Author: Torn, Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2016 7:31 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn, bruised and exhausted as he was, staggered over to Keira, trying to catch his breath. “We’ll bring the injured downstream, to the merfolk,” he said, his hands on his knees. He took a few moments to recover from the strenuous exercise of battling the hydra. “Gods… Uhm. Well. Yeah, the merfolk can do the healing, so don’t worry about that.” Torn caught a glimpse of Keira’s hands, and walked over, taking them in his own - gently. “One moment,” he said, smiling wearily at her. He gestured at a Misfit, who brought a jar of honey from the group’s food supplies - and applied a thin coating to the wound. “It coats the burn to prevent infection, and provides nutrients to the skin for healing,” he explained. When he was done, he surveyed the carnage around him.

Marks of the fight could be spotted all the way along the riverbanks. Broken branches (and indeed entire trees), marks from the hydra’s breath, blood and heads, groaning Misfits… The marks of the battle could be read on the riverbank for at least a mile. What could come across as peculiar was that the Misfits, even the injured ones, were in high spirits. They congratulated each other on a fight well fought, smiled, cracked jokes, and generally behaved like they had not just undergone a gruelling trial by combat. Torn smiled at his companions, making a round to congratulate each one before the injured were taken away for convalescence in the merfolk city.

When all was said and done, Torn went over to the last head of the hydra, and poked it with his foot. “We’ll need to get rid of this, somehow,” he thought aloud, scratching his chin. He began his thought process, which was after all not that impressive. “Well, let’s see. If the head rejoins with the body, the beast will revive. We don’t want that, obviously. The merfolk could possibly keep it in a safe, but all it’d take was a single disgruntled merman… “ He began pacing back and forth, still scratching his chin. “Moving the body a long way away is out of the question, and the head could harm someone wherever it may be kept…” Torn eventually sat down on a rock, running a hand through his now dirty hair, then rubbed his neck in thought. “No matter how we spin it, it’s a risk anywhere on Revaliir,” he said, before the solution finally dawned on him.

“But not elsewhere,” he said, with a self-satisfied grin plastered across his face. He walked over to the severed head and heaved it over his shoulder, before turning to Keira, grinning like a fool. “It’s dangerous anywhere on Revaliir. But from what I understand, your aunt Angela lives… elsewhere. So! What do you say about visiting your auntie, Keira?” Torn said, wiggling his eyebrows most childishly as he smiled.

Author: Keira, Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 7:26 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Keira was still trying to heal from her wounds. At least she was trying to deal with them. Taking a deep breath she managed to keep up with the misfits and Torn as they worked. Her green eyes were showing signs of being tired as the fire magic left her lips. The air was still sparking with fierce magic from the flame sword. 

The blonde tried to keep up with her group as she ran along the edge. Her eyes bounced from the Misfits to Torn and finally she spotted Torn doing something new. Recognizing what he was up to she positioned herself just in time. His words reached her ears as she let loose a flame making sure he was out of the way first. However, with this last head Keira stood between the hydra body and final head.

The Misfits gathered about and Keira looked to the injuried ones. “I will try to heal you but I’m just so tired.” She lifted her hands up to spark the healing magic but a light green sparked from her fingertips and fizzled. She was so tired as she panted. “I’m out of mana.”

She looked to Torn before assessing the heads. “Looks like six in all. One of them had been cut off originally looking at the body. That must have been from the fight with the merfolk.” Keira pushed her blonde curls back before sighing. “Let’s get this done with. We need to work on our wounded quickly after this.” Another harsh breath left her lips again as she looked her burnt hands. “I’m going to have to do something with this as well.”

Taking off her shirt, leaving her corset, Keira wrapped it around the hilt of the fire blade. “I pushed it too far.” She growled at herself with anger. She sheath it and put it to her hip. 

Author: Torn, Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 6:56 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn backed off as Keira began the work of searing the flesh of the hydra, taking the brief respite as a chance to catch his breath and observe the beast’s movements. As it lost a number of its heads in rapid succession, torn decided it was about time to prepare for the plan to come to full fruition. He saw Keira drop her blade, frowning. “We’ll need some time to lead the bastard downstream,” he called back to her, separated as they were by the beast’s thrashing. He ran to the head he had severed and retrieved his spear once the beast was out of range, and helped the rest drive it further downstream.

Bringing the hydra to the place it needed to be took a good hour to accomplish, and both the monster and the men were beginning to feel the effect of fatigue. Once Torn spotted the two lookouts, who’d been left behind to ensure the hole they dug hadn’t been filled, Torn cried out to the rest of the Misfits. “Here we go, boys! The hole is close, and the beast is just as exhausted as we are! Move in for the kill!” The forest once again came alive with cheers and warcries, as the spearmen encircled the Hydra in waist-deep waters, keeping it in place. Torn positioned himself dead in front of the monster, taking most of its attention. “Hey, uglies! Down here!”

The monster reared and attacked, but each head had lost one or both eyes, so Torn managed to dodge one attack and intercept the next with his spear, whereas the final head missed completely. “That’s right - come at me, stretch your necks out…” The monster happily obliged, striking at Torn once more. In the deep water, Torn could no longer navigate as well as before, and while he managed to check one attack with his spear, the other strike caught him in the shield, and Torn was knocked beneath the surface of the river.

With bubbles all around him and the pain of impact blurring his senses, Torn found himself unable to tell which way was up when he was knocked under. After a second, however, his senses recovered well enough to at least locate the beast - the splashing of its legs was unmistakable. Torn kicked, and launched himself away from the creature, just in time to avoid three heads smashing into the water and biting furiously. One more moment, and I would have been lunch, he thought, and swam for a few more meters before resurfacing - just in time to see four misfits cut of two of the hydra’s heads, leaving only a single, blind head thrashing about in the water.

Torn tried to cry out and cheer, but the blow from before had left him rather winded. His cry came out a dry rasp, barely reaching the people in his immediate vicinity. “Come on! It is blind and weakened!” Just as he said it, however, the hydra lurched its head high in the air and sprayed, covering its surroundings in its corrosive breath. The Misfits dove, getting into the water to protect themselves from the spray, and the hydra began thrashing like crazy. Three times did the bravest Misfits try to close in on the head, and three times did the hydra knock them beneath the waves. Torn looked around him, gritting his teeth. “Keep it occupied!” he cried, his voice more far-reaching this time.

Torn found a nearby tree, a mighty oak, and tucked his spear into its sheath on his back. And then he began climbing, slowly making his way up the tree’s limbs, until finally he was high enough. He carefully stepped out on one of the tree’s thicker branches, drawing his spear and using it to help balance himself. Luckily, one of the Misfits saw what was happening, and rallied the spearmen to drive the Hydra towards the bank where the oak was located. When the Hydra was finally beneath him, Torn threw his spear from his vantage point, biting into the creature’s flank. Believing the attack happened in a mêlée, the hydra turned around and snapped - and in that instant, Torn lept from his branch, drew his sword, and landed on the neck, hacking away like a crazy person. With each soft chock of steel against flesh, there was another shriek, and Torn was close to getting thrown several times - but he held on somehow, and finally bit through the hydra’s spine. “Ready!” He screamed, and raised his sword. The steel glinted with the first rays of dawn, and as he brought it down, the hydra’s last head fell.

Author: Keira, Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 1:40 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

The halfling gave him a blush and kiss. “I’m only doing what’s necessary like my mother would.” A laugh left her lips as she went through her bag pulling out a completely red sword. It was sheathed and the sheath was ornate with many roses. It had been her brother’s when he was living and her mother’s after that. She just happened to come across it. Taking the sheath off the blade she stared into the lava red blade, it hosted her reflection almost like she was on fire.

Quickly she followed Torn through the forest and her eyes were peering about as if she was about to miss something. The scent of the water hit her nose and it was her first time ever smelling the flesh of a hydra like this. They were nothing like the Arriese Hydra that roamed the plains back home. 

Keira gripped her blade and she felt the magic spark the air. The blade was responding to her. It was telling her not to be so scared and all she could do was stare at it. Was Costel with her? She never got to know her brother as she was born years after he had died. Finally Torn gave orders and quite the speech before the battle would begin. Magic sparked the air again as a warning but she was confused as to what.

It was the corrsive breath that it had been warning to and Keira was too late to dive, however, she had dealt with the many Arriese back home. She had seen her mother deal with mighty hydras as if it was a contest. All because of that blade. She whipped it as magic sparked across the area. Mighty salamander flames shot through the air. The breath was burned back protecting the princess. It was Costel.

A spark came to her eye as she knew that her mother’s magic ran deep within her blood. The sword began to have it’s own heat pattern. It distorted the air around it with heat waves. Still it did not burn it’s owner. She was worthy of it like all of her blood before her. Keira focused on keeping those who needed it safe while they tended their injuries. She couldn’t go into the fray of the battle and hope to be ready when Torn needed her most.

The sword flickered with mighty magic as it waited. It was much like a cat waiting to play with its prey. The fierce force of the weapon scared Keira, no wonder her mother held onto it. The blade was busy using its flaming tongue to lick the air. It knew its target and she knew that she had been ready as well. The sword would be the extension of herself. 

When Torn called for her she unleashed the pent up rage the sword had from being away from it’s true master. It had the roar of a dragon as the flames took the shape of it’s original master’s soul, a dragon’s head. The heat was as intense as the lava of Apoy as she held onto the sword. The magic began to burn at her hands but still she did not let go as she ran and jumped onto the hydra itself. Fire left her lips as she seared the flesh of two more spots as the Misfits claimed victory.

Still as she fell back to ground she dropped the sword and looked at her burnt hands. The sword was still pulsing as it lit the ground beneath it on fire. Still she was alert as her eyes tore back up to the hydra. “I can still sear without it.” She called up to Torn. She had been mistaken to even try and control the full power of her mother’s blade.

Author: Torn, Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2016 12:57 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn grinned down at Keira, himself quite confident. “There’s nothing to worry about,” he said, “and I think you’re pretty damned sexy when you take charge like that…” He winked at her, and gave her a quick kiss, before grabbing his weapons.
 
Most of the Misfits were ready at that point, and Torn looked to the guys, grinning. “We set out, determined to increase our renown and prove ourselves worthy to enter the annals of history once more,” he said, which roused a mighty cheer from the Band. Torn rose his spear in the air, its bronze point glinting with the light reflected off the lake, giving it a cold, unforgiving look. “And fate has seen fit to throw a hydra in our path! Despair not, my friends, for fire is with us, the fires of magic and the burning ambition in our hearts!” Another reverberating cheer was summoned from the lungs of the Misfits. “We march! For fame and fortune!” Torn took point, and set a steady, firm pace for the Misfits to follow, leading the war party into the forest.
 
The terrain in that particular part of the woods was more difficult to manoeuvre than Torn originally anticipated. However, the presence of the hydra had scared away other magical beings, meaning that as long as the forest’s fruits remained untouched, there were no distractions that could derail the Band’s progress. Torn was loathe to hug the banks of the river, for he knew hydras were hunters, and he was not over fond of the idea of the beast suddenly jumping the party from the water. This made it difficult to track, but since the hydra would never stray too far from the river, it was fairly easy to keep an eye out for the marks of the beast’s corrosive breath. A full three more hours did the party spend searching, until finally, a large shadow could be glimpsed beneath the lazy waves of the slow-moving river.
 
Torn held up a hand to signal the group to halt. His voice was soft, so as not to stir the hydra from the waves before the attack could be organized. “Alright, people. We need to draw the beast downstream, until we get to more shallow water. The rapids will make it harder for the beast to move, and eliminate its ability to dive. Spears upstream, to jab and harass the beast. Axes on the flanks, ready to strike. Swords furthest downstream, to stave off the monster and take most of its attention. Let’s do this right.” The men nodded, and Torn looked at Keira to see if she was ready. A hole had been dug by some of the larger men, further downstream, in case it was needed, but Torn had decided on a more skirmish-like tactic until less than four heads remained. And now, it was time for the fight to commence.
 
Torn took a deep breath, and did his best to mimic a cow. The imitation was surprisingly accurate, and as predicted, it roused the hydra from its slumber. Keeping a thick tree between himself and the hydra, Torn kept making that sounds until it finally sprang up, launching a head blindly in Torn’s general direction. The beast rammed its skull straight into the trunk of the tree, swaying from the impact, and torn yelled. “Fame! Fortune! Know no fear!”
 
The forest immediately came alive with the warcries of determined warriors, and the hydra was immediately assaulted by a series of vicious jabs coming from upstream. As predicted, it tried to move away to get a clearer shot, only to be surrounded by swords and axes. The bravest axemen jumped onto the hydra and began hacking away at its necks, further confusing and enraging the beast. The swordsmen took the brunt of the monster’s wrath, forcing them to dive behind cover as its corrosive breath sprayed the forest, eating bed and canopy alike. In the confusion, Torn picked out a head, and charged, piercing one of the head’s eyes with his spear, causing fluids to spill out of the hydra’s eye socket. The monster reared, and immediately sprayed towards Torn – but with one eye taken, it failed to correctly judge the distance, and overshot Torn by a good three meters – and whatever droplets Torn was hit by, were immediately washed away by a spray of river water. “The eyes, boys! If you can take one, do it! It messes with its accuracy!” The men cheered, and immediately began aiming for the eyes whenever a head got close.
 
As the fight slowly moved downstream, the party managed to harass the hydra without taking any fatalities, though three Misfits had been thrown or hit by the monster’s legs or tail, leaving them injured and unable to fight. Many of the heads were now either half-blind or completely robbed of sight, so Torn figured it was about time to move in and begin the bloody work of severing heads. “Okay, boys, go for it! Spears, make it hurt! Swords and axes, get ready!” The spearmen in the rear, who had remained on the edges of the fight up until that point, charged in, stabbing the beast in its necks, rump, and legs. Predictably, many of the heads took to the air howling in pain. Torn threw his spear up under the jaw of one head, making it twitch back and forth, and drew his sword. One brave axeman threw himself unto that self-same neck, and swung his axe, biting hard into the spine of the creature. With the bones severed, Torn swung his blade, and with an effort of will, the head came tumbling down into the water. “Keira, NOW!” he yelled, and dove aside to give Keira a clear shot.

Author: Keira, Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 9:34 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

“A hydra? That’s really dangerous Torn.” She appeared concerned for him but only for a moment as she got pulled closer to him. It calmed her down as he kissed her and she chuckled as he caressed her body. “Always, you know I love to learn new things.”

Torn was always so good at finding spots of all kinds, this list now included secluded spots. He had basically tugged her along even though she was more than willing to go along with him. She was becoming less and less afraid of what giving into her feelings would do. Torn did not seem like he was going anywhere and she liked that. It felt good on an emotional level to finally have someone who cared. 

He had certainly showed his stamina and willingness to go all out for her. A laugh left her lips as she held him close and kissed his cheek in return. “You can say that again. Gods I’ve never felt anything like that before,” she winked at him, giving him an obvious compliment. The underwater scenery had helped and in a way it was also romantic. Feeling the gentle kiss, she felt all the angst of the problems that could have been melt away, and she returned it just as gentle before giving a smile. “Aw, suppose we should not keep them waiting for long.”

When they had finally met up with the Merry Misfits she laughed as they shared stories. She also did not kiss and tell about her time with Torn and was honestly glad he did not go into detail about his time with the mermaids. For whatever reason, she just did not want to know even though she had told him to go do it. It made her feel smug and happy at the same time. She took Torn’s hand as they attempted to calm the men down, her fingers caressing his lightly as they waited. Two hours came and went and finally they managed to get the men on track.

“It’s more than just bashing their brains out,” Keira suddenly turned serious. “Hydras can have any number of heads to begin with and we don’t know how many the merfolk had cut off to begin with. Prepare for a long and hard battle. In order to stop the heads from spawning we’re going to have to cut off the heads and sear their flesh before they can regenerate. I’ll assist with my magic on that front. The very last head is the problem. We’re going to need to lure the hydra to a place where we can bury the final head and make sure that it cannot under any circumstances get to its body. So what we're going to have to do is most likely split up. One team as the diversion and bringing it to the other. The other team will work on digging a big enough hole to bury the bastard in. Just like how you would bury a snapping turtle if the snapping turtle was gigantic and trying to flame your balls off. From there we can begin to start attacking full force. Try to get off as many heads as possible quickly, don't worry about the searing as I can do that quickly.”

Taking a deep breath as Torn told them to go get their equipment she got dressed and looked at her blade long and hard. “It will still be a hard fight.” Something felt odd about going into the fight. Something was warning her to be extra careful. She shook her head as if knocking back the absurd notion that she could not do this. She very well could and she was going to, so why did she feel so guilty about it?

She looked at Torn and leaned into him, putting her head into his chest she took a sigh and was softly speaking up to him, “I’m nervous and I’m not usual that way.” Was it the thought of losing him when they were just starting to get closer? It didn’t feel like it was that way. What was fate getting at? "Also I sound like my damn mother when she is throwing out her battle plans." Keira laughed a bit more and felt less uneasy as she thought of her strong mother.

Author: Torn, Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2016 8:08 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

“Later, baby,” Torn replied after Keira kissed him. “For now, there’s a reward on a hydra living upstream in one of the rivers that flows into the lake,” he said, wrapping his arms around Keira and pulling her closer. “I’ve spread the word that we’ll meet up back at camp at dusk.” He leant in and gave Keira a kiss, his right hand trailing upwards, caressing Keira’s side before cradling her breast. “Which, come to think of it, is still a few hours away… So what do you say, hm?” He pulled her even closer, grinning mischievously. “Want to learn what can be done underwater..?”
 
It took a few minutes for Torn to find a suitably secluded spot. Eventually, however, he found a kelp forest, with a soft, spongy seabed, and hauled Keira along with him into it. There, he went about to business of showing Keira exactly how imaginative sex could be underwater – his earlier experience with the mermaid having provided him with more than a few pointers. Four hours passed in that forest, and six times did Torn manage to ride. After the final session, Torn was floating exhaustedly around, and would have sweated most hideously had they not been underwater. Torn and Keira were wrapped around each other, floating around the forest, still ‘connected’. Torn caught his breath, kissed Keira’s cheek, and whispered in her ear. “That was fantastic, Keira… Absolutely fantastic.” Torn did not quite know why, but the last time had felt special, as if their lovemaking this time had been more monumental than other times. Torn wondered if this meant he was well and truly falling in love with Keira, or perhaps if it meant it was important in some other way. He quickly shook the feeling, however, and with a gentle kiss, he separated himself from Keira. “Come on, baby. The guys will be waiting.”
 
The rendezvous with the rest of the Misfits proceeded pretty much as expected. While Torn tried to keep the guys on the topic of the hydra, the men insisted on sharing stories about mermaids, positions, and other things, almost all revolving around sex. Torn, on his end, elected not to share any details, neither about Keira or the mermaid he’d slept with, out of respect for his lover. It took a full two hours to calm the men down and get them on topic. “Alright, guys. The hydra we’re hunting makes its home upstream in the eastern river. It’s been harassing fishermen and has killed a number of merfolk. There’s a bounty on it, and I say we claim it!” To this, the men cheered, and the forest momentarily shook with their voices. Once the warcry died down, Torn continued. “We all know how this works. Sever a head, and two more will form. Break open their skulls and spill the brains, that way we can kill the heads without getting new ones to contend with.” Torn looked at Keira with a smile. “Or so the rosenite says, and I’m willing to trust her on that,” he said. He turned back to the Misfits. “It fought a skirmish with merfolk scouts today, and it’s bound to be tired. But we’re not, are we!?” The Misfits cheered again, raising their fists in eager anticipation. “Kit up, boys, we’re going monster hunting!” And so, the misfits – and Torn – began fetching their equipment and preparing for the hunt.

Author: Keira, Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:21 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

A soft smile came across her lips as she returned his kiss. His grin was contagious as she watched him “Have fun.” She waved him off and was about to leave her spot when he caught her off guard. “I know.” Maybe it wasn’t the best response to him giving his heart but she was still so unsure and cautious.

Swimming deep into the brightly lit city she ignored the mer men and some of the females as she found things that interested her. She was more content with just Torn than the feeling she had to go out and find someone else. Picking up an enchanted tome she flipped through it. The pages glowed with a number of spells. Obviously the glow was for dark areas and under water. “I’ve never seen many people come down here looking for tomes.” The voice caught her off guard as she visibly jumped. Her dainty feet scraping across the bottom of the lake.

Turning around she seen a mer man with dark, dark hair and scales. Her head tilted to the side a bit. “I’m just with the men who came down earlier. My goal is to explore and research, not to fuck.” Her explanation was simple but then her mind went to Torn and a  blush came to her face. 

“Well, that’s the first time I’ve heard that in a long while. Take the book, it might be of use to you.” The man gave her a smile and Keira could tell by the look in his eyes that he was much older than his body showed.

“Don’t you want payment?” Keira was wondering what his angle was. People just didn’t give things like the book out for free.

“We trade down here Miss. You’ve given me a good laugh.” It was a tad insulting as she closed the book and held it close to her chest.

“Well… thank you.” She turned from him, on her heel against the bottom of the lake, and swam away easily. She found a resting spot near what appeared to be the center of the town. She sat down near some coral, weird that it had been there but she shrugged, and read more of it for the remaining time she had, or felt she had.

Getting restless she got up walked about the town more. Finally when Torn showed up, he about scared the shit right out of her. Taking a few deep  breaths she began to laugh. She leaned her head into his as he kissed her neck and smiled a bit more. “I missed you,” the words were weird for her but they were quiet leaving her lips so only he could hear. He wrapped his arms around her and she snuggled up to him. Turning her head so her green eyes could watch him. “I would always welcome you back as long as you continue to be here with me.” She took a hand from the book and put it on his.

“Oh?” She turned in his arms and kissed his lips softly. “What is our new adventure?” The book stayed between them and she let out a chuckle. “I got this. It’s a spell book of sorts.” Looking up at him for a moment she gave him a smile. “I’ll read it to you later if you’d like, or demonstrate.” She rubbed her nose against him and laughed before kissing him.

Author: Torn, Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 4:40 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Upon Keira giving Torn her reply, Torn grinned and leaned in to give Keira a kiss. "Thanks. I'll go do my own kind of exploring as well," he said, "maybe pick up some rumours that can lead us to our next adventure." He swam off, but turned around after a few meters. "Hey, Keira," he said, smiling. "I wouldn't have asked if I didn't care. I won't make a habit of it, I promise." He then swam off to find something exciting.

After a few minutes of swimming, he came across a mermaid with a rather impressive bosom, eating something out of a seashell. The woman was beautiful - beyond just the breasts - and so Torn decided to give it a go. "Hello, there, miss," he said, with his most charming smile. The woman looked at at him, then down at him, and smirked. "Why hello there, stranger. What brings you to this part of the world?" Torn took that as an invitation, and swam closer. "Looking for glorious things to remember," he said, putting his hand at the back of the woman's fin. The woman smirked at him. "Such as?" Torn shrugged nonchalantly. "Exotic experiences, for example." He trailed his hand up, looking the mermaid in the eyes. "May I?" The mermaid chuckled, and led his hand to her chest. "You may."

Three hours later, Torn left the woman's apartment, quite satisfied. The experience had been exotic and exctiting to be sure, and the spark was clearly there, but it didn't light the lingering fire he so enjoyed feeling after a night with Keira. And so, Torn had left her there, which left the woman a little disappointed. That's when another Misfit, with two mermaids in tow, swam up to Torn with a grin. "Lady gave ya' a hall pas, eh, Torn?" Torn looked up at the man with a grin. "I see you found yourself some company as well, Halfdan," he replied. "Aye," the man replied, "and they had some interesting news. Apparently, one of the rivers that flow into this lake is plagued by a hydra, an' the locals have issued a bounty on the fucker." Torn perked an eyebrow, then smirked. "Sounds like the next leg of our journey," he said. "We'll gather up tonight. For now, I have to look for Keira." The man nodded. "Aye, you do that. I'll take these two beautiful women an' show them how we fuck in the Northlands," he said, grinning, with a girl giggling on each of his arms.

It took a further half hour for Torn to find Keira, in what was, in truth, a rather expansive underwater city. However, when he finally did see her, he swam up behind her, and introduced himself by getting re-acquainted with her chest. "Hello there, gorgeous," he said. "My curiosity have been sated, and now I return to you," he said, kissing her neck. In a more serious tone, he slid his hands down to her belly and held around her, his chin resting on her shoulder. "And I think I will always do that, as long as you welcome me back." He gave her belly a subconcious caress. "And I think I've found our next adventure."

Author: Keira, Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 11:06 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Keira had grown up in a forest. She went on the hunt several times with her father even as a pup with her twin. The memories were peaceful and she even remembered splashing around in the water with Ynnarah, though she couldn’t say she ever got practice swimming in a human body. She missed her family in that way, her pack was her home, but so was Sularia. Someday she would visit, but at that moment she was where she felt like she needed to be.

Still mesmerized by the water and enchantment, Torn caught her off guard. She visibly jumped the best she could in the water. It was the question she had been dreading and it showed on her face as she tried to answer. She wanted to tell him that she was glad he asked. Bringing her hand up she stroked his cheek and gave him a smile before kissing him softly. “I do… but for now, what kind of lover would I be if I didn’t give you the chance to fool around with some mermaids.” It was a once in a lifetime chance for him. “Go have fun.”

There was a part of her that wanted to keep him to herself but there was the other side that generally did feel that way. Who was she to tie him down? “I want the exclusive enjoyment but I also don’t want to hold you back from this place.” A cradled his face and gave him a sad smile. Another kiss to his forehead and she was back to being cheery, “Besides like I said, this is a once in a life time thing. I would rather you have stories to tell than worry about my feelings.” Not that she was entirely sure if he was or not. "I'll be around the town looking at things. It will give me time to study the architecture around here and probably the trinkets as well. I also want to try and understand the enchantments on the water, but I know that stuff probably doesn't interest you."

Author: Torn, Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:10 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Having grown up in a fishing village, Torn's swimming was actually quite good. He held his breath for a while as he followed Keira into the deep, but as soon as he saw her take a breath, he did the same - and found he breathed the water as though it was air. He grinned, and turned around, yelling to the misfits. "It's fine, lads, I really can breathe this water!" Not waiting for his companions to cath up, Torn swam down, savouring the sights.

As he reached the civilized, urbanized area of the lake with Keira, he was immediately swarmed by mermaids who wanted to drag him to various places, to either show him the sights, or show him the sights. Torn looked at Keira, who seemed to be getting the attention of local mermen, and cocked an eyebrow. he excused himself to the mermaids (who complained audibly) and swam over to Keira, poking her on the shoulder.

"One thing I've been wondering, Keira. About us. So far, we've been… Enjoying ourselves, but… What are your thoughts on fidelity? The thing we have going, do you want it to be exclusive?" His facial expression was one of curiosity more than anything - in truth, Torn hadn't thought much about the exclusiveness about the relationship, and he didn't care all that much either way - they would both be able to find other partners should they so desire, but at the same time, their alone time - sexual and otherwise - was highly enjoyable, and Torn didn't mind if they kept it to themselves.

"I don't care much either way," he said, "but I enjoy your company more than enough to justify an exclusive relationship." Looking at the merfolk settlement, he gave a sigh. "So which would you prefer? Open season, or exclusive enjoyment?"

Author: Keira, Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 4:29 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Tempers were one of the things that Rosenites were known for and Keira was no exception. They were protective of their race as no one else would be towards them just out of respect. Being desert dwellers they had a responsibility to each other and having been the one to kill her own had made her a hateful towards the fairies at first. She took a deep breath as she calmed herself before responding to Torn. “Of course, if I could find a phoenix or clergy member of Angela that would be best.” Phoenix tended to be the way they sent letters. The birds could take care of themselves and they wouldn’t die to the heat of the desert like so many other birds.

Getting the lake was easy after the fey was sent off. In a way, she felt guilty for having taken it that far. Though in that moment she had her heart filled with angry at one of her own, even if it was the Rosenite’s own stupidity that had killed her. A wince crossed her face for a moment as the thought rolled by. “Yes, it is.”

Keira tilted her head and laughed. Not being one to be out done the halfling stripped with him. That was another things Rosenites hated, ruined clothing. Even at the Kirika Lake everyone was so use to each other they barely batted an eyelash. The misfits eyes were on her and she could feel them, but to Keira it didn't really matter. It only took the first few words out of his mouth as she dropped the ribbon that had been holding her hair up for Keira to launch herself into the water. Out of instinct she held her breath but eventually she let the breath go and found herself able to breath as if she had gills herself. 

Even within the water it was not murky though the deep darkness kept her at bay. Waiting for the others, she finally began the decent. The darkness gave way to clusters of glowing shells decorating buildings. It appeared abandoned at first, but as they got closer life began to show up. From fish to mer people. They were beautiful with their long hair, even the men though their hair was held back. 

Getting closer there was now singing and distinct talking. It was much like a busy market as Keira’s feet flirted with the bottom of the lake. Her fingers went up against the river stone buildings and felt the smoothness. The shells clung all about and treasures from many adventures floated from strings on some of the buildings. A mer man floated past her as they locked eyes for a moment.


He was ever the flirt as Torn was as his hand felt across her hip. She would have blushed if not mesmerized by the whole scene. “Staying?” The voice caught her off guard and she nodded her head for a moment. He seemed pleased with her answer as he took off. The glistening color of his scales still catching her off guard.

“Wait! I have questions!” Keira’s voice boomed through the water and she instantly covered her mouth in shock. They could even talk here? What the hell kind of magic was cast in this place? Her eyes panicked as she looked towards Torn for what to do next. Not even she had been prepared for the amount of enchantment this lake had.

Unlike the illustrations that most seamen had the mermaids were topless, or rather shell-less. Their jiggling jugs had the attention of the misfits almost instantly. Scales of all colors were all over the mermaids compared to their male counterparts. She was sure that it was like all of the animal kingdom with mortals included.

Their hair was much more vibrant compared to Keira’s dull trusses. Their color ranging from bright purple to a golden hue more powerful then her own. It made the girl feel uneasy. However, she was different and she had noted the males being more interested in her. She was different and that was something viewed as beautiful in most places. 

Author: Torn, Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2016 3:59 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn watched, semi- interested, as keira tore into the dance and coerced the fairies to reveal the path. He wasn't surprised - anyone'd get a little unhinged after seeing their kin tortured and forced to end their suffering. Some of the Misfits seemed a little ill at ease watching the scene, as it was rather grisly, but Torn was oddly - paradoxally - uninterested in it. For one, he didn't find the men very attractive (he could be a little sexist like that) and so didn't care as much about them, and after spending so many intimate nights with Keira, her aggressive action came as no surprise to him.

As she came back, Torn gave her a pat on the shoulder. "We can post it when we get out of here. But first, let's do what we set out to do." He accompanied Keira to the lake, the Merry Band of Misfits in tow, and took a moment to drink in the scenery. The lake was enormous, far larger than it should have been, considering the amount of space the forest took on a map. And despite the forest generally being so underwater-like, the lake was clear and gentle, a stark divider between forest and water. Torn smiled, then grinned, at the splendour of the scene around him. "Beautiful," he said, his eyes glistening with greed - a greed for magnificence and marvels, drinking in every detail.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of the Misfits, but I'm not going to get my armour wet - and I won't deny the mermaids a glimpse of the perfection that is me," he said, grinning widely and winking at Keira. He then began to undress, ridding himself of all garments, until he stood in naught but his skin. A few of the Misfits followed suit, while some decided to stay on shore - though none of them displayed the same boldness as Torn, possibly out of respect for Keira. Torn then proceeded to wade in, and as he got into the water, he turned toward Keira with a grin. "Come on, gorgeous, bragging rights are a few breaststrokes away!"

Author: Keira, Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2016 5:29 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn was ever the heart of the situation. His hand on her shoulder was comforting as she went through the terrifying scenario. The half wolf nodded to Torn and gave a sad smile. “I will sing with him. I promise.” Her voice was soft as her green eyes looked up at him. She knew she would have to write to her mother soon.

As they moved on she knew that not everyone would have listened to her. Keira’s eyes turned back to Torn after leading them to the Fey party. She nodded. “If it was salt water I could have us there in no time just by using my noise. Unfortunately, it is a lake.” She pushed back her blonde hair. “We should go around the party but…” She kept low. “Oh for the love of all the fucks I have to give right now.” Feys weren’t that strong.

Transforming she rushed the scene and ripped the throats of the dying victims out first. She growled deeply. Her large frame and intimidating figure sent the fey flying away from the area. They were tricksters not fighters. ”This way.” Her voice reached them. She stayed in her wolf form as she put her nose to the ground and started to sniff.

She managed to pin a fey to a tree and growled. ”I’ve lost enough sanity in this forest. Where is the lake?” The fey began to flay and cry.

“You just follow the path! HERE HERE HERE. Get the wolf off of me.” The fairy cried and Keira unleashed another growl. The fairy made the path appear and Keira dropped it.


Her form shifted again and she sighed. “Get out of here before I change my mind.” She wiped the blood from her lips from setting the lost souls free. The fey was quick to run as it appeared Keira had damaged its wing. “Feys can’t lie. Terrible tragedy.” She took her backpack back and sighed. “I don’t like my head fucked with too much.” She was grumbling now. “Still need to write a letter home to my mother.”

She took Torn’s arm and leaned on it as they followed the path to the lake. Once they got there she stared at just how large the lake really was. The crystal clear water was almost like a huge mirror. She left his arm just to take her boots off and feel the water with her feet. “The water is warm.” She looked up to the troupe. “You can either get naked or go in fully clothed. They probably don’t care.”

Author: Torn, Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2016 2:58 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn suddenly had a bag thrust into his arms (which caused him to drop his spear) and watched as keira ran up to help a young woman playing a harp. Torn gave the bag to one of his companions, picked up his spear, and followed Keira.

As he saw the scene unfold before him, and witnessed the beautiful young woman beg for death, Torn felt a peculiar chill down his spine. To die so young and tragically… And in such pain… At the hands of family? His mind, steeled as it was for the hardships of adventure, rumbled a little trying to cope with the scene before him. I suppose any good story has its share of tragedies, he thought, making a mental note to mention the tragic woman, when he recounted the tale of his adventure to see mermaids.

Torn did not avert his gaze as the woman died from the poison. As much as he wanted to, he could not bear it. He felt that somehow, it was his duty to ensure her final moments did not go unsung, and so, he swallowed his pity as well as his grief for this girl he'd never gotten a chance to know, and committed each and every detail to memory - the girl's clothing, her bloodied fingers, the way she convulsed as her body siezed up, everything. As the woman passed away, Torn gave a promise. "Your verse will be sung. While I have a voice, your verse will be sung."

As Keira took the girl's necklace, Torn reached out and grabbed her shoulder, giving it a squeeze to let her know he was there, ready to help her get through it if needed. However, Torn was ever a man to look ahead, and thus he gestured for the party to press on.

Torn listened to Keira's words as the group moved through the forest. He listened to Keira explain that most of her kin died young, and of how the people of Pravpora slew their gods. Torn, however, found himself unmoved by the stories. Those who choose to live on the edge will invariably be cut, he thought, ignoring the fact that he lived that way himself. And waging war on their own gods… Now that is a good tale, no matter how tragic its ending might have been.

Instead, Torn spent a lot of time during the hike through the woods mulling over how best to do the poor harp-playing girl justice in a song. Torn was by no means a particularily intelligent man, but his wordcraft was among the best. Truly, Torn had never met a man or woman with such inherent charisma as himself, and so, when he committed to use his charisma to tell a story, he thought it to be his duty to commit every fiber of his being to that purpose.

He had just about formulated a good idea of how the verse would sound when Keira pointed out a group of fairies, dancing with the dead and dying. Torn was morbidly fascinated by the scene, for these men were clearly under the same kind of spell as the woman before. This time, however, the scene was more comical, lending less of a tragic edge to the men's suffering.

"I see. Well, as long as you lead us more or less true, Keira, I doubt it will come to that. We have provisions aplently." Some of the Misfits looked uncomfortable at the sight of the dancing men, but the group pressed on. In particular, the younger members of the group looked unnerved by their current conditions. By contrast, the older members seemed to have a laconic view of it all, as they has a better understanding of what they signed up for when they joined Torn on his adventures.

Torn kept pace, using his own broadsword to broaden the path while his spear was slung across his back. Between them, the party made some decent progress, and after a couple of hours they reached a clearing. There was a ring of stones with scorched grass in the middle, denoting a fireplace. Torn made a gesture to his companions, and they set about building a fire, using charcoal, and twigs picked up along the way. "I have a good feeling about this place. What do you think, Keira? How likely is it that this site is clear of traps and hazards?"

Author: Keira, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 3:24 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Keira had heard stories of the forest from many people. This was one of the reasons why she wanted to come here and study, at least her main reason. She went into the portal with not even a blink, there had been worse things she had put her mind to. Entering the forest she stuck her hand out as the blue mana fell from the trees. Tilting her head, her blonde curls fell over her shoulder. She knew what it was that was leaking from the trees but how? Her nose wrinkled a bit.

Were the stories true?

“What’s leaking from the trees is magic rather a source of magic.” Keira noted not only for herself but for the others as well. “Rumor has it when Parvpora waged war on the World Tree and the gods here… that it fell but before that it hung over this area. It wasn’t always enchanted but more so the tree made it so. How I don’t readily know.”

Taking in the sites her wolf eyes peered long and her ears listened deep. “It’s much like the Rainforest now that you think about it, at least noise wise.” No, wait. She paused for a moment before hastily stepping forward. There was crying. “Let’s check it out just in case.” Keira wasn’t one to not help someone so she made her way towards it.

There on a little hill was a woman. Her fingers were bleeding as the flesh was slowly falling off. She was playing a harp or more so the harp was playing her. Keira spotted a rose necklace around her neck and seen the color white. “I have to help her.” She gave her bag to Torn and rushed up to her. They talked or rather the woman screamed in pain.

“Kill me please Princess. Please.” Keira shook her head to the pleading woman. She took the woman’s hands trying to pry them from the harp but it was no good. The pulling just made the woman cry more. 

“Well I can’t just leave you here like this.”

“Tell your mother I’m a fool. Tell her I’m sorry.” The Rose Courts were like family. They knew each other well enough and while Keira had been on adventures and not known everyone in her court they knew her. 

“…If this is what you want I’ll try to make it fast.” It pained her but she wouldn’t have blood on her hands anymore then she did. Keira jumped from the spot and began to climb up into a tree. Before long she came back down with a bunch of purple berries in her hands. “It’s going to hurt… I hope you know that.” The woman could only nod through her tears. Keira didn’t even want to know how long the woman had been there.

Forcing the berries into the woman’s mouth Keira began to regret every second. “Spirits guide you home.” Those were Keira’s last words to her before the convulsions started. The harp released the woman and the halfling caught the body. Foam escaped the woman’s lips and the light left her eyes. It wasn’t a long agonizing death but still. For a few moments Keira held her breath before shutting the woman’s eyes. “She should be able to go home now.” She rested the body on the ground before removing the necklace from the woman’s neck and putting it in her hands tightly.

“We die young my race. Lots of ways and sometimes it's being stupid that gets us the most.” Keira’s words were harsh as she came back to the group. “I did my part, spirits will do the rest. She was part of my mother’s court. You can tell by her necklace. Must have come over to study at the college or explore… Sadly this forest takes more lives then it gives.” Taking out her sword Keira began to cut down a path. At first it was full of anger and then slowly it died down and she looked back at the group. "A while back, a man found a bottle with just a hint of wine in it. Someone had stolen it from the Goddess Angela, my aunt, and left what was left in the city. He wanted to taste it, just a drop, the nectar of the gods. Wine made from the berries of this forest are a death sentence for us mortals. Hell, anything in this forest is. Anyways, the man died and people wanted answers. They don't much like Canelux Gods over here, say they don't exist. They murdered their own gods no matter how vile they were and paid the price for it." Another swing cleared more of the way.

"Aunt Angela doesn't keep the bottles locked up. If morons want to take it and drink it, let them die. That woman back there? She didn't deserve that but that's what I told you about before we came in. You come in here not knowing the dangers or the enchantments… you wind up dead. This place doesn't always instantly kill you. That woman could have been there for days before we came along and put her out of her misery. She would have been there until she bled out. That is the power of Feeorin."

Off in the distance she could hear more music and she stopped. She motioned them softly. There was group of fairies and what looked like a troupe. Some of the fairies looked like they were dancing with dead bodies and the other living ones? They were crying and not able to stop the painful dance. "See?"

Author: Torn, Posted: Thu Jun 9, 2016 10:50 AM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

The party finally arrived at the spot the adventure was supposed to truly begin. Torn looked to Keira to open up the path ahead, and she did not disappoint. "I'll take care not to chomp on anything untoward," he said, with a cheeky smile. As they approached the 'fairy ring' as Keira called it, Torn felt a tingle of anticipation. Keira did something to a mushroom (Torn has his head too far up in the clouds to pay attention to this bit) and opened a portal of sorts. Torn addressed the Band, smiling broadly.

"Alright, lads! This place, according to Keira, is more or less made to trap daring sould like ours," he began, looking slightly less nervous than a mountaineer would, if said mountaineer was told to climb a lamb-sized stone. He peered into the portal, looking at the greenerey. Blue-ery? He addressed his companions again. "Listen, lads, do not eat, drink, or touch anything that looks suspicious. In fact, it'd be best if you didn't touch much at all," he said, grinning like the fool he was. "Always look out for the men on your right and left - let none stray from sight or earshot, and stop them from doing anything rash - by force if you must." He jammed his spear in the ground and stood proudly - or rather, like he was posing for a painting. "And do remember, there are mermaids at the end should we live!" At this comment, the men cheered loudly, many making crude comments about water-beauties and the things they wanted to do with them.

Torn then stepped through the portal, finding himself in a forest that could only be described as alien. The lighting was eerie, otherworldly, even, or perhaps more aptly described, oceanic. With the blue trees, colourful flora, and the dancing light, the scene was nut unlike that of a coral reef, with thousands of colours and peculiar plants and animals buzzing about in an ever-changing scenerey. Serpents swam through the air like it was water, and while the breeze was refreshing, the plantlife swayed slowly in the air, as though it was water. However, brightly coloured birds also flew effortlessly in the wind, and small animals of all kind skipped in the underbrush and canopy unhindered. Torn stood still, drinking in the sights.

"Okay. I'll readily admit it. This is awesome." He stood in place, trembling a little bit. He meant what he said - the place was beautiful, but the spell resting over the place also gave it an intimidating edge. Awe, it seemed, was an appropriate response. Torn didn't even register the rest of his company joining him at first. Only when someone shook his shoulder, did Torn snap out of his trance. He looked ahead with a grin. "Alright, gentlemen! And lady. Let us not linger over long here in the woods - press on, and let's claim our prize!" He then began advancing into the forest, heart pounding in his chest, thrilled at the magnificence of his new adventure.

Author: Keira, Posted: Mon Jun 6, 2016 10:02 AM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Keira felt at home with the group. She may have not been as charismatic as Torn but it got the job done. “I’ll set to finding out how one would get to Feeorin and fasten a map of sorts from what the rumors and stories say.” She knew that Feeorin would be no candy trip but still the men were capable enough. She wanted time to study the enchantments of the underwater city and it just so happened it would occupy the men as well.

While the days came and went, Keira was busy if not listening to the rumors of the town then she was lingering over tomes in the library of the college. Torn had come with her if only to keep her company. Though for the most part it was his presence that she liked more so than the conversation. She was able to craft a map of their route and the best way to get there from talking to mages around the college. She ran into the occasional Rosenite who was more than willing to give her the information she wanted for free, perks of being a noble.
Finally, they were on there way. She held up the map she had drawn, the corner was dabbed in a pinkish paint. This was how she could tell the maps apart quickly, of course these were different from the maps she sold as they were pristine. Torn’s winks would cause the woman to blush and rush back to her have her head in whatever book happened to be in her hand at the time, map or otherwise. While his charm hadn’t worked at first, it seemed to be now though she doubted it was simply because of the charm.

It took a few days of traveling and every once in a while Keira would shift. Her wolf form was giant compared to most wolves and more on par with a dire wolf. She would leave her bag with torn and her golden paws would run off into the distance at a quick pace to see if they were getting any closer. If she encountered anything too dangerous on its own she would take it down and drag it back to the group. It could be worth something or they could use it.

Finally they managed to get close enough where Keira didn’t shift but asked to be lifted up just enough where she could see into the distance. It smelled different the closer they got. “I see the fairy ring. It’s just up ahead.” She jumped down and thanked the man who lifted her before looking towards Torn. “Remember don’t eat anything given to you until we reach the lake. You’ll die.” Maybe it was the way he was making her feel that it made it necessary to tell him again about the food there. “Also don’t try to touch anything that looks out of the ordinary.”

Taking a powder out of her pack pocket when they got to the fairy circle she spread it on top of the white mushrooms. It broke the glamour that hid the forest and the bright blue trees and bushes became visible like a portal. “Unfortunately, from here we are on our own. Most people who pass through here are adventurers and rather hard to find. If my cousin had been about I would have asked her as she is a bard and would know her way around a forest like this… but sadly I have no the slightest clue where she is.”

Author: Torn, Posted: Mon Jun 6, 2016 9:37 AM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

Torn looked around the table after Keira's suggestion. At the mention of mermaids, most of the company immediately had their heads in the gutter, and it was visibly so. Torn looked at his companions, grinning as he observed their eager (or daydreaming) faces. "I think it is settled, Keira - mermaids it is!" To this exlamation, the merry Band of Misfits cheered, raised their cups, glasses, and flagons, and the whole party drank their fill.

The group stayed in Wyllmochvar for another two days. There was a slight shortage of rooms in the tavern, so many of the men decided to take nights in other establishments (i.e. brothels) whilst others still had parties (i.e. orgies) with girls in their rooms. Torn did not participate in either activity - not only was he not fond of paying for sex, he also was more keen on spending his nights with Keira than chasing skirts around the city - even though he could likely score with any number of young students in the city.

The days came and went, and soon, the party was on the road, travelling towards the fabled lake, to drink in the visage of the lake's inhabitants. Torn was riding his chariot over the plains - the chariot had room for two, but unlike the captain's cabin, the chance to ride alongside Torn rotated. And so Torn kept his companions close - sharing conversation with each in turn, singing with the younger adventurers, conversing with the older ones, and singing again with the elders in the group. Once in a while, however, he'd give Keira a glance and a wink, showing that she never left his thoughts for long.

Author: Keira, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 3:24 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

The winds hadn’t bothered her at all even when painting. It was when they were unfavorable that it appeared to bother her as she had often watched the skies. During the day she spent her time helping to navigate. If not there at a drafter’s desk not far on the deck. She was busy most of the day with drawing the features that she spotted. 

At night Torn was close to her. She would laugh and smile at his stories. His advances were welcomed but when he began to get more serious she would change the subject on him. She was still so scared. She appreciated it above all else though. It was hard not to consider him anything more but her stubborn mind and heart wouldn’t let her give in.

When the ship finally docked she packed her bag and slung it over her shoulder.  Watching the city she was quick to bound to down to look up at all of the buildings. Sure she had stopped short of the overseer. After they settled the deal and they had sold everything she sighed a bit with the nice pouch of silver. She dropped it into her bag and smiled at Torn. 

Sitting down at the inn she was glad they would be resting. She had good sea legs but like most Rosenites she loved the earth her feet were beneath. Turning her attention to what Torn had asked her, she thought about it. “Well…” She jumped up and walked around. “There is a forest not too far from here. Feeorin.” The name visibly made the inn keeper shake. “There are stories about it being so enchanted most people don’t come out alive. It isn’t visible until it has you in its tendrils.” She lifted her fingers through Torn’s hair. 

“I’ve heard about it from my aunt. You can’t eat any of the food there but in the middle,” she chuckled, “a lake of mermaids. A lake where you can breath the water like air. Imagine you with the mermaids boys. Imagine the stories you could tell.” If anything she learned what the men liked and what Torn had liked as well.

Author: Torn, Posted: Sun Jun 5, 2016 2:44 PM, Post Subject: A Call to Earn an Epic [P,R]

The trip to Pravpora took no more than two and a half weeks, even with somewhat unfavourable winds. This time was mostly spent singing, working, and generally being cheerful about adventuring. Of course, Torn spent his evenings with Keira most of the time, endeavouring to earn her favour. For this purpose, he sang, kissed, came with poetic remarks, showered her with compliments, and did his level best to be a good partner in the bedroom - and he also shared stories. Stories about how he'd lost his past in the storm that washed him up in a fishing village, stories about his dream, the dream which sent him on his journey to gather fame and fortune. He told tales of beasts he had slain, prizes that had slipped through his grasp, and about interesting people he had met during his adventures. But one thing he did to win Keira over above all, was respect her. Always did he accept her rejections, and he made sure none of his companions hassled her.

Finally, the ship arrived at the ports of Wyllmochvar, the bustling city-state ruled by the greatest mortal mages Revaliir had to offer. Torn stood at the bow of the ship, drinking in the visage of the bustling metropol. The Merry Band of Misfits steered the ship deftly into port, where they were greeted by a robed overseer, who came up to the party with a clipboard.

"State your name and business for the record, please," he said, addressing Torn, who was the first to hop onto the pier. Torn, ever cheerful, responded as was more or less true. "We're adventurers, come from Egjora with goods to sell, hoping to explore the lands of Pravpora!" The man with the clipboard didn't seem phazed by the prospect, simply checking off some points on his list. "Will you be requiring to moor this ship for an extended time?" He asked simply, to which Torn shrigged. "Once we've sold off our goods, I doubt we'll need the ship," he said, scratching his head dramatically. "I'm willing to let it go to one of the local guilds for a fair price." The overseer nodded, checking off yet another item on the list. "May I inspect the vesself for goods to declare?" Torn looked to the rest of the crew. The crew shrugged, and Torn nodded. "Certainly."

The overseer came on board, looking at his checklist. "Is the vessel stolen?" he asked, just like that. Torn looked about to say something, but changed his mind. "Yes. We stole it from a merchant in Egjora." The overseer looked at Torn, a little surprised, before returning to his checklist. "So this ship was not originally destined for the Republic?" Torn shrugged once again. "I honestly have no idea. It was stocked and ready to go, and we needed to get off the island." The overseer proceeded into the holds, where he inspected the goods.

Roughly twenty minutes later, he came back onto the pier, having completed his checklist. "Your goods all check out, none of it is illegal here. You may proceed with selling your inventory. I have assessed the value of the ship, and I can offer you a deal. I can take posession of the ship, for the Wyllmochvarian expedition fleet, in lieu of import tax. How does that sound?" Torn immediately agreed, and arrangements were made for the ship to be emptied later that day.

Two hours had passed before the party had sold off the various goods to the various merchants and guilds willing to purchase them. All in all, the venture afforded roughly twelve hundred silver for each man in the company, including Keira. By this time, Torn had already picked up various rumours. As the company had found an inn they could stay in for the night (it had been empty before the band came in and ordered all the rooms), Torn addressed them all.

"We'll rest up here tonight, and maybe for a few days still." To this, the company let out a murmur of approval - several of the men wanted to do a little wenching before they all went on. "After that, we'll have a number of options. There are bandits to the south that needs dealing with, and there's a war between clans in Attaiyo that might bring fortune. Otherwise, there are tales of wyverns breeding in the mountains called Zujiuchu. Any favourites?" To this, the company was eerily silent. All eyes were on Torn. The company did apparently not care. Wherever Torn, their good luck charm, elected to go, they would follow. And so, Torn found himself looking at Keira. "Well, Keira? Any favourites?"