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Starry Pool
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message 751:
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Eve O. Spellman
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Dec 25, 2016 10:13AM
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((It has been created. If you want to start there go ahead and post.))
I grip my staff tightly, and summon the book. "Alright, so the recipe says that I need ten flies' legs, a spider's web and a newt." As I speak, I summon the required ingredients from the satchel at my side. "Now, where to set up the cauldron?"
"Ah, finally." I mutter to myself, sensing the fairy land nearby. I push the large metal bowl up onto a rock, and ignite a small bundle of sticks under it.
I let out a cackle of glee. "Or so you may think. You can kill things that have life, and you therefore can't kill many things... SUCH AS YOURSELF!" I almost fall to the ground laughing, but I grab the brim of the cauldron to steady myself.
I add the ingredients to the mixture, and it begins to bubble. "And? You're annoyed and a fairy. Is there any other pieces of miscellaneous information that you think that I don't know about you?
"Because, little murderer, I have something to do that requires your assistance. You see, I am performing a spell that will summon a demon, and I need you to defeat him." I stir the cauldron slightly with a wooden spoon, and taste it. "Mmm, chocolate mousse..." I mutter to myself, tapping the staff on the ground to conjure a few magical slaves to stir the cauldron as I turn my full attention to the being before me...
"Well, do you want the long, convoluted answer, or the very short, almost slang-like version?"
I laugh again. "I have literally just told you that it is physically impossible to kill me! And you think that threatening me is the way to find those who picked on you? HAHAHA! You truly are as stupid as I thought. I am everything that you have ever felt was cruel, I am the feeling of darkness and apprehension in your dreams. I am a nightmare, and you are nothing in my plans!"
"Who said anything about intimidating?" A magical space whispers that the spell is ready. I grin, and wave a hand so that we may continue. "I suggest that you stay for a bit - it may be better for you in the long run."
"What if I told you that I could lead you to your parents?"
"Well, what if I told you that I know where they are in the underworld, and that you might have the opportunity to get the answers to any question that they have the answer to?"
"Well, long story short, he owes me. And you are here as a precaution." I mean, that's obviously not the whole story, but the big lump would be arriving just about... now.
I wave the rays aside. "Is that so? And did Hannibal cross the mountains by mistake?
I raise a questioning eyebrow, dispelling the petty death rays. "I knew that you weren't well read, but the story of Hannibal is legend! What he did was the impossible - he crushed the Roman Empire, and sacked Rome itself." I see the runic circle appear in the middle of the starry pool. "Ah, our guest is arriving. Prepare yourself for hostility."
"Tut tut tut. So eager to please, I know, but I want my debt, not revenge."
"How rude." I summon a tiny flame at the end of my staff. I bash it and grumble until the flame grows into a decent sized fireball. "Not as rude as me, however." I click my fingers, and a pair of spectres appear from the ground...
"You'll see." The spectral figures, formerly shapeless, begin to mold themselves into humanoid forms, taking on the appearance of two people that I know this fairy will recognise.
"Oh hoho, not so fast." I teleport up to the damnable fairy, and bash her on the head with Bugger-Whacker.
I laugh maniacally. "TRY ME!"(This is going to have to be my last post today)
My grin intensifies. I dart backwards, and beckon. "Bring it."
She grabs my head, attempting to crush it, but I teleport away. "Is that really the best you've got?" I ask boredly, discreetly looking over my shoulder at the ritual below.
"Oh, nothing. Just a bit of debt-collecting. Like I told you. Not that long ago."
The fairy flies down and attempts to kick me. When do these simpletons learn? I fly backwards, taunting the little fairy, laughing at her for her lack of ability to attack me, whilst throwing sparks at her.
I look to see where she threw that magic. The ritual was nearly complete, but not quite "Ah, well that's not helpful, now is it? Didn't your parents teach you manners?" I pour magic into the ritual, and it speeds up. The chanting of my slaves grows louder and louder, and I see a pair of horns arise from the glowing circle. "Took his bloody time..." I mutter under my breath.
"Good, tantrum over. Now, get out of that damn portal you flaming oaf!" I yell at the demon rising from the Portal, who is getting up so slowly that a damn tectonic plate moves faster. "Oh come on, hurry up! I've got to deal with you and then I've important matters to deal with!"
"Now, now, there's no need to leave us. This is relevant to you too you know." Well, technically speaking, it is.
"Tough luck, you're the only being in this damnable area that can one-shot this mug, and I need that threat in case he gets violent. Just so you know, this may involve some degree of accuracy, you probably won't get a second shot. But only attack on my signal. I'll let you take his head to your leader- that should satisfy your need for attention." I channel all of my might into the ritual, and the massive lump finally raises his head. "What do you want, little imp?" The beast asks. "The souls that you owe me from that little game of poker, You know, the few thousand souls of the innocent?"
"Now, you big lump, give the souls or I'll get my little death-fairy here to kill you." The mighty demon looks at the fairy, then me, and back to the fairy, and finally settles it's gaze on me. It's massive shoulders raise in a shrug. "Fine, take them." A small amulet flies from the demon's hand. "Much appreciated, now SOD OFF!" I yell at the demon, and I can see the tears in it's eyes as it cries back off into the portal. "Well, that went better than expected."
I laugh at the sulking fairy. "What, you didn't get to kill anything other than a few blades of grass? Well boo-hoo-hoo, I got my souls and I am leaving!"
"Well, minions, pack away my things! Oh, and Larry, make sure that you wipe away ALL of the candle marks this time, you didn't quite get all of it last time."
I observe the gathering of my arcane possessions, and the cleaning of the area. "Good job lads, now lets get back home!"
"Hurry up, I need a bath after being in that fairy's presence for too long." My magical slaves laugh monotonely, and they begin to make their way out, with me supervising from above.
((Umm... yes?))
((Thanks :P))
Anubis walked calmly but swiftly through the forest, his tanned bare feet making no sound but the golden chains in his hair and around his tall pointed ears clinking gently. He and his partners had only just reached what they assumed was the Haven, having seen more than one non-human thing on their journey through the forest that would indicate it as such. It was such a relief to finally reach their destination. He had been moving through human areas before and thus had been forced to wear his human form for days on end. Whilst it was not bad, it was not the form he was most comfortable with and it chafed him. Reaching the Haven meant he could finally change into the form he was most comfortable in, one that was half-human and half-jackal. It was wonderful! Now however, Anubis was anxious to reach some water, the days long journey making him tired. Isfet and Ma'at had smelled the water of a pool up ahead and raced off, Anubis following at a more sedate pace. When he reached the pool though he smiled gently, in awe with the beauty of the place. His long black tail swished behind him as the male dropped gracefully to his knees to examine the water, trailing his fingers through the water, his golden cuffs reflecting brightly as a reflection.
Anubis drank greedily from the pool, sighing in relief as the cool water quenched his thirst. Once he had his fill he sat back, cross-legged on the ground, looking around at the area he was in. It truly was a beautiful place. All the green reminded him of the Nile, but the vegetation was different. It was the rustling of this new vegetation that caught his eye and he tensed, but quickly relaxed when Ma'at padded out. His jackal moved swiftly over to him, her sandy golden coat dirty and stuck with the occasional leaf. Anubis smiled at her but a quick look had that smile dropping away, being replaced with a calm yet wary face. 'Ma'at. What's wrong? Where's Isfet?' Anubis asked when she stopped beside him, looking around, expecting his other jackal to come out of the woods. He didn't see the darker coloured male, but a second later he heard his growl, low and threatening. Isfet was growling at someone! The jackal in question had spotted the non-human person when exploring. He had sent Ma'at back to guard Anubis and he snuck up behind the storm scented female. Just the trace of her powers made his fur stand on end, electricity in the air. Isfet watched her, trying to stay hidden, but when she bushed aside the bushes to watch Anubis he couldn't help but growl. That was his pup and if she thought about attacking him she would be sorry! The growl also had to added benefit of alerting Anubis. If his pup was smart he would shift and run. (Spoiler alert, his pup isn't smart)
Anubis froze when he heard Isfet growl. Although Ma'at tugged at him in an attempt to get him to run Anubis refused. He wouldn't leave Isfet and anyway, the person his jackal was growling at wasn't necessarily bad. And Anubis was curious, sue him. Ma'at, sensing his reluctance, just sighed and finally whined lowly, the sound a question to her mate. Isfet stared at the female human for a bit longer, tensing when she slowly raised her palms. Then finally he barked, the sound a hesitant all clear. He looked the female in the eye and jerked his head towards the clearing, evidently telling her to walk there. Although the female had said she meant no harm he wasn't taking any chances and was still tense and ready, teeth bared as he got ready to walk behind her. Anubis sighed in relief when he heard Isfet's all clear, his curiosity doubling as most of the wary fear went away (though not all, he wasn't stupid). 'Hello?' He called out, voice clear and ringing. The boy really wanted to meet a Havener!
Anubis watched as the Havener stepped out from the bushes, her hands raised. The girl was unlike any he had seen before, with short silvery hair (bar her long one sided fringe), dark purple eyes and weird silvery clothing. Visually she was the opposite of Anubis himself, with his brown skin, black hair, blue eyes and the almost ridiculous amount of gold on his person. Silver and gold they were, staring at one another across the clearing. The frozen moment was broken when Isfet nudged her onwards, the girl slightly startled. It didn't take a genius to see though that the action annoyed the girl and Anubis shivered when she lifted her chin and the wind also picked up. She was powerful, he could tell. Much more powerful than Anubis himself. Thankfully the girl remained calm, evidently a struggle but one she won since the wind calmed down once more. The girl spoke, her voice high and clear and smile friendly, but the feeling of a restrained storm did not go away. The girl was friendly for now, but that could easily change. 'Apologies my lady.' Anubis said, voice soft and clear and calm as he bowed his head. 'My jackal can be a bit....overprotective.' He said, before turning to the dark jackal behind the girl. 'Isfet, you are too hasty. Leave the lovely lady alone. Come here please.' He requested, looking his companion in the eye. Although the shifters relaxed body language and gentle tone did not change, there was now a clear hint of strict steel and he expected to be obeyed. Isfet whined and growled, evidently wanting to stay where he was in case the girl was a threat. One pointed look though was all it took for the male jackal to slink away from the silver girl and back to Anubis's side, ears dropped and grumbling. Anubis smiled slightly, his tail waving gently behind him before he turned his attention once more to the storm girl. 'Once again, my apologies for the way my companion treated you. He has always been overprotective and a little too quick to judge friend from foe. I hope he has not hurt you in any way.'
((Hey!! So sorry for the wait! Uni kind of sucked me in. Damn assignments! Back now though!)) Anubis smiled gently when the girl bowed her head back, pleased that his greeting had been returned. The still atmosphere was soon broken though when the silver girl looked around. Something about this place had her tensing, murmuring what was undoubtedly a curse word under her breath. Gone was the still calm and replacing it was a worried and nervous energy, the chink of her bracelets just another indication. She spoke then, evidently trying to keep her words calm but they kind of tumbled over one another in her nervousness. Anubis did not know why the silver girl was so worried and couldn't help but frown gently, now feeling unease and worry for the girl. Still, it wouldn't do to bring attention to it when she herself was not, so Anubis made no mention of it, instead focusing on the female's words. He smiled gently as she spoke, relieved that Iseft hadn't hurt her and that she did not blame him in anyway. Making an enemy this soon would not have been good. Her last sentence brought a small chuckle to his lips and something about the soft laughter broke the tension in the air, allowing the silver girl to step back into the shade of the trees where she started to relax slightly. Huh! Odd. Well, its Haven, everyone here is bound to be a bit odd. He thought to himself, just pleased that the girl was more calm. Her question had him smiling wryly, the girl evidently trying to make small talk but slightly unsure. 'Indeed. I have only just arrived within Haven's borders. My name is Anubis.' The male said, hand on his heart as he bowed his head once more, his many fine golden chains clicking gently in the movement. Just as he was about to ask the girl for her own name, Ma'at interrupted him with a quiet whine and bark. She spoke to him for a second and he sighed, finally nodding his head at the light jackal before facing the girl again. 'Ma'at here has a question that she wishes me to relate to you. I apologise if this is insensitive. You do not have to answer if you do not wish to. She can smell your fear still and wonders what it is you fear?' Anubis asked gently, blue eyes honest and curious, but with worry swimming underneath. If whatever this girl feared was coming then he would leave as he did not wish to get caught up in it and risk his partners.
((Sorry!!!! Again, so so sooo sorry!! Uni and work and holiday and life and egh! I explained better in my post at the Blackstar Inn why I was away for literally forever. Long story short, I am so so sorry!!! Please forgive me!!! Back now though!! Yay!!)) Anubis watched as the silver girl straightened at the question, a stubborn pride entering her eyes. It was no surprise to him then what her answer was. He didn't believe her for a second, knowing that his jackals and their sense of smell did not lie, but he stayed quiet, letting the girl have this. Everyone hid for some reason and he would not yank her out into the light, for more often than not doing so caused more harm than good.
'Of course my lady.' He stated simply with a gentle smile. Ma'at whined, still anxious and Anubis laid a hand on her head, scratching between her ears. 'You have your answer Ma'at. Now be at peace.' He said softly, soothing her. The silver girls next words had him chuckling, the sound like chimes. 'But of course. Caution is the action of the wise. The world is made of balance, light and dark, good and evil, and all those in-between. Many will cross your path during your life on this earth and one must be prepared for all. Thus, caution is advised until their heart is revealed.' Anubis said, his tail swishing gently behind him. 'Apologies my lady, but I didn't catch your name earlier.'
((Yay!! Love ya!)) Anubis waited patiently until the silver girl finally revealed her name. Neus eh? How unusual. He liked it though. It seemed to suit her.
At her next question Anubis couldn't help but chuckle lightly, a sad and slightly bitter light in his eyes. 'Yes and no Lady Neus.' He said softly, both his jackal partners brushing against his legs in comfort. 'I am named after the Egyptian god yes, but I am not him. Not really.' He said, memories flashing before his eyes. With a sigh and a quick shake of his head he cleared the images and forced a smile. 'But that matters not. Just know I am not a god and thus, cannot grant you prayers or wishes. You have no need to fear me.' He then looked back towards the pool and wandered over to its edges, soft and silent like a shadow. 'Do you wish to join me?' He asked, gesturing to the space beside him and he sat.
Anubis sat at the edge of the water and waited patiently for Neus's decision. He could feel her hesitating but that did not bother him. He was a stranger after all, of course she would hesitate. Actually, it would not surprise him if she declined. And thus when she sat he was pleasantly surprised and gave her a soft but bright smile, regardless of the blatant distrust on her face. She trusted him to some extent and that meant a lot to him. 'Currently, I do not have a resting place.' He replied with a shrug, leaning back on his hands to study the sky. 'I only crossed Haven's borders about half an hour ago and have yet to find the town. But I find it strangely matters little to me in this hour. I am able to walk through such beauty in my natural form and have met you. I shall enjoy these experiences without burdens of worry for the moment. Although later may be a worry!' He said with a chuckle, smiling at Neus as of they had been long friends.
Anubis smiled at Neus's words, her tone incredulous and probably slightly doubtful about his sanity. It made him chuckle softly again, his chains clinking. It probably was a confusion to most people, but he had had an unusual upbringing that brought him unique perspective. When he looked over at her however, he caught an unusual emotion warring in her stunning eyes. That quickly dampened his mirth as he frowned gently, unsure what it was that was bothering the girl other than her need to stay hidden (which was still obvious as she glanced subconsciously around every so often). He worried for this star blessed girl, for it was evident she felt hunted and unsafe. And if someone could make her, with all her hidden power, feel that way, they were an even bigger worry. And yet she still sat and talked with him, with a pleasantness and curiosity that showed she would fight against the shackles of her life. He respected her greatly for that and wished to know more about her. When she looked back and him and asked him another question he forced those thoughts away for the present. 'Hopefully a long time Lady Neus. As long as my...companions, don't find me.' He said, letting lose that little bit of information. If they were in the same situation, maybe they could help each out (but that may be wishful thinking). 'What about yourself Lady Neus? Have you been here long? And do you have a place to stay?' He asked, wishing to know in kind the situation of this storm girl.
Anubis waited patiently as the girl thought, her mind's whirring evident. Ma'at and Isfet meanwhile had gotten bored and where play wrestling in the clearing behind them, there yips blending in to the song of the forest around. When the girl did eventually speak, it was a singular word that almost seemed to surprise her when she spoke it. Anubis felt a jolt of pleasant surprise that Neus had picked up on his not so subtle flag. But now she was looking at him hesitatingly, as if worried he might be someone he was not. Anubis was confused until he realised she was probably worried he was dangerous and had done something deserving of a hunt. And whilst he wasn't willing to tell her his whole story yet, he could at least out her mind to rest. However as he was about to speak, she ducked her head, suddenly shy and...guilty? Her words of apology gave him another jolt of surprise and he couldn't help but stare at her, eyes sharp as if looking at more than what was just on the surface. He watched her quickly think then speak up once more, evidently trying to pull his attention away from her previous words. And it worked, kind of. At this news he felt a sad animalistic whine work its way up but he quickly stopped it before he could actually whine in public (embarrassing!). He couldn't stop the way his ears dropped and flattened sadly against his head. Although he had been taught very rigorously to control his body's reactions to emotions, he had let that reign loosened slightly over the months and now occasionally couldn't help it when his ears mirrored his emotions. 'I am very sad to hear that my lady.' He said, sincerity in every word. 'Know at least you have made a friend in me.' Anubis then said, trying to perk her up. 'And you would be most welcome to visit if I manage to precure settlement here.'
((Sorry for the super long wait!! Have started a compulsory math course at uni and we have like 2 assignments a week!! What is this hell?!!? I'm shit at math so I've been tearing my hair out and didn't even realise how long as passed. God I can't wait to leave!!))
((Thank you for your forgiveness! And I'm sorry, again. As I said, math. And been trying to stay focused and not come onto GR but I've given up. So back now)) At Neus's words Anubis nodded sadly, the golden chains in his hair clinking gently. What she spoke was truth, however unfortunate. Many people did not like to think that, content in their naivety. But Anubis had seen to much of the world to believe otherwise. Two people have as much a chance to become enemies as to become friends. What determines that is the situation in which they meet. Although he also believed that further situations and actions can change that. Friends can become enemies but the vice versa is also true. Enemies can become friends. Then again, he is also sure that there are some who will stay in their classification regardless. He doubts that his and Neus's hunters would ever be friends with the ones they hunt. The world is how it is, both cruel and kind in equal measure. The only thing they can control is their own reactions to what the world throws at them.
Anubis looked up when Neus spoke again, jerked back to the present from his wandering thoughts. He followed her gaze to his jackals, still playing happily like they were pups again. Unconsciously he ran his fingers through his tail, picking bits of dirt out of the jet black fur. 'Maybe.' He said simply, with a nonchalance that wasn't faked. 'If you had been a threat to me they definitely would have attacked. Don't know whether they would have killed you but I guess that would haven been dependent on your actions. Whether you retreated or not. They are animals and see no issue with killing to defend their own. I'm their pup.' He said with a shrug. 'But don't worry. They follow my commands and you aren't a threat so you are safe. They won't hurt you. Actually, Ma'at quite likes you. I think she likes having another female around!' Anubis said with a small laugh.
Anubis's soft smile did not change at the girl's scoff, for although he knew she found that unlikely considering their previous conversation, it was true regardless. He watched patiently as a pensive expression overtook Neus's face once more. It was evident her thoughts were not revolving around something pleasant and that was confirmed both with her next words and the tone in which they were said. Anubis couldn't help but shy away slightly, the smile dropping from his face as he lightly bit his lip, eyes turned now to the water instead of his companion so she could not see the sadness there. He liked Neus, he did, but he wasn't sure how much he could tell her yet. His expression now matched the pensive one on Neus as he thought. Finally he reached a decision and lifted his head to face her, shoulders squaring back and eyes locking onto hers with a deep intense look. 'Should we continue this acquaintance into the future then perhaps there will come a time in which I will tell you my whole story. For now however know that whilst my friends have and will protect me at all costs, they are only two, and the people who hunt me are many. They have connections I did not foresee and I have yet to come across a place where they could not find me. I spent many months running the lands of this world attempting to find a place where I could disappear. I was unsuccessful. And then I heard about this place. A Haven for those to escape the human world. Whilst you are correct in the fact that there are many dangers here, it is also the only place that my hunters may not be able to find me. I was tired of running, and so I decided to take this chance. If there is even a small possibility that I will be able to make allies here and finally stop running, then I will face the dangers of the Haven head on without fear, for the reward is worth the risk.' He said, hoping that she would understand.
