Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sat May 20, 2017 6:46 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

She enjoyed the ship ride and the fish as they sailed back to the mainland. she had had a lot of fun on the trip and hoped that their paths would cross again. the trip was so quiet as neither really talked. she was glad also to be on sturdy ground and glad to have not met any storms along the way. "I have had fun with you. and safe travels to the rest of your adventures." she said then turned and left. even if he had the coin to repay her she would not have taken it. She now had to go back home and hide her new treasures.

she stopped turned and yelled back. "Next time we meet you will half to tell me if the boots were worth it." she then turned again and kept walking 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Fri May 19, 2017 1:22 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

The White Mare was sitting by the docks, gaudy as ever. The whole ship looked like it had been given a clear coat of melted sugar as it glistened in the sunlight. Up on the deck was the red-haired halfling with a green bottle of some kind of drink. "Ahoy landlubbers! Ready to set sail back to the mainland?" He waved at them with spyglass in hand, and slid off his makeshift seat upon a barrel. There was the sound of grinding gears as the gangplank lowered onto the weathered wood of the pier, and the splash of an anchor being dropped into the waters below. The captain hobbled down the deck to meet them as he took another pull from his bottle. There was no telling if it were alcohol or something else.

"We're ready to leave, captain. Did we make you wait?" Cymbel shifted the straps of his bag, adjusting the box with his new boots inside. "Who, me? Naah! Ye didn't think I was sittin' here the whole time twiddlin' me thumbs did ye? When I saw both of ye go off into that jungle borderin' Ignius I raised me anchor and went fishin'. Anyone hungry? I've caught me a great blue marlin just ready fer carving up." Captain Blackwater was in good spirits like usual as he boarded the caravel. Indeed there were a few barrels full of seawater and fish on deck which weren't there before. Once everyone was on the ship, Captain Blackwater raised the gangplank and anchor, and they were sailing back to Arri again. The trip back was much shorter than when they went to the island. The captain said it was due to having the tradewinds at their backs, making them move faster. The air began to warm up as they approached Arri, as the cold winds from Horae left them.

Back on solid ground, Cymbel was reaching the end of his journey in Canelux. Now that it was over, he no longer had any reason to keep travelling with the dragon. She had gone with him to see the island as promised, and it was now time for him to part ways."Thank you for accompanying me all this way from Endapano. I'll be leaving for Parvpora soon, so you won't need to have me around anymore. I think I'll visit the other places I have on my list another time on my own." He had wanted to pay her back for the rooms before their visit to Horae, but with the purchase of his new pair of boots he hardly had any coin left.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 11:12 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

the thought of him continuously dancing made her laugh. "Lightin up they are nothing more than a bunch of flirts that are quick to get jealous." she said. 

"Yea im ready to get going back to the mainland. I need to put my prices up in my cave." she said as she waved at the captan. they again had to ride the funny looking ship but it could be worse. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 10:40 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"Not to worry, I won't be wearing them here. Though once I find a new permanent residence it would be useful for the surrounding area. I'm just thankful that they don't bind to your feet or made you dance continually." He grimaced at the mention of the dryads, bringing to mind how he nearly had a panic attack when he thought the trees were attacking. "If I'd known beforehand, I would've went another way. Would you like it if hands out of nowhere started touching your hair or pulling on your cloak?"  

The walk back was less stressing than the first time, and the sweet smell of Terra's flowers was in the air again. The sound of a brass bell being rung drew his attention to the brightly colored caravel approaching the docks. They must've kept the captain waiting. "The ship is back. I'm ready to return to the mainland, and you?" 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 12:26 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"You know those new shoes of yours will make it easy to track you if you were them." She Stated. "But i guess they're worth it if you want a garden." She stated as they first started walking. "As of the dryads i bet you liked it. and there grabby hands." She teased she knew that they would not mess with her and that they loved to mess with guys.

"So how was the vine trip" she asked trying to keep the quite down.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 12:03 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Once they were on solid ground again, Cymbel was eager to return to the Terra section to leave the island. So far the trip itself hadn't ended too badly. The fairies here were decidedly much more pleasant than those back home, as in they didn't try to kill him and his companion for perverse enjoyment. The loss of his coin was painful, however it was something that could be recovered. Soon they were back to trekking through the forest again, and he pulled up his hood over his head and face while avoiding the trees. Staying close to Vinsue he murmured, "Thank the gods you're here now–you have no idea what I had to go through before finding the pumpkin fields. The dryads here are a bit…assertive."

It was still quite the distance from their docking point, but he'd rather not attempt planting another magic bean ever again. The tip of the beanstalk he had accidentally germinated earlier was still present, a reminder to the wondrous and terrifying powers of nature. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 11:25 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

She watched as the girl flew off and her friend made it obvious that he had made a mistake. she did not have a chance to speak before the woman returned. she watched and listened as they talked but the boots she knew had an enchantment. she could since in and noted that the woman said things related to flowers. they were nice boots but she was not going to touch them and would not have bought them. her friend was way too quickly sold and did not even barter. she had a lot to tell him once she got the chance.

"yea, we need to go before she returns with a sword or something else." she stated and led the way back to the house and back to the fairies. the fairies were there and was quick to ask if Vinsue had got dizzy or fainted. once she assured them she had not she asked if she would be fine to leave. they had her sit down. They did a check up and it was vinsues first time ever having one. She was obviously discomforted by a few things the healer did before being given the ok to leave. She was quick to get out of the house and started trying to get back to the ground level.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 10:13 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"Hm, such a pity. Though you can always come by again whenever the thought strikes you." The fairy was disappointed but soon turned her attention back to Cymbel. "As for you, I've got a special surprise." She winked as she flew off into the higher levels of the tree leaving both of them below. "Wait, I take it back–I'm not interested-" His words ended up being directed towards the air as the hum of the fairy's wings faded into the distance. He slumped his shoulders and sighed, with his head in his hands. "…It's too late, I should've known to simply refuse outright. At this rate she won't let me leave until I leave with something." This was what he got for being too soft in denying others.

As he sulked in silence, the fairy returned minutes later grinning from ear to ear. "Here you are, sir. Now…that will be 150 silver crescents."  She handed him a box wrapped with a colorful ribbon tied in the shape of a pumpkin. Eyeing it suspiciously, Cymbel's lips drew into a thin line. "I want to have a look in the box first." The fairy obliged, and opened the lid. Inside were a pair of black leather boots, well-tailored and elegant. The leather was soft and pliable, but durable at the same time. There was no way it wasn't enchanted from that detail alone. "This pair of boots wouldn't happen to be cursed, would it? Or have an enchantment that would cause an obvious detriment to the wearer?"

"No, it doesn't have that kind of enchantment. You'll be able to take it off after putting them on if that's your concern, and no it won't kill you." She saw he was still not convinced, so she added: "It's perfectly harmless, really. Unless you hate flowers or have an allergy to pollen I don't see how it would be a detriment." After inspecting it a bit more, he paid her for the boots and set it aside in his bag. He would have to test them out later. Having experienced everything he had come to the island for, he was ready to go. "So, should we ask the fairies if they feel your condition is stable enough to leave?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun May 14, 2017 5:09 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"Thanks but i would kindly pass. I an running a tad bit low on coin and have this thing against enchanted idioms." She said seeing what the woman was trying to do. Vinsue had major trust issues and the last time she fell for something like that she was cursed with the thing she was after. 

She was not an easy one to convince as long as she could not see it though, do to her bloodline, if she saw it she would have trouble not getting it.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 3:55 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"Ah yes, yes. Of course. As long as nobody causes the other trouble, everything's fine and dandy. Well since you've come through the trouble to visit, mind if I suggest a souvenir? Maybe you'd like a little keepsake to remind you of your time here, or perhaps something for little ones, or your better half?" The fairy was a natural when it came to throwing them a sales pitch, shifting topics naturally into business. Cymbel wondered if she ever decided to leave the island, she could convince anyone passing by in a market to buy something from her. She wasn't even using a charm spell, but her attitude and words alone were incredibly persuasive. He finally caved, unable to resist the pressure of her sustained gaze. "…Alright, so what kind of souvenirs are you talking about? Jewelry, clothing, or small trinkets?"

"Sure, whatever you want. Though looking at you, I'd say I can tell which clothes would fit you like a glove. We also have valuable rarities, enchanted and otherwise for your viewing pleasure." The fairy eyed Vinsue when saying the last part. She winked at her and gave an impish smile. Again, Cymbel had to give her credit for her unabashed boldness in making a sale–even if he was the one on the receiving end of it. The fae's wings quivered as she batted her eyelashes. It was a good thing he was used to seeing such things, or else he would've fallen for such a display. He waited for Vinsue to voice her opinion before speaking his.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Fri May 12, 2017 6:16 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Vinsue could hold her laugh but it took a good bit of effort. she knew that when two of her own kind got together a you look familiar filling came over even if they where in a humanoid form. she also could see the way her friend did not answer the obvious question.

"you're right but we prefer not to let others know more than for various reasons." She said.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu May 11, 2017 11:27 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"It does give it an ethereal vibe, doesn't it? Even though it's not like we have many problems with pests and beasts here in this portion of the island, it never hurts to add a touch of security. Aside from practical reasons, how many houses can boast seeing the morning sunrise and sunset every day?" Leaning against a tree's trunk the fairy looked both of them over. Her thin, iridescent wings flitted a bit as she settled into a more casual, reclining position. "So, where are you from? We mostly get human visitors and the occasional Rosenites, but both of you look new."

"We came from Arri, the mainland. I've always wanted to come by here and see this portion of Horae Island. It's much different than I imagined. I'm surprised to see so many familiar things here, like the spirit lanterns." Cymbel explained. The fairy's gaze stopped on him and lingered for a while, as if she had noticed something. "…Is something wrong? There isn't anything on my face, is there?" he asked nervously.

"Hm…no, not at all. There's just something about you that feels oddly familiar, I wonder why." she said, looking nonchalant. "Neither of you are human, am I right?" Cymbel looked to the side as if wanting to avoid answering.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue May 9, 2017 11:22 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

seeing Cymdel was not going to laugh she put the lantern back. "I already have more than i came for and would not want to take more than i got. these things need to stay here" she said. and the last thing she wanted was a almost spooky light in her home showing off what she had so carefully hidden. 

she had looked around and watched the ground below them for a bit before noticing the girl and her wings. she again looked at the ground and how far up they were. than she heard the voice and turned. "I am. I find it interesting that the homes are in the trees. It gives a nice view" She said as she looked at the woman. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue May 9, 2017 9:33 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Watching her try to coerce the spirit lantern into laughing, he asked: "Have you seen these before? The fairies here shouldn't mind if you asked to keep one. Though it might not be made of precious stones or metals, it's not something you can find easily." He had considered asking for one himself, as these particular lanterns seemed to be enchanted on an entirely different level than the ones in Feeorin. It was more whimsical than eerie, as if imbued with a playful spirit.

As the two stood on the bridge someone watched them from a distance before approaching. The figure in question was dressed in light clothing, styled after vines and shimmering like gossamer. A blend of elegance with a dash of flirtatious daring created the modest yet form-fitting attire of an attractive woman with black hair and dragonfly wings.  In a way she seemed similar to Cymbel's true appearance and had a mischievous glint in her amber eyes. "Enjoying the view, both of you?" A melodious voice rang out from behind them.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun May 7, 2017 2:02 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

the fairies looked at one another. "Fine just keep an eye on her. if she gets dizzy or faints bring her back." she said. they then left the room leaving the two to themselves. "No need to apologize. im just glad to be able to leave the room." She said as she got up. She also put on her pack not wanting to leave it to where others could get in it. "So where to first?" she asked. 

She was ready to walk around but she got a bit dizzy and sat down. that was not good. than she remembered a healing spell a friend had taught her. she whispered the words and closed her eyes so that she could focus on the note. once she opened her eyes and felt the aria it was back to normal. she again got up and walked to the door. the place was fascinating to her. the eerie light of the pumpkins on the bridges cault her eye and she intended on investigating. she picked up one that was outside the door and held it at her face level. the funny grin and eyes turned away from her. she was attempting to get him to laugh. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun May 7, 2017 12:46 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Oh right… That was the whole reason why he had asked her to come with him in the first place. Cymbel couldn't help but feel embarrassed at how easily he had been distracted this entire time. He let himself get carried away with his emotions again, and forgot what he had intended to do. Sheepishly he lowered his head. "Right… It completely slipped my mind. I apologize." Turning to the other fairies he asked, "Would it be alright for her to walk around and do a little sightseeing in the area? We won't stray too far from the trees, I promise." He wasn't sure if they would allow it, but he certainly hoped they would. His companion didn't seem like the type to sit contentedly indoors, like himself. Beasts did not like to be caged, both literally and figuratively. Often they would become restless and anxious as he once saw in a noble's prized direwolf who had spent more hours being groomed and pampered by servants than running free in the gardens. 

So far he had seen mostly smaller fey like pixies and fairies here. He had yet to see any of his size, and was looking forward to meeting them. The fair folk tended to be rather insular, forming close communities with similar values which resided in places where magic was strong and where nature's beauty was at its peak. This was why you often found them in forests and other enchanted places. Most of the fey which showed themselves in towns and cities were the smaller kind, as they were more adaptable and likely to find their own niches in the routines of civilian life. Shops, kitchens, warehouses, artisan guilds, and other places where people tended to gather together were prime locations to find a small brownie or pixie. Very rarely did they inhabit places like military garrisons, prisons, and barracks. Those places weren't very safe or comfortable.

Looking out the windows he watched the fairies at their work, picking and delivering pumpkins while turning them into lanterns. The carved gourds went by many names: jack o' lanterns, pumpkin lanterns, grinning jacks, ghost lamps, and spirit lanterns. The flames they held were magical, bright but cold to the touch. They did not burn like normal flames, and placing a few of them together could give the room an eerie chill. On the positive side, they never caused fires. Cymbel had seen them before, but only during Venti back home. Following tradition was a serious thing in Feeorin, and even though the festivals weren't being held for actual enjoyment it was expected that you play your part in preparing for the occasion. Unfortunately said festivals were also when the most victims were claimed by the fairy rings in the moonlit night. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 1:20 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

he assured her that he was fine and tried to look it but she knew he was hiding something. though she did not pry she was curious. she watched as he reapplied his glamour. "The call is gone. but i thought you wanted to see this place. and these people?" she asked as she remembered they came so he could see the Island.

after she answered one of the fray stepped into the room. a female at that. she looked at Cymbel. "She can't leave tell after that note on her head goes away and the healers think she will be ok." she said. the last thing Vinsue wanted was to stay there and she also did not want to be there alone for days. she looked at Cymbel. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 12:46 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

He looked up and was hesitant about it at first. The truth was, it was something he had wanted to ask her rather than something about himself. He and Vinsue had only known each other for less than a month. It didn't feel acceptable to ask about such personal things. In the end he shook his head. "No… Maybe some other time."

Do you ever feel lonely living by yourself? Are you ever lonely without any other dragons around you often–without any siblings or family? Have you ever felt you had a place in society? 

This and many more questions drifted through his mind, but he was too afraid to ask. He was too afraid to offend, to pry. He wasn't used to asserting his curiosity, something that his family's austere and constrictive influence had stamped into him for years. He still found himself paying attention to every movement and expression others made, worrying about giving the wrong response. It was hard. In an effort to lessen his concern, he smiled to show that he was fine. Overhearing the chattering of some of the pixies reminded him that his glamour spell had worn off, and he reapplied it; assuming his half-elf disguise again. When had the effects ended? He couldn't recall, but it he had it active now. "Do you still feel anything calling to you? If not, then let's return to the mainland. I hope that captain'll come back to give us a ride across."

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 12:24 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

The fact of the remains still made her sick and now the thought of its memories being in the egg was saddening. she put the egg back into her pack. it saddened her and she did not want to think about it.

Though her life may sound simple there was a lot more to it. she is often found in trouble or causing trouble at some places and had to watch her back for it. she noticed he was looking sad and put her hand on his shoulder. and offered a smile. "I may not be able to read your thoughts but I know something's up want to voice it?"

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu May 4, 2017 11:04 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Cymbel looked at the golden egg quizzically, examining it from where he stood. "It seems to be some kind of…recording device? I'm curious as to how it works. I've never seen anything quite like it before." There didn't seem to be any clues to infer about the inner workings of the egg judging from its outer appearance. Was there some kind of crystal or focus inside? "You did say you found it within the remains of a dragon…" He paused, not wanting to sound insensitive. "I'd assume those images were related to the previous owner. The craftsmanship is exceptional. I can see why anyone would consider this as a treasure."

From what Vinsue said relating to the internal drive to seek out treasures, her life was rather simple. He wondered if that was her way of finding excitement in her centuries of existence. He didn't remember dragons being the kind to live together in large groups, as wolves did. They were more solitary creatures in his mind. Perhaps being a beast which had the intellect and thought capability of a human made it difficult to find a place to fit in if there were no communities of their own kin nearby. As he was lost in his own thoughts, his normally lighthearted look of curiosity faded to a more serious and contemplative one. The subject hit a little too close to home for comfort.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue May 2, 2017 11:18 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"I do not know why there was an orb perhaps it was special but by what i can tail it most likely has something to do with poison. But i would prefer not to find out. sometimes ignorance is bliss." she then put it back in her bag. the vine bit did not bother her that much. actually she was surprised that he could find something so small that seemed quite dangerous. 

Then he asked about the treasure calling. she would not use visions for it rarely comes with visions. "Yes it is quite bothersome at times yet sometimes it has made me friends or helped me find something to do besides hunt, eat, and sleep." she said than took out the golden egg. "Some treasures call and give warnings or forsite others call and that is it. one even called me than cursed me and got me in trouble with the lord of demons. so yes sometimes it gets on my nervs."

The "egg" opened and started to to play a memory. not hers but the other dragons. It was on a treasure hunt when it found its mate both were red. him dark, her light with blue stripes. they were young and were having fun. once the memory was over it closed and she kept looking at it than looked up "Did you see that?"

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Tue May 2, 2017 10:29 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"Right…about the vine… So I found these strange beans while I was waiting, and I decided to plant them. As soon as I poured a bit of water over the first one…well you probably can guess what happened." he looked away embarrassed. The experience had scared him out of his mind, and he was still shaky from it. As he listened to what Vinsue encountered on her way up the mountain, the mention of the hydra seemed unusual. "How strange. I've never heard of them leaving behind an orb before. Perhaps one of them likely swallowed it thinking it was food and it never digested? Have you learned what the orb does?" As she continued explaining what she had found up in the mountain, he was very surprised, to say the least. It seemed very strange how she had 'known' of the location of that treasure in a dream. He had heard of people seeing dreams that foretold disaster and other future events, but finding treasure? This was a first.

Perhaps this was an explanation on why dragons were infamous for being treasure hoarders, but wouldn't having an unavoidable sixth sense for finding valuable things be troublesome? From what he remembered from Vinsue's words in the jungle, she didn't exactly have any control over whether she decided to find something or not. "If you don't mind me asking, how do you feel about your…visions regarding treasure? Does it ever bother you?" 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon May 1, 2017 6:10 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

seeing her friend she was relieved. he was safe and here. she lost the will to fight her way to him and was a bit more seductive to reasoning now that she new he was safe. "She needs to rest but she will be fine" one of the pixies stated. she was fine but they sent her back to the spare room. once she agreed to not run off and stay in the bed they left. 

"I heard your scream and ran to find you but i found a vine instead. I thought it may have taken you and noticed it leaned a certain way and went to find you. instead i tripped in the pumpkin garden and seames you found me." she then took her pack off her back and dug threw it. "I did run into a hydra like you thought i would but turns out as they die they leave a purple orb behind." she than handed it to him. "and The dream was right there was a dragon skeleton with this weird golden egg inside of it." She left the egg where it was in the bag. 

her belly rumbled and she held it. she was hungry but she was not one to ask for food and she could not hunt.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 8:38 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Cymbel followed the pumpkin fields as far as he could, until he reached what appeared to be large trees with houses in them. On the way he had run into the largest daisies and violets he had ever seen, and nearly ran head-on into an enormous gladiolus. The whimsical nature of the surroundings were the work of fey alright, and soon he was at the base of the bustling settlement inhabited by flying pixies. Glowing carved pumpkins with faces dangled as lanterns giving an equally morbid and silly atmosphere. One of the small fairies passed by him and asked what business did he have here, and he gave a short explanation. 

"Hmm, the only new face around these parts is that girl we found lying on the ground next to the pumpkins. We had to move her off to pick the ones growing underneath her. She should've been dropped off in one of the spare rooms up above, here I'll show you!" 

As the fairy began to fly up, it turned around as if to ask why he wasn't following. When it realized the problem, it sprinkled some sparkling powder onto his head, making him sneeze. At once he began to levitate off the ground and began to swim through the air as he tried to keep up with the smaller fey. When the bridges between houses were in view, they landed and it led him up the spiraling steps around the tree trunk. After several more flights of stairs, the fairy piped up: "We're almost there! I promise!" Winded and out of breath, Cymbel merely nodded. When they were scaling the last flight of stairs, there was a bit of a commotion up ahead. 

"You can't go now! You just woke up!" A high-pitched voice argued. "Yeah, didn't you see the nasty bump you took to the head?" A second one chimed. "We're not letting you pass, so stay put! Don't make us use the fairy dust on you!" They turned as Cymbel and the other pixie he had come with arrived. "Another visitor? There sure are a lot of new faces today. Is it tourist season already?" One of the two fairies asked.

"Hey listen, this is the girl you were looking for right? Pale skin and white hair, just like you said." The pixie asked jabbing a finger in Vinsue's direction. It hovered up and down like an agitated butterfly. "Yes, that's her. Thank you for your help." Going over to Vinsue he asked her. "Are you alright? How did you get here?"

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2017 7:40 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Vinsue awoke in a small room on a bed. She was quick to get up and looked around. first she checked her bag wich she found lying beside the bed. nothing in it had been touched. she was glad about it than remembered that she was looking for her friend. she left the room and house then started to find her way down to the forest floor. she was stopped and told she needed to rest but she only shook her head and said she had to get to her friend befor someone else did.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 8:38 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

The rapidly-growing vine burst forth, nearly rocketing Cymbel into the stratosphere as he hung on for dear life. Now when most people thought of fey, they imagined miniature humanoids with wings. Unfortunately he was not that type of fey, and very rarely had ever been more than five feet off the ground. A quick glance downward started to make his head spin when he saw how high up he was, and he decided then and there to not look down. When the vine had stopped moving, he slowly proceeded down the bend of the stalk. Finally reaching the tip, he let go and reunited with solid ground. Never before had he been so happy to lie down in the dirt. Looking at the rest of the beans he had, he swore to never plant them while standing over them ever again. The shock had derailed whatever train of thought he had while waiting for Vinsue, and now he only sought to return to the Terra section again.

The air was cooler and the tree were shady, so it was safe to assume this was the Venti section of Horae Island. He was very thankful he had not been dropped in the Ignius or Glaciem areas, as he wouldn't have fared well there. As he walked, he had the uncanny feeling that he was being watched. However every time he looked over his shoulder he saw nothing. Stopping beneath a tree to think, he felt something tickle the back of his neck. Thinking it to be an insect, he swatted it away. But when he pulled out his map to take a better look at the island, there was the distinct feeling of something touching his head. Attempting to brush it away he soon found himself surrounded by moving trees, and almost had another panic attack until he saw what they were. In the process of being nearly sent flying, his glamour spell had failed and he was no longer in his half-elf disguise. And right now, he was being swarmed by a coppice of overly affectionate dryads.

After an indeterminate amount of time, he had broken free from their clutches and managed to run into a pixie carrying a pumpkin. He stopped it in the middle of its work and asked for directions to the Terra section, and it gave him some instructions in spite of being in a somewhat bad mood. When asked about why it was unhappy, it mentioned something about a pale blunderbuss trampling the growing pumpkins. The description sounded very familiar, so he went ahead to confirm if it was who he thought it was. Had she seen him being flung into the sky, following the vine until she reached the end? He wasn't sure, but hoped so. There was only one way to find out.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2017 2:01 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

as she heard a faint scream she started running. What had he gotten himself into. She thought. the trees slapped at her and left a few welts and red places. but she kept going until she reached the stalk of the vine. she looked around but he was not in that aria. she knew she did not have the energy to try and turn again so she paced. 

she looked up and noticed it was leaning a certain direction and started running in that direction. soon she came to a brook and looked for a way to cross it. seeing the bridge she ran to it than to the other side looking up every now and then to make sure she was heading in the right direction. she tripped over a pumpkin wich broke it and upset a pixy. "Sarry." she said than pointed to the sky. "My friend is up there and he is in trouble." the pixy flue off and vin again started running. she again tripped but this time she blacked out.

The pixy had gone to get help for her friend and would soon be there to help. others gathered and brought the unconscious woman in to one of their tree homes.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2017 11:26 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

As Cymbel waited back in the Terra section, he wandered around to look at the flora and fauna. While browsing through the field of wildflowers, he found a small pile of beans. There seemed to be no sign of the plants that bore such fruit; how odd. Scooping all of them up, he pitied them and decided to plant them in the earth so they could flower like their neighbors. Poking a hole deep enough to bury one of the legumes, he dropped one in and covered it back up with the surrounding soil. Uncapping his canteen, he dripped a little water onto the spot and was going to continue with the rest when suddenly a massive vine burst forth from beneath him. Within the span of seconds he was being rocketed up into the sky as he screamed at the top of his lungs, "Ohhhh GOOOODSSS!!!" 

As Vinsue was coming back she would see a vine made for giants rise up into the sky, and then lean over with the top ending somewhere in the Venti section of the island. A fading panicked scream was heard in the distance. Once she was back at the place where they had seen the field of flowers, there was the base of that very vine–spanning more then twenty feet in diameter. Her companion was nowhere to be seen.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 12:15 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

She only turned and started walking after he made his decision. once to the plan she turned to her true form and took to the sky. she followed the call. Vinsue landed on the mountain near a cave and climbed into it. she stopped only when the ground rumbled but was good at keeping her balance. once the mountain calmed down she walked on with her mouth flame lit so she could see. a bit of her flame fell from her mouth and landed on some oil that lit the hall and a large cavern around the outer edge. she stopped and put her mouth flame out han realised it was she that started it. relieved she continued into the room and walked around the head of a long dead dragon.

it was as tall as herself and had a golden glow coming between the teeth and eyes. she turned to her human form and then climbed in through the nose holes. on the inside was what had called her. she did not know what it was but she knew it was made of gold and that it stopped the call. she slipped the bag off of her soldiers and placed the egg shaped thing of gold into it than shouldered it and climbed back out. she froze as she hit the floor and dropped her bag as a low gurgle hiss sound came from somewhere behind her. 

She turned to see three heads of what her friend was so wearied about. she formed a ball of electricity on her hands and clapped them sending a plane of energy out. she then turned to her true form. the electricity cut the heads right off and it hit to the ground. she turned and pounced as its heads started regrowing and bit down hard on its back. the heads turned and tried to bite back but she had let electricity coat her. the beast screamed. she than gathered all the charg around her and shot it through her mouth and into the beast's flesh towards its heart. the beast dissolved into a small purple orb and vinsue carefully placed it into the pack and then started walking with it out of the cave. once out she leaped and spread her wings. She flew back to the edge of the jungle then turned back to her trew form. ash spewed from the volcano but she did not seem to notice or care as she started walking back threw the brush of the jungle. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Thu Apr 27, 2017 10:51 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Cymbel listened to her words but still shook his head. He still did not like the idea, even if she boasted many years of experience. Unless Vinsue had said she had fought and succeeded against a hydra, then perhaps his concerns would be assuaged. What would they do if they faced a group surrounding them? Should they be followed into the plains, that would draw the attention of other predators. And if any of them were airborne… He admired her bravery to go about without much more than a dagger as a weapon, but in the words of the storybooks he had read as a child had said, there was always a bigger fish. Beings such as they did not live as long as they had without learning to avoid dangers.

"I will stay here. If I go out into the plains of the Ignius section I will only be a burden to you. Should you need me, I will be waiting by the shore where we first landed. I fare thee well." With his sword at his side he gave a polite nod of before turning back to leave the jungle. He had said he would be waiting, but felt that should occasion arise if she truly needed him, he wouldn't be able to make it. In spite of the dragon's confidence, he couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was going to happen.

It was dangerous to go alone. When he was out of sight and out of her range of hearing he murmured to himself, "Indeed…it is." When he had left, there was the sound of a low, deep rumbling in the distance. 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 5:15 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

She almost laughed. but a humored smile appeared on her face. he was standing beside a flame spitter and he was worried about the seaman's myth. and the aria contaning the mountain was a grassland not a jungle or forest and had plenty of room for her to switch if she needed to. "Yea they have a thing for regrowing more heads in the place of each that is cut off. but that is why you do not try the usual methods of slayers. you use fire and since you have not noticed I am a dragon who, despite everyone and thing trying to hunt me, does not carry a sword or weapon besides a small dagger for a reason. i may not be red but i still know how to use flame." she said a bit saddened that he had lost his trust in her and let fear win his actions. 

her face lost expression as she looked and new he was not kidding. She had survived years of trials and fights. She even survived a curse and a blessing. she had no need to fully transform in any case that they will not need to fly in. she opened her hand palm up. and a flame appeared. she than clapped her other hand on top of it. it wint out and she turned out of the trees onto the open fields of knee high grass. she spread her hands out and than clapped them this time she did it fast and a plain of fire shot in front of her. she than lowered her hands and turned back to him. 

"I half to go. you can stay if you like, but the stupid call will only get more demanding for me and i do not back down or give up for possible dangers." she sounded agitated partly because of the calls demanding and partly the thought of her companion wanting to back out. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 3:39 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

He was relieved it was only a monkey, not some fanged jungle cat ready to fight for its territory. Unfortunately he was not fond of monkeys, as they were a bother at best and a pest at worst. They were smart, and that was why they could be so annoying. Ever since they arrived on the island they experienced a surprising stroke of luck; maybe it was due to Vinsue. Dragons were apex predators after all, and most creatures were clever enough to avoid becoming another's meal. He certainly hoped they would find that she was looking for soon, before said luck ran out.

Cymbel was less than enthusiastic when she stated their objective was on the mountain–where the hydras were. The halfling captain's warnings came to mind and he absolutely did not want to fight one. He didn't have enough firepower to torch them all should they choose to hunt as a group, and having to deal with multiple moving targets with only him and Vinsue would only end horribly. "…Do we really have to climb the mountain? The captain said there were hydras. And if what I know about hydras are true, they have a very nasty regeneration factor. Normally I like to keep a positive outlook, but fighting in the jungle puts us at a severe disadvantage. Unless we have a bucket of tar and flint, they'll just grow back. If you try to transform here you won't have enough room to move."

He frowned behind the folds of his hooded cloak. "I mean unless we leg it and run like a pack of wolves are tailing us, it's unlikely we'll break through."

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 6:00 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

She watched as he crossed the tree. he was a good bit slower than her but she would rather him not fall. She smiled as he jumped off the tree and landed beside her. "Yea, no kidding." she said as she watched his skin go pale. Had he been bitten by something? Stung? Cut? no he whispered that they where being watched. 

She slowly turned around to see what it was. She knew the game of cat and mouse and during her life she has been both. she smiled as she realized it was only a curious monkey. "It safe it will not hurt you if you do not hurt it." she said and walked on. the monkey fallowed them but stayed its distance. seeing the end of the trees and the beginning of the grass she walked a bit faster and stopped at the last tree.

"your not going to like this but that mountain in the middle is where we are heading. so want to take a break in the shade or head on?" she asked. she could keep going but she could see he was covered in a lot more sweat then her and looked tired. She looked over the aria. what animals she could see where headed for the jungle and away from the black mountain. she was curious why tell she saw a small stream of smoke rising into the sky. The call got stronger and told her that she had to get in and out before it erupted. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 6:42 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Looking at the fallen tree trunk he knew he only had one chance to pull this off. Holding his breath, he backed up before putting his sword away. Holding his arms out, it was a delicate balancing act of putting one foot before the other while testing which patches were slippery. Don't look at the water, focus on the tree trunk. After the longest five minutes of his life, he was on the other side of the trunk and carefully crouched before stepping off. He had made it in one piece. "I believe it is safe to say, that most people don't come through here. Otherwise we would've found a bridge." While he pulled his hood back around his face, he spied two eyes glaring at them from the underbrush. Quietly, without moving he whispered loudly to Vinsue.

"…I think something's watching us. It's behind you… Be careful not to make any sudden movements." He hoped it wasn't a jungle cat. In the dense tangle of vines the animal would have the advantage. Slowly, he reached towards his sword ready to draw it should whatever in the shadows decide to attack them.

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 4:51 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"yea well go around." she said "Nothing bad had happened just im not entering the river. you see any way to cross?" she asked as she looked around. than followed the call. it would guide her down the safest way. seeing a large tree that had fallen across the river she climbed on to it than looked at her friend. "Guess this is it." She than slowly walked across. it was a bit slick but she managed than leaped down ion to the other side. "Carfulle it is a bit slick." she yelled than watched the water.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 3:56 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

When Vinsue stated they were nearing the Ignius portion of the island, he responded. "Yes, I can tell. My internal temperature has been speaking its mind the further we've gone. Whew…" A moment of silence was followed by the sound of his hand smacking the side of his head, then checking to see if he had caught one of the little flies. He gave a sigh when there was no sign of insect residue on his hand. He had missed. In his flailing he had lopped off a few dangling vines and branches, but nothing too noticeable. Walking forward he nearly collided with Vinsue when she leaped back all of a sudden. 

"Ah! What's wrong? Did something happen?" He leaned to the side and caught sight of a large reptilian shape sinking back below the water's surface. "…Ooh. I guess we're not going that way then." Suddenly seeing bears wasn't such a bad thing anymore. He remembered seeing a large preserved skeleton of something similar mounted in a hallway, and did not like the look of those jaws. The entire perimeter was lined with those nasty sharp teeth and the force of the mouth snapping shut made him shudder. "Let's go around then."

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2017 12:22 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

he simply ran away from home. pore thing she thought as she wondered what had caused him to do so but this was not the place to ask. She took a swig of her water and realised she was running out. She almost laughed at how annoyed with the bugs he was. "Were not far from the Ignius section." she said and continued on. 

after a bit she stopped. they were at the end of the jungle. a stream and herds of animals could easily be seen. she almost ran to the river and bent down to drink and stopped. something was not right about it. than she saw eyes disappear below the surface she barely stepped out of the way in time as a huge crocodile jumped out of the water. she hissed at it and it hissed back. she set an electricity field between tham and backed back up the bank. "That was close." than the call hit her again. it was telling her she had lost focus and it was not happy about it. "You could have said something before the thing attacked" she thought back at it. and started walking again.

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 9:24 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Cymbel carefully stepped through the vines and plants that grew thicker as they approached the tropical forest's center. Tucking his trousers into his boots had been a smart idea, as there was one less opening for the annoying flying bloodsuckers to enter. Eventually he had his hood partly pulled over his face with one hand leaving just enough space for his eyes. He waved his sword about when the mosquitoes attempted to get closer to them. In the muggy humidity, Vinsue started a conversation asking more about himself.

"Oh, more about me then? To be honest I don't think there's much that would be interesting. Argh–shoo!" Waving his arm again he continued after successfully swatting away another wave of the greedy insects. "That's better. Anyways, what was the question again? Oh, right. Well in short–I ran away from home. Couldn't stand living in the place anymore, so I left. I don't regret it, though I do regret not purchasing something to keep these pests from attempting to sting my flesh." The heat was awful, but at least they weren't in direct sunlight. The entire place felt like a giant steamer, and the air even smelled warm. The shade was thicker now, and sounds of creatures and birds he had never heard of croaked and shrieked from the canopy. He thought he caught a glimpse of a monkey in the branches once, but it was gone after he blinked. "Do you think we're getting closer? It's harder to walk through these vines and plants growing so close together. I wonder, when was the last time anyone set foot in this jungle?" 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2017 6:22 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Seeing he was dead set on coming she lead the way through the meadow towards the jungle as the call directed. She smiled as he brought out his sword. likely if anything wanted to attack it would not get close to tham before getting shocked. but seems he did not know that. it was much like a copious yet it was rather annoying when she decided to go against it. last time she was called she was cursed and was not wanting a repeat. seeing the mosques she let her skin turn to scales. it may look odd but it kept the bugs from biting and allowed her to absorb the sun and heat. 

she thought about the dream could this be a call to her death? no it was a larger dragon then her. was it relevant to her? it had to be and for some reason she knew it was foreseeing the future but that was a fearful thought. she was not liking the thoughts or the silence so she decided to try to start a conversation. "I know it's an odd question to ask saying we're still new to one another but what's your story? if you do not mind me asking. And what got you started on traveling?" She asked hoping it would change her thoughts as they traded through the jungle. 

She felt bad for her companion but he wanted to come. he must be dieing in this heat. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 1:39 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"…Well it was worth a shot. And personally I would rather stand my ground if it were higher than them." He was not known for his durability, and was far more likely to take damage being a soft-bodied mammal than Vinsue, who was twice the size of a bear in her reptilian form. Peering about, he was relieved that there were no ursine shapes in sight. "We should get going then. If we are on the Terra section, then Ignius should not be far off." He was reluctant to leave the region, as he found it to be quite comfortable. Cymbel drew his sword in advance, should the occasion arise to put it to use. 

Ahead beyond the meadow was a dense forest, and he saw a few tropical plants peeking out from beneath the canopy. If they hadn't been to Sularia first he wouldn't have been able to recognize them, and tucked the ends of his trousers into his boots to prevent unsavory critters from sneaking in. There were mostly butterflies here in the meadow, and the bubbling creeks were clear and clean. Although Vinsue was clearly the more martially capable of the two of them, he didn't want her to venture forth alone. First, he would likely become a sitting duck for beasts without help. And secondly, should she need his help he wanted to be there to assist in any way he could. It was dangerous to go alone, after all and those alone often were picked off first. The humidity in the air was increasing as they neared the dense jungle, and he was tempted to peel off a layer. He resisted, as he didn't want to expose himself to any flying insects out for blood. Now would have been a perfect time to use a flyswatter…

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 9:10 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Bears would be no problem to her but seems her companion had a different opinion on them. a hydra can be a bit scary but bears were nothing. She was personally glad to be off of the joke they called a ship. "buddy that would do little for you. the best thing is to stand your ground, stand tall, and make lots of noise and no i do not see any bears." She said detecting his nerves. She knew what the captain said about different beasts living on the island was more to scar the lad but with her there was little to fear.

"Yea something is calling me, just with you being as worried about bears as you are I don't know if you should come the things that call me are usually in tricky spots to get to and often have some type of trouble close by but if you want to come i do not mind the company." she said than stood up and started walking. She truly was glad he wanted to come she just was unsure how he would react if they ran into a hydra or worse he seemed to only know how to change his appearance. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:03 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Once Cymbel's legs decided to stop wobbling, he straightened himself and shaded his eyes looking ahead. The part of the island they were in was warm, but not dry and beyond the sandy beach was what looked like a meadow. "From what it looks like, we've landed on the Terra portion of the island. Do you see any bears? I remember the captain saying something about bears here." Personally he hoped they were hibernating, or somewhere else. He already was uncomfortable at the thought of hydras; he didn't want to deal with bears too.

"I suppose if we do come across them, I could always throw food while running away…" He still had those candied nuts from Endapano, and bears like honey didn't they? It probably wouldn't be enough to divert their attention unless he abandoned the whole bag but it was something to consider. "You said you felt compelled to come here, right? Let's find where that happens to be. It has to be in at least one of these areas." 

Author: Vinsue, Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 7:09 AM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

Vinsue did not sleep at all that night though she tried to for a long time. About midnight she had gotten up and walled about the boat hoping it would tire her out but it did not. The call only grew stronger and she found herself at the front of the ship looking at the water. the cool breeze tossed her hair into her face but she did not seem bothered by it. she eventually sat down and got lost in thought.

She was awaken by the yelling of someone who had spotted the land. she stood up and grabbed the side of the boat as she looked around. she than walked back to where she left her friend. she got there as the morning call was announced and grabbed the rail. just in time to as the boat made a steep turn. once the boat leveled out she watched the captain come over and start talking. "I came to see the Island like him, yet it's more that something heir calls me." She said tan looked back at the water. 

She smiled at the way he reacted to the beasties description. they quickly got off the boat and onto stable ground. She walked to a pole and leaned a sense it as to let her friend have some time to get use to not being tossed about. She smiled at him cause it was a bit funny. her legs were quick to note the change and she had no problem with walking. Her background had more to do with it saying she has not been on a ship in years. and that one was a sky ship. 

Author: Cymbel, Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 7:51 PM, Post Subject: Island of the Seasons [O]

"Land ho!" The shout of the captain interrupted his thoughts as he felt the ship slow down. How long had it been since he dozed off? Looking up he saw the faint light of dawn breaking through the clouds as the storm had cleared. In the distance was a green speck that slowly grew larger the closer they came to it. Horae Island. "Rise and shine landlubbers, we're approaching the island!"  The captain hollered as the ship began to turn. Cymbel grabbed the side of the ship and hung on for dear life as to not be sent rolling down the deck.

A chilly breeze blasted by as they drew near to one of the many docking places for ships, marine and airborne. "We're here already? I thought the voyage would be longer." Cymbel pulled himself up as they docked at a port. "Aye, that it would've been–if it hadn't been for the winds at our backs! You look like first-time visitors to the island. What brings ye here?" The halfling sea captain hopped up onto an overturned crate and pulled out a smoking pipe. "Me? I'm here for sightseeing. I've never seen all of the four seasons at once–it must be quite a feat to live on this island." 

"That be true, lad. The island's split up into four areas, one fer each season. Terra and Venti are the best out of the lot, I'd say. Ignius is as hot as the nine circles of Infernos and Glaciem's as treacherous as 'tis freezing. Oh and don't get too close to the center of the island–ye'll run into the hydras. Nasty beasties with more heads to do ye in."

Oh wonderful…more dangerous wildlife. Cymbel grimaced as he heard the halfling's description. "I'll keep that in mind…" Once he was off the boat, he had to lean against a post to steady himself. Thankfully he hadn't become seasick, but his legs felt like they would go out from under him. He had boarded a galleon once when he came from Parvpora, but he was still more accustomed to stable ground.