Called of the Goddess (Aydyn, Oracle, PM if wanting to join.)

Atl Myrsa · November 30, 2006, 06:05 PM

Era XIII Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening
Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Era II of the Pax Imperialis
Era II of Reign of Arabella the Just
35 Brightening of Ponutis

He stood in the grove looking around. The trees seemed almost two green as he walked among the leaves that seemed to cool the world. It could be any forest upon the world of Telath. Atl blinked as he ran a hand along one of the trunks. It was beautiful, and it gave Atl please to touch the bark. He was part of this world. His blue eyes looked taking it in.

Before him was a clearing surrounded by the trees. His Mistress, the Archdruidess, sat on a rock in the center of the clearing. At her feet, his tongue hanging out, was her wolf familiar. The Archdruidess looked at his briefly but then turned her attention away from him towards the darker parts of the forest.

Atl held his breath as his gaze traveled towards that dark spot. The darker side of nature stood their staring back at them. In it he though he saw a elf. His mind remembered the evil druid. His own eyes briefly meet the cold decayed eyes. Then to his turned away and once again looked towards the lightest part of the clearing.

Atl held his breath as he watched. The Archdruidess raised her hand. Light flooded the dark area of the forest. The light became so intense that Atl raised his arm to protect his eyes. He held his hand up as a scream filled the clearing. Finally the light faded, allowing the nimalni to lower his arm. Standing over the dark form of the shadow druid was the breath taking form of an alicorn. . . .

Atl suddenly woke staring at the ceiling. He looked around for a moment. Tariel was sleeping next to him using his chest as her pillow. He slipped and arm around her as his eyes closed ones again.

The next day Atl spoke briefly with his beloved, and then taking his staff of arcane and his long sword he set out for the Forest of Light. Atl had been haunted by the dream of the alicorn for three cycles now. He was not sure why but he knew he must find the creature of his goddess.

So it was that Atl stood at the edge of the Forest of Light looking around preparing himself for the coming search.

Aydyn Blair · December 1, 2006, 09:23 AM

While her dreams did not call to her, make her itch to uncover the reality in them, her blood screamed almost constantly to be freed from the constraints of city life. She was confine, shackled to a small room and worked a warehouse job that barred the suns from her throughout the length of the brightenings. For a woman who had grown on a farm, it was stifling. Yet she stayed, determined to find the good in it. And she did...when she finally got a chance to put the city behind her every now and again and take a peek at what lay beyond the city walls.

Aydyn shivered against the cold wind, hitching her cloak around her in attempt to block out the wind. Free-ng. Seated in the saddle of her plainsbred mare, she rubbed her gloved hands together, but the friction of cloth failed to further warm frigid fingers. The mare meandered at her own slow pace, hooves crunching over the thin layer of snow, her head bowed with little care for wherever it was her mistress wished to go. Aydyn didn't really know precisely where it was she was going...she simply wanted to get to know the land.

In the very near distance was a lining of trees. She had spotted it more than a candlemark and, for now, that was her destination. She had heard of the Forest of Light and could make a guess that this was it...but it would only be guess. As she neared, she spotted the figure of a man near the forest, simply standing there and staring. She reined her horse in a moment, her features drawn into a thoughtful frown. He seemed...well, Aydyn wasn't sure. In curiosity, and a bit of concern, Aydyn pushed the mare into a walk and approached him. "Serale, sir," she called over, hoping not to startle him. "Have you lost something?"

Atl Myrsa · December 1, 2006, 03:36 PM

Atl turned as someone called to him. The Nimalni elf was wearing a simple green druid robe that was covered by a cloak designed more for protection from the weather then the cold itself. It appeared as if the cold was not affecting him though. His sapphire blue eyes took in the cloaked woman who rode up to join him. He looked at her for a moment as he tried to bring himself back to the here and now.

“Serale madam.” He said finally in reply to here. He looked back in the forest his sapphire eyes taking on a distant look to them. “I haven’t really lost anything. Something was taken from me would be a more accurate statement.” Atl was not normally vague but the forest was almost calling to him. Atl finally shook his head and turned fully to face the woman talking with him. “I am sorry I didn’t mean to be cryptic. Before the Fractum I was able to call upon Carmelya’s creature the Alicorn in my time of most dire need. The Fractum stole that ability, and I feel that now is the time to regain it. So I am just getting ready to go find one.”
Atl smiled at the young lady. “Is there anything I can help you with?” The people of Mystique respected the forest and would visit it but usually they stayed away during the winter to stay warmer.

Aydyn Blair · December 1, 2006, 09:22 PM

Though uncertain of her welcome, Aydyn dismounted, hating very much to be up so high when speaking to someone else...it felt wrong making others have to tilt their head back. She left a short gap between the pair of them, fifteen feet or so...not wanting to approach if he wished to be on his own. She found his explanation a little odd, but one thing did perk her interest. "An alicorn?" she repeated, canting her head slightly. She, of course, had heard of them, but had, like most, never seen one before.

She studied him thoughtfully, catching a bit of green beneath his cloak. "You are a Druid? Or...perhaps a priest of Carmelya?" Interest sparked there...she always welcomed others who gravitated to the same vocation or interest she had. Who naturally did not?

At his own questioning of her presence, Aydyn shrugged a little, taking a small, hesitant step forward. "I was simply out, really. Not looking to go anywhere particular. I hadn't traveled this way before and thought I'd take a look." She stared at the forest thoughtfully. If he was going to search for an alicorn in there, then it must be the Forest of Light. "You're going in there alone?" She had heard a few stories of the forest, none of them particularly welcoming.

Atl Myrsa · December 5, 2006, 12:43 AM

Atl smiled as the lady asked about his occupation. “Yes I am a druid. I wouldn’t say that I am priest of the mother goddess, but I am willing to teach any who care to hear and learn about her ways.” He smiled. “I have been serving the Goddess in any way I can.”

He then paused as she answered his question, and gave a brighter smile. Yes Atl knew how that was. How often it had been in life that he had also went places just to go. Atl’s sapphire eyes sparkled as he remembered some of the adventures that his wanderings had led to.

“I can understand the need to see the places of Nature. I love to see knew places.” Atl said as he looked around at the forest. “I do actually plan to enter into the Forest. Alone.” He paused and thought. “I don’t feel that I need to go alone.” He looked at the young lady talking with him. He took a couple steps forward. “Would you be interested in joining me? I would welcome the company.” Atl said wondering from her response if she might not also be a follower of the goddess.

Aydyn Blair · December 6, 2006, 10:46 AM

Another Druid...she should not be surprised, so close to Mystique and the Druid Grove there. No need to be worried of, then. Others might have suggested otherwise, that a druid might present harm was their heart not in the right place, but Aydyn was ever optimistic...hopeful that others were as welcoming of strangers as she was. Foolish, maybe, but why worry oneself sick that any given stranger might mean her harm? She preferred to give the benefit of the doubt more often than not.

"I'd be very interested in joining you," she blurted, before she could convince herself not to. "To get a chance to see the Goddess's own... It would be something I could hardly miss out on, that is if you don't mind the company?" She glanced at him, a little hopeful. Few regarded Aydyn as a person to drag into uncertain territories, as she was small and not very quick to protect herself. She was horrible in a squirmish and she didn't yet have her arcane skills developed to a point where they were entirely useful. She did, however, like to consider herself good company.

"I've studied Druidism myself," she explained. "If I could..." She shrugged a little, not always the best with words.

Atl Myrsa · December 6, 2006, 04:23 PM

Atl paused and looked at the young woman. Another druid. Hmm. That definitely intrigued him. Atl looked at her and smiled. “You are more then welcome.” Atl said with a smile. “Some times the Goddess inspires people to come.” He looked at the forest. “This forest is a strange and beautiful place. It is here that I have learned much about serving the goddess.”

Atl straightened his shoulders, and turned to look at the young lady. “All followers of Carmelya are welcomed to join me. This is a search for a creature that belongs to and symbolizes our goddess. I would be honored if you would join me in my search.” Atl's blue eyes took on a serious look as he gazed at her. "I prepare to leave soon thought, so I can give you a little time to prepare before I must go."

Aydyn Blair · December 8, 2006, 09:41 AM

Perhaps the Goddess had inspired her to come, but Aydyn was hesitant to say yes or no. She would not want to assume something. Yet it was strange that she was guided directly here. And how many random encounters did a person actually get without divine intervention when wandering the wilderness? Not too many, she wagered. Still, she hated to presume, particularly where the gods were concerned.

"I've never been here before..." she murmured thoughtfully, blue-gray eyes scraping over the twists of branches and twigs that sprawled in front of them. Strange and beautiful...she could see that, but she saw such in most woodlands. Yet this place seemed a little different.

She sucked in a deep breath and glanced over at him, tearing her eyes away from the trees almost reluctantly. "I came out expecting to wander around a bit, so I'm as prepared as I'm going to be, I suppose. Nothing to turn around and get at any rate. I'm all set when you are." She nodded, stroking the mare's neck as the horse shifted restlesly at her side. "Unless you think I should bring her back to the city?" She frowned, almost a little reluctant to part with the plainsbred, but she didn't want any harm to come to her.

Atl Myrsa · December 8, 2006, 04:58 PM

Atl smiled again his usual cheerful smile. “That is all right. She may come along. I normally don’t take my horse because I have easier ways to move around but your might find it needed. But it’s up to you.” He smiled and looked at the horse. Strangle Atl always had a fondness for horses. He suspected that it was his beloved mount who had carried him for so many patterns that had helped create that.

“Let us begin.” Atl said and looked at the forest and took his first steps into its magical reaches. He was ready for what ever was at hand. At his side was his crystalium long sword, and in on his right had was his staff of arcane. In the shape of a gauntlet it was a beautiful pieces of wood that made it appear as if ivy was climbing up the druids hand. He wasn’t sure if he would need it or not, but as Atl looked at his palms and that scares there he knew that to leave it probable would not be on the list of smart things he had done. Atl paused in the forest and looked back ones more at Aydyn, and gave her and encouraging smile.

Atl was many things. He was a husband, soon to be a father, Thane of Mystique the crystalium city. Today though he was a druid. His saphire eyes glowed with that calling. Today he was also more then a druid of mystique. He was a druid to the mother goddess. His grey-tanned skin seem to glow, and today he looked to be a druid. Maybe not wise but a guardian of nature, and at one with it.

Aydyn Blair · December 10, 2006, 06:02 PM

Aydyn rubbed the mare's muzzle with a small smile, which vanished as she mulled over whether or not it was wise to take the plainsbred into the forest with them. And yet to turn back and bring Adagio to the city, stable her, and then head back...that would only take away time and doubtlessly by the time she returned he would already be well within the forest. Then how would she relocate him? What would the point have been? So she decided that the mare would come with her. She simply hoped it was the better choice.

Stepping after him, leading the horse by the reins rather than riding, Aydyn walked a short distance behind. She had glimpsed sword and staff and felt vaguely unprepared for whatever was in the woods. As she walked, she edged the pack from her shoulder and dug around within it before pulling free a sheathed dagger that looked as if it could easily be slid onto a belt. But to stop and do so took time, so she wrested the dagger free from the sheath and carefully placed the weapon between belt and clothing. Not that she knew how to use it...but better safe than sorry.

With the sheath shoved back into her pack, Aydyn closed the gap between them a little. "I'm Aydyn, by the way." She offered him a quick smile. She remained quiet for a short time, offering him long enough silence to give his own name. Name or not, she followed her introduction up with a question...or two. "You said you're looking for Alicorns? Do they really live in here? I don't know much about the woods... I'm not really local to the area."

Atl Myrsa · December 10, 2006, 07:51 PM

Atl smiled as she joined him. He nodded his head. “Atl Myrsa. It is a pleasure to meet you Aydyn.” He said with a winking at her. “The Forest of Light is a strange place. Over all it is a relatively peaceful place in the context of its like any other forest. It is alive though. Meaning the forest itself has a personality. It has a soul almost, and can be very protective of its own. There is a reason Mystique is a city of the arcane, both its location to the forest and its supply of crystalium.”

Atl paused to get his bearing. He knew that they needed to go deeper into the forest. That was were the search would really begin. “We need to go this way.” He said pointing off to there right. Atl had been in the forest enough times to be able to head in the direction of the deeper parts of the forest. “The forest is known for its challenges though. It will test you and your abilities.” He tapped his chin trying to think of a way of saying it. “The forest requires you to prove yourself worthy to enter its deeper reaches. Druids and the forest tend to get along okay so they can usually go deeper but even then the forest is not always open with her secrets.” Atl smiled. “As for weather or not the alicorns live in the forest.” He shrugged, “It really is a mute point. The Goddess directed me here so one will be their if we prove worthy.” The druid was really playing attention to what he was saying, but was also searching the forest. While he said it wasn't dangerous this was coming from a druid who had in his time traveled the Empire, fought necormancers, dark druids, seen Diana destoryed, survived the Phaelon, Julos the Mad and who knows what else in his time. He viewed it as safe, relativly, but avoiding bandits, and animals were on his lest concerned list.

Aydyn Blair · December 12, 2006, 03:47 PM

Aydyn listened carefully to his rather brief description of the Forest of Light. Not that she needed, nor really necessarily wanted, something longer. Brief and to the point worked quite well in such situations, as long as it gave her something of an insight to the forest she had just stepped foot in. She had heard that it seemed to have a 'life of its own'...it seemed to be one of the first things any would say about the forest. But how did it protect its own? How did it seem to others that it had a personality, a soul?

She had been staring off into the trees around them when he paused suddenly, looking around, then declared which direction to go in. She startled some, stopped in her own tracks--to keep from accidently colliding with him or walking off in some direction only to have to turn back again. She followed the length of his finger as he pointed to the right. She was about to ask how he knew that for certain, but he had said he had traveled the forest before...but how extensively, Aydyn could not say. She simply took his word for it that he knew where to go and how to handle the forest, if it were indeed alive, as he said.

"I certainly hope it finds me worthy," she responded, her tone trying to make light of it all, though she felt a nervous knot twist in her stomach. Would it find her worthy? She could not immediately think of a reason why she wouldn't be deemed acceptable. She was a Druid, was she not? She held to her beliefs, looked to the Goddess for protection and guidance. She hoped Atl was right in saying that the forest tended to get on well with Druids. What would she do if it turned against her? Fight away whatever it threw at her with the little stick of a dagger at her hip? She'd be useless if it came to that...

As for the topic of the alicorn, she hoped almost for his sake that there was actually an alicorn waiting for them at the heart of the forest. He seemed so set in his belief that the goddess had indeed directed him there. "You've been here before you said, yes? How did you have to prove yourself worthy of entering?"

Atl Myrsa · December 16, 2006, 12:53 AM

Atl turned and looked at her with a gentle look. The thane’s eyes were soft, and held an almost enchanted look to them. Atl paused in his walking. “I wouldn’t say that it was one particular event that lead to the acceptances. When I was first trained the classes were with in the forest itself.” He said touching a tree.

“I helped in a battle against Necromancers. They were attack the Archdruidess.” His eyes took on a distant happy memory. “She was an excellent teacher. A great protector of the forest.” He said. “That was but one of the times. They come over time.” He looked at her. "Some times these events are very special. Some times they are just strange. It was here that I also found the wood for my staff of arcane."