Author: Eden, Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 4:33 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

While the mother jackal watched as her child became trapped within the elf's grasp, she did not make too much fuss, nor the puppy, who simply nuzzled up with her, as if accepting what warmth she gave off. It was rest she needed, and Eden was not going to bother her about any of it. She also had little worry about Vikki, so she paid the pair no mind and allowed them to rest, the tiger-kin moved towards the gate that separated them from the aged battlegrounds where no body had been for ages.

And yet, even when staring at the old remains, it could not help but remind Eden just where she had come from. How much she went through… The shackles that kept her tied down. Yet, she knew she could not change any of it, and it had given her the strength she had to survive. Each fight for survival also had its tales, and there were some who found joy in it. Probably because they had fallen into that mindset or never thought of it as survival.

"At least they have not found their way in here," Eden heard, her ears perking back before looking down at the alpha who had joined her. "These walls keep us safe, and I would like for it to stay that way." There was not much she could do but nod as her allies rested, letting them catch their breath and refresh their energy. At least one of them had to be at watch to ensure the others could recover.

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 10:59 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

The young jackal was determined not to loose its new friend, eager to continue playing. It was trying its best to get her to interact with it. Bouncing around Celeste's feet, weaving in and out, Celeste nearly fell each time it bumped into her. She struggled to stay upright as she watched the adults try to show dominance. Whoever the alpha was, he was slowly loosing his ground. Many of the jackals were showing a sign of acceptance of Eden, or at least, that is what Celeste was hoping.

Eden nodded. While Celeste had managed to see a shifting of something, in her current state, she couldn't understand what she witnessed. What she did understand was Eden retrieved her weapon and slid an arm around Celeste, giving her a much needed support. Apparently, the jackals decided to let them rest among them, leading them further in. This was their resting area, it was obvious with some jackals nursing newborns, their squeaks and squeals adorably echoing through the room.

Celeste gratefully sank into the block bench. "Ma seranas," she mumbled as she curled up. To most, stone was quite uncomfortable. However, for Celeste, it was perfect, as she was still unable to sleep on beds or furniture. Mother Nature was lifting her hands up, pushing against her body in the most relaxing way she has known for the last few years. As her eyes seemed to weigh so much, instantly closing, the jackal friend she had made earlier jumped onto the bench, licking at her face, pushed at her shoulder and sniffed at her neck, pressing its cold wet nose against her.

The elf giggled, her hand heavily lifted as she tried to pet the puppy. "If your mother approves, I'd take you home, da'len. My tigress and little Kyu would love you." It would appear that she and her wife were starting a zoo of large animals. Tigers and Rune Wolves, and now a Jackal, all would grow up together and develop a bond as deep as any pure breed pack. "Let me… rest… min.." Her voice trailed off, her hand went limp, trapping the little jackal against her as she slipped back into slumber.

Author: Eden, Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 10:09 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Intimidating… that was one word to put how the pack acted. While the jackals were at advantage in terms of number, they had the advantage of size and power, considering the show they had with the weapon. Still, the two sides were in a stand-off.

The hall filled with barking when one of the pups left the pack and headed over to Celeste's side, trying to climb over her and sniff her out curiously, and leaned its head in when it felt her nails rub on the back of its head, panting happily to the attention. This lead more of the younger members to run over and seek play, come of the mothers to work to contain them. Still, this left a bit of an impression to the pack. After they had sent an initial strike, they were warded off, but never struck back. One of them even being bold enough to challenge the alpha to prove their worth, not to dominate them.

One by one, more jackals began to walk over, showing their down guards as if to show a sign of trust, causing shock to the alpha himself. "Get back here! We cannot trust the two-leggers! They are wreaking havoc outside! What makes these one any better!?"

"Because we fight wrapped ones," Eden answered, drawing the alpha's attention once more. "They your enemy? They our enemy. Why fight when we share?" Once more, silence was in the air until the rest of the back relaxed, including the alpha himself.

"You may stay… as long as you protect us." Eden agreed with a nod, the sudden fur on her arms dissipating as her paws reverted back to hands before taking her weapon in one hand and Celeste in the other. With the jackals around them, they were guided to the resting area as she placed the tired elf down on one of the stone block benches to rest up.

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 12:56 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Through the foggy haze of fatigue, Celeste could hear the yips and barks. But she was lost. Her body simply refused to listen to her mental screams, as weak as they were. Their lives were in danger, and she could not move a muscle to save them. Larka would be furious to see this was how Celeste met her end. 'Reckless elf. Stupid elf.' The words rang over and over, bouncing off of every inch of her skull and back in on her mind, spinning her into dizzy oblivion.

A tiny set of paws planted themselves on her chest, a wet tongue happily washing her chin and lips. Groggily, Celeste had opened her eyes to see the shiny black coat of a jackal. It was a young one, must have recently been weened. As with her tiger kitten at home, Celeste lifted her hand to scratch the back of its head. Her limb felt heavy, but she was moving, it was a positive sign.

”Hey, da'len.” Celeste mumbled. How long had she been out this time? Surely, none here would let her be out for too long, seeing as they are in a city infested with wrapped dead. The playfulness of the jackal suggested to her that it was still within its first year of life, very rambunctious. ”You're not much older than Kimura, are you?” Grabbing her bow, Celeste pushed herself into a standing position, her eyes taking in the scene around her.

There were so many jackals surrounding them, most of them seemed to be judging the women, unsure of their presence. More still continued coming, bolstering their number. Others were trying to herd the younger ones back. ”Uh… Eden… Are they trying to intimidate us?” Her head swam, so she pulled out her canteen and took a long drink before offering it to one of the others.

Author: Eden, Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2017 9:22 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Eden's ears were quick towards the sounds of the barking that echoed through these corridors. Obviously, they were not alone, but at the very least, it was not the ever-rising undead. If such beings wanted to challenge them, they would have a much better chance in defending themselves. After all, what is a wolf compared to a zombie? Wait… no. Not wolf. Higher pitched… More rowdy… and the consistency…. it was a family at the very least all on a hunt.

A small portion of them broke out of the shadows and at the tired pair, causing one to release a warning wave of ice to cause them to back off. Having to respond quickly, Eden turned about, slamming down her metal weapon town between the two groups, the echo of the weapon cracking the earth through the force and weight flooding the corridors, turning the hallways quiet. It was enough to seemed to get their attention.

"Get out, intruder," barked through the hallways as the pack pushed themselves out of the shadows, Eden's eyes turning sharp as she looked at the voice. The pack of jackals, carefully staring town the group of humans. "Your kind is not wanted here!"

Eden, pulling herself upright while leaving her weapon behind, stared at them while quietly stating to them, "Need shelter."

"Shelter? What you want is to take our home away! You wrapped freaks do not scare us."

Again, Eden shook her head. "Not aligned with wrapped," she assured him, "Wrapped enemies. Need shelter from wrapped." There was a brief pause between her silence and the jackal's occasional barking.

"Why should we trust you?"

"Because… we not attack. Not unless you need duel to prove alpha." As if to prove her point, Eden's arms suddenly began to resonate with energy, fur quickly growing from them as if they were turning more into paws, the sharp claws gleaming in the little light they had to offer.

Author: _queenvicky, Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2017 12:21 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Vikki kept her eye out for an Elven woman, who had earlier introduced herself as Celeste, as she struggled to remain upright while entering an opening discovered by the other woman, whom she assumed to be named Eden. The Artificer had even offered to assist the Elf, as she made her way onward. Seeing her finally sat down against the wall of the room the trio found themselves in, Vikki took an opportunity to assess her magical reserves. And from what she had learned, she should be able to cast a spell or two, perhaps even to maintain an enchantment throughout an eventual emergency.

An emergency which she had acknowledged shortly after, hearing yips and howls of what she could assumed to be some canine creatures seeking an easy meal. Considering that the harsh condition of the Harena Desert could hardly sustain any life, the creatures were likely desperate to sink their teeth on anything with a pulse. A pulse that she, Celeste and Eden had… Hearing the animals coming closer and closer, the Artificer went on to voice an incantation of the ice spell she had already tried in this unforgiving environment.

As a number of stray jackals had poured through the opening, the emergency had become most apparent. The canine beasts wasted no time and went on to charge at the women with the strength they still had in their fatigued and atrophied muscles. Vikki, having readied her spell, was left only with outstretching her arm, resulting in a jet of ice-cold water spraying into the ravenous beasts' snouts. While she was rather successful at deterring their initial strike, she had to fall back as her reserves were depleting and the creatures were no less hungry for flesh. There was only so much the young Artificer could do on her own.

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2017 11:29 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Gladiator mummies? As she leaned heavily against a wall, Celeste contemplated the idea. Did the type of mummy depend on who they once were as a living being? Or was it the strength of magic used to animate the dead? Without encountering anything other than the typical shambling wrapped corpses, Celeste had no way to make an educated deduction. And right now, she had no intention to either. Not with the way she felt at the moment.

Eden seemed to have found and opened a gaping hole in a wall to allow for passage out of the blinding sun, away from the mummies they were hiding from while they gathered their strength. Pushing herself off the wall, the elf managed to stay upright as she maneuvered her way to the hole, slipping through with little difficulty. When her eyes adjusted from the bright sun to the dark corridors, a scowl etched itself deep into her natural beauty, obscuring it with a hidden hatred. Holding cells, a place to hold people against their will. It didn't matter if they were prisoners or slaves, it was still against their desires. She, herself, had been held for weeks by her own father, locked up to prevent her from chasing and aiding an outcast. For years she had been held prisoner underground as vengeance against a goddess. It seemed that she had a little something in common with Eden without either of them knowing.

Keeping herself upright with a hand against a wall, Celeste followed Eden until she could go no further. The elf had expended all of her energy with the magic, getting lost in a never ending group of mummies, and the heat of the desert. She had been curious by the sounds she thought she could hear deeper within, but could not continue. "Ir abelas… I just… need to rest…" she said softly, fatigue weighing every word down, her eyelids so heavy as she slid down against the wall, her chin resting on her chest. Yips and howls could be heard getting closer now, yet Celeste could not summon the strength required to open her eyes and stand up.

Author: Eden, Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2017 9:56 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Once she assumed everyone took note of the engraving, one through watching her eyes and the other through verbal acknowledgment, Eden was quick to return the weapon down to a more resting position as the elf worked on sealing the wounds and gashes Eden had built up. It had an odd feel, in a way. Nothing like the field workers inside the resting grounds. It made Eden nearly lock up from the feeling, feeling like she may lose her footing and fall over as if she lost feeling in her knees. And yet, it was not in a way that would have seemed malicious, either.

Once the feeling as gone, though, she was able to catch her breath before turning back to the arena before them, and immediately they were greeted by the blockade of a massive gate. While one was not so keen on entering, another member of the team had fallen to her knees. There were minor sounds she could hear inside, and thus figured it was better to rest with walls around them instead of in the open. Lifting her metal beam into the air, she threw a swing down upon it, using that to break open a gap she could squeeze through before pushing herself inside, using the weapon as leverage on some of the bars. Looking back, the tiger-kin checked to see if they were following before proceeding inside anyways,

It was clear to the tiger-kin just what she was walking through. Holding cells, numerous, maze-like hallways.. These were the underground parts of the arena where the enslaved or imprisoned competitors were often rested inside. The confusing layouts were to give guards time to seek out the escapees while they tried to orient themselves with their surroundings. Still, it should mean the resting ground should be close by as well: the place where fighters waited for their matches and were tend to afterwards. If there was a spot to catch their breath, it would be there.

Author: _queenvicky, Posted: Mon Oct 9, 2017 12:40 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

"Now that's an insightful remark!" - Vikki answered the Elven woman with her usual enthusiasm, as a smile went on to widen on her pale face - "I take it you wouldn't mind us sitting down and exchanging our experiences once we're out of this hellhole?"

As she asked her question, she slowly made her way past the Elf to take a better look at an engraving on the very end of the massive weapon the Tigerfolk woman had just raised.

"Eden, aye? Pleased to meet you" - the Artificer said, as she stepped back to have a clear view of the place the women found themselves in. It looked like one of these Arenas, of which she had learned in the Library back where she came from. As far as she knew, gladiatorial fights were not a thing back there, and so she had little idea of what to expect. Her memory, however, served her well to at least give her a hint regarding the purpose of many large, rusted gates barring the pitch-black openings within the base of the vast, circular auditorium.

"We may want to steer clear out of these gates if we intend to explore this place" - the Human woman went on to speak - "I cannot quite think of many things worse than a throng of mummies, but a throng of gladiator mummies sure has to be one of them."

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Sat Oct 7, 2017 5:29 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Celeste shook her head. "Not lands that change. Laws of magic." Most people she has talked about magic with seems to have had problems with adjusting from one land to another. The best way she could cope with the idea of it was the fact that the laws of magic differed from land to land. It was stronger in one place, weaker in another. She couldn't say she had the same problem, however, as she had a whole year adjusting to this land and its laws long before she even attempted.

Then again, she had spent that entire year in a drugged haze. The elf shuddered as she made deliberate, large steps to Eden. She may have appeared intimidating with the determined scowl. 'Don't think of it, don't think of it. Do not think of it.' Celeste began examining Eden, noticing that she wasn't talking, merely showing a written form of her name. As she searched, a stressful hum of a tune came forth from her, trying to distract her own mind.

Any wound she found, Celeste concentrated on the area, hand hovering over it. Her healing magic was different from others, as it was more of controlling the blood within the body to accelerate the body's natural healing process. Bruises faded, gashes closed up as if days had sped by instead of mere seconds. When she was done, Celeste swayed dangerously on her feet, having drained herself a lot more than she previously realized.

Author: Eden, Posted: Fri Oct 6, 2017 8:57 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

While the ride was sudden (and very bumpy for one), the animals tried to make sure they were as safe as possible during their trek through the sands. It was amongst the sands that they found themselves to a place Eden was very familiar with, in a sense: a Colosseum. Though more decrepit and worn out by the years of sand blown into its walls, it was a place where Eden had spent a good portion of her life. While she did doubt the layouts would be the same, but if there were any hints of similarites, it could be a big help for the team to help navigate.

While introductions and body checks were being around, Eden found herself mouthing the words of their names while pointing at them, doing it over and over between the two for maybe five cycles before realizing she had yet to introduce herself. Hoping to not be intimidating, Eden's form of introducing involved her lifting the handle of her blade, resting the heavy weapon on her shoulder until the pair could see underneath the base itself, where the word "EDEN" could be seen engraved underneath in the Common Trade Language. As for her health check, all she could really do is let them look at her. Sure, her body seemed to have been beaten and tattered thanks to the horde, Eden herself did not seem too phased by such injuries. After all, she had to deal with this on such a regular basis before her escape.

Finally, there was the fact of the three animals. While her lips did not move an inch, she gave each of them her thanks before the large cat, bear, and elephant began to glow before dissipating into the air, being sent back to their homes, away from such calamities.

Author: _queenvicky, Posted: Fri Oct 6, 2017 10:28 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

The Elven woman's squeak as she was tossed onto a large cat's back was drowned out by the diminutive Human woman's own, as she was hoisted onto the back of an elephant. The squeak soon gave way to a panicked scream, as she found herself unable find anything she could hold onto, especially with one of her arms busy with cradling her crossbow. Laying flat on her stomach, Vikki tried to recite the incantation for her freezing spell yet again, hoping to freeze herself to the body of the massive animal, at least for a brief moment to pull herself someplace more secure. But each of the Artificer's attempts came with an abrupt stop as the beast's heavier footsteps threw Vikki up and back onto the elephant's back, knocking the air out of her lungs on impact.

And so she was left with the sole option of desperately holding herself to the elephant, to the best of her ability, until it reached her designation, which was still unclear to her. Eventually, the beast finally went on to slow down, and Vikki found herself able to lift her head up to assess the environment, as she let out a sigh of relief. Exhausted as she was, and still shaking from the stress of being barely able to hold onto the back of a speeding animal which was being chased by a throng of mummies, the woman could only manage to push herself off the animal's back with her hands, before falling off and landing on her bottom with an audible thud. Having taken a while to compose herself and listen to the Elf's introduction, the Artificer finally stood up and, having pulled down the sash obscuring the lower half of her youthful face and pushed up the goggles shielding her large, gray eyes, she had voiced her thanks and introduced herself as well:

- "You have my thanks, stranger" - she said, having turned to the woman, who seemed to bear some intriguing animal features. Although obviously still shaken by her recent travel, she opted not to complain, knowing full well that given the choice, she would have chosen it over being ravaged by the undead - "I take it you would have preferred me to go by your name instead, which… I don't know, unfortunately. Mine's Vikki. Vikki Brasslinkage. And I'm fine" - she turned towards the Elf and gave her an acknowledging nod, as she had added the last bit.

- "Sorry about my subpar performance, by the way. I'm still getting acquainted to these… intriguing lands, and what they have to offer. I assure you that I might still be useful to you, whether for deciphering arcane writings or handling any mechanical obstructions between us and our goal."

The Artificer took a pause to look around the enclosed structure they found themselves in, marvelling at its intriguing architecture. After a while of doing so, she turned to the women and voiced her thoughts:

- "Perhaps we could search the place while we're taking time for a breather? Who knows what intriguing secrets this place may hold?"

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2017 11:26 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

This was really unfair… Her decapitated mummies stood and started to close in on her once more. The desire to call for Larka, knowing she wasn't near was strong, and very useless at the moment. Celeste probably would have been in lots of trouble if it hadn't been for the fact that she was soon swooped up. "Eep!" she squeaked, and was a bit too shocked to actually try and fight back at all. Never mind that she was already quite exhausted.

The elf was tossed onto the back of a large cat, and she assumed a natural riding position. Looking over her shoulder, she noticed the poor effect of a flaming spell. Water was just the wrong element for this environment. As the other woman got scooped up by an elephant, Celeste turned her attention to the beastkin. She hadn't heard a single peep from the woman except the roar to summon her companions.

"Thank you." she called out before watching the tiger's path. They zigzagged all over the city. Just as she was beginning to think that they'd be on the back of the animals all day, there was a perfect place for them to lay low for a bit. It looked like it was once an arena, the walls around the pit were high. Celeste slid off the tiger and found the pathway leading up to the bleachers. Easily defended, partially shaded, the animals weren't in obvious sight. The best part of all was that there were no mummies at present. While she would love to sit and relax, she also didn't want to be alone.

Returning to the others, Celeste beamed at them. "Perfect place for a breather. Is anyone hurt, need healing? I'm Celeste, by the way. Celeste Nash." It was an odd name, obviously not an elvish name.

Author: Eden, Posted: Wed Oct 4, 2017 7:38 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

While Eden did not really understand the fire pun, she was all-too familiar with the term "retreat," and with how everything was at the moment, she, too believed it to be the right plan. "GATHER!" she thought, causing the three companions she recruited to help come together to make sure they would not be in harm's way, but to also aid in retreat. The only matter was where they could go? Well, technically, anywhere less crowded was better, so they had to go off of that.

Slamming her weapon's tip into the sand, she left it standing upright as if a metal beam sticking out of the ground before heading towards the elf and took her waist, hoisting her off the ground and carrying her through the sands to where her animals waited. Nearly no matter of struggled would phase her, especially by having such a thick collar around her neck. If anything, she would get defensive about her eyes, but that would be about it. All that was on Eden's mind in terms of doing this was ensuring she got to safety once he threw the elf onto the white tiger's back.

"Find safe," She informed the beast, who responded with a loud cry before taking off before Eden took her time to look at the elephant. Pointing at the human, she informed, "Bring," before finally pulling her weapon out of the sand and getting on the bear's back. Even if the weapon was heavy and awkward to handle, the bear paid it no mind. "Track," she commanded, pointing at the running cat, who indeed began to run through and follow the elf.

It was only after the shot happened and the human's face was covered in disappointment with her shot did the elephant run its trunk around the human's waist before lifting her onto its back before being the last to stampede from behind, giving the human plenty of sight to see the others.

Author: _queenvicky, Posted: Tue Oct 3, 2017 2:47 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Even within the commotion as large as one present at the time within the walls of the cursed City, the sounds of heavy footsteps were rather distinct among all the fighting noise. Having taken pause to turn around and assess the source of these sounds, Vikki had noticed three large animals trotting towards her commotion, apparently led by a woman who had joined them right after the beasts. It was then when the woman Vikki sought to aid, having used her own magic to pull all the water from the mummies the Artificer had soaked earlier, turned it into icy blades, which easily cleaved through the necks of the undead, effectively decapitating them while inciting a storm of dirty undone wrappings, dust, and some intact bone.

It seemed that the mummies were not as impressed with the show as Vikki was, for many of the headless undead who had been knocked down by the impact of the icy blades had simply stood up before rejoining the fray. The situation looked rather grim, but then the young woman realised that she finally has everyone's attention, and that everyone fighting on the right side shall be able to retreat. Which was particularly important, for she was going to do something very dangerous.

Having stepped back to once again recite her spell for enchanting her bolt with flame, she turned to the recently arrived woman and, having returned her nod, she went on to exclaim:

- "Gals, let's retreat! It's gonna get hot in here…"

She hesitated for a brief moment. Did her words make any sense? After all, the fight took place in a desert, for crying out loud! It was already hot here!

- "Uhh, you know what I mean, just go, all of you! And search for a good defensible position while you're at it! I'll join you there!"

The artificer aimed her crossbow at the pile of recently knocked down mummies, which continued to be stampeded by others charging towards the beauties and their beasts, expecting to incite quite an inferno. Unfortunately, however, her flame-enchanted bolt got lodged in a thigh of a wretch that managed to charge ahead of its group. Sure, the withered appendage got broken off by a forceful shot, and a portion the cloth wrapped around it did ignite, but the end effect was far from satisfying. Sure, it was likely that the other undead trotting on top of an ignited "comrade" will catch the fire and then spread it to others, but the whole thing would proceed so much more slowly than she would like to.

She only hoped that the others will not be too miffed at her poor attempt. And more importantly, that their tactics will show more foresight than hers.

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2017 11:12 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

If Celeste could stop and marvel at the sudden onslaught of water, she would have, wondering when she made it to the beach. What she could immediately see was the fact that her opponents have become all the more slower and a bit more clumsy now. With dagger in one hand, Celeste reached out with her mind and grasped at all the water she could. Water droplets pulled themselves off of the mummies, leaving them now dry as they pooled together to form three massive spheres of water hovering in various places in the group of mummies.

Celeste plunged her dagger into the skull of one trying to attack her, yanked it out and didn't even watch it fall as she immediately swiped at the next one to her right. As she did, the three orbs began to spin, flattening and hardening. The elf did a half spin, dagger catching a couple of mummies, and the refrozen flat objects arced around her, decapitating all of the wrapped undead in their paths. Her arms fell to her side as she stood there, panting, eyes searching for the one who sent her the water. The objects had stopped spinning to show that they had been shaped into shruikens.

Suddenly, they fell and shattered. Before her stood a strange sight of several beasts, a beastkin and one other. There were also more mummies coming from the alley ways nearby. Celeste had not been the most quiet fighter, and they were attracted to her efforts. "Fenehdis.. Where are they coming from?" It had been a mistake to come out here without Larka. Her strength ebbed, and it was unknown how much longer she could withstand such onslaught.

Author: Eden, Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2017 7:42 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

Their numbers were large, but that was about it. Slowly, Eden smashed through the numerous mummies that flooded the sandy wasteland with her massive weapon, walking past the fallen bodies that have flooded the landscape behind her. After all, she did not know that the mummies were able to reassemble, and she did not care. Her eyes and ears only looked forward through the massive wave of carnage that flooded the surrounding sands.

However, what she was able to see were two more women trapped within the horde. One in the open, tired and surrounded while the other was taking cover, using bolts to keep the other from being flooded while not watching her own back. It seemed shew as taking the other's safety into mind more than her own. It would be that simple if the numbers were not as crazy. To Eden, however, this only meant needing to balance out the forces. After all, what is 3 vs thousands when you can have 6?

She could feel her throat vibrate as she loosened the clasp on the shackle around her neck, giving her throat more room to cry out, her voice screaming in the air as if a wild tiger instead of a simple scream. However, as far as Eden could understand, it was needed to call for some aid as an elephant, a bear, and a big cat phased into existence in front of the tigerkin before clasping the shackle back shut, quietly telling them. "Wrapped ones, bad. Other girls, save," taking to ear each one's acknowledgement before each one took off to handle a simple task. The large cat placed its focus on the elvish girl and taking care of the crowd around her while the bear aided the human. The elephant, with its big size and trunk, simply dealt with what was around to keep numbers at bay, giving Eden time to meet up with the other two and tilt her head at them, as if her way on seeing if things were alright.

Author: _queenvicky, Posted: Mon Oct 2, 2017 5:45 AM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

She may have been maturing more quickly than her peers back from the place she called home, but her upbringing amongst Gnomes had nonetheless left her with a sense of insatiated curiosity, one of the many consequences of which was wanderlust. Having made preparations and purchases she deemed neccessary, she had made her way to the Aestas Outpost and, soon after, towards the cursed City, which had been subject to so many grim tales lately.

Vikki realised that it would be foolish of her to set out for such a journey alone. Throngs of undead are no joking matter, after all. And that is why, having failed to find a daring soul to accompany her, she hoped to meet someone on her way.

And from the looks of it, she did. A lone woman, fighting off a large number of mummies at once. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to state that she was merely holding onto her life, swinging away at the tireless beings of hatred and wrapped cloth.

With no hesitation, the Artificer ducked behind a nearby stone pedestal and loaded her crossbow. Unhindered by the grains of sand, which bounced off her protective eyewear and clung to a sash wrapped around her nose and mouth, she assumed her shooting position. Fully aware that ordinary bolts would be unlikely to do the task, she proceeded to whisper a spell to enchant her bolt with living flame, one that could possibly make short work of these dried wrappings. She was quick to realise, however, that if she were to put these undead aflame, she could put the woman she was trying to help in danger.

She abruptly ceased reciting the spell, cursing herself for her lack of foresight. It was then when she came up with yet another idea. It would have required her to ditch her cover, but if her predictions were to be at least partially as successful as she imagined, with aid of the rescued woman she shall eventually manage to fight off the vile beings. Or, at the very least, hold off until another adventurer arrives.

As she sped towards the commotion, Vikki went on to recite an incantation she had only recently memorised, and to make gestures in order to evoke a blast of ice towards the mummies. Having ran closely enough to the fight, the Artificer had thrown her hand in front of her, and the spell took effect. As she expected, the searing heat made short work of the amounts of ice that shot out of her hand, and generously sprayed the nearby undead with volumes of water. With cloth wrapping their bodies soaked, their movements became sluggish, and they themselves became far clumsier than before. Hopefully, this shall give the Artificer and the other woman the window for retreat at least, if not the edge they need.

Author: CelesteJN, Posted: Sun Oct 1, 2017 9:26 PM, Post Subject: Out of the pan, into the fire [Open, Event, R]

'One day at a time. Tomorrow is gone. Get through today, worry about tomorrow later.' It was her current mantra, the words she lived by now. Since she had regained her mind, Celeste had managed to nearly kick her habit of that foul substance which the drow had hooked her on. Every once in awhile, Celeste would relapse, yet Larka would find her and convince her to put it away. This happened consistently.

The elf found it hard to sit around and do nothing all day. She felt weak, disgraced. A strong yearning to redeem herself over came her, made her stir-crazy. When stories about the dead rising, an ancient city defying gravity as it expelled itself from the sand reached Celeste's ears, the elf knew what she wanted to do.

Without warning, and failing to tell Larka as she was still trying to reset her sleeping schedule to match her wife's own, Celeste set out. Larka had managed to earn enough money to supply Celeste with a new set of leather armor, similar to that which she was accustomed to from her homelands. Donning the armor, Celeste grabbed her quiver, a bow she had made, slid her dagger into her boots, and two water canteens at her hip, the elf disappeared into the night.

If it wasn't for the help of strangers, the elf would have been hopelessly lost, never making her destination. Upon reaching the city, Celeste already had to fight too many of the shambling, wrapped beings. Having only a dagger, she found it difficult to stay at a distance, as her arrows didn't seem to have any effect against them. Not since they stand up and start shuffling away shortly after again.

Anyone who spotted the elf would easily tell she was quickly becoming fatigued, and will soon be overwhelmed.