of them deserved a good slashing to the neck.

However, Kimi had untied her hair ribbon. "What the petc- Mmmph?", she was about to blast talk, before Shiyami covered her mouth with both hands. Sighing, he tied the hair ribbon back on, before speaking. "Young man, continue enduring this world for another hundred years or so, then you can complain. Otherwise, you haven't learnt enough, youngling.", were the words spoken in an emotionless tone, obviously addressed towards the human. Thought Shiyami kept his body language and tone empty of emotions, his scythe had stopped making lazy flips.

Diverting his attention away, when Ama said that it was time for them to head in. As he followed, he opened his left eye partially, leaving a bright red line floating in the air, that trailed where ever his eye was.

Shiyami