Morrigan Maygal
The Crimson Hero! Morrigan Maygal (a.k.a. Orri)
A child of great destiny, keeper of the god ki, master of the martial arts, she appears on the battle field filling villains hearts with fear! Her journey has no end, forever to the horizon looking to become stronger, with the knowledge that there is always someone stronger around the corner!
Traveling the seas, and seeing many things few others have, Orri was destined for adventure and something great. Her disposition and drive to always train keeps her somewhat grounded from that fact. Being kind and care free also doesn't hurt, but make a friend in her and you have a loyal ally for life.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
What she does not have in height, she makes up for in sheer muscular tone. Not exactly lean, but curvy enough to make you second guess, until she balances her body on her two index fingers.
Body Features
Hidden muscle and incredibly tones legs that she takes special effort in showing in whichever way she can.
Facial Features
A head of fiery scarlet hair that seems to dance on it's own with the wind, and erupting out of it are two dark long horns coming to almost a heart shape, so she says, and long fuzzy ears coming from the sides of her face. Almost always a smile on her face.
Identifying Characteristics
Horns.
Physical quirks
Horns
Special abilities
Apparel & Accessories
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Abandoned on one of the larger islands of the Silver Seas, she was found and adopted by her Mother and Mom. Who took her home and raised her in the ways of the warrior! Growing to love fighting in every way, and becoming a master in her own style, and a few others. Spending most of her childhood in her home, every spring and summer she lived in and protected the village of Talon. Learning the ways of the Silver Sea Isles. One particular season she joined a ship of Daijya-jin warriors, and loved how they do things, a good or bad influence on her we may never know. When she came of age, her Moms sent her on her own journey like they did. Her faithful Artemis found them a colourful captain and then implanted themselves on her ship.
In her youth she was cursed in…well…it’s none of your business! Morrigan hesitates in speaking about her curses and unsubtly will change the subject. Doing the same when someone asks more specific questions about her past and family.
Gender Identity
Mother says I will be a proper and prim lady, someday.
Sexuality
Oh, oh my. I um well..::zephy whispers in her ear:: OOOH ::blushing:: Guys.
Education
Her main education was in combat, her parents found she was more adept, almost a genius, at martial combat. Her Uncle was the one to declare her a genius fighter many times as he trained her in as many styles as he could.
Her Mom on the other hand was determined to teach her enough to get through in the outside world....there was some frustration, as Orri was drawn so strongly to becoming a better martial artist....and that her mind for book smarts was eager to be as far away from her as possible. Her mother, a noble herself, tried to teach Orri about refinement and skills of nobility...who knows if any of it stuck.
She had a fairly well rounded education, weather she shows it or not. She relies on her ideals, physical ability, and battle sense instead of plans and intelligence. Stick with your strengths.
Employment
No real concern about having a job, she has an almost laser focus on her want to be stronger. Morrigan implanted herself on The Hive and was made Quartermaster, her history in the Isles helps her know what to do and how, but once there is a strong opponent on the scene, her job takes a passenger seat.
Finds herself now as the Captain of the Blazing Chariot
Accomplishments & Achievements
Mastering a few forms of martial artes, and developing her own style entirely. Also has taken her hand at fine artistry as well as being a seamstress.
Failures & Embarrassments
The day she found out of her adoption was quite a blow to her ego and intelligence. Asking why her Mothers did not have horns, or large ears....at a slightly embarrassing age.
Mental Trauma
As a young warrior in training Morrigan's Mother got a little overzealous and Orri got a nasty hit to the head. She seems not to remember..
Intellectual Characteristics
Well hahaha…ha…ha……ummm
Morality & Philosophy
There is always someone stronger around the corner, and I will work endlessly hard to be better tomorrow than I am today! Fighting is what makes me happy, it’s a form of expression.
Taboos
I would love to get some, I’ve already drawn some great ideas!
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Some seek glory, some seek fame, Orri seeks not these things. In fact they barely register on her mind at all. She wants nothing more than to be stronger, work hard to be better today than she was yesterday. Her parents were heroes, so she takes a lot of inspiration from them, and uses her hard work and power to help those who can't help themselves. No one should be forced to fight, fighting should be done to help or as a form of expression. Fighting strong opponents is her ultimate joy, but killing is not usually how she likes to end a fight. They can both part and train to try again in the future.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Mom says I have a mind for battle and combat…but not so well at everything else…she said it as nice as possible.
Likes & Dislikes
She has a passion for opponents stronger than herself, and wants nothing more than to learn and grow stronger from fighting them. Sparing with her friends is a particular favorite pastime of hers, Anaxa always seems eager to spar. A very close second to fighting is food, when Morrigan hungers mortals must move from her path. Her Mother is a fantastic cook and she has tasted a Gaia's worth of delectable foods....however her constant training has given her an appetite that rivals the calamities. Her Mom helped her develop a love of drawing and clothcraft as well. All said and done her family and friends are more important to her than she may let on. For some power lurks deep within her, and if her friends are ever in trouble or hurt she will raise that power and make the culprit pay.
"Ugh is there fruit in this pie? There is supposed to be meat." Morrigan has never quite liked fruits, especially pomegranates. Her Mother used to make her eat them in season, because she loved them so much. She also hates when people are forced to fight, you should want to fight.
Vices & Personality flaws
Personality Quirks
Resting is just as important as training, and Morrigan loves to relax in the highest place she can find underneath the sky.
Hygiene
I should think it is good…sometimes tricky on a boat, but a lady should always be clean and prepared. Zephera sometimes fixes her hair, for her own sanity at least. More often than not she will catch herself with ink or paint stained on something.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Raising him from a puppy Morrigan has loved and cared for Artemis with all her heart. He is always close to her side, if not he can always appear within an instant. A protective and adventurous little brat, Artemis is an endearing lovable animal. On constant occasion he will vanish and reappear with something special...or worthless. "My little hoarder."
There is also a few examples of Artemis being a quicker thinker than his loving mother. On a few instances he has saved her life by leading her somewhere else.
Family Ties
She is the first and only child of adoptive parents. Morrigan speaks affectionately and constantly about her parents. She learned how to be a strong warrior from her Mother, and a caring artist from her Mom. She acts as a woman with a lovely childhood.
Her Uncle who was more than excited to see Orri become a warrior, added to her training. Helping her develop more as an artist in the way of the fist. A charismatic caring man with a lust for combat.
Her Mom's sister was a little distant, but deep down there was a care for her niece...even if...sometimes a difficult woman to deal, especially since Mother and her did not get along.
Religious Views
Getting to know Morrigan you learn her views on the gods is incredibly nonchalant. Far from disrespectful, she talks about them like they are just other people. Perhaps her ignorance to the other planes. Talks with Anaxa have lead to Morrigan almost shrugging her shoulders at the thought of death and the afterlife.
"God's are just people."
Social Aptitude
I love my friends, and whoever hurts them will hurt!
Mannerisms
Moving with a flourish, and constantly adjusting her spectacles.
Hobbies & Pets
Her faithful and loving companion, Artemis, is a large fluffy Blink Dog who can vanish and reappear at will. Orri refers to him as a MizzenMastiff, a joke only funny to her. Receiving the sweet protective creature from a breeder in Talon, they instantly became inseparable. Traveling with them people notice how much the two dote upon each other, as well as the obvious fact that Artemis shows an outward smart nature that seems to over shadow Morrigan's, to such an extent that Artemis has learned some merchant skills to keep Orri from giving away all her Gil.
It will take some time for him to fully trust another, due to how protective he is of Orri. Appearing in front of her and becoming a shield. Once he trusts you, he will do the same for her friends.
Sewing, crocheting, and generally being a seamstress is one of her main hobbies, a passion if you will. Drawing designs and making clothes for her friends and family occupies the time she isn't training.
Orri and Artemis collect things throughout their travels, and she will sometimes incorporate them into her clothing.
Speech
Whatever her lack of intelligence or her simple nature, Morrigan can speak with some etiquette and refinement. Although sometimes seldom, but it has surprised many on her travels.
Wealth & Financial state
Not living a life of luxury, but certainly not wanting for much in life. She never even used money until she was when she was older. A combination of never needing to spend money and being void of any mathematical intelligence has left her with no understanding of the value of a dollar.
Orri: "Umm ok so the salve, and fabric?"
Shopkeep: "Yes, they are 100 gil each."
Orri: "Oh ok...400 gil it is."
Shopkeep: "Whoa, no no no, take 200 off that!"
Orri: "Alright 300! You got yourself a deal!"
Shopkeep: "Do you...is someone here with her to help!"
Passionate warrior of the fist on an endless journey of self discovery! Powerful, but still young and a little naive. A single focused goal of growing stronger and looking to challenge and test that strength.
View Character Profile
Divine Classification
Fated of The Charriot
Alignment
Neutral Good, with a touch of chaos
Honorary & Occupational Titles
The Red Rose of The Silver Sea, The Crimson Hero, The Blazing Fire, Warrior of the Seas, The Edgeless Blade, Chosen by the Gods, Passionate Fist of Justice, Enlightened Warrior, Keeper of the God Ki, Champion of Love and Strength, The Burning Hero, The Blazing Valkyrie, The Scorching Lion, Protector of the Weak, Faster than Lightning, Flashing Speedster, Turbo Phoenix, SECOND Mate!
Age
17
Date of Birth
8th of Ifrit, 1572 YH
Birthplace
Silver Sea Isles
Children
Current Residence
The Hive
Gender
Female
Eyes
Yellow
Hair
Orange and Scarlet
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Lightly tanned, lightly fuzzy
Height
5’ 6” / 6' 4" with horns
Weight
110
Quotes & Catchphrases
I AM MORRIGAN PASSIONATE FLAME OF THE BLAZING EGDLESS BLADE! Always be sure your choices are something you can live with.
The Journal Entry’s title
A swift hand gleefully polished the beautiful blue stone, her smile shining brighter than the stone's ability. She made the stone and the chain that wrapped around her hand and forearm, keeping it in place. Her bright smile and dreamy eyes expression as she marveled the gift from her love, thinking back to his deep expression, "Oh my sweet Drake...I will do my best to not worry you." She mumbled to herself, suddenly hugging herself and squealing with joy, "He called me his "blazing fire" and his "queen"!!! It's so wonderful! My big Fiery King!" She giggled and spun in place nearly bumping into her bosun and second officer. Dame Deadshot and Sir Lionel looked on at the ludicrous display of their captain. "Yikes, she has it bad today, huh?" Deadshot casually asked Lionel with a chuckle. "Indeed, to think our old captain and our new captain would become some ridiculous love struck couple." Deadshot laughs, "Yeah, I didn't even think of that, although I think I remember Drake mentioning her name once or twice before she found us in that straight. You think he planned all this?" Sir Lionel stopped and looked down at Deadshot, raising an eyebrow, "
S: 30 My Little Hoplite, My Little Hoplite
The cargo, it was precious to our homeland. The man gripped the key in his hand with desperation, and covetous zeal. A soul clinging to the aging corpse continues to emit thought, a complex mind with possessive rage and power. In the absence of light it festers as it grows in strength, and unworldly strength, the darkness imprisoning him, all that he can see, absolute horror, he cannot live, he cannot die, trapped in himself, his body his holding cell.....but perhaps not. The mistake of invading the plane of the dead would be his boon, as he absorbed the energy of the ethereal. His corrupted mind and soul turning the dead into his own power, laughing with every advancement of his corruptive power.
This land is mine now, I will keep this treasure safe, my treasure. His tie to Mavros Lykos somehow still lingers in a corner of his broken mind. He waited, gathered power, time an illusion to him now. Silence but for the wailing of the damned, or is this footsteps? Visitors, willing visitors, laughable, their essence will become his power! Foolish mortal scum come descend and meet me. His joy at stealing these foolish mortals lives. The team of mortals descends and approaches what is left of his skeletal form, brittle and useless he needs it not, his mind encased in the source of power his skull, it floats into the air and looks down upon the frail and powerless creatures. These creatures stand no chance MWAHAHA....huh?! The skull can feel hands upon it as it is gripped out of the air. What nonsense is this?! Unhand me...it is not listening, look at it, silly horns and a....a demi-human?! OW!! did it just punch me?! FOOL you cannot damage my powerful...OW!! AGAIN?! Unhand me mortal....by the gods!! OWWW! My skull....is cracking?! This is not possible...His consciousness begins to dissipate but not before seeing the embarrassing sight of the hoplite as a frail slip.
"Ooops...guys I broke it..." The demi-human look guiltily at the shattered skull fragments on the ground. The Hive looks at Morrigan in disbelief knowing full well she has no idea what she just broke. It seems not knowing things doesn't stop the ridiculous martial artist from doing the unbelievable.
Before all this the Hive had to plan to acquire that skull's treasure, a long lost item destined for Edea herself. Their destination was for somewhere called the Etheral plane, told to Morrigan as the land of the dead. After about ten minutes of explaining that it wasn't a good land of the dead, Orri's excitement faltered with her thoughts of home vanishing, "A bad land of the dead, weird." She mumbled to herself, and went along with the plan. Distracting herself with the idea of adventure and steering her vessel, she enjoyed the voyage until all the ships suddenly froze in place and began to float, with the crew of the Blazing Chariot floating around her. She delighted at being able to fly, it was such a rare treat for her because of her severance....however it was drastically slow to move in the air. How do people survive going this slow?! She did take some advantage of it though, slowly floating over to her love. She descended upside down in front of him, booping his nose with a smile as she steals a kiss from him, "Hey, I think we are doing...something. So can you protect the crew?" Drake finds himself smiling at his love's affection and nods at her request. As he does so a large winged creature appears beside the Blazing Chariot, Morrigan smiled at Drake as she jumped on the Admiral's back, "See you, Darling." The Admiral took off, and while Orri stared at Drake as they flew away, she could feel an odd sensation of hands on her body. She got red in the face and noticed the many goblins around her, and sudeenly their words seems familiar as they surrounded her and seemed desperate to get closer, she screamed and panicked as her legs acted on instinct and she leapt straight up into Anaxa on her broom, gripping the hoplite around the waist tightly, "ANAXA HELP ME!!!" Anaxa chuckled to herself and heads to the ship they found.
Spending most of her time being as far away as possible from the Admiral and her family, Morrigan ran through the ship looking for whatever might lead them to their goal. Running through a door and finding herself in a beautiful red gown and being approached by Drake in a fine suit. Her bright excitement showing on her face as she eagerly let herself be swept away by what she assumed was her own daydream. Dancing with her man in what she always dreamed of, then suddenly he became a gross wolf thing and she was trapped in a force cage. There were holes in it, and a wolf stood behind Zephyria, Amarabi's words rang out in Orri's memories and she became eager to protect her dear elf friend. Taking random things from her pockets and her tit hole she threw things at the wolf. A ring that seemed worthless, and her precious shrinking wardrobe, in a sincere hope to keep Zephyria safe and more importantly happy.
This place was strange, a ship full of odd things and monsters, Orri didn't really know what to make of it. Her preconceptions of her home, kept throwing her off, especially when she saw a floating head, her ignorance about lichs shown through, when she grabbed it and started breaking it. "Must be some sort of magic item that turns people frail and short, poor Anaxa" She thought to herself as it broke in her grasp. Looking over at poor Anaxa. Her dear little sister was finally just that and it was such a shock. Poor Anaxa, she is so proud and strong, to suddenly be shrunk and lose her muscle must have been so scary for her. Morrigan looked on at her little sis and couldn't believe it....the sight...the change...she was so....CUTE!!! She surely won't be happy if it's mentioned too much, "Her pride will not take this...but I should talk to her about it. I'm sure we have time here in this weird place."
Supplement Entry: Letter To Auntie
The time to leave the greatest place that the daughter of the gods has ever been to. It came to Morrigan's attention that the "gift" from her dear....well from her Aunt had helped her find the love of her life. It was the perfect moment to send a letter to her, without the aid of being able to use a sending stone or figure out Ishtar's number she approached a service to send messages and letters on Pomporia. She walked in with a bright smile and handed the clerk a quite unreasonable amount of drachma, and slid the letter to them. Upon seeing the address AND the recipient the clerk nearly fainted, she eyes the demi-human and the drachma, and finally the money won out and she shrugged taking the letter and giving Morrigan a nod.
Written on beautiful parchment and harboring the well known seal of Kur and Wheathersby so Ishtar would know right away who it was from.
Dear Auntie Ish,
HI!! It's Morrigan, but I figured you guessed that. I'm not sure how many people send you letters. Maybe your followers, anyway...
I hope you are doing well in Pentagulia, hopefully you are still there with your avatar. I've been travelling with some amazing
people over in the Merian sea, which isn't TO far from where you are....but we have to stop this black stuff on the water and fight
some weird king guy named Crud...(There are a number of crossed out names) King Cruditeie. Something like that, he is some
evil god man, according to the others, it's a little confusing. It has been a lot of fun though, BUT the reason I'm writing to you is
actually really exciting!
I don't know if you know because the curse may have been lifted, BUT I FOUND MY LOVE AUNTIE ISH! It happened! and it
was so romantic. I wish you could have seen it, we met at dawn to have a confession duel and suddenly a giant monster showed up
and we fought it together, it was so wonderful and passionate, and then...HE KISSED ME! I know you gave me this curse to help me
find them, and after I made him some food, he loved it. OH also his name is Drake, and he has bright red hair, and a handsome smile
and these big arms, and beautiful eyes that can pierce anything, and his hair. Well anyway he is so strong and sweet, he wants to be
sure I get stronger and he cares about my dreams of getting stronger and fighting strong people. Oh Auntie Ish it's so wonderful..I
just wanted to let you know.
Thank you, and I hope you are having fun, I know you like staying on Gaia in you avatar thing. Maybe I can try to visit? I have a friend
who is a bard, I'm sure they would be excited to meet you. I hope you write me back..or do some magic message thing...if anything use
mom's mirror to call me! Love you!!
Your loving niece
Morrigan Durandel Wheathersbey with a silent I
S: 29 Pomporia is for Lovers, When you're here, you're family
Pomporia isn't as much war torn as it was devastated by a kill hungry psychopath, but there is an energy on the island, a beauty that seems to effect visitors in a particular way. Causing thoughts of romance to blossom in even the most battle hardened hoplite. Causing seemingly romance less jocks to become some of the most romantic individuals alive, what it seems like is.....
Pomporia is for Lovers
Within this the island is a fine establishment for food, a restaurant that welcomes you as if you're family. An up and coming place that Anaxa found out about and mentioned casually that they offer a special service, "Yes they seem to sell a never ending pasta and breadsticks." Orri's large ears perked up and, "Wait! So the food just keeps coming out forever?!" She said excitedly as Anaxa attempted to intercede, realizing her blunder, "Orri hold on I...." The demi-human was gone, vanished in a puff of smoke. The hoplite shaking her head and realized she would have to reimburse the poor restaurant owner.
A few days later after the events of Ifrit seventh, Drake was in the middle of his eighth mile of his ten mile run, when he felt a weight on his arm, the familiar grapple of his Morrigan, "Drake, guess what? I just remembered something Anaxa said about a place with endless bread sticks!" Drake's expression went from a smile to utter seriousness, he looked at his love in the eyes, "Bring me there." Orri smiled and dragged in to the Garden of Olives, "Here! We can have dinner together." The smell of freshly baked breads and sauces with fish paste and meats, it wafted out to them and they were entranced and floated inside. One of the owners daughters comes to the table the couple sat at, Morrigan watching her approach with excitement bursting out, "Hello!" She then whispers, "Someone said you offer endless breadsticks and salads." The young woman smiles, "Why yes umm miss, we do." The young couple looks at each other with excitement and nod their heads and in unison say, "Can we have that!?" The waitress giggles and nods, bringing over a bowl of about five breadsticks, she places it down and before she can speak it is completely empty, "These are....oh...um...I could have sworn..." She says with confusion and looks up at Morrigan, "Those are really good....but there can be more...right?" She says with a warm smile, the confused waitress can do nothing but nod and rushes back with another bowl and once again it's empty before she can place it down. She notices both Drake and Morrigan chewing, she blinks a few times and rushes to the kitchen in the back, "FATHER! Father!" A middle aged man comes rushing over, "My dear what is it?" The woman looks at her father with a look of worry and horror, "Do you remember when you started the endless breadsticks, and I had that prophetic dream about the endless void swallowing them all?" The father thinks back and chuckles, "Yes I remember how silly that notion was, why do you mention it?" The daughter grabs her father by the collar and gets right in his face, her expression one of panic, "They are here!"
After what seems like an uncountable amount of breadsticks the young couple, seem to slow down and realize the day is disappearing, the poor waitress approaches and with a nervous tone, "Um...I'm sorry, but we are completely out of dough for breadsticks. You both ate them all." Morrigan had a look of horror that there would be no more breadsticks, she nodded and placed a somewhat heavy bag in the waitress's hands, "Oh ok, thank you for the food, come on Drake, let's go work off this food!" She grabs Drake's hand and speeds out of the restaurant leaving the dumbfounded woman holding a heavy bag of drachma, she suddenly screams as she counts out nearly a thousand coins. To say the Hive has not had some weird impact on this island would be a tremendous lie, but the island has seemed to have an effect on them as well, especially Morrigan.
This wonderful island now means almost everything to the love obsessed Morrigan, she finally accepted the love of her life where she didn't want to expect it. This island also brought upon her first kiss, now due to a certain merchant's intervention she has experienced yet another first.
A beautiful breeze lead the young woman to the sounds of her friend Amarabi and her sweet Artemis, the two seemed to be speaking business. Morrigan smiled as she approached seeing how close the two have become, it seemed like they were very old friends. Artemis barked and circled Orri with joy and licked her face and Amarabi smiled warmly. After a few pleasantries and friendly banter, the purple clad merchant gave the martial artist a very peculiar smirk, "My dear Morrigan, I wish for you to have these, special oysters! a wonderful meal to share with your man, On the house!" He nearly chuckled when Orri and Artemis looked at him with confusion for the same reason, for once, "On the house?" They both said. In typical Orri fashion she studied the oysters with hunger and finally asked, "You want Drake and I to eat this on a house?" Amarabi saw it coming and came back quite quickly with, "No, it means free my friend." A statement that went against everything Artemis taught her, but she took the oysters with a smile and went off to find her love. Amarabi and Artemis glance at each other with a knowing smirk.
Morrigan quickly sprinting toward the Blade of Ifrit, Across the island the ground shook underneath him with each practice swing Drake made, only stopping when Orri appeared beside him planting a soft kiss on his cheek. She held up the gifted meal, "Hungry? Amarabi gifted us a dinner, we have to eat it on a house." Barely a look of confusion on his face as Drake agreed and they found an empty house and sat on the roof under the stars. Such a sweet and romantic idea, the endless lights above them, and a bright blue marble in view made Orri smile. As if she was sharing this moment with her moms as well. They are completely unaware a certain voyeur elf sitting inside the house with her special goggles looking up through the roof at the young couple, hoping the oysters take "effect"
Smiling and enjoying the night with Drake, Morrigan tasted and enjoyed the oysters, feeding a couple to Drake. They laughed and looked at the stars as they finished up the gift from Amarabi, "These are actually tasty, but the texture is...interesting." She then remembers Anaxa's gift and pulls out the small keg and makes it produce wine for both of them, "This is nice..." Orri blushes and takes a sip of the wine. Her heart started beating faster a few seconds ago, something she just assumed was the joy of being with Drake. It began to pump harder in her chest, and her face flushed quickly, her mind started to race as well. Her imagination flashed with images of the letter Anaxa had written about things she wanted to do to Malius, her breath getting a little heavier as she remembered the things written in it, and she gulped her mind raced with images of Drake, and the time they spent on the deserted island months ago. His shirtless form, the way his arms look swinging a sword, that very special smile....She felt her heart pounding harder as she finally looked over at Drake, who seemed to be going through something similar. Their eyes met and a strong feeling could be felt between them. Their heavy breathing matching each other's, something was reaching a fever pitch and a high elf from her hidden theatre was waiting for such a moment. The young lovers stared into each others eyes, looking with nothing but desire for each other, the juice of the oyster urging their already strong feelings into action. Grabbing each other's hands and getting close the two lost themselves in each other.
Greys and purple light coming through an ornate window cast on a loving couple as they set up a special glass surface, "Don't give me that look, I'm not worried I just want to see what our little girl is up to." The lavender haired woman shooed away her wife's objections, "Mayvin, don't lie to me, you miss her so much and just want to see her.....fine fine we can scry on her....well I'll scry on the mirror. Because of your "gift" it's hard to see her." Ereskagal sticks her tongue out and starts to perform the ritual. After a few impatient moments the mirrored surface starts to wave and become clear, gently revealing the location and visage of their loving daughter. "Oh she seems to be......" The image becomes clear and the scene before them was of a loving couple in mid sexual bliss. Morrigan's mother's jaws drop hard as they curse their luck at their timing. The door behind them bursts open, an attractive woman in a beautiful robe walks in with a large tankard of beer in her hand, "Did you do the ritual yet, what is my sweet niece up to! I'm sure she is just training righ....." Ninkasi finally sees the scene and blushes stifling a laugh, "WOO go Orri!" She nudges Mayvin, "Come on Mayvin, GOD OF LOOOVE, aren't you proud of your daughter?" Ninkasi laughs heartily, as Mayvin takes a small handle from her side and a massive blue blade forms out of it and she slices through the ritual casting it away, she then tries to act like she saw nothing and leaves Ninkasi and Ereskagal. "Oooo that boy is in TROUBLE." The god of beer chuckles and winks at Ereskagal, "Oh come on "Lady of the Grey Wastes" my little niece is a big girl now.....she may not be...the quickest of wit in the room, but she is clever enough to figure life out. This guy seems to care for her right?" Ereskagal sighs and nods, "Yes, I guess. She found the love of her life....I'm just more worried about the influence from the world."
After her interlude, Morrigan became what some would describe as insufferable. Flying high with joy and life in general Morrigan beamed as she enjoyed the island, apart from one pestering thought that arose once or twice.
".....for now."
Amarabi's voice would break through after their oyster talk, "It's not JUST "for now" She mumbled to herself. Her connection with one of her dearest friends was strong, and nothing could break it, she loved Zephyria so much. The high elf was there for her from the beginning, and taught her so much about this upside down world of Meria. The idea that she would not have her friend created such sad emotions in the martial artist. Amarabi didn't know what he was talking about, Orri was Zephyria's friend, and she was Orri's. Simple as that, why would Zephyria stop being her friend? Morrigan will just have to put the effort in and make sure her dear elf would still appreciate her presence. Quick images of the purple haired evil Zephyria flashed in her mind, "That was the bad Zephy, and she is gone, so everything will be fine." For the rest of their time on the island, every so often Morrigan would speed to Zephyria's shack and leave a few flowers and a note from her, "Morning! Love you!" It seemed to relieve her anxiety about Amarabi's words, "Not "for now"...FORever." She told herself, and spent the night sitting on a cliff with Drake and Artemis, cuddling her two boys.
S: 28 Date at Dawn!
The sun was in no hurry to emerge from the horizon but a crimson haired young woman woke up half way through the night. She sat at her desk trying to contain a level of giddiness and determination, failing miserably. Mixing a special color of red to paint her lips with and hemming a dress she finished the night before, as her dear puppy awoke to see her putting the dress on. Morrigan checks the look of the dress and looks back at Artemis, she smiles sweetly trying to contain herself and quickly pets and scratches her dear puppy, "Sorry my sweet boy, I didn't mean to wake you." Artemis smiled and accepted the pets with gratitude, "His day of birth is today...isn't it momma." He chuckled to himself, he had debated for the last few days to make her understand that he is always older than her....but he knew better than anyone that it was pointless. Everyone else still became surprised when his dear Orri misunderstood something, but he had been with her the longest and saw her for what she was. Morrigan had her arms around Artemis as he returned from his thoughts, "I'm a little....I mean....Arty, how do I look?" She asked with a smile, her lipstick bright and her eye make up subtle, "You look really pretty, but I'm sure that simple headed baffoon was very literal when he said dawn....which isn't for two more hours....and you know he will just get cocky when he sees you waiting....and you're barely listening aren't you?" He nuzzled her affectionately, "No...I was listening...thank you sweetheart." Orri hugged him and kissed his snout, "I love you so much, see you later." She scratched his ear once more and turned to walk out of her chambers, the long red dress flowing as she passed through the doorway. Artemis watched her leave and smiled, "Good luck....you finally found him." He smiled and put his head back down, a jingle of metal coins filling the mattress, there was still a couple hours before the "duel" so he would sleep until it started.
With slow excited steps she made her way onto the deck of the Blazing Chariot, she crossed her arms and stood confidently.....for nearly two hours by herself. The secondary crew took notice of their captain all dolled up and standing confidently on the main deck. With a few exchanges of odd glances to one another they decided not to question it to much, she was an eccentric captain but steered them right on many occasions so they let it go. Morrigan Durandel Wheathersby...with a silent I, stood there with an elated but serious expression as the sky itself exploded with noise and rain came crashing down. Her dress was soaked almost immediately, but she was undeterred. At any moment he would arrive, and she started to realize just how long she had been waiting here for him, she smiled to herself, "...I really do love that silly boy.." Blushing slightly and smiling to herself she was brought back to the cocky steps of Drake himself.
A few exchanges of teasing words back and forth and their date spar thing was about to begin. Morrigan burst with fiery energy and looked at him excited, however just a second before she charged into battle a squid the size of thee Blazing Chariots deck landed from nowhere in between them. Completely absorbed at the task at hand Morrigan starred passed the large sea monster to the man she was here for. Annoyed that this poor animal was in the way. "Come on, why now of ALL times!!" She screamed in her head, when suddenly the Hive was incapacitated by the large squid, as farfetched as that seems. Morrigan was shocked that her dear sisters were taken out so easily. Orri had to take out this monster so she could finish her confession and would not be denied Drake's confession to her! He will admit he loves her no matter what, she quickly gathered her own life energy and it raged in her palms, "GIIIIGAAAAAA BLAAAAZZZING GOD.....IIIMMPAAAAAAAACT!" The energy slammed into the squid and suddenly Drake jumped off her energy and slashed at the creature, "SCOOORCHING SCIROCCOOOO SLAAAASH!!" The blaze from Drake's blade and Morrigan's energy sizzled the raindrops. Not the be undone Orri jumped off Drake's broad and muscular shoulders....very muscular and toned, the kind of shoulders....She shook her head and landed a flurry of solid hits on the squid, landing next to Drake on the deck. The creature screamed and suddenly seemed to get a second wind, Orri couldn't tell if she head Zephyria laughing, but saw her laying on the ground "unconscious."
Drake turned to Orri, "We have to do this together." Morrigan sighed dreamily and nodded with determination ready to attack. She was so excited to attack with him and felt a connection on the battlefield like no connection she has every felt, this was it! The thing she had dreamed of! The love she had hoped for since she was a young girl. She never thought it would be someone like him, maybe the romance wasn't the most important....but wait! The fire around his blade, the dance that they were performing fighting together, watching his eyes glance at her as she attacked, it felt so romantic. A different kind of romance that she wished she had thought of before, they nodded to each other and by some strange coincidence knew all the words and said them in unison. Did they practice this? Was it rehearsed? No...it was love, TRUE LOVE!
DRAKE: Let's finish this guy off, together!
MORRIGAN: Right!
BOTH: THESE HANDS OF OURS ARE BURNING RED!
DRAKE: THEIR LOUD CRY TELLS US...
MORRIGAN: ..TO GRASP HAPPINESS!
BOTH: ERRRUUUUUPTING BUUUURNING FIINGERSSS!
DRAKE: SEEKI....
MORRIGAN: ..HAAAA!
BOTH: LOVE LOVE TEEENKYOOOKEEEEN!!!
The massive amount of energy and passion causes the massive squid to split in half and explode, the noise drowned out by the new couple as they stared at each other. Morrigan looking into his eyes with a dreamy smile, she was smitten and sighing to herself. Drake grabbed her by the scruff and claimed her lips in a sudden action, Morrigan melted and swooned at the action and placed a hand on his chest to steady herself. He pulled away and she looked at him blushing with a massive smile on her lips and hearts in her eyes, "CONGRADULATIONS..." He was about to say when Orri placed a finger on his lips, "Shh shh don't ruin it..." Still reeling from finally having her first kiss, she wanted more. She leaned in and stole another kiss from him, this one both of them held for a long passionate moment. Until a loud voice of a very UNINJURED Zephyria , "TOUCH HIS BUTT!" Orri pulled away from Drake's lips and blushes. Suddenly the fiery young man picks up his sword and fire erupts from beneath them and he uses his signature escape move, surfing into the sky with his sword. There they were flying toward the horizon as Drake held Orri in his arms princess style, she was swooning and melting at the sheer romantic image of it. The stars and hearts erupting from her eyes as she looked into his face and wrapping her arms around his neck as they fly away, snuggling against him.
After some time of soaring through the air the sword began to slow down as a small island came into view. The two smiled at each other looking as the ground approached quickly, an explosion of sand and water as they landed on the shore together. Morrigan smiling from ear to ear and holding onto Drake's arm as they walked further onto the island, finding a large sculpture like driftwood. It seemed to look out into the ocean, Morrigan smiled brightly and jumped over to it and took a seat. She looked behind her at Drake and patted the spot next to her, watching Drake give a cocky grin and sat. Orri sighed and leaned her head against his rock hard shoulder, "Soooo you never said it back to me you know, do you?" the demi-human teased him chuckling against his shoulder. Drake nodded giving her his signature smile, "Our special attack wouldn't work if I didn't" With a flushed face Orri smiled with giddiness and nuzzled into him. The sun slowly setting in the distance, causing a ridiculous romantic scene, one from one of Orri's books, "....wonderful.." She sighed happily.
As they sat there watching the sun set, Orri glanced over at Drake and admired the light coming off his face. Suddenly Zephyria's voice echoed in her mind, "TOUCH HIS BUTT!" Sweating and debating with herself whether to or not....to do won out eventually, and Orri distracted Drake with a kiss and with a shaky hand touched it for a brief moment. Her shock to find out that it would even be possible...perhaps Medusa made eye contact with Drake's backside....
S:27 Speak His Name....
A sweet, breezy, and salty Ignus morning near the coast of a large Silver Sea Island, a surge of energy bursts amongst a few trees. Three women stand there smiling at each other, the tallest and most imposing wraps an arm around the tearing up blonde beside her, "Oh Honey, come on brave face for our little girl." The blonde woman sighs and nudges her wife, "You shut your face, I'm going to miss my little Valkyrie!" A young Morrigan smiles and embraces her mom and wipes away her tears, "It's ok mom! Uncle Chuchu and Mother said I would meet lots of strong people and test myself against them!" Orri's Mom was not relieved at all by this, but knew too well that her sweet daughter was going to say it. She grabs Morrigan's face and say with some stern tone, "Sweety PLEASE, be as careful as you can. I'm so proud of how far you have come, but there are some really strong people out there...." She stopped speaking as she watched Orri's face grow with excitement, "Ugh...Mayvin speak some sense into your daughter!" The lavender haired woman chuckled and smiled, "It will be fine, SHE will be fine. She has so much potential, and she will do great things! don't worry." She turns to their daughter and smiles, "I have a special gift for you my little warrior." Mayvin places a hand on her daughters head and smiles, "Yeah? what is it Mother?!....food?" Orri's innocent tone makes Mayvin and Ereskagal laugh as divine energy builds into her palm and seems to swirl around the young martial artist and to slices weaveing in and out of her skin without leaving cuts. After a few seconds she lifts her hand away and smiles, "Not food honey, it's a special gift, I've severed you from the magical world!" Orri's Mom rounded on Mayvin and her eye twitched, "YOU WHAT?! Mayvin, that's....well...it might be an advantage in certain situations, BUT why didn't you speak to me beforehand. Now she can't be healed as easily." Mayvin smiles, "That's what salves are for, AND....if she takes out her opponents before they hurt her than she is fine." Ereskegal sighs and rubs her head, "Dear grandfather....you just made a little you....Honey...how is she going to use MY gift?!" She produces an ornate and stunning hand mirror that has the symbol of death on it. Mayvin looks at the mirror and gives a wincing smile, "Oh...alright, I get what you mean. Well how about we contact her at a set time? Like...every New Moon. Ok honey? on the night of the New Moon we will call you on the mirror, you know what the new moon is?" Morrigan stood there for an extra seconds of silence, "Umm yeah! I think so." Her mothers nodded and went with it. They said their tearful goodbyes, sharing a lengthy embrace and many forehead kisses, a bitter sweet family moment. Morrigan now set out to Gaia magically severed and holding a mirror she couldn't use.
Her journey spent leaving opponents and friends shocked that spells and items just didn't function around her. So the poor simpletons surprise when her dear friend Zephyria's magic passed through her mother's gift and forced her to speak. "Bippy boppity boo, Orri who do you love?" Orri saw no energy from the high elf's wand, but knew her natural magic defense would kick in. However, to her shock the spell seemed to hit her hard and her mind reeled as her mouth seemed desperate to scream the name, "DRAKE!" Her eyes widened and her hands slammed over her lips in shock and horror. Why.....why did she just yell his name? Surely....surely she didn't....no! The very idea was.....laughable? Her mind exploded with panic, "No no that's silly, of course the spell Zephy cast just made me say his name to tease me......that must be it." The doubt was heavy on her shoulders ever since Anaxa planted that seed, trying to gauge Drake's opinion of Orri herself, all that time ago. Months and months of spending so much time with the "Jerky jerk man" had taken their toll as well. He truly did, just wish her to reach the highest heights and loved training with her as much as she loved it. Oh god..she did love training with him, he was strong and she couldn't quite get the better of him, no matter how much she trained. it was exciting that he was always a step ahead, but also frustrating. She shakes those thoughts away, keeping a weakening grip on her resistance to these feelings, "NO! He is a stupid boy, with his not a romantic or emotional bone in his body, his jerky handsome face and big stupid muscles and incredible fighting skills and beautiful smile.....GODS he sucks....." She wrestled with these thoughts for days.
If not for the amazing reveal of Anaxa and her son, Orri would be lost entirely to her delusions. She jumped into her role as an aunt and Anaxa's big sister by staying by their side and helping take care of Anaprion. Morrigan could see how overwhelmed Anaxa was and did all she could to comfort her and help take care of her nephew. Surprising most of the others Orri was fairly competent at tending to the boy, she was soft and very gentle, due to spending a lifetime going easy on weaker opponents and having a soft spot for children. She could rush away and return with food or whatever the boy needed faster than the child even noticed she left, and could get on the child's level quite easily, with snickers about poor Orri's intelligence. She was eager and wanted nothing more than to help, and to also keep a slight distance from Drake....and his stupid handsome face...
"...stupid handsome....face....." This was getting worse, she couldn't shake these thoughts away as easily anymore, his demeanor she thought boorish, unromantic, and not capable of love...but maybe he was. Sparring with her and concerned with how she is progressing, his demeanor started to seem......endearing. Her stubborn tsundere towards him was melting away, and even that was frustrating. Her Mother's words ringing back to her, "Ugh..these damn books, Morrigan, sweetheart, love...REAL love, is different than these books. You may be surprised how different it is, ok?" Only now do those words make sense...or at least until Orri gets distracted again.
S: 26 "Tell me what you want, what you REALLY REALLY want."
"ORRI! Isn't this what you want?! The knight in shining armor?" The high elf seemed exasperated as she watched her friend seem to flounder in the very thing that she had dreamed of, constantly spoke about night after night. Konstantine was speaking the language of all of Orri's favorite books, and as much as she swooned, she equally started to question it. Seemingly confused by her own confusion and doubt, no she was being silly. The wolf man was dreamy and his voice was sweet and soothing, this manner was everything her books said that she wanted! Morrigan sighed and let herself be taken with his charm. Edea's brother rambled on with his sweet nothings, claiming to want nothing more than to protect her and save her, it seemed so sweet and delightful. Morrigan began to imagine them fighting alongside each other and sweeping a battlefield. His massive wolf form running alongside her as they battled together, the fires of conflict blazing around the land....when every few seconds a large fiery sword would appear in Konstantine's hands and his hair would flash red for a moment...uh oh....She had to shake her head to reset the day dream and get rid of....the other individual. "We would go fight this Maltese guy together, right?" She said with a dreamy tone, he looked at her confused. "Oh? Are you an archer?" He asked as Orri looked at him confused, "....no."
"A mage of some sort?"
"...uhh super no."
He stood there at odds with himself as Orri looked at him confused, "Um OH! How about we spar, and you can see what I do!" She said with excitement and a brilliant smile. Her innocent enjoyment of battle brightly on display on her face. The moment stood there for a moment, the silence was deafening. Edea's eyes widen for a moment, for she knew what was coming, she winced slightly as Konstantine opened his mouth.
The air flowed from his lips and echoed into the empty space between him and Morrigan, "...I don't fight women."
Morrigan stood there with her mouth slightly a gap. Showing the same sort of astonishment at difficult riddles or math problems, her mind to stunned to even be distracted. Her dear friends standing there for a moment as some winced and some looked at her with sympathy, Anaxa eventually coming over and lifting the martial artists and finally leading the team toward Malius, Orri mumbling to herself.
Orri finally noticed her surroundings as she was dragged up to a big fancy room from a rope and shackles, looking up the big guy sitting on a throne. The prospect of a fight bringing her back to herself. His energy was full of malus and malicious intent, her mind full of that feeling and the words of Konstantine lingering in her head. Anaxa and Orri teamed up against him and went blow for blow, until the man issued a challenge....which the distracted Orri hesitated and finally realized what he was asking, a surge of excitement and she raised her hand, only to find that one of those weird magic walls popped up in front of her with Anaxa and Malius inside, "Dammit!"
The feeling she got of this man, seeing the people in pain behind them, and MAYBE some jealousy, Orri wanted to help her, and pondered that magic is just energy, right? Morrigan sensed the energy of the spell and attempted to match the wavelength with the force cage and suddenly struck the side of it with five swift precise strikes and kicks, a major arcana of fate aiding her aim, as the spell suddenly shattered.
A look of dumbfounded astonishment on the villains face as he looked on at this stupid creature that defied all logic, "Be gone you kid!" He waved his hand forming a horrific and fiery portal above her as hand after hand grabbed her and pulled her in. Morrigan seemed to fall through an endless burning hell scape of horrors, tortures, and all the evils of Gaia......however Orri was busy with her own thoughts as she plummeted through he hells, "Man...I wonder what he meant....why does he not fight women, it's not like we were going to fight to the death or something....is there something wrong with me? it's just weird." She pauses to witness a few horrific scenes of what could only be war atrocities committed against the damned, she sighed, "Why would he say it...Drake has no problem fighting me......we spar all the time.....he loves fighting as much as I do....maybe Konstantine doesn't like fighting?" She reminisces for a moment thinking about sparring with Drake, and the edges of her lips almost curving into a smile, until she shakes her head and furrows her brow, "HEY! wait a minute...." She drops out of the fiery domain and looks around for Malius, "Only one guy gets to call me kid!......I MEAN....no one gets...to........" She shakes her head and tries to hit Malius a few times until he and Anaxa vanish, annoyed and confused she rushes over to the demons and takes one of them down to help the casters.
The battle slowed down and all the bad guys were dealt with in the room, Orri was left unsatisfied and a little....off, "What DO...I want?"
S: 25 Invasive Thoughts of "That Guy"
-“To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.” Romance Novelist Gurt
-“Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable, and it like burns...for a really long time, like hundreds...no the next one...umm billiontheths?” Morrigan trying to explain love to Zephy and Anaxa
-“People who are sensible about love are incapable of it.” - Malachy
-“Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it… It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” -Mayvin Goddess of Love
The muzzle had a giant smile, tall pointed ears, and soulful dark eyes, his paws were enourmous and his fur so soft and a brilliant white. Morrigan's heart began to sing as if spring suddenly erupted into the air as the massive wolf turned into a gorgeous....."gentleman"? She watched as he transformed into a simple outfit with no shirt and no shoes, "Brother!" Orri heard her dear Edea cry out, a shocked and smitten look on the martial artist's face. Could this vision really be..him?! Morrigan mouthed the name "Konstantine" and looked at him, her mind raced with all the visions she had. She was swept away just a little....until something in the back of her mind tugged at her. She ignored the tug and waited for Edea to properly introduce them, Orri bracing herself for the beautiful and gentlemanly way she imagined this moment would go. He kissed her hand and mentioned her beauty, that tug in her brain ignored completely as the silly demi-human melted at his manner. His speed was mentioned and Orri went into challenge mode and they agreed to race once the trials were finished.
Knowing of love, of true love and how it can take strong roots is what Morrigan has seen in action, she grew up learning and seeing how true love can shatter the very bonds of fate itself and last through endless lifetimes, two immortal beings choosing true love above all else thought to find and bring a baby into their divine realm and let love grow in her heart as she watched her parents and their true love blossom. to Morrigan it was just her parents, showing how love truly lives on, in the little things from day to day. With the combination of the "perfect divine" couple and her mountain of romance novels the love crazed Orri was somewhat disillusioned about how love truly grew. Certainly not a true fool to what love becomes as she saw how her parents were, but very much a fool in how to achieve love and what partner would be perfect. The books that she was indulged to read by her aunts and mom gave her a skewed perspective on partners and being wooed, as it were. On many occasions the god of Love and Strength would approach her daughter, "Orri, sweetheart, love is different all over, it changes with the seasons, the time, and with lovers themselves. You need to evolve with the one you love....Listen my little warrior, love isn't going to be what you always expect, especially down there on Gaia....maybe your mom and Ninkasi indulged you a little too much with these romance novels..."
The voice resonated through the room as Morrigan poked and played with the strange magical cage she was in, "What is the name of the land your friend Edea comes from?" With her sketchbook in her hand and a disturbing amount of pages filled with what she had assumed was Edea and her dear Konstantine's surname, Orri answered the voice, "MAVROS LYKOS!" She said excitedly, seeing it in the flesh not a few weeks ago. The magical force field dissipated and Orri found herself confused, this didn't seem like the trials that her Uncle Sham would tell her about. Where was the judge and all the people that stand around and shout at each other? Prostitutes and those deafened ants, but this one seemed fun, and Anaxa had said there would be a fight. They walked through the halls and were greeted with a statue, punching stone seemed a fun fight.
The fight progressed with Morrigan's mind a little distracted with the days events, her friend's sibling revelation, the meeting of her "beloved" Konstantine....and this odd tugging at her mind. Jumping back and forth, a muffled voice in her memory, "You are just all distracted by these frivolous pursuits..." That tug from before connects with the voice of Drake. The constant image of Konstantine switches back and forth to Drake. "FOCUS" Drake's voice echoes in her mind, why was she even thinking about Drake, I mean it's crazy, he is just her training partner.....and nothing more, she barely gives him a second thought. Her mind gives him several second thoughts, she shakes her head and empties her mind and the fight is now in full view, much to Anaxa's appreciation.
After the fight Morrigan shakes her head again, the flames around her legs reminding her that she can finally show Drake that she figured out his technique.....she smiles slightly and her eyes go wide as she waves away the mental image, then as she looks at her legs she is reminded about the race with her Konstantine. They walk further and she muses to herself that Konstantine was not at all how she pictures in her head, was she disillusioned? Who knows, but the answers will be found out soon.....probably not by Morrigan.
S: 24 True Love, Must Always Win...Right?
People, cultures, and stories span the length and breadth of Gaia. Epic tales of heroes and fantastical tales of victories on am almost global scale. Then there is a small place near the south western coast of Tykera, a place of horror stories....love stories twisted into tragedies, or family members being tricked or forced into being a little closer than recommended. The newest tale such as that is poor Calliope, a massive bomb exploded and the Hive found out the sorcerer's past. True love warped and twisted by the gods themselves, a prophecy found with a pile of papers, a child sold into slavery to protect him from falling in love with his sister.
The revelations about Calliope and Xander hung in the air the entire evening, Morrigan wracking her brain as it did summersaults in her skull. The martial artist trying to deal with true love being twisted and contorted, not only because love was of great interest to her, but the fact that her very Mother was a god of love! Orri help Calliope in a comforting embrace as she toiled with going back and forth whether this was good or bad or both. She rocked her magical friend as a tear or two escaped her eyes, true love was many things, both dramatic and simple it was taking on the world for the person you loved, and it was also finding that person and building a life together, making a family.....poor Willow, the catalyst for a curse. Was turning into a squid such a massive hinderance? Calliope seemed to be alright as a squid, she could do just as much...did Xander also turn into an animal, or was it just Calliope..does it affect both siblings. Siblings...being with your sibling was bad right? but it was true love!....true love is strong and needed...right? "Meria...why?" Morrigan said softly as he stroked Calliope's hair trying to comfort her.
"You don't know who your birth family is, you might have a sibling out there as well." Anaxa's words drifted through Morrigan's memory, could the same thing happen to her? True love..the thing Orri dreamed of for most of her life, to think it could be so warped and twisted. Orri's mind wandered a little as she thought of Drake for a moment, well he isn't a demi-human so he couldn't be my brother....why was THAT important? she thought, it's not like that matters, right? Morrigan's mind looked in on itself, why did she think of Drake so quickly.....
After the reevaluation Morrigan spent the night in the room Zaphyria had made for everyone individually, she spent as much time comforting Calliope as much as she could before the sorcerer finally fell asleep. The martial artist spent the entire night training in her room, trying to get her thoughts straight...well letting her thoughts drift away. Thinking and acting did not go hand in hand for Morrigan. Her stress relief was training, her comfort was training, happy sad or angry was dealt with training. Jumping and sending kicks flying back and forth as she somersaulted while holding a book, she trained whilst also reading her favorite love story "A Knight to Remember." As if to distract herself from being disillusioned by Calliope's story, or she simply wanted to read it again, who knows maybe she just got distracted. Jumping upside down and doing hand stand press ups with one arm as she continued reading, as Anaxa walked past the door stopping and seeing her demi-human friend upside down on one hand. Anaxa is holding a letter and stops looking at Orri, "What are you....you can read upside down? but you can't count to ten?" the hoplite says exasperated. Morrigan looks toward her, "I'm sorry, what did you say?" Anaxa shakes her head, "Nothing nothing, I'm just." Orri sees the letter and smiles, "You wrote someone a letter.........OH! IS IT...?!" Anaxa throws a spear into the wall beside Morrigan's head, "No, it is not a lo...a looov....on of those! It's a note to Calliope." Orri smiles and stays stalwart in her handstand, "That's nice of you, she needs that right now. I hugged her for a good while. I hope sleep will help her, I'm sure your letter will too!" Orri smiles warmly at the hoplite as she continues on her way to Calliope's room.
Maybe mother, or even Auntie Ish could explain this better....make it clearer. Two gods of love in her family and she can't call them directly at the moment, but thankfully there was also a good fight to be had. Now that Morrigan could ignite her life energy and project it into her strikes, she was even more excited and couldn't wait to really test it out, tomorrow was going to be fun. After getting thrashed in the last fight she was keen to try again.
S: 23 Maggots and Meria
More than two full compliments of crewman carried an endless array of spears, armors, and random things that the cut throat merchant Artemis would gain a good price for. Anaxa held nearly ten or so full plate and carried it through Vicki's mirror. Everyone made their way through after Artemis with Morrigan at the end of the line. She had thought that perhaps if everyone all went through maybe she could break through. As she confidently walked to the mirror she slammer her head right into the polished magical glass, she was forced to step backwards looking slightly disappointed but thank the gods she didn't anything important. She looked into the mirror, a little worried about her sweet puppy, until a large strong hand patted her shoulder, "Come on, let's train instead." Drake's words made her feel better and they nearly burned down the ship...again. Morrigan's energy starting to glow and burn a little hotter.
Sneaking past the blockade the Hive made their way to a giant well structure with a clay covering. Morrigan sat there watching in confusion as to how clay could keep some crazy powerful not able to die strong guy. It's just clay, even Zephyria could punch and break clay, Orri thought it seemed weird. "If this guy can't break through clay then how strong could he really be? It must be some silly magic thing then." She mused to herself. Jumping into the pipe the hive finds something more horrific and detestable than the worst day on the Scarlet Web. Maggots, decay, and endless insects filling the long sewer. Visibility was nearly zero as the bugs and decaying smells invaded their senses, "I wonder if my mom's ever experienced anything so gross..." Orri could barely concentrate with the living floor that moved around her boots that Gerry had made for her to match Orri's outfits. "Morrigan, can you start drawing a map if I get a better lay of the pipes?" Edea's voice broke through the disgust distracting Orri, "Wha...oh! Yeah ok." The map team began to lay out the dungeon as they made their way through, Morrigan drawing doodles and pipes as they made their way, until she caught a spike in her hand and threw it into a creature that looked just like Honeylicious. After a second of panic thinking she hurt her dear friend's companion Morrigan saw the swarms of weird spiky flying things and they took them down in typical flashy style.
The Admiral looked down at the deep chasm and could almost see something shiny, "Ayeee....treasure eh?" She said with a sinister tone, as Orri turned, "Admiral did you say something." Without a moments hesitation the Admiral pushed Morrigan off the bridge into the chasm. Morrigan giggled and enjoyed the fall landing softly on her feet next to a suit of armor with a skeleton in it, "Who sits there and meticulously puts a skeleton inside ar.......oh......duh. I guess this is what the Admiral wanted." Orri grabs the armor and runs up the wall of the chasm and up to the ceiling falling right back onto the bridge.
"I can kick ghosts!" "Orri they are wraiths...." The Hive was surrounded on all sides by an army of wraiths, everyone unable to fully damage them, until Morrigan's energy blazed around her hands and feet, and she could use her full force against them. "Wow they must be super exhausted when I fight them, because they just vanish when I hit them really hard." Thus the wraith slayer was born, yet another ridiculous title connected to this odd martial artist. Morrigan made her way through the battle field fighting these creatures that reminded her of home quite a bit, it was nice, upon clearing the area the Hive sound some magical seal on the wall and took their time searching the area....except Morrigan.
She stared at the wall with the magical glyphs and symbols, knowing that the Einherjiar was just behind it. A training partner that couldn't die, and was really strong, she thought about mentioning this to the rest, but knew they wouldn't understand where she was coming from. They would probably yell or something, "NO Orri, it's a servant of an EVIL god." Morrigan was never able to meet an actual Einhejiar and wanted so badly to fight him, her Mom talked about them a few times and how she had a few here and there. They couldn't die, but there was something else Orri's mom told her about them. It was really important, but the simple young woman just could not remember.
She looked at the glyphs thinking of her Moms and wondered for a moment why she hadn't told the others about them. Was it really necessary to keep the secret from the only three who don't know at this point. Would Edea be of with learning that Auntie Ish wasn't the nicest of people? She was kind and sweet most of the time, but when her and Mother got together in a room it was awful. "I only thought if everyone knew then what is my true love came along and only loved me for who my family is.....I've seen it in love stories before." She stood there thinking to herself out loud. Morrigan pondered it for a few seconds nodding that she should just let them know, "Zephy and Anaxa know..." Edea turned and looked at Orri, "Huh? Orri did you say something?" It seemed as good a time as any to lay it all out.
S:22 High Octane Stabs
The sun blazed down on the all new planks on the Blazing Chariot as a set of hands set about scratching the first mate. Artemis curled up sunbathing next to Alceaus as he and Morrigan sat having tea after an early morning sparring session, "So you truly ran from your ship, on top of the water, all the way around the island just to challenge this guy?" Alceaus went over the distance in his head and let out an impressed whistle, "Orri that is nearly over three hundred feet!" Morrigan tilts her head and smiles, "Oh...is that a l..." Alceaus interrupts, "Yes it's a lot!" Orri nods and takes his word for it, "Anyway, the general guy that challenged us was crazy strong! I tried to take all the stuff you taught me and apply it. It was so much fun, he was even faster than me!" Alceaus looked worried, but saw no new scars on Morrigan's body he calmed a little, "But you seem to have come out alright, not like the fight with Drake." Orri touches the scar on her face and chest, "Yeah that was a good fight as well!" Alceaus looks a little concerned and watches as the man who gave her those scars swing his blade up and down on the other side of the ship. He seems about to remark on the wisdom of inviting the man to be part of her crew and then the image of the Admiral strikes him, and he hears her odd catch phrase, "Welcome to the crew!" The Hive seemed filled at this point with previous "enemies", himself included to be honest. He found himself chuckling softly, "So how did the actual fight go, Captain Anaxa mentioned she had to heal you." Morrigan nodded excitedly, "YEAH! It was incredible, her magic must be super strong, because it actually worked on me! So this guy yelled some stuff, all I really heard was "I challenge you" so I ran over to join everyone, because the guy went the wrong way around the island." Morrigan repeats her annoyed face that she had at the time as Artemis rolls his eyes.
"I leapt right at him and he moved SO fast he nearly vanished, but I could sense him with my energy. He fought a lot like my Uncle Chuchu! You should have seen it, I have to try and train so I can move that fast, it was unreal!" Alceaus was ready to take what Morrigan said with a grain of salt, but remembers hearing Anaxa mention that the general was nearly invisible with how fast he was moving. "It's hard to imagine someone moving faster than you Orri." The demi human smiles, "Aww thanks my friend! He also really knew how to stab someone, he got me in so many of those super important places on my body...umm" "Vital Areas?!" Alceaus asked with concern. Morrigan smiled and said with joy, "Yeah it hurt like crazy, but I bared through and kept fighting, it was so much fun! so umm exis...exit...that thing that means super exciting." She stands up making a dramatic pose and making a fist, "I had to use ALL my cunning to survive the fight!" Artemis and Alceaus both glanced at each other as Orri used the word "cunning." Behind her the entire crew of the Blazing Chariot stopped what they were doing and stare in disbelief, all but Drake. Drake stopped swinging his sword and nodded in agreement with her statement. For odd yet powerful people like Morrigan and Drake, cunning, has some other more direct fighting meaning, that no one else will understand.
"I also used it as an extreme training chance!" Morrigan said bluntly, leaving Alceas to look worried and skeptical, "You have to promise not to tell Anaxa....or anyone else, but I didn't use my Crimson Ignition Drive transformation during the fight, so I could test how far I've come in my normal form!" Alceaus blinks a few times, "You mean that thing you do when you explode in a fiery aura and become stronger?! You DIDN'T use that?" He seems less shocked than he should be, knowing Orri so well has shaken his ability to be shocked at most things she does. Morrigan looks at him, "I think Anaxa would get really mad if she knew, like when the Admiral gave me that look after the poison incident. Maybe I should get gifts for everyone.....sometimes I feel like they are angry at me a lot." She then remembers something and mumbles to herself, "Did Zephy call me fat?" Alceaus puts a hand on her shoulder and gives her a reassuring smile, "You do just fine, I think they care about you, and know you well enough to understand how you are." Morrigan nods and gives Alceaus a tight hug. The two finish their tea and continue training for the morning.
The afternoon hit the two new combatants facing each other on the main deck, Morrigan was speeding around a young man with a massive sword, "Can you still see me?" she does her best to go past her max speed. Drake watches in bemusement, "Yeah kid, I can still see you." Orri stops, breathing heavy and suddenly explodes with energy attempting to take her speed to the limit, flashing back and forth, her red aura making her terribly visible. Drake watches as he grabs his sword and a spherical blast of fire sends Orri flying off the ship. Quickly running up the side of the boat she places a hand on her chin, "Hmm what am I missing? How did he move so fast, in armor as well! I'll have to ask Uncle ChuChu. His spear moves crazy that fast." Drake looks at her and, "Like this?!" His sword comes speeding toward Morrigan, and the two get distracted with an intense training session that fills the rest of the day.
A bright light begins to luminate a vast and seemingly endless dry landscape, sandy texture on the ground, and no foliage or animals. Slow heavy steps disturb the ground, a young woman stranded in a barren wasteland, "Oh man....I'm so hungry..." A large dog floats by, "It's a desert momma, you need water." His fur getting wet then he disappears, leaving only his face. Orri's eyes widen, "Mmmmm dessert..." "NO NOT....ugh..." The dog's face fizzles in the fog of the distance and the sand begins to form a structure, in front of it a young and attractive man stands before the slowly forming ship, "Oh hi there! I'm cute, but say some alarming things and looooooooove Zephy." Morrigan looks at the ship made from sand and sees a majestic form of an elf appearing at the bow, Orri's eye's light up and she yells, "ZEPHY! Thank goodness. What's happening?!...also I'm hungry." The elf vanished from the ship that is now emitting a green liquid, and she appears next to Orri, "Hungry?...ha..hahah....hahahahah HUNGRY?!" The visage of Zephyria begins to distort and grow fangs, her hair turning a dark purple and claws scrap Orri's skin. Her voice a cacophony of evil laughter, "OOO petal! Poor hungry Orri! I'm sorry, but I have a ship to run now....no...time....to....cook!" The light and the sand and everything around Orri disappears as she yells into the air, "NOOOOOO"
Her eyes open again to find herself sitting in the lounge chairs she has commissioned, her breath calming down. Next to her was Ifegenia relaxing on a similar chair, "Oh Iffy, I'm so happy to see you!" Morrigan's sweet natured and kind cook looked back at her with a smile. "Iffy, you wouldn't happen to have any of those snacks you prepared do you?" Morrigan said hoping, her hunger getting a little worse. A small laughter came from Ifegenia's closed mouth, her head slowly spinning in a 360 turn and her empty sockets looking directly at Orri, "Oh captain...you gave me the day off!" Morrigan hands slap against both sides of her face and she looks at the camera screaming, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Suddenly sitting up and breathing quickly, her shaky voice panicked, Artemis jolts up and licks Morrigan's face, "Momma! what happened?" Orri turns to him trying to catch her breath, "Am I out of the nightmare?" Artemis nods his head, and then shrugs, then thinks better of it and nods again, "It's subjective...but yes.....it was a nightmare about food wasn't it?" Orri is quiet as she reaches to her nightstand and takes out a large plate of jerky, slowly eating the entirety of it, giving a piece here and there to Artemis. Her faithful hound nudges her back on the pillow and rests his head on her abs, relaxing her to sleep, "...no..food..." She mumbles as she falls asleep, Artemis sighs, rolls his eyes, and falls asleep on her belly. Dubbed by Edea as The unstoppable monster, Orri is quelled and subdued until the morrow.
S:21 That's My Zephy!
The room was stuffy and the endless smell of sweets and sugar were actually becoming too much for even the bottomless pit that is Morrigan, "I'm hungry...but I want something savory. The sweet smell is too much.." The group searches the room as Orri stands by the last goblet they need, every few seconds the Admiral looks over at her and gives her a glare, "Don't be touching anything." Orri looks guilty, "Ok I won't...what are we looking for again?" The Admiral walks up and rips the glasses off Orri's face, "By the wastelands...." The Admiral is interupted as Orri's vision becomes crystal clear and she looks over at the wall, "Oh hey! There is a thing on that wall!" The whole crew looks where she is pointing and they all look back and sigh at this anachronistic half animal who is an affront to all that is logic. Orri grabs her glasses back and holds them dearly, the group checks all the doors that were apparently there. They roamed the entire space searching and gathering treasure as Morrigan fiddled with her nails. She admired the mosaics and day dreamed getting distracted slightly, making her way closer to the alter. The Admiral looked satisfied that everything seemed in order, "Alright ye all did well, now that goblet." Morrigan stood next to it and absent mindedly looked over and picked it up and held it toward the Admiral, "Oh this one?" The whole crew nearly fell to the floor dumbfounded that she did it again, "Oooh I wasn't supposed to...."
After a small battle where everyone started hitting everyone, it seemed like a lot of fun until Edea started apologizing to Orri. It seems Edea DIDN'T want to fight Morrigan, it was slightly disappointing. Morrigan looked a little sheepish throughout the rest of the trip, making the same mistake so close together was a little jarring even for her, considering the looks the crew were giving her. Zephyria was smiling at her to give her a little comfort, but also had to laugh that the imp compelled her to hit Anaxa in the head with her staff. For all Morrigan's faults, Zephyria still seemed to find her special friend somewhat endearing.
Eventually they got the large doors to open and were greeted by a woman with purple hair and Zephyria's face! Morrigan could barely hear what she said as she looked back and forth between her and her dear Zephyria. While trying to get to grips with this and focus her attention to the "evil" one, Zephyria was thrust forward and put into a large cauldron. Suddenly surging with concern and a little anger Morrigan leapt into the air and landed on the strange barrier around her dear elf. Slamming her feet and fists into it and screaming in her mind, "COME ON I DON'T HAVE MAGIC I CAN BREAK THROUGH RIGHT?!" After striking it a few times she pointed her attention to the evil Zephyria, speeding toward her and somehow finding the "real" one almost every time, "GIVE ME BACK MY ZEPHY!" The smile of the purple headed clone beamed at Orri, "But I am your Zephy." Morrigan's only response was, "Nuh uh! That's My Zephy!" pointing to the cauldren. A compelling back and forth between two titans.
Morrigan's mind was proven to be unconflicted as she spared no time in attacking the Zephyria that she considered bad, watching her turn into a dragon made the fight even easier. Tussling with a dragon would be fun, it was certainly better than that dragon they fought underwater. The battle was a little hectic after running back and forth, the bad Zephyria seems to keep yelling at Anaxa, suddenly from all the way across the battle Anaxa seemed to finish her off.
Morrigan finally saw her dear friend on the floor seemingly gasping for air, her new found vision making it clear Zephyria was in distress, with all her speed and worry she raced avross the battlefield to her, "ZEPHY!!"
Supplement Entry: A Legend at Storytime
There are a few things that pirates and vagabonds love, treasure, adventure, freedom, and stories. Haunted tales of the high seas or amazing adventures of old pirates who tried to take on all of Gaia with nothing more than their crew and their grit. Even none pirate tales are told around the campfires around the islands, A horned grey devil taking Gaia by storm with her music, a sultry eastern fox charming the countries, love stories, and even deadly evils that blight the land. All exaggerated of course, and missing volumes of content, like all great tales have in common.
Since the near end of Gaia due to yet another War of Madness about sixty years ago, tales of the heroes and villains have changed and morphed to become either more epic or more nefarious. Some developing into childhood ghost stories. The war changed so much about Gaia, but mostly it changed the people who tried to help the world. The luckiest warriors during that horrible time fell, or lost their souls completely, people don't truly understand the horrors of surviving.
A particular "boogie man" type story that spread like wildfire along the mighty Silver Seas was the tale of the Orphan Maker, the Angel of Disaster. This story being a particular favorite of a young woman who lived for a long time in a village on one of the main hub islands. Islands that house massive docks and take hundreds of ships a day that go back and forth, which means travelers aplenty. New people all the time to trade stories and treasures, one such group currently at an open way point gathered around a fire as the sun slowly faded over the horizon.
"That's so cool! What about you? Where are you coming from?" A young woman with crimson hair gets to know new travelers from over the seas. A young terran woman answers her question happily, "Oh I come from Pentagulia!" The excited young woman, Morrigan, suddenly looks a little less excited, "Oh...Pentagulia...that's neat." The terran woman raises an eyebrow, "Is..Pentagulia, bad?" Morrigan waves her hands feeling guilty about her reaction, "No no no I'm sorry, Pentagulia is fine...I have family there. Anyway have you guys heard about the Orphanmaker?!" Morrigan proclaims with an excited face, ready to tell one of her favorite scary stories. The new visitors looked on with interest, as few other locals rolled their eyes getting ready for yet another butchering of the tale by the excitable young demi-human. She was endearing in her own way and still just a child, but they stuck around for the spectacle of it all.
"Whenever the sky is clear sometimes you can see her, The Orphanmaker! She rules the skies with her decapitated....decepticon... deceptive, YES deceptive bright pure white angelic wings. Those wings hiding a murderous rage!" Morrigan jumps up on her chair and looks adorably menacing. Her large canine lifting his head and rolling his eyes.
One of the newcomers to the islands leans to a native, "Who is this kid, she just hangs out alone?" The native turns to her and chuckles, "Oh she may look like a kid, but she is a monster. I've personally seen her kick some bandit a good ten feet into the seas." The newcomer looks astonished and appears impressed. She is shocked as the energetic demi-human appears behind her and continues her tale, "Her short body being carried by these feathery wings, a short and deadly creature wearing a mask with green locks blazing like fire!.....does she have a mask? damn....sure YES a mask on her face. Some say she is a kind of halfling, or a gnome, other claim she is a mutant daiya-jin! Following behind her at all times is her companion, a terrifying deadly giant cat, WIIITH..." She pauses for dramatic effect facing away from the group. As she pauses a small woman slowly manifests on one of the chairs. The group suddenly looks over to see what appears to be a small gnome with large folded feathery wings, green hair framing her delicate sad face. A tressym landing softly on her shoulder and looking worried. The group's head filled with the description that Orri was giving and looked a little worried, the gnome figure glared at them very subtilty and most of them seemed to get the hint and snuck away as Morrigan suddenly turned back around,"...WITH IT'S OWN SET OF SCARY WINGS!" Morrigan looks around, "Oh...where did everyone go? Did they get scared?" She puts her hands on her hip with a little pride, "I'm a pretty good scary story teller." Orri looks at the new comer, and Artemis seems to get an uneasy feeling, "Hey...momma I don't think..." He is cut off by Orri waving friendly, "Hello!"
Linoon scans the area, pretending to just have noticed the missing people. "Yes, they must have left after your description of that fierce panther," she lies with a smirk. "Pardon my asking, but I arrived a bit late. What does the 'Orphanmaker' look like again?" Orri smiles brightly, “Oh yeah! Some say she is some kind of short gnomy sort of person, an angelic figure, with bright feathery wings! Pretty but deadly! Only children survive her wrath.” Morrigan makes a scary fingers gesture. "Is that so? Sounds so familiar," the small figure states while flying closer, and what summons these terrors? What causes them to leave only children behind?" Orri nods, “It IS so!” Orri smiles not making any connections, “No one knows for sure, it might be because maybe the Orphanmaker likes kids, or maybe couldn’t have them…I’m not sure people always stopped telling me those parts, saying I was too young.” She huffs a little bit, “I prefer love stories anyway.” Linoon sinks a little, "Love stories? What if I told you the Orphanmaker started as a love story? A love between two people who found each other against all odds as the world fell apart due to the chaos of war around them?" Orri’s eyes light up brightly and start listening intently, “REALLY?! That’s so beautiful! Just like my parents story!!” Morrigan steps closer waiting for more, with her hands clasped together, hearts in her eyes. "Yes, it was..." she says while drifting into memory, the slightest wetness forming around her eyes. "They were so happy. They had such great dreams. In her early life, the Orphanmaker only had one dream. One goal. To prepare for the War of Madness. To recruit whoever she could to halt the abominations seeking to destroy Gaia. Her earliest recruit and most loyal companion was Sedna..." The gnome stops suddenly, as if saying that name caused her great pain. Orri looks at her with hearts in her eyes, then looks concerned, “..oh are you ok?” "No," she says honestly, wiping a tear from her eye. "It hurts so much to talk about them...but it's so important for her deeds to live on. Sedna..." her voice cracks again but she quickly recovers. "She was the best of us. The best of the platoon the gnome gathered together to fight in the War of Madness. A proud shaman from the Great Plateau ten times the size of her diminutive companion. She was blessed by Undine with mastery over healing water. Sedna always left a place better than how she found it...caring for the sick, helping the poor, and taking in kids into her orphanage." Morrigan smiles happily, somehow knowing the word orphanage, “Oh wow, that’s so amazing! I’m adopted myself. So she was a hero, my mother told me some people from the tower fought in the war. It must have been them!….um do you need a hug?” Orri looks down at her with a simple but compassionate smile. “Yes…” she says in a whisper. “I mean no…it’s…it’s just.” The stranger seems unable to get the words out and focuses in on something else. “They were heroes…selfless heroes willing to sacrifice everything. More than anything else, the gnome wanted her love to survive. Her hands were best able to heal the world in the aftermath of all that devastation. But the gnome wasn’t able to save her. She wasn’t able to save anyone from her platoon.” A river of tears erupts in a flood down the tiny stranger’s face. Orri starts to cry with her, moved to tears by this story, without a moments hesitation Morrigan hugs the tiny stranger, “Stories get to you too huh? But my mom always likes to say that a tragic love story can still be beautiful! The fact that the love was so strong is the important part!” Orri wipes the tears from her face. The stranger breathes, “Just the stories I bore witness to,” she finally says after a long time soaking in the hug. “The love was so strong…and so pure…she was carrying my child…but love wasn’t enough. She was stolen from me by a deceiver who broke the chains of Fate!” The “Orphanmaker" sees the lack of turning wheels in Orri’s head, almost a reminder of Sedna’s similar intelligence, “You were there?! Is that last part a portion of the story? The big lady stole your baby?!?!…oh my goodness….broke the chains of fate?” Orri whispers, “..like the tower?” The similarity to her shaman were almost comforting “Yes…I was there,” she says somberly. “The story is mine. I am the monster that is left without my sweet Sedna. I followed the rules, protected Gaia, and restored the Chains of Fate. For that, I was punished. Mayvin the deceiver…the breaker of the chains…she was rewarded for her selfishness with eternal bliss with the woman she loved…all while I picked up the pieces of the mess she left behind.” A sudden look of horror is plastered over Orri’s face, “Uhhh wait…are you sure?” “You’re the love story?!” Linoon looks up “I was…” she says bitterly. “You know of the tower so must be one of the new Fated. Ask the merchant. He was there. He and I were good friends back then.”
“Well I was told about the tower…um..by someone…I haven’t been there yet. Do…do you think there are a lot of people named Mayvin?” A look of confusion on the tiny gnome, “Then your parents must be former Fated. I haven’t met any in a long while. When your time comes, always remember that there are consequences to your actions.” She dwells on Orri’s question for a bit before answering, “Perhaps Mayvin could be common, but the one I speak of hails from the Weathersby family of Citadel. I idolized her when I was younger because of her generosity to Ruin’s Gate. Little did I know then that her charity was a weak act of penance. She passed on her problems onto the next generation so easily in the name of love.” Orri stands there silent for a few seconds blinking, slowly hiding her sketchbook with her familt crest on it, “Oh…Wheatherby huh?..what a stupid name...." Morrigan attempts to recover, "Well love is a powerful thing to motivate, it's beautiful and pure!” her mind seems to do somersaults as she reels from someone talking about her moms in such a way. These things couldn't be true, right? Mom had to be given back her name so Terra could heal...right? The true romance of punching fate in the face for love swirled in Morrigan's head. Her brain went into a thought spiral.
Suddenly her odd compulsion starts to itch, “Wait a minute?! You were a fated? So that means you’re really strong right?!” The tiny stranger nearly reeled from the change of subject, “Well…I didn’t start off strong. My talent lies in Magecraft, but my mastery over spells grew till I became nearly unequaled.” Morrigan's excitement waivered slightly, mages weren't big fighters and her Mother's prejudice in her mind, “Oh..magic huh?….” Linoon notices the young girl doesn’t carry a single weapon, but is oddly toned and muscular for someone so young. Also the medium sized dog that seems nervous behind her, worried that his master might say something murder worthy. “So you’re like goddish now? Could we spar sometime?!” Artemis does a face paw and starts to worry. Linoon looks her up and down and remembers Gwinne, “A member of my platoon was a master of unarmed combat. Though she could also lash out with the tendrils on her back. I’ve never been asked to spar before.” Morrigan looks at the mage and thinks that a god like person can do many things, “It’s so much fun! My Uncle Chuchu taught me all about it! You knew someone like me?! Are they around?!” Orri seems to get truly excited. “She is…watching over us right now, but not in a form that can fight as she used to. You can spar against her puppet if you like.” In an instant, a circular portal opens and a woman carved of wood steps out. “WHOA! A wooden lady?!…So she did that ascension thing and became a god? What was her name?” Linoon looks at the puppet, “Gwinne, say hello to…to…I’m sorry, I never caught your name. Gwinne the Dragonslayer was one of her most widely known names.” Orri goes into noble bred mode and stands straight, “Oh! Right!.” She bows a little, “My name is Morrigan Whe…uh...the Crimson Hero!!….wait a minute! Gwinne?! From my favorite book?!” She produces a paper back version of “A Knight to Remember”, “This Gwinne!?" Orri hugs the book and sighs happily, "The man in the book is so....Oh Sir Aaron...he is so dreamy!” Linoon takes the book and looks over the image on the cover fondly. “That’s them. Sir Aaron was quite the charming knight. I remember their wedding as if it were only yesterday.” Orri's jaw drops, “YOU WERE THERE?! Oh my gosh oh my gosh…it must have been so beautiful, it’s so romantic! She forgot him and he works hard to make her fall in love all over again!” She gets dreamy eyes again and nearly swoon but gracefully catches herself as if her body has it’s own mind and she stands tall again. “Been there? I basically planned the whole thing. I was almost her maid of honor but Grunnhilda beat me to it. Oh the dress shopping I forced everyone to do!” Morrigan looks more excited, “Dresses? I make dresses! It’s so much fun!….Grunnhilda?…oh…Mother wouldn’t let me read that book.” She look annoyed. “Really? The fairy that wanted to fly is a children’s book. No harm in that. But you make dresses? I used to have dresses and robes in every shade of purple. But none of them were made with room for feathered wings. Might be nice to get something new.” The demi-human looks impressed, “Purple?! Wow you must be rich! Like dozens of..” the dog walks up and growls something at Orri, “Oh..like thousands of gald” the dog rolls it’s eyes. “Oh that one? No not the children's book. I think the other one was called Body Count…I still don’t understand the title.” Linoon’s face goes red at the mention of the book title. “Oh no…don’t read that one. Our favorite dirt pixie had an open door policy with the nobles of Tressenia. The sequel was even worse…The Bush of Plenty.” Orri looks at her with an all too familiar unintelligent look for Linoon, “She never locked her doors?” The Orphanmaker shakes her head, "Nope, kept it wide open."
Morrigan spends the night barely understanding the significance of meeting a living legend, demanding to fight her wooden puppets and getting beaten nearly every time. Linoon surprised at the joyful and child like demeanor as the demi-human jumped back up from every defeat and wanted to try again. The distraction of this simple minded young woman a very welcoming thing. Hoping this heroic type martial artist would remember their encounter.
A couple weeks later Morrigan completely forgets the meeting between her and a legend, due to a new series of ships coming into port, one harboring an old green goblin. While on that ship finds a novel about a beautiful new love story of a gnome and an Arakai, no recollection was had, but pray that legend never finds the connection between Morrigan and her dear Mother, Mayvin Wheathersby.
S: 20 "I Just Wanted a Little of the Caramel, I'm Sorry!"
The sky seems to crash silently, the heavens holding a large sphere gently as it looks down on a vast empty landscape with only one person standing on it. The endless blue landscape holding little else but a single muscular warrior swinging a massive blade that hummed with power, as she swings the blade made of pure energy it sends waves of energy outward into the void. She takes a breather and turns to the bright sphere in the sky, she stares for a long moment smiling, "The new moon approaches, see you soon my little warri.....wait..." She squints at the world in the sky and has an uneasy feeling. She turns and speeds to a large crevice in the ground and makes her way sprinting through caverns and magical doorways, leaping over large gates, "Sorry Neti, I'm in a hurry!" The poor gatekeeper watches the woman jump to the great palace in the distance.
Inside the palace in the distance two women sit comfortably in conversation, one holding a large soft looking cloud, while the other seems to be pouring a large mug of strong beer into it, "This one might be ready!" The blonde woman says happily, "You can return and start anew my little friend!" The woman who poured the beer smiles, "Speaking of which, how is my sweet little niece doing?" The blonde woman looks at her smiling but holding back a smirk, "Well, she knows what a new moon is now, so hopefully we will talk to her more regularly, but she found a few friends that she trust enough to activate the mirror for her, and I got to see her sweet face for a moment!" They both smile at each other, "Oh that's wonderful! Let me know when you two contact her, I can wish her my love. Thank goodness she found good friends..." She is interrupted by the towering doors of the foyer being slammed open, "HONEY!" Her blade shedding light into the room, The two others look on in surprise, as the blonde woman jumps up and runs to her, "Dear?! What's wrong?!" She looks down to her wife with a serious look, "Something is happening down there! I sensed something, a presence I've not felt since in Talon. It's that guy..I know it! Get that child on the mirror!" The blonde woman places a hand on her wives chest in comfort, "Dear, I'm sure our daughter is fine, it's almost the new moon, we can ask her if something happened, ok my love?" She calms down at her love's touch and breathes. The woman with the beer smiles warmly and speaks up, "Oh Mistress of strength you are such a softie when it comes to our little Orri!" She giggles at the woman with the huge sword who looks at her, "Oh hello Nin....fine I'll wait until the new moon, BUT she better answer this time! Or she is in for a world of hurt!" Nin and the blonde woman laugh at the bluster of a worried mother, who misses her child.
The sun blazes down on the small island and warms it right away as the season approaches spring and summer. "So it's a chair you want?" the gruff yet kind natured man asked the excitable Morrigan, "Well sort of, I want it to be longer so that you can kind of lay down on it, and bathe in the sun." He nods and thinks for a moment, she then draws an imagine and his eyes light up, "Ah now I get you, yeah I can make a couple pretty quickly." He gets to work as she looks at him with an excited happy smile. "And what's this all about?" Amarabi comes walking up with Artemis as they look upon the chair being made, "Oh I'm commissar...coomish...having these chairs made!" She hugs and scratches Artemis, "Good morning mister man." The man making the lounge chair finishes and presents them, "Oh my goodness, they are perfect! Thank you Thank you Thank you!" She hands him a bunch of bags of drachma, Artemis looks with his keen eyes and sees that she hands him nearly six hundred drachma. He starts to whimper, and then almost cries when she hands Amarabi a bag of one hundred of it with a smile. The man who made the chair looks at all the drachma in astonishment and goes to speak up but is interrupted by Orri, "That should cover it right? I'm not sure how much I gave you guys, but that should fulfill my little man's punishment." All three stare at the demi-human in surprise and amazement, until Amarabi starts laughing, "I do love doing business with your unpredictable nature Morrigan." She kisses Artemis on the head, grabs the lounge chair and heads straight to the beach, leaving the three shaking their heads.
Sitting on a blanket in an adorable white swimsuit a proud high elf bathes in the sun, she let's out a sigh of relaxation. She enjoys the serene rare quiet moment when Drake and Orri are not yelling fire themed nonsense at each other. She can suddenly notice the sun being blocked from her closed eyes, and slowly opens her eyes to see Morrigan standing there holding two large things, "Yep, it was certainly too quiet." She chuckles to herself as Morrigan has a huge smile on her face, "I brought you something Zephy!" She drops the lounge chair next to her elf friend and other close by, "Try it out." Zephyria looks at the chair with joy and hops right on, and Orri jumps into hers, "They came out pretty nice and comfy." She smiles warmly at her elf friend and They spend some relaxing time reclining in the sun, Orri reading one of her books and Zephyria relaxing, as Ifegenia appears with drinks and snacks, "Iffy, you don't have to keep serving people, but those look good." Orri eats a few before Ifegenia knows what happens. Morrigan stands up and points to the chair, "You sit, and relax." Orri looks adorably stern and attempts to glare at her cook. Ifegenia and Zephyria stifle a laugh and the cook acquiesces and reclines immediately enjoying the sun and comfort. "There you are ordered to relax....." She suddenly looks at both of them realizing she has the two people who cook relaxing, and she suddenly has a panicked look in her eyes thinking there might not be food. "Orri....it's sad how well I know you now.." Zephyria pipes up, "Remember I made that big pot, that always has a lot of food? So you and Drake are safe....even though you and him devoured all of it yesterday..." Morrigan suddenly looks relieved and walks over to Zephyria and hugs her gently a small tear in her eyes, "Thank you Zephy...thank you!" Zephyria shakes her head and smiles patting her friend's back. "I need to train, Zephy can you activate Edea's music wrist thing? I'm going to run around the island a few hundred times." Zephyria touches Orri's wrist item and a Steel Stinger songs starts, Orri smiles happily and speeds off like a flash. She sings along to the song as she runs at full speed along the coast, "...Start the Machi, Start the Machi!" She speeds past Drake on his run and she starts to look smug until she glimpses at him. He is running with no shirt and just shorts on, the seeds Anaxa planted about him being a partner seem to roll around in her head and she turns quickly trying to hide her red cheeks. She shakes her head to knock out those thoughts and she keeps running past him.
Morrigan seems to be going at full speed trying her best to focus on running, and before she knew it was passing Drake again. She veered off to the left, literally running from her feelings and ending up on a hill where Alceaus was meditating, "Oh...." She lowers her voice, but realizes that Edea's gift on her wrist was blasting Steel Stinger music, "SORRY ALCEAUS...I CAN'T TURN IT OFF BECAUSE.." Alceaus sighs and deactivates the magical device, "..Morning..Sorry...want some tea?!" Orri reached her hand into her tithole and pulled out a warm cup of tea. She had realized that when you put stuff in there it seemed to stay the same temperature for a long time. She gently hands him the cup. He shakes his head and smiles, "Thank you Morrigan, it's good to know, now matter what befalls us you seem to stay the same, although you seem a little flustered this morning." He looks to her with concern. She looks around and back at him, "NO..you are...I mean, I'm on a run.." She speeds away like a flash, leaving Alceaus to raise an eye brow. He shrugs and sips the tea gladly and nearly spits it out when Orri reappears seemingly from nowhere, "Sorry...can you turn the thing back on, I have no magic." She blushes with slight embarrassment. He smiles and turns the device back on and the loud voice of Edea begins to sing and fill the air once more as Orri speeds off again. The monk sips the tea and shakes his head with a smile.
A large leather pouch filled with sand came speeding into Morrigan's arms as she caught it, tossing it over to Anaxa, "Pheww." Anaxa catches it as if it were a feather, "Sure you can keep up with me....and your boyfriend?" The hoplite whispers. Orri turns on her quick with a stern look. Anaxa chuckles, "The offer to ask him if he thinks you're pretty is still on the table." Morrigan shushes her quickly, "You shush! .....table.....I'm hungry." From across the way Drake yells out, "COME ON KID, KEEP UP." The makeshift medicine ball slams into Orri as she catches it, "CRIMSON IGNITION DRIVE!!!!" Her body explodes in a red aura with much less blue in it than usual, her muscles tone and grow and she launches the ball back at him as it slams into his hands, "Damn kid, you're getting better!" Morrigan blushes and forget to yell about her not being a kid. After hours of this back and forth Drake and Orri proceeded to challenge and fight each other.....for a month. Anaxa joined in once or twice and raised her hands in surrender seeing how ridiculous the training and spars were getting.
The last days of the stranded vacation Orri sat in those special chairs along side Zephyria, "Morrigan...you look awful and exhausted. Have you really been fighting Drake this entire month?" Morrigan turns to her dear friend and smiles, "Kind of, it was actually a lot of fun. He is like crazy strong." Orri sighs looking tired, "Zephy?" The high elf lifts an eyebrow awaiting for the guaranteed interesting thing coming, "I want you to know, that I've got your back in your dungeon house...or in any house, no matter what." Zephyria smiles warmly at the silly martial artist.
(hours and hours later) "I JUST WANTED SOME CARAMEL, I'M SORRY!!!"
S: 19 Holding Out for the Wrong Hero
The slam of a door echoes through the captain's chambers, a strong tension can be felt in the air. A large furry canine sits at the desk, his magical quill falling onto the large journal in front of him. He stayed very still for a moment as the woman who entered the room and slammed the door stared right at the back of his head. He slowly pushed the ornate box with a sword it on more under the desk, as he slowly turned toward her he opened his mouth, "woo..." Poor Artemis was about to make an excuse, "OH NO YOUNG MAN! You are in some deep trouble." Morrigan looked flustered and agitated, but as only Morrigan can be, she unfortunately still showed how much she loves Artemis by scratching his ear. "You little man, are grounded for letting him out of the box." Artemis sighs trying to debate whether to tell her how the portal token works, but doesn't bother, "Moma...you were in SO much trouble, I wasn't sure what that dark water was doing to you!" He tried making his case. She pouted and adorably fumed, "I would have figured it out!" She looks at him and her face softens at his concern for her, but still annoyed, "....alright sweet pup.....but now he is here and won't go away...but.." She seems to go into thought, dreaming of how he hit her energy beam with his word, then shook her head. Artemis sits there wondering if he is still in trouble or not, he nuzzles her in apology and comfort. She hugs him and nuzzles him back, "Alright alright, you're not grounded....but I am spending like a bunch of money on something pointless, that will be your punishment!" Artemis' eyes widen with fear and panic, but soon relents, he could only hope she would eventually forget, besides he only ever let her carry a thousand drachma at all times. "I guess if he's going to stay I can train against him....he did actually give me credit this time for helping....." She looks away and shakes her head, almost getting rid of the place those thoughts might go. "I um guess I'll have to get used to him, I wonder what mom and mother will say?" because of the simple mistake Orri made with the moon, an easy mistake, she has yet to be able to get her parents up to speed. The last time her moms heard about Drake was way back in Talon, when he was raiding it.
The islands of the Silver Seas house criminals, pirates, and all manner of people ranging from simple villager to outrageous cut throat. The islands seem to find some crazy live let live mentality on the idea of complete freedom. Everyone who sets their home here does so for a true free life. The village of Talon is one such place, filled with fisherman and merchants lived relatively left alone until a small group of raiders would attack on occasion, lead by an eccentric young man with a powerful sword. Unfortunately for his men, who raided the village, a fighting addict called Talon home and would delight each time these people attacked. "MOTHER! They are coming again!" The young fiery woman sped toward them on a lovely day as they attacked. She moved around them with ease, kicking and bursting with strikes knocking them down, "Mother are you watching?! Watch, this one is called Volcanic Rush." A woman leans against a wall watching her daughter yell out nonsense as she punched bandits, smiling and whispering to herself, "Oh honey, you're too cute for you own good...YES MORRIGAN, I'M WATCHING!" She watched her daughter with pride as she smiled while taking down raiders, "...Our leader is strong, he'll come after you!" The man managed to say before passing out. Orri's mother's eyes went wide as she knew how her daughter would react to this information. "REALLY?! MOTHER! MOTHER! MOTHER! MOTHER!!!!!! DID YOU HEAR HIM?!" Orri started racing around her mother excitedly. The tall muscular woman shook her head, "Yes...yes I heard him...alright let's go find him then." She smiled warmly, seeing Orri's excitement, "They usually come from the west, so we will check there first." Orri speedily puts on a nicer dress, and her mother shakes her head again, "Sweetie this won't be like your books....never mind." They both head west, a muscular woman with a massive blade and an excited martial artist child, she looks at Orri as she holds her blade and sighs, "..I wish you had a sword for this..." Orri smiles big at her mother, "It's fine Mother, the styles Uncle Chuchu taught me are so much fun! I can fight people who have weapons easily." They run down paths and roads finally reaching a clearing that looks as though it was set up for a space to fight, with a large make shift throne. Sitting on that throne sits a sculpted young man, with a giant sword leaning next to him. He watches the two women enter the clearing, "Finally."
"We have come to stop you!! I am Morrigan Wea....umm THE CRIMSON HERO!! I challenge you!" she announced as she stepped in front of her mother, who stood there with pride and also giggled at her daughter. She was sure her little girl would grow out of this habit, right?....right? The young man declared himself as Drake and Orri's mother suddenly worried her daughter just met the male version of herself. Orri's mother watched as her daughter gave it her all fighting the man who declared himself as "DRAKE OVERHULK." The two eccentric warriors seemed to love every second of the fight, and went blow for blow for quite a while. Orri's mother debated stepping in until Drake declared a completely random victory and jumped onto a tree, "ALRIGHT KID! GET STRONGER AND WE WILL MEET AGAIN!" His blade erupted in flame and he flew away. Morrigan fell to the ground exhausted, "Whoa...it was like fighting a person who combined you and me mommy! His sword is almost as big as yours!" Her mother picked up the exhausted woman and dragged her back to Talon, "You did well my little warrior. Just rest, I've got you"
Many years later around the last day of Orri's day on the Frigid Freezer, let's be honest it WAS her last day. Captain Radish was in his usual horrible mood every time he saw the colorful simpleton he brought onto his boat. This particular day he was laying into poor Morrigan, "..I can't believe this! Parsnip AND Taro?! My navigation team now thinks they can make it in Crell Montefreign as a singing duo. BECASUE SOME DUMKOMPF TAUGHT THEM HOW TO SING!!" His voice rang above the noise of the ocean and Orri pouted angrily, "I can navigate..." Radish's eye twitched, "You think I would sit here and let YOU steer us into some military outpost because you heard someone was strong?! Keep dreaming you IDO.." "HAHA DID SOMEONE SAY STRONG?!" The Captain was interrupted by a similar voice. Morrigan thought the energy felt familiar and she looked around to see Drake standing by the helm of the ship, "Oh goddesses...it's you." The ship was silent for a moment as Drake stood there smiling in a heroic pose, almost waiting to interrupt someone. Captain Radish looked from Orri to Drake, and grew more angry, "WHO THE HELL AR..." Drake immediately interrupts him and looks at Orri, "Hey kid, you got stronger right?!" Captain Radish raged silently to himself apparently stand there fuming as Orri stands up and looks determined at Drake, "Yes, of course I have." Drake kicks the helm of the ship and steers it toward a random island, he then smashes it to splinters with his sword dramatically. "...Was that absolutely necessary.." Radish seems to have given up at this point, he could never control two Orri's. "Show me Morrigan! Before this boat crashes into an island." Drake demanded as Captain Radish's eyes go wide with surprise and rage, and quickly runs elsewhere. Morrigan darts left and right and speeds toward Drake and the clash of their strike resound into the wood of the ship. The docks that the ship was speeding toward could hear a skirmish happening and could see explosions and fire erupting from the deck. Feint yelling and phrases being exchanged, for a time the people of the pier just watched in interest until the dock master finally realizes the ship is on a collision course right for them. Luckily the Frigid Freezer veered to the right and grounded onto the shore, with two people screaming and fighting each other. The panicked people including an irate Captain Radish watch as the two do not stop their battle and speed inland, leaving fires and chaos in their wake. Near the edge of the woods Morrigan gasps for air still full of determination but she just can't seem to wear him out and she collapses breathing heavy, "Alright kid you did get stronger." Drake announces with that stupid arrogant handsome smile. "You are not that much older than me...." She breathes heavy, her energy completely depleted. "GET STRONGER KID, SEE YOU SOON! ERUPTING BURNING BLADE!!" He flies away leaving Orri leaning against a tree, hungry and tired,"....jerk.....I have to get stronger!" She suddenly smiles.
On the present day the Blazing Chariot still heavily damaged, and the captain was sifting through the training area she had set up to see how damaged it might have ended up, "Seems fine.." She sets up the instruments that leaned in their cases in the corner. She reached into her cleavage space and pulls out her violin, and started to play a serene song that she tried to recreate a song her mom played often. It traveled through the cracks and holes of the ship and reached the ears of a certain lupin bard, and her lioness. She played a riff on her kithara and began to fly the two gracefully through the deck of the Blazing Chariot becoming an audience for Orri. The song was calming and sweet, Gerry whispered to Edea, "How does this chaotic girl sit here and play the most serene music....like what the fuck!" Edea had to hold back her laughter, "I don't know, just go with it....it's just...Orri." Morrigan kept playing and noticed them, her eyes lighting up and giving them a pure happy smile. She slowly stopped playing as Artemis walks in, "Oh hello my sweet puppy....wait, I'm still annoyed at you MR." Artemis puts on his best puppy eyes face and sits next to Edea, "Oh Artemis, Orri he was trying to help...oh look at that face!" Morrigan looks at Artemis and immediately melts like ice in the Altusk desert. She gets an image of seeing him back at the breeder in Talon, their immediate connection, and she cries wrapping him in a hug, "I can't be mad at you, my little baby!!" Edea and Gerry laugh at this crazy display, they suddenly hear another voice laughing, it gets louder and louder as they all stop and look, "You've changed a lot of stuff on my shi...." "MY ship" Orri interrupts him and almost looks smug about it, "Yep, I made a training spot, and a dining room, and Artemis has a bunch of rooms that do merchanty stuff." She looks away from him crossing her arms, a little tension can be felt in the room. Edea and Gerry suddenly take out some popcorn. "A training room is for training, right?" Drake looks at her and smirks, while Orri turns a little and tries to hide a smile of eagerness, until she hmphs and looks away again, "Yes, I suppose it is for training......." It is very quiet and all that can be heard is the brunch of popcorn as the musicians look on with intrigue. The room starts to get really warm while energy seems to be forming around Orri. "Umm Eddy, I'm starting to think being this close might not be great." Gerry grabs her shoulder as Edea greedily eats the popcorn ready for a show, "This is going to be metal as hell!"
A tray filled with drinks and a variety of foods get walked around by Ifigenia, she smiles as people thank her. She reaches Amarabi as he admires the ocean next to Zephyria. Letting of a long sigh, "It is actually quite peaceful being stranded, oh thank you Ifigenia." He smiles at her taking a small bite, she bows to him and brings some to the high elf, "Thank you." She turns to Amarabi, "I would please beg you not to tempt the fates and invite some terrible incident upon us, Amarabi." The large man laughs heartily and pats Zephyria's shoulder, "Oh come now my friend, don't be so pessimistic. What do you think would happen?" Zephyria is quiet for a moment, a small smirk forming on the corner of her lips as she looks up at him, "Dear SIR, you know exactly what I am implying....or rather WHO I'm implying. You put something like that in the air and she might do anything." She giggles a little along with Amarabi, "Oh you mean our sweet little ball of chaos, come now even she must relax! I'm sure she is rela.." (BOOOOOOOOOM) A concussive noise erupts from behind them, the high elf slowly turning to the merchant in annoyance. An expression of "I told you so" plastered on her face. They turn to the Blazing Chariot and see a massive burst of splintered lumber flying into the sky by a red haired man being kicked high upward. The three look at each other and sigh, "It was going to be so nice and peaceful." Zephyra mumbles to herself shaking her head. "Oh captain..." Ifeigenia says to herself watching Orri leap straight up to meet Drake in the air and swiftly kick him mid flight. He is sent flying toward the shore and slams into the sand laughing gleefully. Orri suddenly appears in front of him seemingly on a mission. They exchange a massive series of strikes and fiery energy bursts around them, Orri charging all of her power for a huge Giga Blazing God Impact, leaving a trail of glass on the sand. They strike and move back and forth going down the shore further. Amarabi looks dumbfounded, but still smirks, "Well Zephyria, I guess you've taught me a lesson......so what's the deal with this anyway?" Zephyria sighs, "That is...our lives now apparently. Orri's boyfriend, who knows?..I'm sure someone else will understand." She smirks watching her friend try her damndest to punch this guy in the face. "It will be an interesting month.." In the distance they can hear Dame Deadshot yelling toward the two fighting, "WE JUST FIXED THAT FLOORING!"
The small pot of paint sloshed as Morrigan changed the hue slightly. She added a little black, then a little more red, putting some on her finger and raising it to the wood, "There we go! I think I've got it perfect." A warm smile directed toward the high elf, this is the most peace she has received in the last few days, Hephane really knew how to leave an impact on someone. "You might have to sleep with your head on the other side of the bed tonight, so it can dry." Orri began to fill in the carving and paint over it to hide what Heaphane had done to Zephyria's bed. "Oh Orri, you are the best, I just want my bed back." Morrigan smiles at making her elf friend feel better as she paints it all and makes it look brand new. Orri finishes up and lingers for a little while, just sitting there, Zephyria notices and raises an eyebrow. "Oh...well I suppose I'll leave you to it, and head back to my ship...maybe I'll see how Alceaus is doing." The high elf approaches, "Are you trying to avoid your ship Orri...or your crew?" Orri's eyes go wide, "No, that is silly, ok bye." She goes to leave, "Remember let it dry it has the glossy stuff in it, so it will take a while." Morrigan runs down the mast and vanishes. Running at a steady pace she ends up in the midst of her crew around a fire winding down for the night, "Oh hello...." They all look up and raise a glass to her, "CAPTAIN!" Even Drake seems to raise a glass. She eyes him a little, and sits on the opposite side of the fire from him, finding a space between Sir Lionel and Shin. Shin hands her a glass of the good beer she purchased for them in Io, "Here you go Captain." She takes it in both hands and smiles again, "So..you guys still like me as captain?" She says it softly in a whisper for only Lionel and Shin to hear. They give each other and look and Sir Lionel smiles, "Captain Orri, just because that guy is back doesn't mean we want him as captain again. He's a good guy, but an awful captain. I can't speak for all these fellows, but I think you're pretty good, you put us on the path of profit, and you seem to care about us at least." Orri smiles brightly and drinks the beer happily, "Thank you Sir Lionel...I mean Bernard. OH! I have to get the workshop cleaned up and fixed for Calliope's gift!" She turns to the ship, but is distracted by Dame Deadshot, "Already done Captain! Well it took longer BECAUSE you and Drake decided to smash through the deck floor!!" She throws her large mug at Drake's head, it connects and shatters into splinters. A small trickle of blood slides down his face and he laughs heartily. Orri's thoughts suddenly go to when he saved her and they both made that enormous explosion together, she almost blushes and then hides those thoughts away, and drinks her beer, "Thanks Deadshot! That's a big help!" She smiles wide and starts drawing coat ideas for Calliope, "I'm going to miss little Willow, SHE'S SO CUTE!" The beer suddenly coursing through her body. Her crew smiling at her and laughing, the Blazing Chariot raising a glass once more, happy to be alive and together. Orri and Deadshot leading the crew in a series of the usual sea shanties until they all pass out by the fire, comrades in battle and off.
S: 18 Dream of Calydoniacation
Atalanta runs through the woods at such majestic speed her hair blows in the wind as she speeds through some woods, behind her was a massive bright golden boar chasing her, she lured the beast into charging her. It snorted hot air, filling the space around him, and angrily it exploded into a straight line toward her, at a full charge. She dodged it easily, her movement was graceful as she let the creature pass right by her. Her face full of confidence and charity as she showed what the beast could do, she then produced a bow and formed an arrow of energy and power. She nocked it and let loose a volley bright arrows slashing and piercing the hide of the beast, which quickly healed in plain view. She put the bow down and leaned on it looking quite proud and cocky, she smirked and looked up....to see absolute chaos swirling all around her. She lost her bravado and sighed heavily at the endless nonsense that is her fated's brain. All that effort to show what these beasts could do and Morrigan was focused mainly on an image of what appeared to be two men with words next to them. One who she now knew as Sir Aaron...because it was Orri's favorite book, the Other was Vulcan, some attractive Malakhem from another book. Next to each of them was a list of pros and cons, it seems Orri was pitting them against each other. Atalanta looked n disbelief and had to duck as an intrusive thought about jumping straight into the sky for no reason. The great Merian hero lost her suave demeanor and yelled above the endless chaos. Morrigan is running back and forth on the trails, just happy to be in more open space than a ship. Anaxa trailing behind the speedy monk, and the softer crew members riding a giant spider monster. Orri runs back and forth in front of them, seeming to not get tired at all. Every time she passed in front of Anaxa, who is a little impressed at her stamina, she hears snippets of the demi-human's thoughts out loud, "...Vulcan has that spiritual mysterious, but Sir Aaron is so romantic, they both meet their loves in such a sweet way..." She sighs as she jumps and weaves along the road. "Orri by Tartarus, what are you talking about?" Anaxa finally says. Morrigan blushes , "Oh just seeing who is better, Vulcan or Sir Aaron!...and thinking about pigs? Why what's up?" Anaxa is stunned at the nonsense coming out of her friends mouth and then sees the Martial artist freeze in her tracks at a rustle in the bushes.
"Orri! Those are Calydonian boars! They charge you, and they can heal after you hit them, be careful." She spoke the message and heard a reply. "Oh hey Atlanta!" The Merian hero thought better than to reply, it would lead to an Orri conversation. Good thing Morrigan was way to distracted at the boars beautiful color.
"Hey guys, Atlanta says they are California Boars...ooo they are so pretty!" Atlanta's words finally hit her, so she speeds forward to make the boars attack her and not her friends. She says to herself, "Artemis taught me that if you get charged to much, you get hungry and have no money!" Somewhere in her mind Atlanta stands dumbfounded and speechless. Speeding across the battlefield Orri gets face to face with one of the boars, and suddenly is charged by three more. Her plan seemed to work and her more delicate friends were safer and riding a spider. Morrigan having a fun time dodging and weaving around their attacks as they surrounded her, dispatching the boars and finally heading on their way.
Morrigan once again enjoying the open space so she could speed and bound through it all, if her dear found family were not all so cynical they would even say she was frolicking. With everyone exhausted but her, they found a large tower. They all looked at it's height for a few moments, everyone slowly looking at Orri. The demi-human was spacing out and judging the distance of the tower and where she is standing, then slowly following a bird passing over. The whole crew is staring at her, waiting for her to do the thing she literally always does. Edea looks to Zephria, "Sooo is she going to...do the thing?" They continue to watch waiting for what is to sure be something ridiculous out of her mouth...nothing came, she just looked around. Zephyria walked up, "ORRI! Run up the wall and check the nest!" Orri shook back to life, "Oh..Oh yeah, I can do that can't I?" The demi-human sped up the tower in an instant and looked at some shiny stuff, which she completely forgot about when she saw a surprising amount of feet just laying in the siren's nest. Orri tries to ignore them, not knowing they are magical, there is also a super ornate looking bow, "Hmmm I wonder." Morrigan reaches into her chest and pulls out her violin and uses the bow as if it went with the violin to see if it worked, it does not.
From below Edea's ears cry with sadness as she can hear exactly what Orri is doing, "Oh my gods no..." Edea was about to yell something at the martial artist when the whole crew was cast in shadow, They all noticed and looked up right away...except the idiot playing an instrument with a weapon, simply because they have the same name. An enormous creature with multiple heads flies above then and into the distant ruins, seeming to be it's territory. "What are you guys looking at?" Orri asked as she appeared behind them, the whole crew jumped a little except Anaxa and Zephyria who were so used to this happening. "Here, there was a bunch of stuff up there...and a foot" She dumps the treasures in front of them. They spend the time looking through it while Morrigan loses interest and they have to explain the monster that she somehow missed, "Whoa so a bunch of heads wings and a snake for a tail, that's just silly." She mumbles to herself, as Anaxa jumps in, "It has a goat head so you might be part Chimera." Orri ignores her and they begin on the trail to the monster's lair, after happy to find a short cut they trust their friend to find that it's a short cut only Morrigan can travel with ease. The crew gives each other a look and are troubled with the idea that maybe Orri have a lot of faith in them or just doesn't see the difficulty in jumping a forty foot chasm.
Turning into a massive featherless bird, the Admiral carries the crew into the massive open space. It seemed a larger space than needed, almost due to some being able to move nearly 300 feet a round. They set upon the dangerous beast and Orri renamed a technique, The Beholder Strike, which the crew found out was just jumping on top of something and hitting it...a lot. Things that flew around weren't a terrible issue, but it seemed a good strategy for her, jumping up and punching over and over sounded fun but even the demi human knew that was a waste of stamina.
The Chimera lays slain fifty feet away and a nice fire glows as the crew rests after a difficult fight. A few suspicious looks toward the Admiral after the creature suddenly cured it condition and rose again to fight halfway through the battle. The usual quiet conversation echoing throughout the camp, except for Orri who was touching her stomach and looking at her horns, "Horns can stab people? Who knew?" She thought to herself, not realizing she had these sharp deadly weapons on her head. Her vision flashed to that crazy goat thing ripping a hole in her torso with it's horn. She brought another plate of food over to Anaxa and Zephryia.
"The chasm ran to depths only spoke of in legends and myths, for it's emptiness was most assuredly bottomless. No matter how they filled it, it would never be satisfied. The group thought of closing the pit..." The high elf grew poetic in the aftermath of the Chimera battle. Next to her sat her sweet martial artist friend holding yet ANOTHER large plate of meat, "What are you writing about Zephy?" She asked blissfully unaware...of most things. "Oh just about a bottomless void....is that another plate of food?! Are you...?" The high elf sighed clearly never going to understand that this magical severed person can make so much food disappear. From the other side of Orri came another voice, "Zephy, you should know better, than to travel down that avenue. You can't look for reason in it." The voice of a proud hoplite offering solace to Zephyria. Morrigan sitting between them seemingly distracted by the food that she had already finished and chewing the last morsel, she especially lost count of how many "seconds" she has had, "We had a lot of good food today!" She said happily with a large smile. "Since Gaia was formed, no mortal has eaten like you." Zephyria mumbled to herself, unable to hold back a smile at the martial artist's bright attitude. Anaxa going over the battle in her mind looks down to Orri to see the strange little woman rubbing her torso, and looking thoughtful. The hoplite sat with disbelief wondering if her friend really was some mystical bottomless legendary beast from Tartarus. "Hey Anaxa?" Orri suddenly spoke and Anaxa answered almost as a reflex, "No you can't have the rest of my jerky!" Orri looked around at the rest of the crew eating the special egg, she was glad they were getting stronger. Orri had no interest in getting strong quick, but the food part though... Zephyria had to cover her plate from the ravenous demi-human. "Anaxa, I had a different question. Did you know that horns can stab people?!" As the question left Morrigans mouth Anaxa and Zephyria nearly spit out their food. The hoplite couldn't believe it, while the high elf's face went a shade of red. "Orri...really? You trained your whole body to be a weapon and your horns just...never occurred to you?!" Anaxa spoke with disbelief. "I trained with a sword and then with my fists and legs, why would I use my horns...I just never thought about it....and neither did Uncle Chuchu or my moms as well."
A massive field stands before a small family day out, the sky an ever changing purple and red hue. A woman with lavender hair stands holding her blonde haired wife watching their little girl train with her Uncle. A concussive smash is heard and the man slides closer to the loving couple, "Wow, she is getting a lot better!" He says as he stands back up. "Uncle Chuchu! You went so far that time!" The young Orri shouts from across the training ground. The blonde woman smiles and then looks concerned, "Chuchu?" The man turns on her, "Come on, it's bad enough Orri calls me that!" The blond giggles and smiles, "It's just so cute, anyway....you're not teaching her to use her horns are you?" Her voice sounds concerned. The lavender haired woman rounds on her wife, "What, but it's an advantage she has over other fighters! She can't use swords anymore! Thanks to that bit..." "HONEY..." The blonde woman's voice gets stern. "Just think about, Morrigan is such a sweet girl, she would feel horrible if she sliced someone open with her horns." After a moment her lavender love sighed, and her voice softens a great deal as she looks at her daughter, "Yes...she really would..alright Chuchu" She smirks, "Just focus on the martial arts, no horns." Uncle Chuchu stares at the two with irritation, "Yeah I got it, I suppose you're right. I will say this..one...more..time. Only that sweet little girl can call me Uncle Chuchu!" He points his finger at the laughing couple with a stern expression.
Morrigan touches her horns, "I just figured they were neat, and decoration. Kind of like my ears! They are bigger than everybody's, but I don't hear any better." Anaxa and Zephyria give each other a look of astonishment. "No Orri, you're just not observant." It slipped out of Zephyria's mouth, while Anaxa held back a laugh. Orri scratched her arm awkwardly, "Oh sorry.." Zephyria looked at her with a series of different expression, "It's fine I'm just still reeling from your adoption revelations!" Orri suddenly looks into the fire imagining an entire army of adopted babies sharpening weapons and yelling to the skies, screaming "death the the tyrants" she goes quiet and Zephyria sighs, "Orri....I know that look, how have you wrongly interpreted my words this time? You're imagining a revolution aren't you?" Orri shakes her head and in her usual way lies as if she is doing it for the first time again, "Um no...of course not..." "The ways of Lord Horningheart are mysterious Zephyria." Anaxa says amused by herself and smiles. Morrigan's face lights up brightly and she hugs Anaxa, "You really had fun didn't you Princess Serpentbottom?" The demi-human was so happy to play around and dance with Anaxa, it was what she always dreamed what it would be like to have sisters. Anaxa and Edea made it such a special night that Orri may never forget, she hoped it would happen more often. She smiled as she let go of Anaxa and opened her sketchbook to finish drawing them as their alternate royal forms. Anaxa looked on with interest and noticed the page next to what she was drawing, "Are those...tall ears..." She whispered to herself. Her eyes opened wide and she nabbed the book from Orri's hands and saw the full image of a man with wolf ears and about a hundred hearts drawn around him, "Morrigan, is this Edea's brother?!" Her laughter ran out into the night sky. Orri's face went bright red as she snatched back her sketchbook, "N-n-n-no! It's just a ummmmmmm.." She looks at it and her eyes go dreamy, "Maybe it is, dear dear Konstantine!" She blushes again and sighs. Anaxa looks closer and her eyes go wide, "Oh sweet Elysium! Orri what does that say at the top! ....Mrs. of Lykos?! Are you already wed to the poor man?! HEY EDEA! Your sister in law over here has a picture for you!" Anaxa laughs harder. Orri puts a hand up to Anaxa's mouth the stop her, but can't reach. Edea looks over confused, she walks to them, "My sister-in-law? what are you..." Edea sees the drawing and snickers, "Aww Orri, you two would be really cute together." She does her best to hold back the laughter, while Morrigan begins to smoke with heat as her blushing increasing and blends into her ki aura. Suddenly Zephyria has to stand up and move a few paces away as Orri starts giving off more heat than the campfire. Edea can't help but smile as she watches her friend melt with embarrassment and dreamy love for her brother, "Oh Orri, my brother is a great guy who believes in the strong helping the weak, you two would be adorable in the same room." The Wolf woman took a moment, and really started to warm up to the idea, the best part being what hell her dear friend would wreak on her mother. Imagining her mother's reaction to Orri put a laughing smile on her face. They better save her homeland soon, because the aftermath is going to be so much more fun.
S: 17 Poor Girl, Another Empty Dance Card
In the old simpler days, before the fleet. A storm waged outside of the Hive ship, goblins and crewmen covering most of the deck. Two such goblins walk out of the mess hall carrying five large platters of food, a mixture of meats, breads, and savory pastries stacked high. The two short creatures having trouble balancing all five platters but they continue on their delivery. They weave and dodge all other crewmen while across the ship while two women sit together near the bow, two people who may have been on the Hive the longest. The demi-human being one of the first on the ship "listened" to the elf trying to teach her something. "Alright Morrigan, Morrigan? You wanted me to teach you about Meria...." The elf Zephyria looked at her companion and waited for an answer. Morrigan stopped drawing in her sketchbook and blushed, "Uhhh sorry I was listening! Yes I wanted to know more about Meria...." Zephyria stares daggers at the young demi-human, "You just want to know about combat things, don't you.." Orri sits up and stammers, "I don't JUST want to..learn...that...I mean if you want to tell me that stuff you can...." She looks at her elf friend with puppy dog eyes. The high elf sighs heavily, she hasn't known the demi-human very long, but Morrigan was pretty easy to figure out, "Alright, soo Meria is a series of islands, much like where you come from it's...and....blah....history....demons...blah blah...blah blah" Morrigan tried so hard to pay attention, she didn't miss so much of Zephyria's words on purpose, she just couldn't help it, "Blaaaah blah blah...Centuries....blah blah centau....blah blah fighting..." Morrigan's ears perked up, " ....blaaaah blah blah....so when challenging another Merian to a duel they have no choice but to accept or be dish...blah blah blah blaaaaah blah blah...Strong opponents will usually accept....bah blah blah strong..blah blah fighting....blah blah wrestl...naked blah blah important...blah, still paying attention Orri?" Zephyria looked at her waiting for an answer too see the demi-human was looking at her excited. "I guess you are, great" Zephyria looked pleased. The two goblins with platters finally arrive and hand them to Orri as she immediately starts to eat almost all of it like a flash "YEP duels and stuff great." Orri said happily, Zephyria squinted her eyes suspiciously and worried for the future...."Zephy did you want some of this?"
Many years later during the current age, now that that special demi-human has her own ship and is in charge of people. She finds herself eating a large plate of crab meat as she stars out into the ocean from the beach. She does seem to be in low spirits...well as low spirit as this jovial simple creature can be in. There is still a smile on her face with a touch of disappointment, and looks up to the moon. She then checks her small map and looks to the left across the ocean, "Why couldn't you just give a clue...at least something." Turning her head toward the ships watching the lights flicker and thinking about that one thing Zephyria taught her. The boss guy thing was supposed to lead the charge right and accept her challenge, but no, some weak guy got really hurt because she got to excited. From atop a stone Zephyria sits there sipping tea and watching the stars, "What kind of clue would they have given you? One of your Moms?" Her voice tried to come out sarcastic but there was some concern in there. "No not them, someone else, Zephy how come that one guy agreed to the duel when he wasn't the strongest one?!" Orri turned to her almost demanding an answer. Zephyria's eyes go wide with her demand, "Well Orri I can't speak for him...but I'm guessing you are more frustrated that the big burly guy showed up late and challenged Anaxa instead of you. Am I about right there?" She smirks at her friend and lets her stew in it. Morrigan turns back to the ocean and pouts crossing her arms and purses her lips, "NO!" Betraying any credibility immediately, and she sighs heavily and turns back , "......maybe. I was so excited for the fight and even got into a nice outfit! and then the first guy got really hurt because he claimed to be the strongest!" She thinks back to that soldier that agreed to her duel. Her excitement boiled to a fever as she finally remembered what Zephyria told her all those years ago, jumping from her ship and next to him letting off a fiery barrage of precise strikes. Before the soldier could even quip or say something to her, he dropped like a rock. Orri had punched through his shield and dented his armor...he was just some random soldier. Orri looked back up at Zephyria who handed her a snack, "Thanks Zephy, you know I'm sure you and Anaxa would just say "he asked for it, he was foolish to a do that"....I don't know, I had such an idea in my head about how it would go..." She holds her copy of "The Gambit of the Pirate Princess" and looks at it before she puts it back in her Chakra hole. Zephyria sits there hoping that her martial friend is making some progress in introspection. Suddenly Orri makes a fist and reves herself up on the sand, her aura explodes and starts to turn the sand into thin glass, "I'LL DO BETTER NEXT TIME AND GET THE ATTENTION OF THE ACTUAL BOSS, AND GET A REAL CHALLENGE...and maybe finally find my love!!" The light of her energy aura lights up the whole area like a light house nearly blinding Zephyria. The high elf sits there covering her eyes and thinks to herself and sighs, "So close Orri...so close...I'm rooting for you though."
The light gets everyone's attention drawing Anaxa's gaze. She arrives just as Morrigan's energy lessens and the moon returns to it's duties of lighting the area. Anaxa smiles thinking Orri is frustrated by not getting to fight the large warrior, only to find her standing dreamily holding on of her horrible love books. The hoplite can swear she sees hearts emanating from her friend and almost retches, "I thought you were over here angry you didn't get to fight the boss, but then I guess we are close to even now. Don't worry I'm sure you will have a strong challenge soon......who you can fall in lo....lov....ugh" She looks at Morrigan as she hugs her book and sighs, "Alright listen, we can hear everything over there, you are as quiet as a cyclops walking through a platoon of hoplites, and yes that soldier wasn't you fault, he did it too himself so don't worry about it." After saying a comforting word her expression gets annoyed, "AND stop taking so much pity on our enemies, THEY WERE THERE TO KILL US!" Morrigan's eyes widen and she stares at the large woman, "Yeah but..." Anaxa jumps in and interrupts, "I don't care if you "sensed" they energy and they were weaker, our enemies must die!" With that piece of "advice" Anaxa nods and walks back to the fire to clean her armor. Orri is left there to ponder Anaxa's words and try to take them to heart, "I guess he WAS kind of old, I was hoping for something..." Orri looks away, and Zephyria nearly falls off her stone, "Orri that was your main worry?!" She says much less surprised than she should be. "Well...a little...it's just been a little while and..you know..." She blushes but doesn't smile and continues, "Well no boys have even approached me since it started..." She blushes as Zephyria listens, "Really? I haven't paid much attention to that, but I'm sorry?" Morrigan turns to her dear friend and smiles cheerfully at her, "It's not your fault Zephy! Unless you stopped people from asking me out?" She laughs and then gives Zephyria a glare, "No you wouldn't besides it doesn't matter, she said there was only one...or something like that. Whoever likes my cooking I guess." She sighs and looks across the ocean to the left again. She wondered if it was in the curse that absolutely no one would ask her on a date or approach her, "Um Orri? Have you EVER been on a date?" Zephyria asked almost to interested or bored to escape this conversation. Morrigan blushes and drags her bare feet into the sand, Zephyria watched her as she blushed and moved like a kid. This innocent minded warrior who devastated a battlefield couldn't be for real, could she? "Well...no..not yet. No one has ever asked me really. I read about it so much in my books I had really hoped someone would come up and be romantic and ask me to dinner. No one in Talon ever asked really, then I got stuck on the Frigid Freezer for a while. No one in Io asked me either..." She goes quite and seems to reflect as she draws in the sand with her toes. Zephyria speaks up, "...Orri, you DO realize I'm cursed to not understand love, right?" She waits for confirmation from Morrigan, "...Yes I remember...it's why I try not to bombard you with love stuff, I know how tough curses can be!" She smiles warmly at the elf, "To be honest Morrigan, maybe some of them are scared and think they have to fight you for your heart and they don't want to die." She giggles at the thought and looks down to Orri who is still smiling and drawing in the sand with her feet. Morrigan suddenly comes out with, "Am I not pretty enough you think?" She says somewhat nonchalant, more as a question than someone fishing for compliments. Zephyria smiles at her and is happy to tell her friend, "Orri you are very pretty, don't worry." The demi-human smiles in thanks and gives Zephyria a long and gentle hug, "Thanks Zephy, I think you are super pretty!" The elf relents and hugs the silly woman back. "I hope someone at the next Simple Pose em's will ask me to dance.." She returns to her dream land of love and romance and dances with an imaginary boy at a grand ball.
The night proceeds and the whole group is sitting by the fire winding down for the day, Anaxa teases Orri every so often about the boss, "...Alright it's fine, I said we are even now." Morrigan feigns a pout every time and smiles that Anaxa has forgiven her, her simple mind forgetting about the big pirate. She takes out her sketchbook and starts to draw in it as she scooches in and leans against the Admiral. In the early days Morrigan would do this as often as possible, it was almost culture shock to go from the mean Captain Radish to this scary looking kind goblin lady. The Admiral gets a little squished as she is half the size of Morrigan, but accepts the affection, "What ye be drawin there Morrigan?" Orri yawns and sketches, "Oh just drawing our adventure, like that guy you didn't seem to like. Is Hell so bad Admiral? I mean it's just a place where dead people go right?" She sketches some more and the Admiral thinks of how to explain it to her and then looks at the rest of the crew for some feedback. The crew looks back at her and shakes there heads with a resounding "NO, do not explain hell to this sweet summer child", except for Anaxa who was sporting a mischievous smile and nodded to the Admiral. Squeenifer decided rightly to not explain Hell this late in the evening to Morrigan, who was just leaning against her and doodling pictures of hearts in her sketchbook. As she grows more tired and dozes off leaning against the tiny goblin, she sleepily says, "Admiral...?" Squeenifer perks up and listen. "Why do you keep making me do leadery stuff...I don't think I'm ...good at it." She starts to drift off. "Orri I be trying to make ye a better leader! Yer a captain now! Ye have people to protect.." "Admiral.." Zephyria interrupts, "She's gone." The elf points at the fast asleep demi-human leaning against Squeenifer. The entire crew sighs at this ridiculous member of the Hive that seems to make some of them almost look normal. Edea sits for a moment and watches the young woman sleep for a few minutes, "She looks so peaceful when she sleeps.....an Innocent Monster." she shivers to herself.
The martial artist drifts to sleep and her eyes open up back on a ship, it seems familiar but off somehow. It 's definitely not a trireme, it has an odd familiar shape, "Oh it's the Frigid Freezer!" A voice comes from above her, "Why oven cours' Eiht is!" Artemis floats above her in the sky with a weird bird lady in his teeth as she sings a song about loud noises. "Huh..." She says as a loud footstep comes from behind her, "Oh look Dunkampf has returned to MY ship!" Orri's eyes widen with surprise, "Captain Radish?!" She turns to see a horrific mutation of a Daiya-jin and a large crab. Three spindely legs coming from one leg, and a massive claw dragging behind him from what should be his right arm. His face almost half dwarven and half crab, a horrific mandible quivering against his odd human lips, "What be WRONG?!..." His voice goes through a bunch of registers and they separate into her current crew mate's voices circling her and they all speak in unison, "Whaaaats wroooong Orri, is it because he's a monster? We know how prejudice you are against them...." They voices repeat it a few times, and Orri backs away with sad scared expression, Zephyria's and Anaxa voice getting louder than the others, their heads floating and visible until they pop and brown feather confetti rains down on the ship, "No I'm not....it was an accident....Amarabi...scared...strong...." A book flies toward her and she goes to catch it, it's "Pride Prejudice and Monsters" the only reason she knows what the word prejudice means. It flies past her head as dozens of books are creating a vortex around her, until a large map of Meria flies above them all and slowly folds itself into a knife and stabs them all violently. A single book remains and grows into the horrific form of a hoplite, the title of the book across his chest, "The Gambit of the Pirate Princess..." Orri reads it out loud and looks sad, she turns to run away so she won't hurt it. She goes at full speed but her legs don't get any traction, closing her eyes she keeps running....
Around the fire, the Hive begins to wind down and suddenly all attention is on Orri sleeping against the Admiral, her legs running against the sand, "Aww guys, she's dreaming. Look at her." Calliope announces and smiles.
A torrent of noise fills Orri's ears as she opens her eyes again to see a purple red sky and a dark ridged landscape going on for miles and miles. The sky cracks with noise with such foreboding, in front of her is a massive dark palace silhouetted by the multi coloured sky. Orri looks up at it starts to smile happily when without warning a monstrous creature with giant eyestalks a large left arm covered in tattoos, it looked male. The monster's face seem like half Anaxa's and half some middle aged man, eyestalks coming out of it's feminine parts, and strange eyes on it male pieces. I stood there in it's horrible fury. Without warning it suddenly sprinted toward Orri and chased her down a long outdoor hall, every few feet a large gate would close barring their way back. As the last gate closes and the creature is gone. Orri stands up and her legs are gone, a sword sticking out of one of them. She gets a little panicked and looks at the gate, she sees to silhouetted figures waving at her. She looks excited and tries to run to them without her legs. Then a massive explosion and she is pulled backwards watching them and the landscape vanishes in the distance. She finds herself in an endless white landscape filled with nothing, except a sign, she speeds to it and it says, "Welcome to Hell....bad?" She looks around seeing nothing, with all her imagination she just knows nothing about it. She turns around and sees a twelve story tall crab just relaxing on a small mushroom smoking a pipe and reading a book, "Oh Morrigan yes? Aren't you a pretty lady, I'm sure the boys must fight for you...." Suddenly it's face changes to Zephyria's, "Come on Orri it's a monster aren't you going to you know..." Zephyria's face morphs and suddenly it's half Anaxa's face and they say in unison, "KILL IT! KILL IT!" They vanish and the crab's face returns to normal and he fixes his manacle, "Oh dear, what's that? behind your ear?!" His huge claw reaches for her head and shows her a drachma, "WOW!" She looks impressed, and he does it again and again. His claw moving faster taking coins from behind her ears and above her head. There is a fair pile of drachma on the ground, "Oooooh this must be my bounty, You see Mr.Crab I have a bounty on top of my head..." The crab is gone and she is sitting at a table with another woman. The woman turns quickly and it's Orri, she looks at herself with shock. The both of them moving as if looking at a mirror. She raises her right hand and the duplicate raise HER right hand...completely failing the mirror effect. The duplicate slams her hands on the table and Orri's feet are shackled to the floor, the clone Orri takes a step to the side and stage lights turn on to show a massive cookie rolling towards her. Morrigan pulls at the chains, but can't break them and the cookie comes inches away from her face, it has writing on it,"Captain, leadership"..
She is shaken awake by Zephyria, "Orri, you are going crazy over here." Morrigan looks at her dear elf, "You saved me!" Zephyria looks with a smile of confusion, "Um you're welcome.." She leaves Orri to calm down.
A few moments later Morrigan sits there pondering her dream, "....what the Fu.."
S: 16 The Tales of The Blazing Chariot
The Knight and The Captain
The mid day sun escaped through the winter clouds and shined brightly off the well polished armor of a refined gentleman. Claiming in all ways to be a "fallen" Tressenian knight Sir Lionel kept all the habits and demeaner of a knight from fairy tales read constantly by his eccentric captain. An heir of refinement, well taken care of equipment, and a duel style fighting technique that all found themselves showing in all the tasks he was given. This afternoon he was guiding the general crew in defense and rescue during naval combat, "Gentleman and ladies, the injured must be brought to the lower galley for their safety, on the captains suggestion. Despite her....eccentricities, she seems to care about our safety, her ideas on the crew have merit." The crew shows the ex-knight a lot of respect for his prowess in battle and he seemed so experienced, their expression suddenly changed and their eyes wavered for a moment, "That's sweet of you Sir Lionel." Not a sound was made, her footsteps were completely silent on the wood of the deck as the captain stood behind Lionel with her usual smile. "Good afternoon Captain, anything to add?" His face showed a complete lack of surprise and was not at all startled, was he used to Orri's ability to appear almost anywhere in an instant, or was it his knight like stoic mind. "On safety? Nope I think you covered it Sir Lionel." She moved to be in all their eye line and beamed at them, they all smiled back, it seemed the captains happy attitude was somehow infectious. "Captain simply calling me Bernard is enough, I am no longer a knight remember?" She took in the direct tone and her smile lessened just a little, "Yes I know, but..." Bringing up her romantic idea of someone being a knight may not be so important right now, the story of Sir Aaron and Gwinn dancing in her head, "Yes anything you want." She puts on a noble air and addresses him frankly, or as frankly as Orri could, "My good man, in a few days Edea will be moved out and on to her own ship!" The poor man stood strong at the flowery language he said goodbye to so long ago back in Tressenia, but his captain was just that sort of person and he had grown fond of her, "Yes captain, now we will only have your delightful voice to guide us in merriment." A smirk paints itself across his face, "She goes a little coy and nudges his bright pauldron, "Aww Sir Lio..Bernard, you flatter me! Anyway I wanted to appoint you to be the Blazing Chariot's Quarter Master!!" Her noble act fizzles as she strikes a dramatic stance to add affect to his promotion. His eyebrow raises at her flair, unable to hide a stifled laugh, "Why captain this is quite a surprise, and a real honour I must say. Shall I also continue my duties at the siege weapons?" His posture goes a little straighter with the captain's faith in him. She smiled brightly at his reaction, "You have done great with that, so I was hoping you could still help with that during fights, sooooo do you accept?!" She grabbed his hands and tries to stop from bouncing. How does this excitable and jovial young woman become a captain of a ship? This ex-knight was impressed with how she has done so far, or perhaps the bar was so very low with the psycho Drake. Sir Lionel knew how much Morrigan enjoyed pomp and circumstance so he bent the knee before her, placed his sword next to him, "Captain Morrigan, Queen of Hearts, this crewman gladly accepts this honoured promotion." Orri has to stop herself from squealing with delight, she composes herself, "Then stand my friend! Sir Lionel the quartermaster of the Blazing Chariot!" He rises with a smile mixed with the silly nature of the event and a real affection for this ridiculous young woman. He thought to himself that this must be what having a daughter is like, "Thank you captain, I shall do all I can to live up to your expectations." She then produces a small gift to him, "This is for you on your promotion, and could you hold this as well?" She presents him with a well stitched patch of a fiery design and crimson half cape that all the officers wear on deck. The last item is a wrapped box, "That is for Edea's last day, I made her a captain's coat!" He takes the items gladly, "That is very kind of you on all counts Captain. I assume we shall be doing a grand send off for the Lyrical Lycan?" Orri seems to blink quicker than usual and stares back at him, "....For Edea, Captain." The recognition kicks in and she explodes with joy, "YES! We shall! Artemis has the details and we will organize in a few days! Sir Lionel nods with a smile and continues to rally the crew.
The Seamstress and The Bosun
Returned and once again settled in their docked life in Io, the captain of the Blazing Chariot frantically stitches and sews as if trying to distract herself from something. Fabric strips fly around the open studio of the tailor space, beautifully coloured purple fabric being tended to with delicate and swift hands. From the door way Orri can be seen cutting and stitching with skill and seems entirely engrossed in the task. A woman of similar fiery hair and dexterity watches with interest and a mischievous ideas. Her thoughts go to places, "Does the Captain always have her guard up? watching her train makes it seem as though she has placed everything she does into muscle memory. Well it's not like she can put things in her brain memory." Dame Deadshot lets her thoughts wander as she watches the captain and her hand slowly reaches for her pistol. "Let's see if she is always aware," She thought as the pistol lines up to Orri, her finger slowly and silently tightening around the trigger. "Nice and slow," the pistol is incredibly still as it points toward Morrigan who is still sewing and measuring what looks like purple dyed gloves. Deadshot knew the sound would give her away, but the bullet would be fast enough...right? The small explosion erupts from the pistol and the round ball flies quickly from the barrel right toward Orri's head, inches away from her skull, a hand seems to just appear from thin air and catches the bullet, stopping it in it's tracks. Orri's head still focused on the gloves with one hand and holding the bullet in her other hand, without an instant or wasted motion she flicks the bullet in the door jam beside Deadshot, "OW those things are really hot!" Orri exclaimed as her focus finally leaves the gloves, "Oh hey Deadshot, what's up?" With her eyes still wide with surprise, she seems stunned as she slowly looks away from the bullet embedded in the door jam, "Uh wow Captain, how the hell do you do that? You were in your own little world!" Orri finished up the last stitch and unfolded the glove to it's final form, her head perked up gathering in her environment, "Huh what happened? Me? Oh hey Deadshot. Oh that? Sorry I've trained it to be a complete reflex, I sometimes don't notice it haha." She chuckled to herself and stood up to greet her bosun. "What's up Deadshot? I was just finishing up these gloves!" She holds them up and Deadshot studies them with an impressed expression, she marveled at the craftsmanship, "Wow Captain, you really have such a random assortment of hyper focuses!" Deadshot looks around the workshop to see half done dresses and coats, some black fabric scraps and stencils from looks like a large coat, beautiful works strewn about the space, "You've been really busy this winter haven't you? Black? I don't think I've ever seen you in anything close to black." Deadshot points to the crimson Merian inspired red dress with bright blue scarf wrapped around the captain's waist. Orri looks down at herself and smiles, "Yes I suppose I like these colours, my mom LOVES to wear black and dark colours...comes with the job I guess." She ponders for a moment as Deadshot interrupts, "Comes with the job? What is her jo.." Orri jumps in to stop Deadshot's question, "All the black fabric is for THIS!!" Orri's voice goes into a sing song crescendo and she makes a dramatic flourish move to grab a white cloth covering a dress mannequin. She pulls away the cloth to reveal a dark and absolutely metal Silver Seas style captain's coat, with a furred collar and blackest black hue juxtaposed with white inlay. The bosun's expression goes from annoyance at the captain avoiding to absolute awe as she marvels at the dramatic coat, "...oh...wow....Captain, it's beautiful! I mean look at how black it is! Like how much blacker could it be?!" She almost whispers to herself. Orri smiles big and answers her bosun, "The answer is! NONE! NONE MORE BLACK!" Hands on her hips with a certain pride, "This is a parting gift to our quartermaster, now that she is a captain of her own ship!" Orri's massive smile of pride waivers just a touch and her eyes look to the side, Deadshot notices right away, the captain of the Blazing Chariot wore every emotion HEAVILY on her face. It made lying or hiding emotions almost impossible, "Captain? Awww you're going to miss her aren't you?" Deadshot nudges the captain's shoulder in a caring and mocking way. "Yes I will, her and Calliope joined this ship right away to help out, I've never been a captain of a ship before you know." The bosun put her open hand up to her mouth in complete sarcastic shock, "What? Nooo captain I would have neeeever guessed." Morrigan looked over to her and spoke bluntly, "Yes, yes it's true. I wasn't sure what to do and I must have looked nervous so the two of them kindly joined the Blazing Chariot, I guess I wanted to also make sure I wouldn't do some of the things Captain Radish used to do.." Dame Deadshot looked at Orri with sympathy, "Captain to be honest, every story you tell about you're old ship is really really bad. The "Hide and seek" game he made you play, and all the things he used to say to you...some of it reminds me of Drake, I'm really glad you aren't like either of them, and I don't think you have to worry." Deadshot squeezed Orri's shoulder affectionately, "You're a good cap..no you know what? You are a good captain." They smile at each other, and Morrigan perks up once again.
Gladiator and the Babysitter
"You are all Merian and stuff, so you really think it's a bad idea?" Xander watches the words leave the captain's mouth as she invited herself in to play/train Willow. He is unsure how to approach the answer, "Captain.....yes, it's a terrible idea. From what I know of the hoplite, she will be even more enraged than she is now." He speaks bluntly by nature but knows that Orri needs such blunt speech or she may misinterpret something. "It's your glory to be claimed Captain, not hers and she will see it that way. It is something she did not earn and you are just handing it to her. I am aware you are coming from a place of friendship and want her to be happy, but it is not the Merian way." He stands firm and hopes his words made their mark. Morrigan listened as best she could and as Willow "punched her open palm, "Huh? oh...yeah I guess. You guys do love your glory stuff." The captain exhaled as she said it it, not mocking their culture but just being frustrated with it. She smiled at Willow and continued her "training" giggling with the sweet young child. Xander took a step forward and looked stern at the captain. Morrigan noticed this and stood at attention as if she was in trouble for something, Xander always seemed to give off this energy because Willow followed suit with Orri almost immediately, "Captain, answer me. Do you care nothing for glory or reward for your deeds?!" speaking almost as an army commander his eyes searched into Orri's soul. She blinked a few times and attempted an answer, "Well I mean, no. Not really I guess. It's just not something I really think about." She smiled as if that was an answer for him, "What do you mean it's not something you think about?!" He came back at her with a little aggression. Morrigan searched for the words as best she could, "I don't care about it...well not don't care. hmm I am in it for the fight itself. I love fighting and getting lost in the feeling of skills and battle. That's why sparring with everyone is so much fun! I train and train to get ready for whatever strong person is around the corner!" Her eyes go sparkly as she talks about fighting, and whisks Willow in her arms as they dance a little about the space, "There is just this feeling inside that glows when I use the skills I've trained and the fun of fighting a strong opponent and testing those skills!" Willow giggles at the captain as she turns battle into this romantic game, "Bonds grow and skills grow as you fight with people you care about! It's what I love. Glory and reward is just not the most important part, you know?" She dances and catches Xander's eyes hoping that he understands. He sees his daughter giggle but his expression turns sour at Orri's romantic nonsense, "No, I don't know, and I am sure neither does Anaxa. So what is your end goal? I don't understand, you just love fighting in general? so you want to be the strongest ever then?" He spews the questions at her and she suddenly stops at the last one, Willow patting Orri's cheeck to continue dancing, "Strongest?! Oh Holy Flame NO! That would be awful!! Then who would I fight? there would be no challengers to test myself....what a horrible fate." She looks to Xander with genuine fear of the idea. "So just strength and skill for strength and skill's sake?" He attempts to figure her out, she responds immediately, "You may see it as a pointless and endless journey, but that's the fun, well as long as you have someone with you! An endless journey is worth it with someone you love and can share it with! I learned this from my moms!! It's just like you and Calliope, you both found the love of your life and can share it with each other, and with Willow of course! I hope to find a love like it myself." He is almost taken aback at her reaction and words to his question, "I....just don't understand." He says almost resigning to her simple child like thought process. Willow pats Orri's face more and the captain acquiesces the request and continues to dance and make the child laugh. Xander attempts to organize Orri's wants in his head as he watches the woman dance around the room, "Alright captain, if that is what you want. Just don't tell people Anaxa killed the Beholder......." He whispers to himself, "..to think this childlike happy go lucky woman fights with such strength and veracity, and killed a damn beholder herself."
Deck or Runway?
The water calmed down after the last ballista was fired and the one ship sped away, the sound of wood under pressure echoes from grappling hooks attached to the Blazing Chariot. The fiery captain looked upon them with excitement, it meant those strong looking fighters were climbing onto her ship looking for a fight. Her mind raced with how it would go, she raced with memories of sparring with Anaxa. Months upon months of nonstop fights and techniques, Orri knew how hoplites battle and had many options for defense and offense, the excitement growing with every option. A light cough coming from her right broke her out of her daydream, "Hey Orri, do you have any orders for everyone?" Calliope coughed into her hand to get the demi-human's attention. "YES!" Morrigan went into dramatic captain mode and turned with a flourish to her crew, "SHIN AND STINKY GET THE INJURED BELOW DECK, MAKE SURE THEY ARE WELL LOOKED AFTER! LIONEL AND DEADSHOT STAY REAY FOR SUPPORT FIRE!" Orri's smile went from ear to ear, Deadshot sighed at Orri, "You are hoping to just challenge the strongest one and make them submit right?" The captain looked stunned, "UMMmmmm nooo of course not that...how did you guess?!" Deadshot raised an eyebrow, "Really Captain...?" A hand landed on Orri's shoulder as Calliope spoke with warmth, "Orri, everyone guessed it." Morrigan raised her energy again, "RIGHT! YOU KNOW THE PLAN! BATTLE STATIONES FOR BOARDING COMBAT, BE READY AND STAY SAFE!" She bellowed as the crew raised their fists in agreement. "Plus I have to see if they are really mean and bad guys, if not we need to settle it fast before Anaxa gets here and murders them really bad." Calliope nods in agreement. The deck scrambled with activity with Artemis directing with more detail, and the waiting began. Orri and Calliope stood their watching the hooks waiting for the hoplites, Orri glanced down at herself and contemplated. "Hmm heehee this is just like "The Gambit of the Pirate Princess" boarded by brigands and have to fight them off, only to find that the strongest one is the man of her dreams!" Her eyes take on that familiar heart shaped dreaminess. Calliope knows it all to well now, "Orri, this isn't like on of your boo...." She looks over to see that Orri has vanished. Blinking twice as Orri reappears with a flash in a completely different and somewhat fancier dress, a long red dress with a single side strap and a split that travels to the middle of Orri's thigh "Hmm is this one TOO fancy? It may be tricky to fight in something so long?" before Calliope can even answer Morrigan vanishes yet again and returns even faster then last time, "Ok maybe this one?" Orri stands next to Calliope in a light cropped sweater and a skirt with two slits. It looks much easier to fight in at the very least. "Well I guess.." Orri interrupts poor Calliope by disappearing once again. Sighing with a smile at the captains antics, taking a breath back in as Morrigan appears in confidence in her usual outfit, the brilliant crimson cropped jacket and heart cut out of the top, the skirt and as always her bright blue scarf, "Alright, ready! To meet him!" She swoons at the idea and meets Calliope eyes,"...THEM, I MEAN THEM! of course." She chuckles and Calliope smirks at her. Such a dire situation here and only Orri can turn it into a silly matter in one of her romance novels. These poor hoplites are in for something they will never expect, a hopless romantic who loves to fight. Poor poor fools.
S: 15 Eye of the Beholder, It's the Thrill of the Fight!
Continuing the endless winter break, the Blazing Chariot is still stationary on the docks of the floating city. Sounds and vision gently muffled by the thick winter air mixing with the vast ocean waters, the frozen salty air is becoming distracting for the canine first mate whom refuses to leave the deck for warmer shelter. His double coat the only thing keeping him comfortable enough to once again double check crates lined up on the main deck. The faint sound of scribbling as his magical quill marks notes on the merchandise that has been here for days now, occasionally his eyes venture off to the clouded horizon. The quill moving freely as he does, "..12, swathes of burgundy....Orri.....150 yards of fine sewn burlap.." He looks away from the horizon to see his blunder, "Dammit" he thinks to himself, letting out a low growl. His unconscious worry became conscious as he wondered how the adventure was going. The first mate was no expert on otherworldly monsters, but the way Amarabi spoke of this beholder creature was more than just a little concerning, "Even with the others with her, she is bound to be brash...She will be worried about the others and think her magic immunity will do all the work." His worries growing slightly as Amarabi's words seeped back into his mind. "These aberrations are legendary and extremely dangerous. Their abilities involve all different kinds of horrible effects. Disintegration, sleep, poisons, any number of things from legend....inside out beams. Let alone the dangerous winter seas would be a challenge!" Amarabi's voice went back and forth in Artemis' imagination as his brain went from bad to worse. At the height of his worry the quill on his journey sprung up and scratched on the paper, "Hurry home..."
The rain resounds in a lovely calming sound as it hits the very top of the tight house glass. Inside this sunken tower sits a group of adventurers with an odd sense of anti climactic victory. Down below them a echo of a splash can be heard in a few quick successions. Foot steps vibrating on the inner chamber of the support pillar as Morrigan ran up the vertical wall and dove back down to the water dozens of feet below. "So she can just run up walls...." A beautiful and delicate elf scoffs into the tea she prepared for the group as they waited for their flag ship to return, "Of course she can." The rest of the group's eyes widen with a resigned look, they all seemed in thought at the unbelievable thing this simple martial artist accomplished.....and was now just having fun doing dives into a hundred foot tube down to the water below. Which the group suspected had hundreds of traps in it. "Is being magically severed even a curse?!" Calliope finally blurted out, she must have rolled it over in her mind for a little while. The crew looked over at her break in silence, "For you guys it would be pretty devastating I imagine." Anaxa declared to the magical group all surrounding a little fire with a kettle on it.
Around a corner the slap of wet foot steps reach them as the fiery haired Orri comes into view drying her hair with a small towel. She is wearing a custom swim suit she had hastily sewed just so she could play in the water. In her chakra of holding was a series of emergency cloth and fastenings, for just such an occasion, "Hey guys! You guys could have joined, I would have made every one a swimsuit." Her smile was warm and had little to no acknowledgment of the thing she had accomplished not two hours ago. She noticed their somewhat serious gazes upon her and stopped just before her dry clothes, "Umm what's up?" She said with genuine confusion. The group laid their palms against their foreheads, Edea and Anaxa stood up and in near perfect unison caringly berated the demi-human, "WHAT'S UP?! You took down a legendary evil monster almost by yourself and then went swimming like nothing happened!" Their voicing inches from harmonizing. Orri was taken aback at their outburst, "Anaxa if you were just an octave higher you would ha....." She seemed to see that may not be the most important part of this. Morrigan's mind was a lightning fast highway of crisscrossing roads and byways, they may usually end up at the wrong conclusion, or jumbled themselves as answers collided, but it was all fast none the less, "Ummm soo you mean....maybe they aren't that strong? I know Amarabi seemed really worried, but he isn't a warrior. AND the Admiral told me the weak spot on them, so it wasn't so bad....right?!" She looked over at the Admiral who waved her arms to shoo away the attention. "It was fun to ride it around the place..." Not sure what to say to make it better. Anaxa and Edea give each other a look, with the realization that Morrigan has no clue at all what she has accomplished, something very few people let alone armies, have done. Zephyria smiles into her tea remembering that Orri told the creature they needed it's organs. She stifles a laugh thinking that was what causes the monster to go into a paranoid panic and maybe make the mistakes it made, "Come Orri, I made some tea and have some snacks for you." She motioned for Morrigan to have a seat and dry off. Morrigan flashed next to her friend with starvation in her eyes, as a glob of drying beholder viscera drips down her high heeled boots a few feet away. The crew can do no more than shrug at the simple mind and needs of their dear friend and join them in the comfort of the make shift camp.
The baklava diminished quickly, mainly due to Orri swiping an extra one here and there as everyone blinked. A rumble comes from Anaxa's hip as her sender starts to glow. She activates the device and a series of woofs and barks can be heard, followed by Hephene's voice, "Yes, Yes she is fine....I have quite the tale to tell Hephene. Tell Artemis his companion is perfectly fine.." Anaxa said nonplused as she looked upon Orri trying to recount what happened to her when the crew lost sight of her in the support pillar.
"He squeezed us into the hole and kept yelling stuff. I just kept trying to get him to stop floating so we could get his organs, but he kept floating. And his eyes kept just looking at me, other than feeling sleepy a couple times I didn't know what was happening. You guys said his eyes do stuff right?" She continued her inglorious tale, and Anaxa just hoped Zephyria would make it sound more epic and thrilling in some fanciful play....rather than her friend jumping on it's head and kicking it for a few minutes. "Then I heard a crack and it went upside down and I got stuck hanging there. I sort of feel bad. Kind of like that time we attacked that squid guy while he was just taking a bath, but you guys said these monsters are really bad right?" The group centered themselves and nodded with acknowledgment, "Yes my friend they are, what we did was good, and we saved.." Zephyria began to explain as Edea jumped in with a riff from her kithera, "MY DRUMMER!"
With little help from Orri dulled perception ability they found a story book like cliché of a horde further under the water in an air pocket. The coins, jewelry, and weapons she understood, but this odd monster had some of the most beautiful cloth Orri had seen, well all but the odd somehow grainy texture hag hair that was among the piles. It was dry and somehow greasy all at the same time, and looked as though if you held it for too long it might start moving. She focused on the mystic silk that was so light it nearly floated in Morrigan's hands, "It's so crazy soft, here feel." She pushed it against Zephyria's cheek. "Orri..oh it is quite soft. How are you more excited about these fabrics than you are in your victory?" She asked the odd little demi-human. She put the silk down and thought through the question, "Hmm the victory was fine I guess, it seemed more worth it to get Anaxa and Edea to harmonize like that she chuckled to herself. I've never fought a beholder so I didn't know it was a bigger deal. I'm just happy we could help Arteria." Zephyria just smiled at Orri's words and pointed over at all the fabric. The beautiful sash with elven embroidery was being slowly picked up by the storm sorceress, "Oh man, oo maybe I can make that?!" She smiled with the future project and saw a blue sheen in the pile before them, a beautiful pair of earrings with sapphires encased in them stood out to Morrigan. Without thinking she reached out and studied them for a long moment, "Oooo can I have these? Instead of us selling them?"
Orri takes a moment to clean them and fastens them to her long doe like ears. Touching them gently to be sure they are in place as she thinks of her mom for a moment smiling to herself. Raising her hands in a flourish the earrings jingle with her hands movements, with a flick of her wrists the sudden appearance of a finely crafted string instrument takes the group by surprise. Orri looks to Edea who nods back to her, over the last few weeks her captain had asked for a little tutelage in actual instruments. Morrigan was an accomplished singer in her own right due to her mom's influence, a bard of substantial skill. The harp was her weapon of choice and Orri wanted to honor that by learning a similar implement, and Edea was the best choice as a teacher. Edea's kithara reminded Orri of her mom's harp and she loved the familiar feeling of being taught music and after a good fight and swim thought it was a grand time to play her new skill. Finishing off the wait for the Scarlet Web's return Orri began to play a serene and calming melody as it resounded off the walls of the dilapidated light house.
S: 14 Ledgers and Birthdays
The candles moved in tandem with the rocking of the calm waves as they rocked the Blazing Chariot back and forth, the dim light they gave off made for a serene and comfortable atmosphere inside the room they resided. The captain's quarters were littered with these candles giving the space an almost secluded cabin feel, the "flames" danced with the flow of the ship. Morrigan wanted to have real candles and have the same feel as her childhood room, but Artemis had to step in and get ever burning candles that would not burn the ironically named Blazing Chariot. The large canine seated comfortably at the desk embracing the free time as his master trains on the upper deck. His muzzle formed a smile as he beheld the gift she kindly gave him, upon the desk is a large leather bound book and a large bright red feather with a sharp point on the tip. His nose nuzzled the edge of the book and opened it to an empty page, then focused his attention to the fiery quill. It begins to float toward the page and starts to mark the paper.
"Thus begins the record of Artemis the first mate of the Blazing Chariot." Artemis chuckles with joy at the pen writing his thoughts, and at his theatric first sentence. "My dear Orri has found this sweet gift so I may write my thoughts, and more importantly have a true ledger of our finances, something my sweet master has little to no interest in." The animated quill marks the paper without ink as if to relate the poor first mate's audible sigh. "Without my instruction and guidance she would most likely throw all our finances off board in hopes it might make the ship go faster, even though it was almost her idea to make this vessel a full merchant ship. I believe she had the idea for my sake, knowing how much I would enjoy it. The profit has been quite lovely, beyond speculations in fact, the kindred spirit I have found in the Admiral concerning such profit has been an unexpected boon. She is a marked improvement compared to that awful Captain Radish....that bastard. I know the family we have acquired here in the Merian islands see my sweet Orri as some simpleton. It is difficult to say she is, she has concrete loves and down to earth desires, but I believe that experience on that terrible ship sticks with her sometimes. These quirky people have made it easy for her to forget, the admiral showing her a leader can be kind and conscientious. When we first met, I could smell it on her...well it took some constitution to get past the aroma of the ship and it's occupants, but Captain Squeenifer had an aura that seemed to be good for Momm...Morrigan."
The large canine perused his progress as Orri entered the room holding a fresh brand new book, holding it close to her chest as she approached Artemis. Her hand reached out gently rubbing her sweet dog's ear and kissing him affectionatly between the eyes, "Hello, I'm just going to read my gift from Alceaus, I won't disturb you." She took a quick look at the desk, "Aww I'm so happy you like my gift." She kissed him again and hugged him tightly, then hopped onto her bed and started reading.
The scratch of quill on paper continued as the atmosphere of the cabin turned to a sweet feeling of home, "Yes, Momma does seem to be much happier with these people. I have come to see that they are all very good for her. Especially Lady Zephyria, she is quite clever and seems to be teaching Orri how the world actually works...well how Meria works more like, in her own little way. I do hope it truly begins to stick in her mind, as much as I have tried to do through the years to help and prepare momma for the world, this new family might be just the thing." The quill slows down and Artemis turns his head toward his long time companion, who is terribly engrossed in the book she is reading. Artemis grabs an old piece of charcoal on the desk with his tail and flings it toward her. In the blink of an eye Morrigan catches it centimeters from her eye between her middle and pointing finger. It rests there for half a second and suddenly imbeds itself in the wall in front of Artemis, "Love you too puppy...her heart raced as his eyes demanded hers to keep contact..." She swooned at the book not looking at Artemis.
Artemis smirked with his long muzzle and turned back to his journal, "Her body will be safe at least, and with me so will her drachma! Her body...yes I think her innocents will be safe, surprisingly. Just a few weeks ago she honoured me by acquiring a ticket to these symposium things. It seemed Calliope's noble upbringing lead her to getting quite a few tickets and Orri thought to bring me as her plus one. She just wanted me there to have someone to understand her and how boring she believed it was going to be. Once she heard it was happening, she immediately declared she had no interest but was more than happy to make the crew some nice clothing." Artemis chuckled a little as she was nearly badgered into going as Calliope handed her the tickets and said Orri was going. "Surprisingly the event was a magnificent opportunity to network and find new buyers! Even dear Orri was enjoying herself with the crew, considering we got stuck in the room with Lord Kester himself. I was also amazed that Orri was not affected in the least by his magical presence and spoke easily to him, then again she may have just not cared in the least. The officers all watched over her through the night, it was quite heart warming to see how much they do care for her. I hope they also know how much this unique wonderful woman is. At least the Admiral and Zephyria do, my companion's naive ideal of romance and "saving herself" for the right one are understood by those two. The admiral spoke outwardly about it at the symposium, and Zephyria agreed. The enormous one, however, did not...her lack of understanding of actual love leads her to the idea of throwing momma's innocents at every male within a thousand league radius. Thank my "grandparents" that the others are willing to fight for Orri on this regard. It really makes me happy that we found these people, they have grown on me. They also seem to make her a little smarter?....think more logically?.....umm at least help her think mildly twice about certain things." The quill stops and slowly lands next to the journal, Artemis uses his nose to close the book and jumps off the chair. Orri sat upon the bed engrossed in the tale of romance and intrigue in the "Safe Harbor", she felt a sudden bounce as Artemis crawled on the bed and positioned himself lengthways against his momma. He nuzzled with his entire body and made himself comfortable against her, Orri held her book with one hand and began to scratch his back, "Hey buddy, done with your journal?" Her smile could light up the room as she put the book down and wrapped an arm around him and the two fell asleep. A small rumble upstairs of restless footsteps as they waited for their captain, Francois stood beside Sir Lionel, "So are we supposed to keep waiting? She went down to get some training equipment and told us to wait here right?" They gave each other a look and sighed, "Ve shall give it ze one more minute..." Francois said to Lionel as their shoulders slumped.
The light of the morning shone through the small window of the captain's quarters, the scratch of the quill being drowned out by the morning activities on deck and the docks, "..plus 1,000 drachma for incidentals for last month, plus materials sold to Amarabi." A few lines of purchases and sales for the last few weeks, along the margins are a few scratched out notes here and there, "..Prepared funds for Captain's impulses and mistakes, increase dollar amount as the season progresses." Artemis toils over the Blazing Chariot's finances and is abruptly interrupted by an excited Morrigan, "ARTEMIS!!" A large blot of ink pools on the page as Orri slams the door open with a flash, "What a great idea sweety! They said it was your idea! Is it for Anaxa's birthday?" Morrigan stood in the door frame awaiting an answer. Artemis recomposed himself with numbers swimming around his brain, "Woof growl(Umm yes of course)" He purred noncommittally. She smiled and ran back up to the deck to the huddled crew, who turned with surprise as their captain swiftly appeared before them, "Wonderful! I am so proud and impressed that you guys are improving!" Orri walked the deck admiring her crews work, "Now we still can work on light and shadow! WE CAN HAVE PAINTING NIGHTS!!" She jumped with excitement, her recent days have been lacking in drawing and painting, "Might I be the one who surprises her with it all?!" She looked to her crew like a child asking to stay up just that one more hour before bed. They all looked on her with confusion and then affection, as chaotic as she was, it seemed her simple heart was always in the right place. They all nodded in unison at her, within a blink of their eyes she was gone.
Upon the Serpent's Scale Anaxa walked the decks giggling to herself at a certain art project, her stride interrupted by her victim. A gust of wind sailed past her as Orri appeared before the large Hoplite. Anaxa expected a swift retaliation and nearly took a stance when she noticed the ridiculous smile on Orri's face, "Um hello Orri?" She said with caution, "HI ANAXA!" Orri produces a fine strip of fabric, "I have a surprise for you!" Morrigan stood their waiting for an answer with that large grin on her face, not an ounce of malice or trickery. Anaxa stood confused for a moment, but relented for the simple fact that it might be entertaining, "Fine big sis, show me this surprise." With reluctance Anaxa let the naive saytr to blindfold the hoplite and guide her to the Blazing Chariot, "Apparently it was Artemis' idea, I think you're going to love it.." Morrigan continued to ramble as she lead Anaxa onto the deck, where she jumped onto a crate and removed the blindfold with a flashy movement, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE BLAZING CHARIOT!" Morrigan stood there arms stretched out looking to Anaxa for a reaction. The massive display of graffiti filled Anaxa's eyes and she couldn't hold anything back and fell to the deck hard in a fit of loud laughter."..huh?" Orri looked down at her friend, "It's haha great hahah I LOVE IT HAHAHAHAHA!" The hoplite could barely get the words out as her laughter resounded into the air above them. Leaving Morrigan scratching her head.
S: 13 Winter Break and Bathtime!
"Remember kiddo, you should pit yourself against all sorts of fighting styles and warriors to keep yourself sharp!" The warm smile of Morrigan's uncle beamed down upon her as he instilled his lessons on her. He did everything he could to instill her with all she would need to better her fighting on her own if need be. "Challenge those you think are strong, you will never get better by taking on opponents weaker than you." He continued as the excited young woman nodded her head rapidly, "And it wouldn't be fun just to beat people up, right Uncle ChuChu?!" Her uncle gave one satisfied nod toward her, "Yes that is true, but mainly you would never improved if there were not some stakes involved." He said quickly, as he noticed Morrigan touch her stomach, "Not those steaks kiddo..."
A booming voice interrupted the lesson, "Well well, it seems your desperate need to fill our niece with chaos and battle, she still thinks of the well being of those weaker than her." A large man walks into view with a slender kind looking woman next to him. He seemed to have a glow about him and the woman sporting at least three flagons and mugs around her belt took a sip from the one in her hand, she looked upon her niece with much affection, "Hey cutie, having fun with Uncle Chuchu?" She snickered to herself looking at the man now giving her a glare, it seemed the nickname giving to him by Orri was ammo for the others. Morrigan's body moved on it's own with remarkable speed and she imbedded herself in a big embrace of the two new arrivals, "Uncle Sham and Aunt Nin!" They returned the embrace of Orri with happiness and let the child down, "Uncle Sham did you come to spar?! Please of please oh please please pleeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaasee." Her Aunt handed her a small mug of the tastiest hearty brew to stall her for a moment, "Sweet child you look exhausted and you still want to train?" Morrigan eagerly drank the hoppy elixir, only taking a break to mention to her Aunt and Uncle, "Uncle Chuchu says a good way to train is to hire assasssinins to fight you! How much are they and what is it?" As if he was the main suspect in an investigation for a horrible crime the new arrivals looked upon Uncle Chuchu with scorn, "ARE YOU SERIOUS?! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING HER!?" Aunt Nin's voice rang out into the emptiness, and Uncle Sham seemed to grow larger and the glow intensified. His judgmental gaze overpowered the accused. "I was simply giving some advice for the future, I know she will be strong enough to take anyone! Fighting rings and the like...come on gu..." His speech was cut off as a fist seemed to come out of thin air and connected hard against Uncle Chuchu's face. It's power seemed beyond the physical as if the impact went past the man entirely and made him ragdoll a few dozen meters away, a calm voice somehow filled with dignity and complete rage took over all sound, "Yes...dear Brother-In-Law. What have you been filling my daughter's head with!" The impact trail in the ground gave out a mumble as Uncle ChuChu attempted to answer, "MOMMY!" Morrigan repeated the hug she gave before to her aunt and uncle, "Did you come to spar?! You and Uncle Chuchu going to practice? I wanted to fight you and show you what I learned!" Her Mother's face swiftly softened and looked upon her daughter, "That sounds lovely my Little Warrior, I just need to make Uncle Chuchu understand something real quick ok?" The young Morrigan landed back on the ground and prepared to study her Mother's battle with keen interest, "Then you and I can fight right?!" She yelled as she sat down in her Aunt Nin's lap. "Of course sweety, just watch for now." The concussive sound of a man now very much in battle mode and excited for the prospect of once again fighting his sister-in-law, his smirk said it all as the air filled with concussive bombardments of sword against spear. The sparkle and hearts forming in young Morrigan's eyes as her Uncle and Mother showed off in front of her, bouncing up and down in her Aunt's lap nearly spilling her beer, "Morrigan." She said with such a stern tone that Orri immediately sat still, but her eyes never left the fight.
The breeze of the Merian sea grew stronger and stronger as the Hive fleet made it's way back to Io, going around Echidna's Graveyard...which too everyone's dismay was apparently an option that Orri neglected to tell everyone, it carried a chill to remind the fleet that winter was coming. The entire journey was filled with the trial of letting Morrigan know that sailing in these seas during this season was far too dangerous and unprofitable, the ladder point being harshly enforced by Artemis and the Admiral. "OK OK, I get it....but there is no fighting...."
After being reminded over and over the entire journey Orri's mind was wracking itself with how she is going to train and who she would even be able to train with! focusing and unfocusing it lead her in too many random avenues and distractions. She decided to sketch and get her brain to focus on one point, then a memory of training with her Uncle, "Assissinators? assasssininin. The people who do stuff! Like a mercenary. Yeah, Amarabi might know! If I hired someone to fight me maybe." Her brain took a journey of Orri donning a disguise and hiring a group of rough and strong people to attack her. A cloak wrapped around her as she hands a drawing of the "target" to them and she would take lone walks at night waiting for her new training partners to come for her, "Genius!"
Keeping this idea in the back of her head for when she needed it, the thought of Alceaus entered her brain. He could spar with her and have no fear of injury from the city, "Poor Alceaus, he is going to be just as disappointed as me that we are stuck in the city for so long. Plus hopefully we can advance our skills, and he will feel more at home with us at the Hive." She spoke happily to her furry friend who looked upon her with compassion and laid a paw on her leg, "Don't bother him too much." He tried to say as she jumped up and headed straight for the archeologist. She approached him with a different style this time and actually asked if he would kindly spend time with her and train. He was surprised as she channeled her Mother's nobility, as best she could imitate of course. Alceaus was taken aback a little, and knew saying no would be pointless, so he accepted and knew the winter would be full of such encounters. Better to go with the stream instead of against it right? Morrigan was not so terrible in all honesty, naive and kind, there were worse things she could be. Nearly each day would start with Orri waiting at a distance as Alceaus finished his breakfast, "Yes, Captain of the Blazing Chariot, I can feel you waiting. Let's begin." Orri would eagerly run from behind the mast and the two would begin to run through an endless variety of kata and combat forms.
After two or three weeks of constant requests the archeologist was beginning to notice how sternly focused the chaotic woman was during spars and training. Her mind and body set to what they were doing alone, he concocted a plan. If her focus was this strong during their sparring battles perhaps he could pierce that thick skull and implant some knowledge. Letting information that she seemed to be missing slip in between blows or grapples, starting small for both their sakes. Too much complexity or information might not get through to her and only frustrate the poor intellectual. Their forearms met in defense as Orri charged him and they locked for a moment, "..So INSTEAD of prison, people work off their crimes as slaves? And they are not treated badly?" They separated and swiftly exchanged four calculated strikes between fist and foot, "YES! Exactly Morrigan!" A surprised and somewhat pleased tone in his voice. He would count the victory and continue training, doing everything not to push his luck. He found that some days the captain would come with tea or sweets that she asked Zephyria to make her, Alceaus knew of the woman's poor curse for food making. Sometimes it was almost pleasant, or was she simply wearing him down?
A day of resting, which was always a necessity by her Uncle's training montra. She headed over to merchant's row for some supplies. Then the idea Orri was hiding in the back of her head came back with a vengeance as she stood before her good merchant friend. She was in the middle of purchasing old stones with bones in them, and it crept to the forefront of her thoughts, "Oh Amarabi!" She looked both directions and subtly....as subtle as she could be of course, "Do they hire people to beat up others in this city?" Amarabi's expression went through a variety of emotions and was pretty sure he knew what the martial artist meant, and with some hesitation gave her intel about what would be known as a fighting ring. The young woman's expression could have rivaled the sun itself as the merchant gave her all the details and made her swear on her parents very lives she would tell no one. An easy promise to make, she very much liked Amarabi and the lovely silks and fabrics he aquired just for her. Whatever people may think about the self proclaimed "Queen of Hearts" she is more than willing and capable of keeping a secret, especially if said secret will hurt someone, "Swear on your parents to never ever tell! Or you and I will be in serious peril, and when I say take the dive you need to take it....." Before Orri can even open her mouth to ask, "I DON'T mean to dive in the water." Amarabi takes the time to explain how the gamble and the real game works, to throw a fight on special occasions is a necessity. "I'll practice my acting then! I've read Zephy's plays with her, it's fun!" For that moment Amarabi seemed confident, with his safety as a concern Orri grew serious through her excitement and put his worries to bed. "Await word from me, and you'll be fighting in the ring." He whispered to her and she bounded away with her purchases like an excited child, jumping over people and buildings back toward her ship.
A ring made specifically for fighting! Alceaus more receptive to training and he seemed a little more comfortable on his ship, AND enough money to buy a little extra food! This winter was going to be alright and looked a great deal brighter, especially after going out of her way to assist the people who were turned to stone, so many seemed so odd and ungrateful, one even killed his family. The more Orri pondered about the gnome and his actions the frustration she endured by the commander seemed less and less. How could someone let their family die just for more money, such a thought would have never entered her mind and a kernel of something odd broiled in her chest at the thought of the gnome. For someone who loves her family so dearly, it made her uncharacteristically angry at that horrific act. "I hope the Admiral keeps an eye on him, my family down here is becoming important to me..." Her voice trailed as Artemis and Dame Deadshot looked on at her for more clarification. "Umm captain?" Dame attempted getting her attention. "OH yes? oh, I was thinking about that gnome guy who killed his family, and I'm worried about my little goblins, and I will make sure he never comes near any of you guys!" Orri balled her fist. Francois and Shin were moving crates back and forth on Artemis's orders to move product while they are docked for so long, this will be a profitable winter! In honor of his master Orri he was going to capitalize on the need for warmth and cloth. The two moving the crates over heard their Captain's declaration and smirked slightly at her caring and childish mentality. It was endearing in it's way and she could very much back up her claims, they have seen on a few occasions. Healing all three ships at once really garnered favor with them. "It's a nice thought, eh Franky? At least a little more caring that Overhulk." Shin whispered as he strained lifting the last crate, "Mon dieu Shin, it is Francois, und wei, it is a nice thought." He almost chuckled, "Well, let's say it's better she cares about us and is not our enemy. I fear we would not be the winners in such a skirmish." Shin stopped and his imagination took over, going over such a battle, "Oooph yeah, I guess you are right. Last time we had a "Who gets to bath Filthy" spar...she went all out.." The two men went through the memory and shuddered.
Once every two weeks the Blazing Chariot holds a massive yet very necessary event dubbed "Who gets to bath Filthy." Shelley Mcarson, the man dubbed Filthy, has a very appropriate nickname and since the last time they were at port the captain of the ship installed a washroom and a dining area. Morrigan had the idea of keeping everyone clean and having a nice place to eat Ifegenia's delicious meals together. She denied that Filthy was the inspiration, but he was hard to ignore so Captain Orri started the game. "The last three to land a strike on me, must get our friend clean and fresh for dinner!" Captain Morrigan said with delight at the prospect of her crew getting into the fun and happy for the practice to sharpen her crew. "This is going to be fun." She whispered to Artemis, who had laid his head back down, "Umm excuse me sir, as the First Mate, you are part of this as well." She scratched his ears as he sprung up in a panic, "WHAT no. no no no no no, are you serious?!" She smiled at him warmly, scratched him in his favorite spot, "All for the morale of the crew sweetheart!" She said as she vanished up the main mast and stood on top of it awaiting her crew to get into the fun.
Shin and Francois gave a quick nod to each other tying a rope around Shin as he hopped into the catapult. Francois grabbed the lever and aimed it for the mast. Dame Deadshot ran behind some crates brandishing her pistols readying for a surprise shot, while Sir Lionel gathered a little divine energy into his family longsword out in the open. Lionel hoped he would have a good opening after the others sent out the first volley. "To perceive is to believe, what is real is real eh Captain he he he he he," The elderly man Old-Tide laughed to himself as a flick of his fingers created an illusion around Artemis and Jack "Two-Legs" a vision of Old-Tide himself wrapped around them as the old man took a seat and waited for the glorious show. A large group of crewman gathered together forming a phalanx so their captain could not appear behind them and take advantage, all the while Filthy napped below decks, none the wiser.
For a singular moment the only sound was the subtle waves lapping against the wood of the ship, beads of sweat building on the crew in anticipation. The tense atmosphere weighed heavy on them all, to be the last three would be quite a sentence to endure. The calm before a decisive battle carried into the air as they kept a keen eye on the incredibly fast "Queen of Hearts." One dock away on top of another mast sat a lone witch sitting on her stoop suspended high in the air. She sipped her tea and waited for the ridiculous show to commence, she scoffed with a laugh smiling into her tea, "Idiots." Anaxa walked her deck and noticed the strange silence and calm aboard the Blazing Chariot, "What in Tardarus is goin.." She was interrupted as a loud smash of wood against metal as the catapult was activated without warning, sending the small Falenese man speeding toward the top of the mast where the fiery captain stood waiting. He careened through the air and inches away from grabbing Orri, Deadshot rolled from behind the crates and fired two bullets toward her. The two bullets reached the captain seconds before Shin, Orri smiled as she dodged left from the one bullet, and caught the other in her hand. Her eyes went wide as she realized how hot it was and placed it into Shin's pocket as he sped past her in the air. She jumped down off the mast, grabbing the rope and wrapped it around the mast as she fell, leaving poor Shin to swing immediately and trapping him up there. Francois looked upon his partner tied on the mast, "Forgive me my friend, I knew she would do that, but I am not washing this man." Making sure Shin would be trapped up there and probably be one of the last three, Francois rushed toward the mast in preparation for when Orri landed. Her feet connected half way down the mast and she used it to speed down toward the deck, reaching it in record time. Standing on the deck she found herself surrounded by three Old-Tide's, "Whoa, what?!" The two standing elders rushed her immediately, one swinging a club, while the other vanished entirely and appeared right above Orri. She nudged the club and turned three sixty degrees causing the illusion around Two Legs to go flying behind her. He stumbled and went for another swing, causing her to dodge, "Stillness of the Candle Stance!" She let out causing him to miss again, as the one above her dropped and bit into her shoulder. The old man illusion around Artemis faded as Olt-Tide laughed heartily, "HAHA from this angle, it looks like that's first blood for me Captain." He slapped his knee and kept up the laughter. She placed a foot into Two-Legs back and pushed him right into Francois's path as he charged forward, "Franky look out." He yelled as they collided full force. Orri took a step or two back, unknowingly, toward the large mount of crewmen. She gauged her surroundings and was suddenly set upon by the huge phalanx of people, who descended upon her in a dogpile, striking, and kicking desperately trying to get a strike on their leader. Surprisingly organized and helping each other to be sure each one got a hit, Orri nearly teared at how much they were working together.
Scoffing into her tea, Zephyria could not believe what she was seeing. An apparent wave of human bodies consumed her friend. Anaxa yelled at the top of her lungs, "COME ON ORRI! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING! THEY ARE FODDER!" The crew blob began to shudder in unison as they all gave out a resigned sigh knowing what comes next was going to hurt. Beams of light, bright as the fiery sun, escaped from the holes in the mound, "CRIMSOOOOON IGNITIIOOOON..." Orri's voice muffled but heard just the same, "...DRIIIIIVE!!!" She bellowed out her transformation as the light intensified and the dogpile exploded in all directions, some overboard and onto the dock, leaving a barely visible captain bathed in red and blue light. She stood there as if a blazing fire ready to burn the world, "Let's take this up a bit!" She bent her knees as if to suddenly take off in any direction. Right above her however was Shin who has been desperately cutting the rope attached to him, finally two thirds through it the weight of his body broke the last third and he quickly descended deckward. Orri noticed his approach moments before landing on top of her, she swung her leg up at him catching his descent and softly laying him face down on the deck before vanishing out of reach. She appeared behind Francois and tripped him quickly, her shining aura glaring in his eyes. Anaxa looked from her ship seeing this massive battle and wondered what the hell caused such a desperate commotion, was this a mutiny?! A fire burning in his eyes as Shin ran over toward the fray reached into his jacket producing two lit sticks of black powder, "I'll hit everybody!!" A blinding light preceded the massive explosive noise, debris hitting every surface as the light faded and four people came back into view. Shin singed all over his front in his desperate act, Two-Legs and Francois covered in ash and broken wood, a few burns on their clothing as they staggered to their feet. Right in front of them stood their Captain without so much as a speck of dust, not even a rip in her resplendent coat. "Now Shin, you can't just set off explos..." Orri was cut off by the three of them, "HOW DO YOU NOT HAVE ANY DAMAGE ON YOU?!" they yelled in disbelief. "Oh, I figured how to dodge big explosions. Being fast and agile has benefits. Want me to teach you?" She said plainly. With that offer of help from the captain she suddenly shifted her head to the side as if something struck it. A pistol came from the smoke and connected firmly with the side of Orri's face and landed on the ground, going off immediately next to Two-Legs ear, "AHH GOD DAMMIT, REALLY?!" He clawed at his now doubly ringing ear from two explosions. Dame Deadshot yelped and jumped with happiness, "YES!!! I got you! If I fired the gun you would have heard it....who knew if I did something I thought you might do, it would work?!" Through Deadshot's excitment came chanting from her other side and a radiant bolt of energy burst into her back. The spell Sir Lionel held back finally had an opening, sweat pouring off him as he held the magick at bay. Captain Morrigan beamed with pride at her crew and at Deadshot, "That was amazing everyone! I'm so proud of you!" She turns her head toward Shin, Francois, and Two-Legs with a smile, "Now you three, it looks like someone needs a bath." She hands them a net and some rope. The three look at each other in complete defeat, and without a word in their singed and smoky figures, head down toward the sleeping giant.
This winter was going to be fun!
S:12 Tales From The Blazing Chariot Part 2
The stars brightened as the night continued to progress above the eccentric group that ran the fiery trireme, their dangerously fearless leader continuing her tale of the adventure they had just gone through. The crimson captain jumped back onto a crate, cleared her throat, and bellowed with enthusiasm as to what comes next from the audience, "So there we were! The battle finished with an odd mercy and from behind us came a VOICE!" Orri slowly turns to Zephyria with a stern and feigned look of frustration, "Yep a VOICE, crazy huh Zephy?" Turning back toward the crowd and Anaxa, "The mighty hoplite appeared and began to explain where she was. Zephy had us writing our conversations the entire time not letting us know that if we can breath water, we can talk! Our sweet witch thought it was very funny, and we are impressed the joke went on for so long." The deck of the ship went up in a cascade of laughter and a few of the Blazing Chariot crew slapped Zephyria on the back in congratulations, causing the poor small elf to nearly fly into the center of the "stage" next to Morrigan. The crew looked concerned and Zephyria waved them off just so they would move on, and Orri continued, "With Anaxa and I taking point we continued through the sunken hallway and came upon a massive marble door, that could only be opened with a phrase from a Wave Mother!"
Dame Deadshot and Francois who both were sat next to the Admiral leaned in toward the goblin, "Admiral, zo who told our fearless captain about the Undine religion?" Francois asked with confidence. Deadshot leaned in closer and waited for the answer as well, until the Admiral without looking at them and kept her eyes on Orri flamboyance, "Oh ye should have a bit more confidence in yur captain little ones. For Morrigan was the one to tell us about them." Dame Deadshot feigned surprise and acted as if she were about to fall out of her chair, whilst Francois looked upon Morrigan with a reserved surprised respect, as only someone from Crell Montefreign can manage. Orri's voice rose above their conversation once more, "Then Zephy mentioned a magical seal! My excitment grew at the prosp...proeco...idea of magical beast we may have to tangle with....then discovered she was simply talking about the door. Just imagine though a seal of massive girth and power wielding magic! What a wonderful fight that would be!" The Falenese canonsmith Shin "Flint" raised his tankard in support, "That sounds amazing, we will find one Captain! Don't you worry!" The crew of the Blazing Chariot all raised their drinks at their captain and took a big swig. Their captain followed suit with a massive smile on her face at her crew.
"We then came across a cave covered in rubble and a small space to get through, hoping for a fight on the other side I spun through the water and past these sharp spikes coming from all angles to REACH!" She pauses and then breathes out, "Just a bunch of treasure, some of it was really pretty. After that we found a really beautifully crafted set of armor made from dragon scales!" As she proclaims this Hephane suddenly lifts her head and starts to shake against Anaxa. The hoplite's eye twitches as she holds down Hephane's shoulders to calm her, "Yes Hephane, I know you can look at it later." Anaxa turns her attention back to Orri who had continued her summary, ".....more treasure blah blah, THEN poor Calliope gets impaled by some trap! My poor friend, I should have been in front of you to try and help you dodge!" The captain vanishes and appears next to Calliope giving her a quick yet tight hug and reappears back to her podium. "Behind that trap was a ring that didn't do anything so I tossed it to Edea, who found out it was." She puts her hands in the air and spreads them apart, "Maaaaagic. Down further there was some writing in Prime Cordials..." Orri is interrupted by Zephyria, "Primordial Orri." Orri points quickly at her, "YES, that one. It lead me down a tunnel to a group of fishy guys. They had a bunch of eggs...which didn't seem appropriate to just destroy them. I have learned that some things are just that bad." She leans into her shoulder to remember something. "..gods like clean temples, remember that...Anyway I was conflicted but Anaxa showed that these guys are not out for fun tests of strength, they wanted us dead...and I may have yelled for them to get ready to battle us, an opponent must be ready for you so you can better yourself with the challenge, but they didn't care so...." Orri suddenly jumped straight into the air nearly fifteen feet up and came right back down crashing into the crate and breaking into it, "I swam in and took down the first fish guy! and suddenly another one swam out of nowhere and stabbed me, THEN a weapon appears out of thin air without someone holding it! AND THEN IT SWUNG AT ME!!" Standing in the crate rubble she imitates being hit, "Then Zephy did the cotton candy thing again and one of them tries to escape the ball, it tried to attack Anaxa while she was busy with another one, so I rushed him and dragged him back into the cotton candy, admittedly I was a little hungry, and I figured my body could withstand the poison. I held him there and started punching him in the gut." Filthy and Shin yelled with enthusiasm, "YEAH GET 'IM CAPTAIN!" Morrigan bows at her drunk admirers and goes into her Blazing God Impact movements, "Once he was taken care of, I saw in the distance those creepy babies were attacking Zephy. So I charged my energy and blasted them around her!" She readies herself for the next bit and nods to Edea, "After taking these crazy baby monster things down we thought to close up the cavern, so Eddy and I blasted it together with magic and energy!" A loud crack of thunder and lightning come from Edea's Kithera, "FUCK YEAH!" She yells.
"Suddenly the bright azure hue of the door of fate presented itself to us against the wall. We got to have a nice little rest and prepared for what was behind that door. That door had a bunch of dead bodies that turned into a two headed shark!!!" Orri winks to Edea and suddenly a dramatic piano like sting of two notes erupted into the air as an illusion of a massive two headed shark appears above Orri's head. The entire crowd, minus the strike team, all gasp and let out awes of amazement. The horrible creature ungulates and moves in the air as if barely holding itself together. "This horrible creature created a huge vortex in the water! Trapping a bunch of us in it, I had to summon the Chariot itself to grab Zephy by the hand and get her out of there." As she says chariot she points proudly toward the flag flying above them. "Once I got her and I out of there I summoned a ball of swirling ki above me and threw it right at the shark's heads. It enraged the avatar and he charged full speed at us....well it was apparently just an image of it, then Anaxa sliced so deeply into it that it panicked and slammed into the walls. We roamed in closer and wailed on the thing until it could take no more and we finished it off! We took down a none god god thing!" Raising her hand into the air, everyone in attendance followed along and they yelled into the night sky.
As the yells died down and the crew went to take another gulp of their drinks Orri went on, "....and then we brought all the stuff we found and came back to the ship! I gathered everyone here for some drinks and fun and then Shin asked me to tell everyone what happened." The officers and the crew looked at her skeptically as she began to recap the recap. "There is no way she is going to keep going right?" "No, come on....oh my god she is." Some of the crew whispering to themselves. Zephyria and Calliope look at each other in disbelief and Zephyria can't help but let out, "Sweet tree...I don't think I have the words...wow she is going through the entire story again.."
S: 11 Tales From the Blazing Chariot Part 1
The sound of the ocean being displaced and splashing back into the wood of a long Merian Trireme with a massive Silver Sea Islea theme resonated through and enhanced the atmosphere for story telling. The soft light of hundreds of candles littered the deck and containers close to the bow of what is known as the Blazing Chariot, illuminating the small group of friends, officers, and assorted crew. Crates and make shift seating scattered in a circle surrounding a passionate young woman belting out a tale of conquest, her brilliant crimson coat waving with enthusiasm at her every dramatic move. The glint of metal of little satyrs wearing pirate hats in gold flashes as her horns reach the candle and moonlight, a decorative gift of molded metal around them from the Scarlet Web's forger. The vibrant coloured captain leapt onto an unoccupied crate, "Her mighty blade crashed down onto the hide of the hulking shark god, but not god...thing, and the shield she carried blocking it's blows..." Morrigan had been going on like this for roughly five minutes while Anaxa sat there with an eye brow raised and exuding a slight impatience. Orri mimicked the motion of sword play, "Now returned from her new yet old snake form and back to her hoplite vicount frame...vicount? vivasi....." From behind the crowd on a higher seat was Zephyra watching this display with affectionate enthusiasm, "Visage Orri!" she says with a helpful condensation. "RIGHT!" the martial artists yells pointing at her elf friend, "Visage, and performing wild feats..." Anaxa finally pipes up, maybe encouraged by Zephyra's interruption, "Orri...." Her eye twitches slightly, "..I asked what happened BEFORE I arrived to help you all. Remember? It was barely six minutes ago." She waits, looking into Orri's eyes to see if something clicks, catching the eye of Artemis who returns a "careful now" look, back at the hoplite. The Captain of the Blazing Chariot lets the wheels turn for a second, "Yes, you are right, you did ask that." Her crew and dear friends all share a sigh and a giggle at the antics of The Queen of Hearts. She straightens herself up and restarts her tale. Picking up a candle as if telling an old tale of the sea, much like those told to her by the fire back in the Silver Seas.
The demi human places the flame by her chest, clears her throat and starts a new, "We got no word from the Viper's Scale...no ooops." She falters slightly and quickly rights herself, "Python's Scale, the light of the Authabooopalootus compass formed into a tight beam and pointed straight down to the water!" Zephyra's hand made it's way to her face in exasperation as Orri attempted to say the compass's name. "The water was littered with old stuff, Calliope said." At the time Orri was not paying attention at all. "It was discovered that those fishy weird people that Anaxa fought were down there somewhere. NOW it was my time to see if they were strong. I was excited to face them and see!" Every few words Orri turned and made eye contact with a new listener. "We donned our fish cloaks, the Admiral and I jumped high off the ship right away, She became that huge alligator dinosaur and splashed into the ocean, right before I hit the water after a few flips. It is my favorite part about underwater exploration!" Filthy sat there listening with intent and nodded that it indeed sounded like fun to be able to flip nearly four times and hit the water with no splash. Yelling above the noise of her band mates Edea yelled out, "BALLISTA BOLT!" The phrase she yelled before jumping in herself. "Below us as we hit the water was an entire city! WHO KNEW?! It must have sunk or something, I grabbed onto the Admiral and we made a speedy approach to it and suddenly there were fish people coming out of the buildings!" Calliope patted Ifegena's shoulder as they realized Orri had forgotten about the city's history again. "It took time to get used to fighting in the water again, but it was a great challenge as these huge huge sharks swam toward us along with the ShwayingGains. They must have been the size of our ships!" Morrigan suddenly remembered that the pirates of her homeland taught her to really exaggerate the size of things in stories, "Maybe even bigger!! The Admiral and I swam right for the close one and I let loose a "Volcanic Rush Combo!" She performed the motions of her style for an example. "Now that our lightning twins were reunited because Calliope returned to her terran form, she let out a massive and deva...bad...yeah a huge crazy big amount of powerful lightning across this big area. It shot out and looked like it hit and fried everybody, my eyes were filled with light." She puts her arms up and poorly depicted how much of the lightning filled the area and latched onto a large group of sahuagin and a massive shark. "The fish guys and their giant shark pet didn't even have a chance to react when.." Orri swiftly vanished and appeared behind Zephyra, "WHEN Zephy raised her hand and an explosion of super soft pink stuff that looked like cotton candy covered all those guys that me and the Admiral were not fighting. When the big ball of soft stuff erupted I got surprised and used all my force to kick the other giant shark in half." She jumps up about fifteen feet and does a rainbow kick mid air and lands back to center stage, "They tried running but the Admiral swam to one of them and chomped him right in half...it was pretty hard core. To finish it off Eddy yelled something weird about balls and the other shark looked over at her and just dropped dead out of nowhere!!" The concept still doesn't lock in her mind as she tries to remember, she is then surprised as Edea belts out "LIG LIG LIGMA BALLS!" The entire group on the Blazing Chariot erupts in raucous laughter. From the center Orri brings back their attention as she lets out a huge blast of energy into the sky, "That's what I did to the champion guy, right in his face, but he took it like a champ....oh, that makes sense. He stood their confident and I got so excited that out battle would continue. Until Zephy shot a bunch of candies that moved on their own and it killed him." A giggle from Zephyra's seat fills the air and she says apologetically, "Sorry kiddo." The crew laughs at the interaction between the two. After seeing the healing act performed by Orri, her crew has been much nicer and seen her in a more favorable light. She was growing on them, and it was finally showing.
"The Admiral swam under me and became a mighty dinosaur mount, it was so awesome and fun!" She completely gushes at how cool the form Squeenifer took and how fun it was to fight along side it. The teeth and the scales, the claws and attacks, she went on for a little while and saw people were waiting for the real meat of the story, "Did you guys know dinosaurs aren't just skeletons?! Because I didn't!" An odd Segway, but everyone was not too surprised that their sweet martial artists didn't know something. Her attention goes to Anaxa, "Anyway! We swam into this amazing temple with a gorgeous ..well once gorgeous statue of that water lady who told us to do all this stuff." Orri nearly goes into a tirade of art talk and how amazing the statue's form and folds were until she saw Anaxa's face changing, "Um yeah, the Admiral and I took that thing you always say, at the front." She snaps her fingers attempting to remember when Anaxa chimes in, "Point?" Orri looks over to her quizzically, "At what? Nevermind it doesn't matter, so we searched and scoped out the temple finding little statues and Calliope did this stuff with tools and we got a bunch of these!" She reaches down and pulls out a very water logged gilded chest, not very ornate but well crafted. "Then there was more hallway, some even had explosion damage! From the fish guys trying to open the chests, but Calliope was way better than them and opened all the traps and locks. After that we came to a larger room full of these guys!" She mimics walking slowly down a hallway and stands proudly as if still in the moment of finding the room, "They seemed to be training which meant they must have been strong!" Morrigan's excitement was evident her eyes turning to stars as she looked to Anaxa. Anaxa had seen this look far too many times and knew exactly how the story was about to progress. "I was about to ask if we could join them....but remembered we couldn't talk under the water and they pointed to us and charged. I was excited to start, and saw one of them had this huge sword! Deadshot! Hold it up for Anaxa!" Sitting on a crate was the thin bosun, her arms and hips shaking a little as she struggled to hold up an odd wavy designed great sword, "He held that up and it looked really cool, he reminded me of Mother." She laughed pretty hard to herself, then immediately returned to the stern "serious" story teller.
"I took a flowing stance and put myself right in front of him and.." She reached out to Calliope's hand and brought her to a standing position as if to start an elaborate waltz. Spinning the sorcerer gently, "..I sensed his life energy and found a cluster of ki at his core!" She reenacted the action on poor Calliope and in the action actually made contact with her skin and proceeded to disrupt the poor mage's ki. "I spun our energies together and I messed up his abilities, he was stunned!" Calliope stands motionless apart from the very slow descent toward the deck of the ship, with a graceful and caring motion Orri spun and caught the stunned sorceress like a princess and sat her back next to her husband, "Ooops, sorry Calli!" Morrigan slunk back to center stage and recounted the rest of the battle. "I was weaving back and forth when the rest of the fish guys surrounded me. Suddenly out of nowhere four crocodiles appeared in the room, and it got really cramped." Orri then takes a stance that looks a little like Zephyra casting a spell, "Then Zephy appeared in the door way and suddenly a whole lot of candy came flying into the room and struck the fishes!" She then touched her abs, "Oh man I'm hungry again, so the candy hit the guy I stunned and his armor went all wobbly and cracked!! One of the crocs grabbed an enemy that was in the other hallway that I didn't see." Morrigan jumps and uses her arms to imitate the croc grabbing him and surprised her crew. She then does the same motion upward quickly, "THEN A SHARK CAME FROM UNDER THE CROC AND BIT INTO IT!" She then winks over at Edea and Calliope, who has just recovered from her ki being disrupted, "Then Calli switched places with Zephy and the room ERUPTED!!" The lightning twins combine their mana and the sky bursts with brilliant light causing the audience the look up in awe. Morrigan looks up as well completely astonished by their beautiful magic, she looks at them with uncharacteristically smug smile. Proud of the silly theatrics they concocted. "The bolts of lightning came right for me in the water, dozens of bolts traveling right for me, they reached right to my face and suddenly changed direction and went everywhere to the enemies. It was awesome!" Anaxa listened intently to this tale with a quite impressed look and admiration, there may have even been a small tear of joy forming in the corner of her eye.
"Then Zephy returned to the hallway and did...something, not really sure to be honest. The sharks swam right for me and tried to bite, but I dodged and weaved away, I was really really surrounded so I had to summon my power and transform!" She stands in the center of her audience and the air becomes static and much warmer, the waves of heat could be seen as they formed around her and she suddenly burst with a blinding red and blue aura. Her muscles showing a significant tone and her hair going to a much more brilliant crimson, "Crimson Ignition Drive! The sharks kept swimming around me while the Admiral tried to stab a fish guy...she tried really hard." Morrigan's voice increased in volume as her aura let out the sound of a blazing bonfire, "The shark to my left was hit by her weapon and recoiled, when it did I kicked it upward and swam above it to knock it back down!" She put her hands together and threw them down like a hammer, acting out every motion was the best part for her. Like image training going over the motions over and over, Anaxa sees this in her eyes and motions and smiles with a chuckle, "Oh Orri." She mumbles to herself. Knowing this is more for Orri than anyone, almost like training. "After taking down that shark I swiftly spun around and placed a Dynamite Kick on the fishy behind me taking him down! It seemed to be going well, I started to feel a little bad that these guys might not be as strong as they acted.." She thought for a moment and caught Edea's eyes, "OH and Edea! She played some kind of song, when she did the thing with her strings it created waves in the water and one of the fish guys started laughing like mad.....their laughs are horrifying..." The energy left the story for a moment as the laughter haunted her once more. "Anyway, Calli and Zephy shot it down with candy and more mana energy spells! I then struck it in the back and nicely put it out of it's misery, I then tried the same with the other guy who the Admiral was attacking and just as I struck him the gator bit him in half!" Anaxa heard this and erupted with applause toward the Admiral.
Morrigan waits for the applause to go down and she stands there remembering, "Poor guy, They were all taken down and I stared at the sword. It was so cool that I forgot I couldn't pick it up and it fell nearly hitting Calliope's foot. Sorry again Calli." She scratched the back of her head in embarrassment. "Hmmm let's see, then what happened.." She ponders for a moment while Zephyra, Edea, Calliope, and the Admiral all jumped in to add and or correct the things Orri forgot and couldn't understand.
"Oh yes! Then we started down the hallway and Anaxa started....oh that's when you sho..." Orri started saying when Anaxa interrupted, "Yep, these are the parts I was there for...but why don't you keep going Big Sis." She warmly smiled at Orri and with the joy of a child the demi human beamed and started the second half of the tale.....
S:10 Tired of these Motherfucking Snakes in my Motherfucking Art Instillation
The endless crisp sky bled into the horizon with little more than vague shadows of islands in the distance was a delightful change to the odd and dark home of her dear friend Zephyra. Making their way to the long boats to return to their triremes, Orri occasionally rubbed her tongue with her thumb and forefinger. The feeling of horrendously sharp candy will linger with her for some time. Her unique mind focusing on the feeling of the actual cuts as they dug into her tongue like an oar smoothly going through the water. She felt much better knowing that when she struck someone it was a blunt affair and did not cause much or any bleeding. Well perhaps the occasional ki burn here and there but nothing like an unstoppable torrent of blood from a series of small cuts. She thought about swords and axes and how they work, but then again being cut by a sword or an axe seemed a lot better than those doors, at least the bleeding could be stopped quicker and easier. Those doors could even act as weapons she giggled to herself in surprise as she was sure Anaxa would have wanted one of the doors and turn it into a weapon. She mused to herself picturing Anaxa jumping into battle with a door, she suddenly let out a slight laugh, "Ha ha Witness my thermos as I unlock your doom." She imitated Anaxa's voice as she mimed the motion of swinging a door. Zephyra's voice knocked her out of the daydream, "What in Tartarus are you mumbling about?" looking up at Orri with a smile. "Oh, ha ha I was imagining Anaxa taking one of your sharp kill doors with her and making it her new weapon." Orri spoke plainly to her elf friend, and showed her the motion of the door once again. Zephyra couldn't help but smile at the idea and how of course Morrigan would be daydreaming about something so ridiculous. They laughed together as the crew of the fleet reached the longboats. Morrigan smiled warmly at Zephyra simply happy that she could distract her dear friend from what was bothering her in her old home. She would do what she could for Zephyra so that her pasts would not make her sad, watching Zephyra laugh made the martial artist happy. They climbed into the boats and made their way to the fleet toward their next goal, "Where are we going again?" The fleet sighed together at Orri's question.
The Captain, after reminding Orri where they wanted to go, handed the compass to her original quartermaster. "Ye still be a top notch navigator, you will be guiding the fleet to Pelios." Orri took the compass with fire in her heart for the next challenge that the officers wanted to go to right away, FINALLY, from one challenge to the next right away what a perfect training regiment. With excitement and the hope to find strong fighters at their destination she unlatched the mechanism deftly and a bolt of light formed into a single beam pointing in the direction they needed to travel. The light burst from the compass and shot right over the vast ocean, Orri stared at the direction and distance attempting to see what they might pass. The route seemed straight forward as she looked from the light to her maps, something tugged at her mind as she stared at everything. Something was off? Not off but there was something she must have missed. The group finally realized that is the compass is on the whole time, then someone else will see where they are going, or even might beat them to it. Orri had to check the mechanism every morning to be sure they were in the right path, turning on the light for a minute or two and confirming they are good. A journey of five days meant that would not be such a problem, it was something she had to waste her mornings on. It would not be such an issue if she did not already have a training plan after seeing that she needed to improve her techniques. "There has to be a way to improve my Crimson Ignition Drive transformation!" She passionately proclaimed to herself....loudly enough for her crew to hear her. Dame Deadeye, the Blazing Chariot's bosun, overheard her determined statement and wanted to join in. This tall slender terran woman matched her captain in fiery passion, energy, and blazing hair colour. Morrigan was excited that her crew was very very slowly warming up to her, well warming up to her adorable first mate Artemis. Never the less Orri was overjoyed that Deadeye wanted to assist her. They spent the next five late evenings trying to truly master Orri's transformed state, each night Morrigan would burst into a swirling red and blue aura and do everything in her power to stay in it. She would dodge gun and arrow fire from her bosun as she kept her form up, digging deep in her will to keep it manifested so it would become just a second nature to activate it. With time this would hopefully break her limits and she could make the transformation stronger.
Her Crimson form could only last about a minute and she exhausted herself using nothing but her determined will to see if she could extend it. Each night this became her main focus, she tried summoning all her ki at once which lead to explosive results. She tried gaining full control of her ki and letting it bleed out just a little to get a slow burn, but not enough power was manifesting and she couldn't fully transform, so brute force of will and body was her option for now. On the third night Orri was not sure she was progressing or maybe Deadshot was helping her distract herself by bonding with her captain. Morrigan enjoyed her company but Deadshot was not quite strong enough to really spar outright. Which was alright, Orri had met a fair amount of very strong challenges recently so it was fine. Both women seemed excited to see what might result from this training, "When I master this new form Anaxa will be so surprised at what's to come. Maybe I'll teach it to her someday, she can't transform or anything." She tried to say through the strain of keeping the form up. Deadshot aimed her gun right for Orri's shoulder to see if she could dodge it, "Yeah? She seems really powerful without one. I wish I could even come close to you two. You guys have sparred with each other a long time right?" Her gun went off as Orri struggled to move, the bullet grazing her shoulder and a few drops of blood pour out. Orri ignored the small injury the aura still blazing but flickering little by little around her. She was pouring her all into it as a minute and twenty seconds elapsed, "Yes we have, she is a powerful warrior, and sparring with her is worth weeks of training in itself! It's also a lot of fun!" Sweat poured down her forehead as the struggle became more real, the energy still emanating off her and her muscles cried out in despair. Dame Deadshot looked on at her captain and was almost taken aback with respect for the dedication she put in training and becoming stronger, she could see Orri's body acclimating slowly to being in her form for almost a minute thirty. It was obvious she could barely fight or move like this, but hopefully it would result in something new, "Wow Captain, you look rough, so what's the point in all this? You want to be the strongest or something?" Orri's vision went blurry for a second as she looked Dame in the eye and her aura burst outward and she returned to her normal self. The light was bright and the night returned with a vengeance around them and Orri let herself collapse on the deck of her ship. Her bosun ran up quickly, "Holy Flame!! Captain are you good?!" The captain of the Blazing Chariot looked up at her bosun with a smile, "I'm fine, I'm just out of energy. It's not about being the strongest, in fact the worst thing to happen would be the be the strongest...." She breathed heavy trying to catch herself, "It would be awful, then there would be no challenges left, or strong people to test myself against. Like Drake, he got crazy strong which was good. I hope there are more people like him and me who keep breaking their limits and get stronger..." Orri's complete loss of her energy was making her slowly drift off to sleep, "...hungry.." Deadshot was surprised by her answer, "Damn, you are really different than Drake, I'm glad you are the captain and not him, but you're still crazy. HEY IFEGENIA! Get the captain something to eat before she completely falls asleep." Dame turns back to the ragged looking demi human and smiled warmly down at her.
Captain Morrigan was happy to spend this week with her crew and getting a better feel for being a captain. She wanted to take this moment to make Ifey, the ships cook, to feel more at home. The crew was certainly unhappy that she was brought on board, they put up a stink when Orri brought the timid half elf onto the main deck. It took hours to stop the poor girl from calling Orri master, calling the martial artist Captain was the best she could muster. She was slightly timid, but Morrigan's warmth did a lot for her to jump into her role as a cook for the ship. The meals she created made up for her "unluck" curse to some degree and the work Artemis put in to sway the crew's fears. Captain Orri brought her into join their shanty sing songs and visited her many times in the mess, and only after she ate her fill did she spend time with the half elf.
Perhaps around the fourth night, after training so much she thought about Anaxa and her ship. Not being able to spar with her at a moments notice was a little saddening. Not that Orri could not simply jump or swim over to her ship, but she figured Anaxa was busy or her own crew would feel some sort of way that their captain was jumping here and there all the time. This night however she was inspired to sneak over in the night. She awoke from her magical bed and immediately set out to make a plan, after thinking for about a minute she got bored of planning and boiled it to either challenge the hoplite in the dead of night, or paint something she would hate on her sails. The captain paced for a few moments on the main deck finding her way to Francois at the helm, "Captain, good evening. Is everything alright?" Orri straightened her posture and regarded her crew member, "Good evening Franky, would you be so kind as to veer a few degrees starboard?" The helmsman looked at his captain's unusual serious demeaner and obliged with little prodding. "Thank you helmsman." She said it containing her giddiness with great effort, and with a blur took off at full speed and jumped into the dark of night. Her form disappeared into the sky and Francois regarded her blankly with a sigh, "Vell, I suppose she is still betta than Drake..." he sighed again and returned to the wheel.
With the speed and silence of an owl in flight, Orri traveled through the air and landed soundlessly on the main mast of the Python's Scale. Unable to contain herself she landed with a toothy smile and shuddered with suppressed chuckling. She walked daintily upon the post of the mast without making even a creak on the wood, not a single crewman knew of her presents. Only one man saw and knew what was happening, a massive individual who spent all his time starring at the stars upon the Scarlet Web. Tikal just happened to be looking toward the Python's Scale when he saw a woman in bright red pajamas jump from one ship to the other. He sighed and went back to reading the skys, "Ah look, the not my problem constellation." The woman in pajamas slid and climbed back and forth gauging her canvas, at the last minute deciding to paint upon her friends sails. A moment of frivolous fun, she was not as good at pranks as Anaxa but this seemed a good start. She grabbed a spreader rigging off the side of the mast, her bosun could reattach it no problem, and dangled herself across the center of the sail proper. From that position she began to paint on the tough canvas, carefully coating the brush so the paint does not drip below her. With each stroke of the brush she tried hard to hold a chuckle, and what seemed like an eternity, was no more than thirty seconds. Her massive speed makes quick work of the few heart shapes. Her brush glowed with the red hue she used to make the simple shapes, and she marveled at her work and climbed back up to the top of the mast. She thought about Zephyra as she got to the top expecting a house to be there. She smiled as she took a look down to the people walking around with snakes around their necks. "I should spend more time with Oboros." She whispered to herself about the fire snake Anaxa got her. Looking back toward her Blazing Chariot she dug her feet into the wood and took off like a flash. With the speed and silence she displayed moments ago she leapt into the air heading directly toward her vessel.
"...raise the colours hiiiiiigh." humming and singing to himself Francois held lazily onto the wheel as the night stared back at him. "Bloooow the man dooo SUC LE BLEU!!!" He yelled as his captain returned with a surprise in front of him. She appeared out of the night right before his eyes, "Oh heya Francy, sorry if I scared you. I can take over if you want." Her smile was warm and told the poor man that she did not notice how much she startled him. The man surveyed his over the top captain and with a smile and a shrug he waved her off. "I don't mind, remember I have a magical bed." She said with not a grain of implication. The helmsman nearly burst with laughter, "Yes captain as you have said, but I am fine." Orri looked back at her sparring partner's sails nodded her head in accomplishment and returned to her training for the night. She disappeared into the underbelly of the vessel as Francois watched her walk off, "Bonne nuit Capitaine."
The daystar moved up quickly on the horizon on the fifth morning and shone on the fleet's special brained quartermaster as she checked on the compass light beam. Everytime Morrigan activated the compass she imagined it was her letting loose her energy over the horizon. Some day she would be strong enough to send a powerful beam of energy that far. Smiling to herself at the thought she took a look at her maps and course corrected, as she took a double take at the maps it finally hit her. The beam of light was aiming them right through Echidna's Graveyard. "OH that's what I was trying to think of before! All the monsters and stuff in there could be an amazing fight!!" She exclaimed to Edea. The powerful bard took a second to think and realized what Echidna's Graveyard was she took out her sending stone to tell the Admiral. "Yes, Admiral we are headed right for it...umm Hey captain, can we go around?" She turned to Orri with the question. The captain of the Blazing Chariot turned slowly toward her bardly quartermaster with an enormous and almost sinister smile, almost laughing, "NO! ISN'T IT GREAT?! We get to go right through it! There has to be a fun challenge in there!" Edea stood silent for a moment staring at Orri, she eventually lifted the stone back to her lips and blankly spoke, "Umm no Admiral...the captain says we have to go through....yes...yes she is smiling with joy." Morrigan the Queen of Hearts, Captain of the Blazing Chariot lead the fleet into Echidna's Graveyard, passing the threshold quickly enveloped the ships in thick malevolent darkness. The martial artist gripped the helm tightly while strong emotions hit her in waves, she knew malevolence well, but never experienced it in this manor. The waves of darkness seemed to have a strong effect on Calliope especially as she immediately popped into her squid form and placed into her secured tank on deck. Orri relieved she was alright returned her attention to the Graveyard. Her strong will took her by the spine and held her strong, she was unaffected by the darkness and was quickly surprised by something in her brain. It swirled and came out of her mouth like a foreign soul, a good idea. "CREW! FIRE THE BALLISTA FORWARD! GIVE OUR LOOKOUTS SOMETHING TO SEE!" She bellowed to her crew, fairly proud of the idea. Sir Lionel nodded at the captain after the order and directed the auxiliary crew to continue firing directly forward, "Keep it up gentleman! Make sure to keep your eyes sharp!" He may not be an officer, but his knight and wartime experience was essential, as their captain came to grips with how to be a captain. Edea saw the idea and added her own magic to ensure success. She raised her kithera and played a very upbeat and light tune, as she did so a swirling and unruly group of bright spheres danced far in front of the Blazing Chariot. They floated up and down creating a more solid light ahead of them, just in time for a massive bone caressed the side of the vessel.
Orri felt proud of their combined effort as a crew, and her pretty good idea with the ballista, the smile on her face boomed with confidence, "HA who the hell do you think we are?! We are the Blazing Char..OH GODS MY EYES!!" her voice trailed off in her mind as her senses were bombarded with nothing but light as if the day star itself broke the darkness to have tea with the Hive. Unbeknownst to poor Orri who had turned her head to see what the other ships were doing The Admiral had cast the medium tier arcane arte Daylight. A massive sphere of literal daylight blasted the demi human's eyes and she saw spots. Turning quickly back to her own helm, just in time for Edea to declare a hard turn to port to escape a massive dead snake monster's decaying head. The spots began to fade so she could finally see the massive wave that formed from nothing, with few options Orri had to steer just right into the very tsunami itself. Just like the stories back on the Silver Sea Isles she fought the seas and steered right into a killer wave to save her crew, to keep her crew safe she did all she could. "Now remember, all life is precious, and will be protected." The Admiral's motto that she declared often rang in Orri's memory. Morrigan liked this motto and held it true, she wanted to make sure her crew made it through this and tried the best she could to steer the ship safely. "GET THEM BELOW DECK!" She screamed with authority as the few injured sailors were helped below the ship to safety. Before she finished her orders some of the water on board began to grab and attack her crew. "What the holy flame! Is that what dark water does?!" She mumbled to herself. Through the many years of being on the Hive she never actually encountered dark water and thought it was probably just some black stuff on the water. She held tightly onto the wheel to keep them on course and could only look to Calliope and Edea, "CAN YOU DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT?!" She nodded to the bow as weird tentacles formed from the water.
Calliope bubbled in her tank and locked her large squid eyes with Edea and they gathered the ocean water from below and coalesced it toward the bow and it erupted with the force of a geyser and attacked the dark water directly, forcing it back into the ocean. Orri marveled at the display and rejoiced as the sailors were free and could return to aid the injured. Grabbing the wheel once more the captain noticed yet another tsunami coming right toward them. She wanted to make sure no more people would get hurt but the wave would have none of it and injured the group helping the injured to safety. Edea saw an option of the island close by, "Orr the island!!" The captain steered directly into the wave and headed for the island, "WE CAN CRASH SAFELY OVER THERE!!!" She yelled with an odd confidence. The whole crew, healthy and injured alike, looked back to her with a skeptic and panicked expression. Their skepticism was unwarranted as the Captain certainly did what she promised and grounded the vessel somewhat safely on the shore of this island with very little injured crew. "Ha There we go!" She proclaimed to her officers, with an impressed reception. The fleet made their way off the triremes and laid out the injured of each vessel. It looked as though it was close to twenty from each ship and a somewhat solemn atmosphere. The captains made their way together to make a plan of action, but Morrigan stopped and surveyed the scene for a moment, digging into her brain for information. "Yes, they are!" She snapped her fingers as she seemed to find what she was looking for. Zephyra and Anaxa overheard their passionate friend and were about to ask what she was mumbling about when Orri erupted with energy. The captain of the Blazing Chariot looked upon her crew and the other crews, realized they all existed in one group as a fated entity, and called upon a great power of the temperance tarot. She focused the energy on every injured sailor and with a massive wave of light healed every single person hurt from the tsunamis and crash. She came close to floating off the sand as she sent out the tarot's healing magic, the light aura around her slowly fading away as the act was complete. The sailor in the large arms of "Filthy" suddenly came back to consciousness, his wounds immediately healed, he took in a deep breath of the man carrying him and he passed right out once more. The crews of all three ships were stuck in a hushed silence seeing the power of the fated in action. The crew of the Blazing Chariot completely stunned that their kind yet clumsy captain was capable of something so amazing. The light from Orri faded completely and she continued her trek toward her friends, not much reaction from her as she just did what seemed right at the time, no big deal right?
The darkness left just enough light for the group to make their way to a strange temple that just happened to be on the island. It was derelict and faded from what seemed like time. Orri knew the effect of salt water on surfaces, but maybe dark water does worse damage? The architecture was beautiful still after all that time, and the inside nearly stunned Morrigan's artistic eye. Someone had mentioned that the temple was dedicated to Lumina, but Orri was completely distracted by the murals, mosaic, and the incredible sculptures placed in a chaotic fashion along the floor. The demi human's artistic mind went into overdrive as she took closer looks at the gorgeous statues. "The detail on the cloth is incredible, this would take months to get such smooth technique in stone." She said to no one in particular. Orri walked the room inspecting every sculpture with stars in her eyes. The two dozen statues seemed to be placed at random and all had looks of horror on their well carved faces. The smooth yet realistic imperfections upon their faces filled her with delight, the markings of a true master. The Hive seldom encountered a art, let alone master works of skill and majesty so she was in her element and loved every moment. She commented about the range of motion and the placement with a well knowledged mind, "This must be an instillation to insight some kind of emotional event!." Morrigan quickly announced as she studied the work in it's entirety. She spoke the moment they entered the hall and the entire group walked in behind her and saw everything right away. Zephyra listened to Orri go on about these "sculptures" and could not get a word in to even attempt to tell her.
"Yes Orri it does look like an instillation..." Zephyra attempted to build up the upcoming very bad news to the naive martial artist. The group spend a long few moments introducing more information about gorgons to Orri, each new piece of info hoping to hit home. The awkward air in the room hit Orri like a ton of bricks as she finally put the pieces together. Her world shattered as she realized the statues were people, whether more for the fact that an artist did not make them or that the people were still technically alive is only for Orri's subconscious to know. "Can we help them?" she asked finally coming to grips with it. Anaxa stood next to one of them and nudge it fairly hard nearly breaking it, "Well we can smash and free them!" Going to nudge it again, Morrigan and Edea motioned for her to stop. Since Orri found out the sad truth about these poor people she focused her mind on a solution to help them, forgetting the possible how they got that way. Anaxa and Orri went back and forth while the rest of the team worked to solve the actual problems. Zephyra understanding that it was obviously one of the petrifying gorgons, "Here put this blindfold on Orri, you can fight without sight, right?" They sensed a presence down below and found the secret chamber leading to it. After getting hit in the head once or twice she took off the blindfold and followed her friends down the tunnel.
On the way down Morrigan noticed the Admiral and Anaxa staring at each other pretty hard, and Anaxa mumbling to herself. Orri worried the malevolence was getting to her, but she was distracted as Atlante stirred in her head with a warning, "Be careful, I sense a choice." Her attention went from her friend to her mind fate person, "Like how I sense people's energies?" Orri attempted to get a conversation going, but as usual, when not in the tower their talks were very one sided and Atlante did not respond. They continued a slow walk while Orri attempted to make heads or tails of the cryptic warning. Her mind took her through the events bit by bit. The view of the treacherous sea as they averted crashing into a massive snake monster head, it's dead eyes staring down at them a body that could have gone all the way to the oceans floor. The massive ophidian body over the horizon that Anaxa and the Admiral claimed to have seen. The upper floor of the temple which was adorned with serpentine sculpture and decoration. The notion that a powerful and possibly evil snake like creature down below, and of course walking behind Anaxa she got lost in staring at her shield which, as always, depicted a beautiful ornate snake theme. These scenes playing over and over as she stared at her dear friend whom has always kept a beautiful snake theme, Morrigan did her best to connect all these things to Atlante's warning and her eyes suddenly lit up! Her eyes drinking in the snakes decorating her hoplite companion, and her mind reeled at it all and suddenly came up with, "Holy Flame I am hungry." She muttered to herself. There is a space, a place leagues away where two women sit together and suddenly feel a wave of something they have felt before, and in unison look at one another with affection and a little concern they speak as one, "Oh Orri...."
"So what is this about consuming?" The Admiral broke her silence toward Anaxa. This made Morrigan finally take notice, "Consume?" The demi human did see that her dear sparring partner was having trouble with something, it must have been the malevolence. Morrigan had seen it in it's purest form...well calling malevolence pure is odd in itself, but it can slowly effect the soul and take the body. Some are effected quicker than others, was her comrade falling victim? She whispered, "a choice.....Anaxa what do you want to consume? I'm hungry as well." Orri may have been a bit off on her conclusion, but followed along as they all attempted to wrench it from Anaxa's mouth. Consuming malevolence was possible? Was there a way to absorb it? To take it from someone else? Could it be that this awful substance was similar to ki?! "Anaxa don't eat the snake lady, please. Your stomach already hurts from your bad moon cycle. Malevolence won't help, and if some weird voice wants you to eat it....well that's can't be good." Orri did her best to get her point across, she wanted to be sure to make sure her friend would be ok. The group kindly bombarded the hoplite with help and suggestion, which slowly made it's way in and convinced her to not do anything rash.
Last night, before the Graveyard, after Deadshot left Orri for the night, the captain of the Blazing Chariot's determination hit a crescendo as she exploded once again with energy. She HAD to make a break through in her Crimson Drive training and then teach it to Anaxa. Her hoplite friend couldn't explode with power and breach her limits, and transforming is so much fun! It was also very fun to hold back your power and learn more about what you can do, Anaxa was always at her top power at all times, just think how she could get stronger by having a base form and then BOOM transform. This is what Morrigan thought up until her dear sparring partner suddenly started throwing up a horrible black smoke woman.
Anaxa's body seemed to throw up a woman for what seemed like an hour, it looked so horrible and off putting. The smoke and much that poured out of her formed into a strange snakeish looking female figure and seemed ready to strike. It looked a bit like the snake lady chained up behind them. It was very hard to focus one one or the other, but once the shadow being seemed keen to strike, Orri went into an attack stance right away. It was hopefully going to be like sparring with Anaxa, she became excited for a nice match when she looked back at Anaxa. "Let's fight your weird shadow snake baby toget..." Morrigan began to say to Anaxa when the hoplite's body suddenly began to crack and bend in the most horrible of ways. Arms tore from her ribs and grew skin around them, they wriggled as her legs started to merge together and grow to nearly double their size. The woman who towered over most of the crew was now miles higher than before and equaled the poor chained gorgan. Assuming that the tremendous snake monster was still Anaxa, Orri jumped up her snake body and leaped high to administer strike after strike on the shadow creature. To Morrigan's dismay the strange apparition went down with barely any fight, and she hoped if they freed the big snake lady she might agree to a spar.
Orri was wrong, this odd woman kept calling them flesh bags, a lot. If she was a large snake woman, and was part of this material plan then would she also be made of flesh. Orri went over this a few times in her mind and couldn't get over the fact that a snake would make a better bag than a humanoid form....wouldn't it. I mean the tail is just one big bag, right? Because of this unnecessary thought process she forgot her friend Anaxa turned into a giant snake woman, "OF COURSE!" she thought to herself, "Anaxa would spar with me in this weird form!" Thus another day dream tangent in Orri's head took form.
S: 9 Speed Kills Part II
The memory jumped up and down as if begging for attention. Orri could see herself younger standing still, and a kind firm voice spoke down to her, "One last gift." The voice softly invaded her mind as the familiar bright light cascaded around her younger self and she was changed. She usually was reminded of this memory when she slathered herself in salve to treat a wound. This was a memory she thought of a lot today, the day of sweet blood it might be called. The 'gift' that the giver so called, closed off her circuits for any type of magic, elemental and especially healing. When something like mana, artes, and magic is so intertwined within Gaia everyday life, you can really notice when it's completely unavailable to you. Morrigan the Crimson Hero though, was not to bothered about it in the least. She made sure she could do without, anything she desperately needed to do she would work hard and use her very life force to do it!
Her mastery of her life force came in quite handy as the petrified ancient cookie came tumbling down toward the group. Her dedication to turning her body into a tool and a weapon has given her the incredible ability of speed. Within moments she can speed across great distances in seconds, and quickly kept herself well ahead of the speeding cookie and it's portals. The air rushed past her as she sped by her friends while they tried to dodge or destroy the rolling cookie. To her this was the best part of this crazy dungeon, the wind through her hair as she picked up speed letting the cookie get a little closer as she jumped and weaved past her friends...until Calliope made the cookie boulder explode and shrapnel came flying from front and behind smacking and slamming into the speeding demi human. This place was really making Orri go through her stash of salves to heal.
Ki and hard work was all the Captain of the Blazing Chariot needed, as well as a cornucopia of food regularly, and perhaps company, or even more important, a good challenge...Alright there were a lot of things this young and kind martial artist needed, but when it comes to getting over hurdles and solving problems, she would be sure to not need magic for anything, she had her wit and her ki!
Watching the seemingly endless fountain of blood coming from her mouth, she waited for the salve to take effect. Everything here still looked fairly tasty and she was getting rather hungry, it had been an hour or so since her last small meal. The door passed her and she quickly took a lick, what was the harm? Her tongue was sliced to ribbons and she did not seem to be healing, even with the salve filling her mouth. "What if I just eat it? no I'll gargle with the salve and it should be fine...it isn't stopping...wow there is a lot of blood!" She thought to herself. As her mouth became a waterfall of blood and salve, the others began to take notice, with her sudden wild movements she became a little panicked. "Just give her a potion!" Anaxa spurted to everyone, "That won't work! She is immune to magic! I'll have to actually tend to the wound." Zephyra said with annoyance as she approached Orri. "I saw you lick the door by the way..." She whispered to her demi human friend with a little giggle. She might have learned her lesson with the first door that she punched through and sliced up her forearm. Zephyra slowly tended to the stream of blood coming from Orri's and with a smile and a thank you, they moved on.
As irritating as it must have been for Zephyra to keep healing Orri without magic, she did snicker and smile each time. "I hope she doesn't feel responsible this keeps happening, she is so sweet to help me like this though. I'm happy we became friends." She thought to herself as Zephyra tried her best to close the careless teenagers wounds. Morrigan truly was happy she met "Zephy," she was kind and caring, has her secrets, but so did Orri so the fiery captain could not fault her on that. Plus this dungeon house of Zephyra's was proving to be a wonderful training ground. The obstacles and traps were really sending Morrigan through her paces, and each one was harder than the last. The last one they encountered was just an empty room, Orri had a quick idea of using her superior speed once more until she felt a weight on her back. It was a surprising light weight that had the hot reeking breath of the Captain, "Right, ye speedy mount let's make our way across fast!" The Captain had a similar idea as Orri and thought she could help the speedster along the way. Morrigan found that the added weight of the Captain did not hamper her speed, so she flashed off without hesitation across the floor, once her foot touched the ground inside the room the walls and ceiling began to move. Before Orri noticed them moving she was already across the room at the other door. Thinking it wasn't much of a challenge she grabbed the door knob and the door barely moved at all. She tugged at it a few times and thought the best thing to do was simply do it harder. Forgetting the Captain was on her back she summoned her energy in her torso and began to glow red and blue. The colours exploded around her and her hair turned more red as the aura became a torrent of movement toward the ceiling. Her muscles and limbs expanded and the tone of her body increased, which flexed hard as she pulled with all her might on the door. Even after her Crimson Ignition Drive transformation she still had trouble opening the door. Cracking it open nearly eight inches the team rushed through one by one, Orri was worried about Zephyra who could move as fast and was ready to run over and bring her through when magic served her better than Orri. Anaxa and DinoCaptain held the door from the other side as Orri jumped through with the rest.
The last room held two statues that Orri immediately started sketching, until she felt something off. Morrigan may miss a lot of things, but with people she cares about she doesn't. Zephyra was at a loss and visibly seemed distressed, after all the help she gives Orri. The demi human acted right away to attempt to comfort her dear friend. She wanted very much to understand her and do what she could to help. The best way to do that would be to get Zephyra at ease and make her comfortable enough to either tell them all what's wrong or get everyone to let it go and simply help the high elf. She cared about Zephyra so much that she would do whatever it takes to help, there was no better distraction that challenging a giant CakeMan.
S: 8 Speed Kills
The Triremes glided across the blue ocean in tandem, a budding fleet forming to the delight of now crowned Admiral. The Flag ship now dubbed The Scarlet Web lead the formation, a surprisingly well manned vessel littered with goblins performing endless tasks. Admiral Squeenifer watching over her crew as they made sure everything ran without a hitch. Quietly flitting beside the flag ship was the newest addition to the fleet, Captain Anaxa's ship The Python's Scale. Already fitting her personality, it was a model of order. Her new crew setting to their tasks, each with a coiled serpent around them in some fashion, they all looked ready to strike at any moment. Anaxa's military history coming into the forefront and bringing the vessel into a well oiled machine. Both Anaxa and Squeenifer stood proudly toward the bows of their trireme's nodding to each other in the understanding of command and being a captain. This moment of pride and understanding was shattered by the increasingly loud ruckus coming from the opposite side of the Scarlet Web.
Upon the starboard side of the Hive's flagship came a small bolt of lightning and increasing rhythmic noise. A familiar set of fingers plucked with magical speed across a stringed instrument, a kithar under the hands of a normal mortal could never produce such a cacophonous music. Combined with the serene novice voice of another captain, the second ship added to the Hive came into ear shot in a big way. Anaxa and Squeenifer shared a look and glanced over at the approaching Blazing Chariot, they both sighed at a floating den of chaos and disorder. A ship that stood out from the fleet in a boisterous and loud fashion. The deck was littered with movement, music, and merriment. Crates and barrels stacked up for people to sit and for the captain to jump and dance upon. One crate held Edea and Calliope, the former strumming with feeling upon her instrument as the latter danced will encouraging the spirits to form lightning to dance in the air above them. The crew stomping their feet and singing along to their captain as she made every attempt to endear herself to them.
From a distance the Admiral and Anaxa could not help but stare at a young woman dressed dramatically in bright red singing her heart out, "..nds blew up, her bow dipped down Oh blow, my bully boys, blow!" Her voice rang out into the air and her face lit up as the crew in unison sang out ,"HUH" in response to her verse. "Soon may the Wellerman come To bring us sugar and tea and rum One day, when the tonguing is done We'll take our leave and go!" She delighted as they all joined together for the verse as the young Captain danced around them, encouraging them to join her. She wanted to make them feel at home and to like her, and was happy that they knew this shanty. They grew louder and louder as they rolled in tandem with the fleet, only noticing toward the end of the song that her fellow captains were looking her way. She jumped back and forth on the deck looking over toward them smiling huge and waving with enthusiasm. Her joy and child like enjoyment of it all seemed infectious enough, Anaxa and Squeenifer wanted so much to be annoyed, but couldn't help but shake their heads and smile at her.
They were on their way to what was apparently Zephyra's old hideout, and after setting the course Morrigan's excitement for visiting her dear friend's old life, she set about ingratiating herself to her crew. Their first expedition as a fleet was a fun prospect and what fun things Zephyra might have in her old home made Orri's imagination race. A candy witch should have some amazing things lying around, all the wonderful type of things that Morrigan's parents did not give her a lot of. The captain of the Blazing Chariot had an accomplished chef of a mother and did not experience a lot of sweets. She usually preferred meat and savory dishes anyway, or was that mainly what she was forced to eat. The last few months is the most sugar she has had in years.
The crashes and sounds of things breaking echoed through the halls of their home, it had been going on for just over an hour. High pitched screams of joy and chaos reaching every hallway and room. Paintings broken and scattered across the floor, trophies of past adventures knocked over, decorations and memories in danger from the tempest. "Stop looking at that like it wasn't already broken!" A woman with lavender hair says in a firm voice to her blonde counterpart. The blonde woman looks up slowly to her and locks eyes, "As if that matters!! Completely Irrelevant. Look what you have done!" Her arms stretch out and she points with her entire wingspan at the destruction before them, the noises continuing in the background. A vibration resonated through the wall as yet another piece of debris falls from the ceiling in front of them. The woman with lavender hair grips the handle of her weapon tightly as he eyes waver and return to her wife's, "What I've done?! How would I have known thi.." Suddenly a blur flashes past them, faster than the eye could see. It sped past them toward a mug on the edge of a large wooden table, the mug and the blur vanished down the expansive hallway. "...this...would...happen....Oh shit she took the mug!!" Her eyes went wide as she noticed. The blonde woman looked irate and grabbed her love by the collar, "YOU LEFT IT ON THE TABLE!!?? You only let her have a sip and it caused this much damage!!" She stood up to be taller than the lavender haired woman, who now looked quite sheepish. "So not only did you let her have her first BAG of sweets! You let her take a sip of your coffee!?" She spoke down to her wife still crouched against the wall holding her weapon. The crouched woman stood slowly, her purplish hair getting in her eyes, "Alright, yes I did all those things, but she was being so sweet and cute, I thought just a sip. She said she wanted to be just like mommy!" She made her excuse and waited for the response. The blonde woman looked her up and down, her face softening a little at the idea, "YOU'RE supposed to be the strict one, but I can understand that, she has that effect on me all the time....BUT LOOK AT THIS!! How could she have this much energy and speed?! After this, she can never EVER have coffee again! Or even sugar for that matter." The woman with the lavender hair nodded and held her make shift sword made from scraps of wood, "Alright, agreed. Now let's subdue our daughter....Oh Orrrrriiiiii! Come over here and play."
The deck of the Blazing Chariot slowly calmed down as Orri looked over at the short island jutting out of the water and looked over toward her friend Zephyra, "Is that it?! Is that your sugary hideout?" With a nod from Zephyra Morrigan looked on excited and imagined the delicious fun that was soon to come.
S: 7 "A mage is a mage."
Creaking and thuds resounded through the Blazing Chariot as it slowly docked into the busy port. One crewman upon the vessel was still reeling with emotional and mental exhaustion, the bright red clad warrior who now owned the ship looked upon Io with a slight stupor. The floating city stared right back at the ill prepared "Captain" Morrigan and just as she had not changed fully to her position, neither did the city change. She had come back as a different thing but felt no different. Her lack of concentration was shattered as a voice with a Montefreigne accent erupted behind her. "Captain? What is the plan now that we are in Io?" Orri had no idea what to say or what the procedure was, the girl stammered and gave half hearted answers to him and sent them off to shore leave. Anaxa, Calliope, and Edea stood next to her squinting and cringing at the pathetic display, "That was hard to watch buddy." Anaxa sympathized. "You'll get it soon enough," Calliope followed up with. There was really no training for this sort of job it seemed. The years she had spent on ships meant nothing because she never paid enough attention to what was going on. Her focus was fully locked onto improving and getting stronger for whoever may be around the corner. That feeling of exhilaration at getting stronger and wanting so much to test herself against strong people, tugged at her mind constantly since she could form memory. An overall joy would intoxicate her as she saw improvement over years of training, and then testing that improvement. As much as she loved fighting, she lacked a lust for blood that this entire country seemed so enamored with, something she has seen through Anaxa's thumos. Not lacking a sense of justice, Orri knew that people with malice and pure malevolence should not stick around on this land, but killing every opponent that you come across seemed extreme. If everyone you battle ends up dead who will you battle and spar with? Such a mentality would make Gaia an empty place and the land of the dead busy as well as hard to manage. A sympathetic thought crossed her brow as she looked upward. Her allies had that mentality of massacre and they seemed keen to educate the martial artist of how things are done, but it seems Orri is nothing more than a savage in these barbaric lands which hid behind refinement. Fancy robes, divine feasts, and elaborate poetry all putting a mask on blood lust and violent death. Due to Morrigan's own reference and upbringing few seemed to show this more than Merian mages...and perhaps Anaxa. This thought process plagued her as she sat upright on a lounging couch listening to the so called powerful leader of Io.
Just over an hour of being docked the team was approached by a decedent scent of honey and sesame. The smell distracted Orri and she became hungry as Anaxa attempted to help the new Captain with her new duties. From the aroma a small creature dripping with honey appeared in mid air and addressed the group, Zephyra and Edea had acquired an audience with the Lord of Io. The strange delicious looking creature let everyone know that within the hour the meeting will take place. The smell dissipated as Anaxa told Orri she needed to figure this out and what kind of ship she wanted to run. "You want to keep moral up, maybe take a pole and see what the crew wants." Her hoplite friend declared as Orri tried her best to stay chipper and understand. There must be someway to make this easier, someone who could just do this for her...she didn't want a job, she wanted to train and hone her skills. There was also the guilt of pretty much forcing all the hard tasks on to her best friend, Artemis. If she could get him better help maybe. She thought hard about why poles would help the crew, but would comply and buy some. There was a solution to this, something her mother had told her once, "ugh what was it?!" She breathed to herself. It was on the tip of her tongue. Simple Acronym? Simultaneous Acorn? Yet another thing she would have to add to the list of questions. She distracted herself with all this as they passed Amarabi's shop on the way to Lord Kester's palace and she bought a few large sticks for the pole thing Anaxa talked about.
The city had opened up and let all eyes that dared to gaze upon Lord Kester's mountain of a home. It was a vessel that should not be able to float upon the water, it towered above them as they approached. Story high Merian columns, intricate inlay and detail along every surface, and an imposing doorway which made Orri's neck hurt looking up. Walking through the huge portal their eyes were assaulted with exaggerated riches and gaudy decoration. Huge animal skins and heads staring down upon the guests passing by, rugs made of exotic colours, and walls adorned with treasures of great expense. Even Morrigan could tell that it was extravagant and possibly just for show, it was more than enough for just an entry hall. As they walked past these treasures and animals, Orri began sketching some of the more exotic ones so she could remember, maybe inspired for future creations in cloth.
The newest Captain of the Hive fleet hailed from the Silver Sea Isles, and was raised by a woman of some nobility on the large continent of Tykera, so being thrown off when a person of high class always greeted their guests reclining was still such an odd sight for her. She was tutored in Tykerian etiquette, sitting with posture, knowing which of the six spoons to use and when, and greeting someone in a sitting or standing position. It wasn't fighting so young Morrigan would only retain half of it. Orri was one of the first non goblin crewmen to join the hive, but in that time they have met very few people of noble station. Seeing this muscular man lying on a soft personal couch, and the last day of mental frustration had Orri at quite the disadvantage. She had dressed for the meeting in her usual clothing and was ill prepared to lie on a piece of furniture. Looked upon with an upturned nose by the lord, she looked to Zephyra for a bit of quick help only to be met with the same look. "That's why we wear himation, and not dress like trolops Orri." Zephyra said as she looked at home in this lavish lie. The comfort she was hoping for was not present in her dear friends eyes, so Orri sat like a proper Tykerian lady and was still perceived as a savage and barbarian. She would have been more angry, but the lack of sympathy from Zephyra and the lord's words brought her back to a time with the Frigid Freezer and Captain Radish. The part of all this that confused her most was that she saw Meria as this fairly savage landscape with people of blood lust and rage, and here she was being maligned and talked down to over and over as some awful uncultured savage. Then again this feeling and thought process could also be because she was hurt that she was being treated this way by a small handful of people. A small handful was enough however for her to feel like it was coming from all angles. She was told to stay somewhat quiet for the meeting which she had little trouble in as she faintly fought back liquid emotion. Her mind set to the task of eating and going with the flow for now, she knew who she was and would simply either hone her skills or be content on eating the spread before them. Let the others do the talking.
The one who seemed most on Orri's side in this meeting with the lord was her fellow demi-human Edea. The musical wolf girl flowered up her words and sang Orri's praises as she went over the dramatic battle against Ifrit's Blade. She proclaimed boisterously and poetically described it to the lord, some parts Orri did not remember, maybe she was embellishing. They continued going back and forth, and Orri began to feel uneasy with this bastard of a "leader". He looked at her with strange hungry eyes, and she actually slid back on the chair toward Zephyra. She could not place the intent, or understand what he wanted but she knew it wasn't good. Edea attempted to distract that train of thought by offering Orri as a sparring partner for him, and suddenly the martial artist was back in and excited to place her feet into his smug face. For the first time in a while she wanted to fight someone to humble them just a little, "Ha spar?! I'm a mage! what would I want with a spar!?" He laughed as he said it. Of course he was a mage, the thought crept into her mind as her expression changed. Why do mages always seem to turn out this way? Were there mages who didn't? Orri's Mother was sure there wasn't. She recalled a few choice words mother always seemed to have when the subject was brought up. The voices of Edea and the lord faded to a muffled background noise while her mind went into a fake argument she would win with this smug lord.
Inside Morrigan's mind a sepia toned imagined world starts to form. Lord Kester laying on his couch took on an evil and cartoonish shilouette as Orri imagined him as some storybook villain, "Well that is what savages are for right?!" He laughed looking at the poor demi-human. She imagined him saying once again and her confident demeanor coming through strong. Her imagined form ,not to dissimilar to how she actually look, took a sip of her drink and scoffed. "Oh, does the savage have something to say?" He would retort and she would stand and look him dead in the eye, her voice echoing through the halls as if some fairy tale prince talking to the dragon he is about to battle "Yes, I laughed derisively at your nonsense. You say you culture is so superior? Yet the etiquette and refined society I learned would call this imitation of refinement savage! Especially a "leader" who needs to hold such control over his land with this anti fighting aura, I would say does not harness a lot of confidence and proves weakness of character. You must force people to abide by your rules. hmmph I suppose mother was right, A mage will always just be a mage." His imposing frame would deflate and admit defeat to this crimson hero, she would then turn her head away from him and walk confidently out. This day dream made her smile a little and was a little emblazoned to go for it, she looked at her friends and thought better of it. They seemed to want to play this a certain way. She noticed they were looking her way so she dug through her coat to hand the Ifrit's Blade flag to Edea to give to the assistant for proof of job done. He ran off to confirm their story as the crew continued dealing with the lord's presence and eating their full. Every few moments Orri would look to her side at Zephyra and just hoped this was just how these meetings were done. Confident in Zephyra she relented to letting her dear friend handle this, along with the crew's cheerleader Edea. However she was a captain now and apparently should know how these meetings should go, dammit she wished she remembered the name for whatever could solve this issue! Better yet, just as they can combine their magics and attacks, could there be a way to combine themselves and be an ultimate smart warrior?
With skill of word and flair, Edea convinced Lord Kester to hand over the half elf girl AND give the group a whole other ship. The Captain seemed ecstatic, but all Orri could think of was, "Oh great another ship?" It appeared she wanted a whole fleet of ships captained by her officers. It didn't matter, they had rescued the medge and brought her with them. They uprooted from the couches and headed toward the door, Orri being the first one back onto the plank streets of the floating city. The young half-elf followed behind them and introduced herself as Ifigenia. She seemed nice and confused on why these people wanted to take her along, but seemed alright with the arrangement. Orri was glad to release her from slavery, but completely forgot why they wanted her in the first place. The crew organized themselves and prepared for a long downtime, Orri looked foreword to training and refining a few of the basics. It had also been a little while since she spent time dedicated to painting and sewing. Her mind set on this path free from other thoughts, she was glowing with excited joy, while her sweet and faithful Artemis had some grand plans. A wide horizon of profit glittered in the budding merchants eye. He rallied the crew of the Blazing Chariot and set sail to a sea full of waiting buyers. The next weeks he tested the crew on the venture of becoming legitimate merchants, and they seemed to take to the vocation with some skills as Artemis lead them to some decent profit. A modest amount of Drachma for their first time out, the skilled canine separating the coins and trinkets for each officer and the "captain". He kept her bags of currency safe until she approached him for some so she could buy some supplies to sew some new clothes and relax with some new paints. He knew more than anyone that his sweet Orri used her crafts and training to unwind and keep focus. He gladly let her have a fair sum so she could brew her strange teas with those odd energy filled stones.
With the eyes of a judging parent this frugal puppy gave a look as if to say, "Do you really need to spend this?" to Orri, as she took the money from Artemis and purchased some chi stones. She took her time grinding them into a nice fine powder, thinking on nice memories of her parents teaching her the nice slow process of mysticism. This wonderfully out there process that can bypass magical circuits and place abilities right into your life energy itself. It had many steps that seemed superfluous but were pleasantly occupying none the less. Orri loved the nuance of it and how soothing the process was. It was told to her that everyone who masters the process has a slightly varied way of performing the rituals, she giggled to herself remembering how Mother learned of it's existence. A burly woman taught her the ways of it all. This burly lady was a friend of mother and seemed to derive pleasure from the intimate and elaborate process. The embarrassment on Mother's face was so funny as she reluctantly told the tale, emitting most of the detail. As that fond memory hovering pleasantly over her, Orri brewed the tea with the ground up stones, drew some pretty inlay on the floor for nothing other than fun, and slowly sipped the tea over the course of about five days. She felt it surge in her ki as the energy warming her insides and it attached to her very soul. She had found this particular formula at Amarabi's shop and thought it was amazing, it immediately spoke to her and reminded her of home right away. She sipped the tea and beamed with excitement when she could show her Auntie that after drinking good beer her wounds could close and heal themselves. She thought of the beer that was gifted to her at the pub with that sweet little ghost, and could not wait to try it out. Her Aunt Kasi loved beer and almost loved her sweet niece just as much as much, she would tease. She was the one to give Orri her first beer and claimed it was the perfect meal for the soul. Just as this energy tea warmed her, she remembered the cozy feeling of the beer in her stomach as both moms tried to explain that their daughter might be to young for this. Aunt Kasi smiled and would hear none of it declaring it was a family tradition and left it at that. They could not deny that it was a family tradition, and most members treated beer as if it were water. Orri found herself constantly ordering water and when receiving it had to remind herself that most people call it beer. With a smile of reminiscing she spent a few mornings drinking this energy tea and doing her daybreak training. The ground up stones and memories warmed her heart as she slowly got used to her new magical bed that quickened her sleep. The merchant had spent some decent amount of time trying his best to explain how the bed works. His mistake was bringing numbers into the explanation far to quickly. Marie broke it up looked Orri dead in the eye and simply said, "Just go sleep in it, and when you wake up it will still be that day." Right behind Orri was her specialized door, a door she always kept closed to be sure no one could see inside, but right above it was a number and a symbol for the chariot tarot. As Orri heard Marie's words the symbol light up bright right above her head and her eyes went wide with realization, "OH! Ok that sounds great!" Even the merchant could not hold back a small smirk as the excited warrior bounded to her room to test it out. It was a crazy feeling to get used to as she awoke just an hour later feeling completely refreshed in the same day. Now she could finish the days training with Anaxa!
Late nights full of energy and motivation she refined her techniques against the metal wall of her hoplite friend. Her determination at a new high now that she could train for another third of the day. With the days of their first day at port behind them Orri dove headfirst into this training with her friend, focusing heavy on breaching opponents with armor and her own constitution. She beamed with excitement every time she surprised Anaxa with a heavy hit or a strike that caused Anaxa to rethink a strategy. She spent these nights testing the basics of her home made style, and trying to cement it's forms, the idea of teaching it to her crew was still lingering in the back of her mind. "Don't you ever get tired?" Zephyra's voice broke though the air as Anaxa and Orri took a quick breather from a series of heavy blows. She sat comfortably sipping tea next to a sleeping Artemis watching her two warrior friends go blow for blow. "What do you mean?" Orri said not knowing what the witch was getting at. "How are you not tired? You go on and on training for hours, even days." The witch of candy elaborated. Morrigan took a moment to really let that question sink in, it had never truly occurred to her. She weaved and searched through her feelings and came up with the only answer that made sense to the energetic young warrior. It was what she loved to do, this was her life, her passion for as long as she can remember way back to the days of learning the sword with her mother and then learning hand to hand combat with her Uncle. Challenging her entire family at gatherings like a child showing their favorite toy to everyone they can, admittedly she was indulged a bit to much as a child, but she was sweet and her heart was always in the right place. What other answer could Morrigan give other than, "Well, it's fun. It's what I love to do...it's hard to get tired of doing your favorite thing right?" She said it with such a starry eyed dreamy smile that Zephyra seemed to believe it. Anaxa, Orri, and Zephyra spend many a night of this month long respite like this and Orri loved spending it with them. She even joined the group for a night on the town, Morrigan brought one of the bags Artemis made and joined them all carousing.
Forming ones muscles, turning the entire body into a fighting machine, and compensating for unfortunate curses took up a large portion of Morrigan's free time. A practice that she did not mind in the least, in fact she reveled in it and found it fun. Sweeping the entirety of the ship's deck perfecting her martial art, just like her paintings and clothing she saw it as an art you could always improve in. The Blazing Edgeless Blade Style, the prospect of it's potential going forever into the horizon filled her with joy thinking she will be mastering it for her entire life. She put so much of herself into it, after Uncle Chuchu started her on the path years ago she was determined to improve it, make it her own, and return to him with passionate challenge in her eyes. She imagined his and her parents faces as she affectionately challenged them all to test out how far she had come. This passion consumed a great deal of her time, BUT her uncle's words forever present in her thoughts, "Train well, eat well, rest well, live well." So the night every one declared they were going carousing she thought she might join in, hang out with her dear friends. The times Orri has gone carousing she could count on one hand....well she could count....she has not gone true carousing before. Zephyra was living the high life and invited the group with her. She brought them to a place that was decorated in such a splendor, with a lot of people apparently simp posing. Morrigan set out to dress a little finer with just a touch of Merian flair, sewing up a dress that imitated a himation but captured her style with a fair share of grace. Needless to say it showed a large amount of leg, Orri thought she needed at all times to be able to kick well above her horns at a moments notice. Each garment she crafted always had her fighting style in mind, as well as being able to dance and speed whenever necessary. Her style was based heavily on leg movement and kicks, so showing off her work was a slight thought forever present as she sewed. Meeting up before leaving, Orri was dazzled with joy as Anaxa approached them wearing the elaborate dress she had crafted for the hoplite. She had spent a few hours on it and wanted to make sure Anaxa would like it, she had begun a long process of making all of her new family very nice and unique clothing, she wanted to make sure that they would all match their owners. As the seamstress of the garment she immediately noticed something was faintly off, a seam in the wrong place, a thread unlike her own form of stitching, maybe the colour was just so slightly off she could not put her finger on it. Well she could, but they had to start making their way to the venue. They were lead to a special room which was a wonder to behold, as if they were under the seas themselves surrounded by stunningly sculpted shells and coral. Morrigan's artistic mind reeled at the gorgeous reliefs of delicately detailed shells and contoured figures throughout the space. Negative and positive space used to every advantage as the room enclosed it's shape around them, stunning. She mumbled as such as she traversed the room to admire such artistry. Another patron or two noticed her well trained eye and bought her a drink or two, which she accepted with a smile and drank quickly. That spurred her on to enjoy herself, joining with Anaxa as the two began to let loose. Orri forgot about the bag of drachma she had brought while people found her and Anaxa amusing, buying them a drink here and there. Becoming merry and joyous she let go of the stress from becoming captain and the uneasy frustration from the meeting with the lord, Orri let herself go and have fun. Drunk off relief of shedding those feelings rather than alcohol she began laughing and socializing. Rest and live well echoed in her actions as she laughed with her friends.
One of which she finally found out was still wearing her armor!! Anaxa had enchanted her armor to look like clothing and made it look as close to the dress Orri made as possible. "I KNEW IT!" She spoke to herself in her mind as she attempted to sew a heart in the garment as a joke, discovering the needle would bend against the "fabric." Orri was so excited that Anaxa would wear it, after spending so much time putting her love sweat and tears into it. She wondered if Anaxa would wear it ever because she never removed her armor. Orri's disappointment did not last to long as she could see that Anaxa liked it enough to appear to be wearing it. You can take the hoplite out of the armor, but you can't take the armor out of the hoplite, she mused in her head not knowing at all how that saying goes. After this jappery a small commotion was happening near her other companions, the lightning twins and the candy witch. Smiling in slightly inebriated bliss she noticed Alceaus her fellow master of the fist arrived and attempted to hide himself amongst Zephyra, Calliope, and Edea. It seemed he was keen to hide his presence from his eccentric tormentor. Orri did not see it as torment, she was excited the day they met the man and saw a fellow warrior. She asked him at every turn to spar to hone their styles. Alceaus seemed to have a very refined and structured style of combat, and Orri loved pitting her structured, yet chaotic whirlwind style against it. She had thought he liked the challenge she presented. It would seem he never saw it this way and grew irritated by her endless want to train, he also found her chaotic style infuriating, it just erupted and worked for what seemed like no reason. Orri assumed she was making a friend in her fellow martial artist, and snuck behind the couch the group was sitting on. She was filled with youthful energy and spirits and slowly began stacking oyster shells upon his head. The weeks still lay before them, and Orri imagined the time by becoming better friends with her fellow unarmed fighter. Alceaus put a valiant effort into just ignoring it and hoping she would go away, he received his wish when the group egged Orri on to sing them a song from her old vessel. The song she mumbled in her drunken stupor. She was all to eager after Anaxa knocked over her oyster tower for the fifth time.
Leaping from where she was she let out her serene voice, years and years of lessons left her with a skill that came in handy to soothe and serenade her friends. Especially friends who seemed to appreciate it and she loved the fact that they enjoyed it. As her voice rang out some other patrons came to view her performance and deep within her mind she thanked her mom. Orri's mom, a kind and gentle woman had the voice of absolute beauty. A voice of such strength and radiance that it could even bend reality, heal wounds, and sooth just about any creature. A much more calm and softer version of Steel Stinger's lead woman Edea. Growing up young Orri would bask in it and be completely enamored by the songs her mom taught her. In fact it was one of the few things to tear her away from training, like some siren call to bring her in or calm her down. Even miles away, in the fields where Orri would train, the haunting beauty of her mom's voice would still reach her and she would sprint home, mainly because this usually meant a meal was ready. Knowing full well she would never come close to that level of skill, she still begged her mom to help train her voice to sing with such beauty. Orri delved head long into this training, as she did with any type of training. Her mom enjoyed these sessions so much, seeing such promise in her daughter, so much in fact that she contemplated teaching her a few real bard tricks. Heavily guarded magical secrets from the beauty of song. Even her Mom's sister, who would visit from time to time, saw the same promise in her little niece. A somewhat cocky woman who could bear a little heavy on the nerves, but she doted on her niece as well as having a variety of redeeming qualities. A quality that her aunt and Morrigan's other Mother share is the never ending want to drive each other crazy. This, as it so commonly did, caused Orri's mother to butt heads with her wife's sister, once again. Morrigan's mother and aunt would bicker from time to time, which lead to...well some choice moments in Orri's life. Besides such events being a little turbulent, her chipper demeaner kept those lessons with mom fondly in her heart. Every time she got to sing was a joy for her and reminded her of her mom's bright smile listening to her daughter.
Her song bounced off the walls and slowly came to a soft end with a small soft round of cheers and applause, perhaps there were more kind Merians than she thought. Edea and Zephyra gave her a smile as she finished her song, the latter taking a sip of her drink letting off an air of thought. In their collective spirit influenced minds her sweet elf friend made an attempt to comfort Orri about her decision to stay on the Hive. Caring very much for her well being Orri tried to understand and knew Zephyra meant no harm. As much as Orri loved spending time with her, she won't be THAT far and it was nice of Zephyra to address it. There was so much good in the high elf witch, Morrigan could see it in the elf's energy. The other thing she could see was a hesitation in Zephyra's heart. It was odd to the martial artist that the witch seemed to want to hide the fact that she could make odd potions and poisons. The varied amount of book studies that Orri did not know she made up for in seeing and reading people themselves, to some degree. There are quite a few blind spots in that spectrum. Nonetheless she could read energy and their hearts to some degree, and she knew Zephyra was kind and did care a fair amount. The fact that she made some dangerous things did not matter in the least to Morrigan, but it seemed Zephyra wanted to keep it close for now at least. Morrigan had a few things she wanted to keep close so how could she judge her dear friend. "Would you blame the guy who made the sword that killed a queen in battle?" She mused one night dozing off next to Artemis. The sweet canine lifted his head to the sky pondering such a surprisingly deep thought from his sweet master. Staring into the sky he turned back to Orri licks her forehead and softly replies, "bark...woof." Morrigan took her gaze away from her favorite celestial sphere and leaned into Artemis, "RIGHT?! That's what I think as well." A smile could faintly be seen on the pooch's face, he enjoyed these quiet nights with Morrigan staring into the sky. It was like the old days of traveling across the islands of the Silver Seas when he was a pup. This time was needed, especially with his new duties of running a budding merchant vessel. Endless dreams and future plans whirling inside his mind as he would join with Captain Sqeenifer and become filthy rich."I think I'll try to make Alceaus feel more welcome with us, he still seems ill at ease sometimes." Morrigan interjected with a random thought. Artemis' brow leaned outward in sympathy as he rested his muzzle on her chest, not having the heart to tell her that it's usually because Orri is near him.
S:6 Captain?! ME?!
The blue of the sky seamed beautifully with the blue of the water close to one of the larger Isles in the Silver Sea. A calm salty air moving the sails back and forth on an old Tressenian fashioned ship, a kind of vessel that makes it's home in old pirate stories for children. The dark wood, the aged sails, and the rounded shape looming stories above the water. A calm and uneventful sea that had the ship safe for the moment, and a slow wind that carried what sounded like a chorus of deep voices. In the middle of that chorus sang a unique higher voice attempting to compete within them. On this aged splintered deck stood two rows of broad muscular short men, draped in tanned dried out leather armour and greased unkempt hair. A rag tag group of Daiya-jin sailors, known as dwarves to most people, and savages to the elves. Unorganized and slavenly they sang out in unison being lead by an unlikely crewmate. Their voices rang out into the sea as a slender woman with bright crimson hair stood in front of the two rows of men and conducted them as if it were a concert hall. Before the Hive's quartermaster was accepted by the Captain Squeenifer, she sailed with a ship of Daiya-jin across the Silver Seas, an interesting fit some would say, other might say a bad fit... The two elves, Zephyra and Hephane especially.
Morrigan stood before these rows of dwarves as they sang with her dexterous hands waving in the air to guide their voices. She was missing home and wanting a little more than grey and black quarters, music seemed her only option. She had gotten in serious trouble painting parts of the boat bright colours to give the drab ship some life, but was given a serious talking too and the captain locked her paints away until they got to port. "Brother's of the mine rejoice!" Morrigan's serene yet powerful voice passed through the men and gave them a little life and vigor. They rang out in response, "SWING SWING SWING WITH ME!" Some of the more cynical dwarves even began to smile as Morrigan lead them into song, as the captain listened on in frustration. He let this go on for the sole purpose of keeping the demi-human quiet and from bothering him with her ignorant nonsense. "I AM A DWARF AND I'M DIGGING A HOLE, DIGGY DIGGY HOLE, DIGGING A HOLE!!" They all bellowed together as each one of them really went loose and let the music take them, This may have been the most fun she had on this ship....or maybe the only fun. She was just excited to be on a ship and be at sea on an adventure and maybe ignored the bad parts of dreary ship, the Frigid Freezer. "Come on Parsnip! Let loose with that arpeggio!" It was a little funny to her that Daiya-jin people named themselves after root vegetables, to really just annoy the elves. She smiled brightly at him and it was infectious as they all let a smile poke through as she sang with them. Captain Radish was growing tired of it as his first mate approached and handed him a report, "Captain Radish, we have the details. His ship leaves port within the day." The Captain looks pleased for the first time today and he whispers to his first mate, "Well time to sick the simpleton on him then isn't it?" He laughed as the words came out and he turned towards the martial artist singing with a bunch of now harmonizing crew, "Born underground, Suckled from a teat of stone, Raised in the dark, The safety of our mountain home..." The captain looked on and grumbled through his teeth, "She is lucky she has skill, but she is ruining my crew....after this job find a way to get rid of that idiot." He stared at the first mate with a venomous look, "Right away Captain!"
"Now Morrigan.." The Captain spoke through clenched teeth. "You can call me Orri, Captain." She said with a smile, she had reminded him of this for nearly three months. "MORRIGAN pay attention!" She slumped quickly as if a small child being berated by an abusive parent. She looked down toward the deck, "We have to stop a man who stole a bunch of heirlooms from a noble, a very strong thief. Someone to really sharpen your teeth on." The captain was conniving and figured out this was the only way to wrangle this weapon he found on port all those months ago. That is all he saw her as, when she beat up his crew as they attempted to capture her for slavery. Right away he saw a potential soldier he could use instead of his own men. She looked up with stars in her eyes, "A strong thief?! Well let's get going!" He pointed behind her at the ship that was quickly approaching, "There he is Dummkopf." He called her this often and claimed it was a Diaya-jin word for soldier. Morrigan sped at full speed and leapt off the bow toward the oncoming ship, landing dramatically on their deck speaking with an excited voice, "Alright, I challenge the strongest here to a match! ummm oh! Because you stole stuff from a noble guy!" The crew stands stunned looking at this random woman, then noticing the Frigid Freezer that she came from, "Oh god Pirates?!" Some of them charge at her without warning, to their unfortunate luck. The skilled fighter can sense their energy and see that they are not a group of strong warriors so she ducks and weaves through them as they charge not harming a single one. "I don't want to be rude, but you guys aren't that strong and I don't want to hurt you. Can the strong guy come out?" Her voice came out sweet with no bravado or condescension, they somehow felt she didn't want to hurt people she was stronger than. They began to whisper to each other, "Is she really a pirate? What's the deal? This is crazy.."
"If a strong opponent is what you are after young lady, then perhaps I can be of assistance." A dapper and handsome man steps down the steps of the deck rolling up his sleeves and brandishing a rapier. He had a chiseled chin and broad frame, which made Orri's heart hiccup slightly. This handsome man carried himself with such confidence it was difficult for Orri to gather herself, "Oh....um yes! I would like that! Thanks Mr. Thief guy." She composed herself and got into a stance sensing he was not like the rest and may present her with a decent fight. He almost miss stepped as her words toppled out on the deck, what was this woman talking about? Was she not the pirate attacking the noble's ship? He thought to himself as he approached the strange woman, he could see no malice in her stance or her demeaner, "Very odd young lady, calling ME the thief. What may I ask is your name?" She calmed her stance a little to do a curtsy toward the man, "Oh yes of course." She said with a child like smile and cleared her throat, "I am Morrigan W.....Morrigan the Edgeless Blade, you can call me Orri, and you handsome thief man?" All of the tension had left the crew and the man had to stifle a laugh, "My, well met Orri the Edgeless Blade, I am Cedric Van Houten, and I accept your challenge." His smile almost disarmed her as she smiled and returned to her stance.
Captain Radish watched with intent as his walking distraction challenged the Noble they were robbing. He was just glad he didn't need too much imagination to trick her, the lie that the noble was a thief and was strong seemed to be enough. The deck of the target ship was the scene of an explosive battle between two skilled warriors, one self taught and a noble with decades of sword training, but behind them on the lower decks the other dwarves were sneaking in and stealing the cargo of Lord Houten while Morrigan fights him above deck. This was the Silver Sea Isles and anyone who went to water was always prepared for theft and boarding, the crew of the Freezer only made off with a few thousand gald worth of booty. The crew may not have had a chance against the spry martial artist, but they could match swords with the dwarven crewmen. They made a speedy retreat to the Freezer and gathered what they could as Morrigan fought with the noble...um thief. He was sweating profusely with the effort he had to put in to defend against Orri's onslaught, in battle she seemed a whole different animal. Still no true malice, but a whirlwind of unrestricted power and skill. "Impressive young Orri, your not like your crew are you?" She weaved and bobbed below his blade as he spoke and attacked, he was strong and she was getting lost in the fun of it. "MORRIGAN! RETURN!" an angry bellow from the Freezer called out. An immediate look of disappointment plastered on her face, she swept a leg between the Lord's and caused him to fall. She stood there sad, "Hey Van Hoot, I have to go...um I guess don't steal from lords and stuff.." She nearly vanished as she took off with speed and just as her foot hit the bow and she began her jump, the Lord tried to call out, "Wait, you don't need to go...ith...th...." He trailed off as she took off into the air, "Huh? I can't hear you." She proclaimed more than half way through her jump to the deck of the Freezer. "He was fun to fight.." She started to say as Captain Radish interrupted, "Yeah Yeah, we didn't get as much as we....We didn't rescue as much as we could for our client from the thief...now go away." He dismissed her and she went to her "quarters" with her sketchbook. A corner of the lower deck that was given to her because every other spot was taken, this was not the fun adventure her Mother had said would happen.
Her Mother and Mom confirmed as such when they contacted their daughter and told her to move on to a better ship. They knew of their daughters weaknesses, but her strengths were beyond compare and were all wasted and misused on this horrible underhanded ship's captain. This young woman who cared more about being stronger, but not the strongest. Such an endless goal that leads ever to the horizon, a "goal" that her Mother had nurtured in her for years. Orri already had kindness, compassion, and a strong drive to get better. All that remained was finding a ship that she could actually thrive in, which was a massive sigh of relief when Artemis lead Orri to the decks of the curious and eccentric Hive.
Returning to the current time Orri's ears resounded with the crunch of a sesame biscuit that her dear friend Zephyra had handed to her. To Orri is revitalized and energized as they came closer to Serpent's Row. This was it! Orri had finally gotten her way and they arrived a day ahead of schedule. The battle a mere few days ago with the horrible dragon had left her with a drive to focus hard on training and advance what she had learned from being beaten so badly. She spent every moment focusing her ki and developing her techniques as the sea past swiftly underneath them. Her mind and body were anchored to these tasks and training, realizing that she could condense her energy and move in lighting movements in short bursts. The energy in her body had also increased with this training and she could perform great techniques more often and with better ability. She spent some time sparring with Anaxa, Alcaeus, and Tikal and learned she could now dodge even massive spirit artes like fireball. In the middle of chaos she could speed away and take no damage. The excitement of getting better left her in high spirits and she was looking forward to the future challenge. She thought back to her old ship and came to see that she would have never developed this way. Zephyra may have been right, life on the Frigid Freezer was not very nice.
Massive towers of water smashed against the looming stones splashing deck and crew of the Hive as like a cannon ball it sped through the entrance to Serpent's Row. moments ago Captain Squeenifer had casually said to speed through the rapids and claustrophobic causeway. Hoorays and cries of joy came from The Captain and Morrigan as if it were some joyous ride. Sounds of splintering wood echoed against the wood of the hull causing cried from the ship's bosun Anaxa, "MY SHIP!" A great deal of repairs were in the poor bosun's future. Navigation and skilled steering were required to stream through the fast waters and treacherous rock sides of the Row. This crew's skill as well as aid from the dolphins that the Captain had asked to be spotters, lead the Hive to the calm lagoon. The ship slowed to check for damage and right within view was another ship across the lagoon seemingly waiting for them.
The ship was confirmed with Edea seeing their flag as a large sword on actual fire to be the vessel of Ifrit's Blade. The excitement for Orri was too much as she ran toward the specialized catapults that the Captain and first mate had developed. "Beef, Butter, Mushroom! COME ON!" Orri found herself leaping into the air screaming for her catapult goblin team. Landing softly right into the bucket of the throwing device as three goblins starting running for the controls, seeing this crazy idea the musical wolf Edea ran with them and joined the "Let's fire Orri at the ship" party. Holding up her hands with her thumbs touching tips like a painter eyeing up a canvas, she helped aim the catapult to it's desired target. She was going to make sure this would go off without a hitch, her focus like a laser pointing right to her quarry.
A flash of red on their sails and an inferno erupting setting the sails ablaze. Ballista after ballista came soaring toward the Hive from the Ifrit's blade ship, they carved through the waves closer and closer, it was almost time Orri thought sitting patiently in her bucket. A few feet more and her eyes exploded with an inner fire, "NOW BEEF, FIRE!!!!!" The goblins lifted their hands along with Edea, she sang a word of encouraging luck and fueled the flame inside Orri as the four of them pulled the lever and a loud thunk noise resounded as wood slammed into wood launching the small demi-human into the sky. No magic, no tools, no weapons, just skill and a drive to battle as this cheerful and naïve teenager soared through the air directly to an enemy ship.
A little over half way to Ifrit's Blade she felt something terribly familiar. Her unique ability to sense other's ki had refined itself over the long years of training and she could recognize certain people, especially the strong. This energy was someone she had fought a few times before, it couldn't be. What are the chances he would be out here of all places! His energy and strength her unmistakable to her sense and she was confused and also happy that her challenge would be strong. Her mind scattered slightly as her mind decided to remind her of their past encounters. Trying to review in the last few seconds as she came closer and closer to the deck, reviewing all the way to their first encounter.
"Taking on challenges is good to get stronger, but my little warrior, you need to gauge it a little better and make sure you can at least escape alive if need be." The tall lavender haired woman attempted to explain to a very distracted and excited Morrigan. She adjusted her massive sword on her back and sighed, "Sweetheart! Are you listening?" The voice was not angry, but carried an authority very few could summon. It was an odd sound, it could be said to be an aggressive charisma, Orri's Mother radiated this charisma at all times and the young woman sprung up and looked her Mother in the eye, "Yes....sorry, I was excited. We will be fine, you are here with me just in case." She looked at the massive sword on her Mother's back with a curious look, "Why did you bring that one instead of your cool bright one?" The lavender warrior smirked at her daughter, "That blade is a powerful family artifact, plus THIS is going to be your fight, I'm just here for support."
This group of raiders had attacked Orri's village of Talon for a little while. The townsfolk complained and needed help against these stronger than normal raiders, lead by an eccentric and arrogant man, Drake Overhulk. Orri wanted to challenge them more than anything, but her Mother thought a large group would be difficult for her at this time and decided to join in. This would be her little warrior's test to see if she can live here on her own for a while. The two had set out for the encampment as soon as possible and guessed they were a few moments away. The raucous noise confirmed it and they approached the entrance and saw a man sitting in a throne laughing, that must have been Drake.
The battle for Talon's freedom was a hard one, Mother handled the rabble as Orri was directed to challenge Drake himself. She needed no direction for she declared the challenge and charged right for him. They were both fairly young but this insane raider declared that he was very impressed by this child who landed a few hefty blows on him. Orri's Mother looked on impressed at her daughter and confused why this other "child" was calling her such a young one. Drake declared her the victor for now, claiming not to care at all about raiding, and vanished into the forests of the island. Yelling through the trees that they would meet again. "Well Sweety, looks like you might have a rival....a weird weird rival."
This memory faded to the back of her mind as the energy source came to the forefront of her thoughts. She landed on the deck as if a feather falling from a low flying bird. Not a noise was made, she stood at full height and looked up toward the top of the mast, "DRAKE?! Wow, I thought it was you." He stood on the tip of the mast laughing with a deep voice, "HA well look at here! My little toy has found me. Well kid are you stalking me?" Orri gave the same face she usually reserves for when people call her a satyr, "No...I'm not...we are the same age...AND.." She reaches into her brazier and presents a sheet of paper with a series of ticks and lines, "Look! I have more lines than you so get ready for me to put another!" From on high Drake laughed heartily, "Oh?! Well your Mom isn't here to help you this time!" Orri pouted slightly looking back on the memory, and gathered her ki into her palms to show him how much she has improved. She let loose her Blazing God Impact on his perch and he took it straight to the face, it did it's damage and he smirked with respect toward her. "She didn't help that much...." As she trailed off Drake screamed his attack and jumped from the mast and landed inches away from Orri letting a sphere of scorching fire around both of them. She summoned her bursting speed and dodged the very flame that tried to grab at her. Pillars and bursts of flame separated the two of them from the rest of the ship. Their epic battle would stay between them, the crew nothing more than an audience.
Her eyes reflected the flames around them and she walked through the blaze of his attack and began a series of strikes on him, sliding to his side swiftly and embedding her heel into his side, swung around and landed another kick to his hip. He took the strikes with joy and returned the favour with gusto, slashing her deep and with purpose a total of three times. Drake had become much stronger as well, it seemed leagues above what Orri has improved. It did not not discourage her at all as her excitement grew at the fight. He noticed the fire in her soul and he exploded with another three attacks aiming to push her backwards off the ship. She took a page from his book and took all three strikes of his blade with stride unknowingly summoning a major arcana to stand her ground. A figure appeared above her and held back the assault of his ability and the tower he had summoned. Laughing and enjoying the battle he summoned even more strength and went in for another three attacks, now was the time to show off what she had trained for. He sliced into her once and as his second swing came quickly up from below it passed through a wavering image of what once was Orri. Her façade seemed to slowly vanish while the real Orri moved faster than any eye could see and appeared behind the hulking man. She stood behind him and slammed her fist across his shoulder, giving him a surprise as he smirked, "Oh you have improved."
The ship made a horrible noise as it moved from side to side with quite the force. Through the fire of their battle strange noise increased in the distance. Neither Orri nor Drake payed any mind to what happened outside of their battle, even when a bright bolt of lightning came from the pillars of flame and shot over Morrigan's head as she weaved under the scorching blade to land another kick. The demi-human, who was having such fun, was beginning to look rough while Drake reveled in the challenge and the fact that she was still standing. Even though her life hanging by a thread, and her pretty blue scarf drenched with her own blood, she smirked confidence and her eyes two spheres of passionate fire. His proclamation at the start of this battle, "If you can last at least a minute, I'll consider this a win for you kid." constantly kept her thinking of ways to delay his attacks, and gain some advantage. Her smile of excitement beamed at him, and she decided to copy his tactic of pushing. She gently placed a palm against his chest summoning a raging ball of ki and an eruption of her life energy blasted him backwards five feet. Continuing the momentum she rushed forward and landed a powerful kick on his chest slamming him back another five feet, she saw the finish line and sped forward once again, "DYNAMITE KICK!" Jumping in the air as both her feet flew toward his face and blasted him backwards over the railing of the ship. He fell quickly toward the water smiling, "Oh wow, Hey Drake are you ok?" She looked over the edge to not see him. Figuring he was fine she landed her feet down and exploded in a red blazing aura transforming into her Hidden Form: Crimson Ignition Drive! She waited for his return as she transformed and without hesitation a pillar of flame towered over the ship and Drake appeared above it riding his sword down next to Orri. He laughed with joy, "Ten more seconds!" They traded blows once again, his sword not making the same impact it once did against her Crimson Ignition Drive. Her body now a torrent of improved strength and raw power. Her ability could not do so much about the flames from his sword as she tanked blow after blow regardless. She dug deep, with what could be seen as a pig headed stubborn want to win, and withstood the onslaught seeing death as she suffered two grievous wounds. Deep cuts on her face and chest bled profusely as her legs stubbornly stood their ground and she managed to land another strike or two, "BURNING RUSH!" She winced through the pain and smiled as her blows landed and he laughed, "Well done kid, I guess this is your victory!" He slammed his sword onto the deck and repeated his flame pillar, riding his sword toward the horizon. She stood proud and called toward him, "We are the same age." She giggled at her win and the adrenaline slowly vanished in her body. Her fists unclenched and her red and blue aura dissipated into the air. Looking up to the horizon all the pain from her deep cuts came rushing to her body without the adrenaline she collapsed onto the deck.
Her eyes spring open in the arms of Anaxa, the hoplite's voice proclaiming, "What a badass battle, big sis." The quartermaster's pools of blood there before her on the deck. She ganders down at her chest to see the wound closed and a scar left in it's wake. A large smile across Orri's face seeing her dear friends around her, Zephyra healing the last bits of her injuries. She grabs Anaxa's arm to stand and see that the Captain had apparently rammed the Hive into Ifrit's Blade ship. Orri thought to herself that must have been the loud noise from before. She imagined the image of the Captain's joy to use her ramming bow, and Calliope shaking her head at the reckless act. "That was fun, I guess let's go home and then back to Io? I'm starving!" She said leaning up against Anaxa. The Captain approached Orri with a strange look on her face, "You be home Morrigan, this ship is ours...your now. You will be it's captain." The words didn't make any sense at first, in fact she nearly out right rejected them. "Captain?! Me?!" This may be the very last thing Orri wanted, being a captain of a ship. She was not built for something like that, numbers were involved and managing people? None of it sounded terribly fun, besides a certain level of intelligence and charisma were absolutely necessary for such a position. Morrigan was not a woman without her charms and kindness mind you, but leadership? Was she capable? Did she even want this? Her frame of reference were Captain Radish and Captain Sqeenifer. She knew she did not want to be like Captain Radish nor like Captain Drake, but Captain Sqeenifer was good and just, if not a little eccentric. She was a good reference and role model for this thought Orri as she dreaded this whole affair. It was not for a lack of confidence, but this did not seem at all fun, or enjoyable. She would be on this ship with a crew of people she did not know, her new family on the Hive....it felt like leagues away, she was losing her home with all the people she has come to love.
On this unfamiliar ship.
Alone.
Without them.
"They will listen to no one but ye, Orri. You beat their captain." Captain Squeenifer tried to explain why it should be her. She could barely hear her as the prospect seemed less and less enticing. She would be without them on this new ship, and the thought kept nagging at her. She could just refuse right? Tell the captain she had no interest, right? There was a small part of her that thought it might be neat, fun even. She would change the decoration, maybe even paint the ship! An idea struck her, she could try and convince some of her new family to stay in this ship with her. "Well I would need a cook right? And perhaps it might be less stressful on this ship without all the goblins and just a few people?" She looked at Zephyra with hopeful nearly tearful eyes. Thinking back to the last few weeks hanging out with her sweet elf friend and didn't want to lose that for anything. She had grown so close to her and enjoyed her company very much. Confident that she clenched the deal about giving Zephyra a less stressful cooking environment she gave her a sweet and welcoming smile. Zephyra's mind went through a torrent of memories and possibilities of what life might be like on this ship with the ever hungry black hole of Morrigan the Crimson Warrior. Suddenly the goblins seemed easier to cook for, back on the Hive she had to cook nearly double the portions just for Orri alone! Attempting to spar the demi-human's feelings Zephyra spat out, "The Hive needs me and to be honest it might be less stressful over there....at least they stop eating at some point." With the elf's excuse to return and stay on the hive only lead to Orri's anxiety of being alone on the new ship...Why would they need two ships anyway?!
Anyone has passing thoughts of being something else, and Orri is no different. Being a captain has been a passing thought in her imagination, but nothing more. Well, she did have the hat, and the jacket....which she had put on. Looking at the beaten crew left over from the battle, they looked run down and unhappy with their future. Their sad faces had reminded her of what she probably looked like back on her old ship the Freezer. No one should go through that kind of mistreatment, that Zephyra and Calliope had shown her was evident. The Captain had seemed to believe she could do it, and these poor men needed someone to help them. A tear of anxiety began to form in the corner of her eye when she suddenly felt a tug on her jacket. Artemis whined as he nuzzled her hip with compassion. He whined and softly grumbled toward her, "Yeah? You will?" The tear fell and was not followed by another, her face brightening just a little. "You're right, with you helping. Maybe...we can help them and find new challenges!" She started to proclaim with more confidence scratching and hugging her faithful puppy. He always knew just what to say to keep her on the path. Orri's captain jacket waved in the calm sea air as she thought this might be possible, sewing a new flag, painting decorations on the ship, but the thought of loneliness crept back in her thoughts however. She didn't like that they would all be back on the Hive, which was still next to them but now seemed so far away. "Would anyone like to stay here at least until we get to Io?" She blurted out clumsily. Anaxa and Zephyra looked back to the hive and before they could say anything Edea and Calliope chimed in, "We can ride with you Orri...oh I mean Captain Morrigan." Edea said with a smile. "Yeah let's head back to Io." Calliope placed a hand on Orri's shoulder and beamed at her. It was a very helpful act as Orri suddenly rushed back to her old self and smiled heartily.
"Not so fast! This ship has a cargo hold, and I have a feeling it's full!" The greedy eyes of Captain grew wide with hope. Orri walked with them to check but her thoughts were still in turmoil about everything, even with Calliope and Edea's kind gesture. The feeling was certainly not as bad as before. Artemis stood close to her in an attempt to comfort, "Wooof growl, bark." Orri pondered the barks as they walked and Artemis regarded the contents of the ship's treasures, "Hmm teach the crew The Blazing Edgeless Blade style? Yeah, uncle Chuchu said you learn just as much when you teach sometimes..." Artemis resigned to the fact that he would do most of the work that his loving master could not do, which was not a daunting prospect. Artemis knew Orri more than anyone, besides her mothers, he loved her and knew what to take care of knowing she would always protect him with her life. He enjoyed such particular tasks anyway and found his future as the merchant of a fleet of ships exciting. The thoughts of counting, organizing, and setting up this new venture brought a smile to his toothy face. Just think of the riches! Suddenly Artemis and the Captain connected on a very deep level. The two surveyed the raiders haul and glanced at each other with knowing smiles and saw a bright enRICHING future.
Orri set to the important task of figuring out a new name for the ship....HER ship, the idea still so huge. The crew told her it's name was the Crimson Scourge or something similar. Orri had no idea what a scourge was, but it did not sound in any way inviting. She opened her sketchbook and set to the task of changing it right away. She started to get to know some of the crew and starting drawing and writing names down to get some feedback from them. One actually came forward first to address their new captain, a new captain who seemed kind enough. A man named Francois LeFuente looked upon her sketchbook. Drawing calmed her and kept her thoughts focused, as she started writing down "Fire Hazard" and "Phoenix Heart" they looked at each other in fear of trading one captain for a similar one. Francois who had been on this ship the longest noticed Artemis walk the deck and start to organize things and direct some people to perform duties with some competence he let out a sigh of something close to relief. Seeing a dog be so organized and knowledgeable they became more confused but also at some sort of ease that this captain may actually be different. Her demeaner and heart were definitely kinder and seemed willing to actually help and get to know them. Moral was still obviously low for them, they did seem at least willing to consider her and the Hive. Suspicion or confusion were heavy in the air and wheather this would be mended by the new Captain Orri, only time will tell.
Prepare yourself Meria and the rest of Gaia, it seems a new ship is born. Has Captain Squeenifer lost her mind? Soon the world will see! Get ready Gaia for the BLAZING CHARIOT has now set sail!
S:5 Train well, Eat well, Rest Well, Live Well
The scorching star in the sky found a home over the crisp blue of the scenic Merian Sea. The horizon littered with shadowed visions of islands and fellow ships as the crew of the infamous Hive travel past them. Waves crash against the well worn trireme ship, while above it, the last remnants of seagulls from the floating city of Io search it for scraps. The screeching, the crashing waves, and the endless chatter from the small green crew rowing the ship would normally hold or distract a particular crewmate, but not when she was navigating. The quartermaster, or little demi-human warrior, lost herself in this task and dove straight into it, especially since this course would lead them to a battle, or so her crewmates promised. This was a common tactic from them to keep her focused.
An outside observer would see the Hive's navigation table and see what might have been Tressenia after the Calamity war, but to Morrigan "The Wayfinding Warrior" it was a methodical and well polished process. Papers and maps cascaded across the table, some pierced in place by a series of forks and seamstress pins. The process was made tricky due to her troubling curse of not being able to use swords and some knives. A curse that has lead to her style of fighting, with fist and foot. Some would interject and ask, "Well why would you hold the pages in with knives in the first place?" For those that know the sweet Morrigan remember she hails from the Silver Seas, a land of strange cultures and pirates. Pinning a sheet of paper or a proclamation with a knife was a must.
Surveying her work space she Lifted some maps up the table, she threw two fork into the corners locking it in place, she takes a glance upward judging the suns placement. Navigating was quite the lengthy endeavor and took most of her time up, for three whole days. Performing her job with a fair impressive amount of prowess lead to her nights being free and clear, "Ok Fennel! Stay the course for this many leagues and we are good for the night." She smiled warmly to the goblin nearby. Fennel and Garlic, two little goblins, helped Morrigan with navigation from time to time and would run back and forth to the kitchen keeping the navigating martial artist well fed. The mess hall was just what it sounded like, so many goblins created a massive amount of chaos, disorder, and a burned out high elf cook. Poor Zephyra was always on her feet cooking endlessly for a seemingly constant increasing crew. A nervous Garlic approached the elf for the eleventh time that day. "AGAIN?!" The exhausted elf boomed at the poor goblin, "SHE IS HUNGRY AGAIN?! It's bad enough cooking for what seems like hundreds of goblins, but that sheltered woman is an insatiable whirlpool of hunger! Did Demeter confuse her for Erysichthon!!!" The little Goblin Garlic stood there as Zephyra continued her frustrated rant, this was the fourth time today that she went into an old epic Merian tale, so he simply waited for his moment to interject. A moment that came much later as Garlic finally made his way back to Morrigan handing her the food and running off, "THANKS GARLIC! hmm so hungry, I can finally stop with all this for the day, OH a note!" She unfolded the fine parchment roll and saw Zephyra's handwriting. There were only two words, "Kitchen's Closed!"
A day of setting courses could pause for now as Morrigan felt the fatigue approach, even then she wanted to train and spar. Her main partner, Anaxa, was busy with her moon cycle, which was still astounding that it would really impede a warrior like her. A large muscular woman like the hoplite would be brought down by her own body made Orri wish she could help more, but their Captain was with her. She was in good hands and should be fine. A good spar could wait a little while, "Resting is important as well." She quietly told herself, taking a bite of her delivered meal. The words left her mouth and hung in the air triggering a memory. It broke through Morrigan's mind as her muscles let out a wave of weariness. A darkening sky invaded her imagination replacing the current view and she thought back to her uncle. A top a small hill sat two unique individuals silhouetted by the odd purple colour of the sky. A large flat field lay before them as they snacked and hydrated themselves. One towered over the other looking upon her with a affectionate fondness, "Alright kiddo, I think that's enough for today. You are really improving faster than I imagined." He reached down and tussles the bright crimson hair between the young girls horns. The child like wonder and charm that carried over into Orri's adult hood showed brightly as she smiled with excitement, "YEAH?! Then can we go again? I was getting close to getting through your reach! That quick spear can't stop me!" Smothered in childish and endearing bravado she jumps up to her feet, bouncing up and down in front of him, "Come on Uncle ChuChu!" Even standing she barely reaches eye level. His eyes followed her up and down, letting out a raucous laugh, "HAHA oh did you my little champion, you think so?" He quickly moves his elbow to embrace his spear in the crook and his muscles move the weapon into a lightning fast arch right into the young girls legs. She noticed it right away and moved her hands to use it as a platform to jump the attack. The spear came so quickly she stood no chance and it knocked her swiftly to the ground, "HAHA Well you saw it coming that is one thing, but seeing it means nothing if you are exhausted from training all day." He reaches down to grab his little niece by the scruff and placed her back beside him, "Listen close little champion, rest is sometimes even more important than training. Remember it! Train well, sleep well, live well." Uncle ChuChu looked down triumphantly down to her, only to see she was just drifting off to sleep against him. The sweet little voice murmuring, "Yes...uncle chuchu...rest well...." He scoffed to himself and smiled, "Alright, let's get you back to your moms."
The sun sprinted with haste over the horizon behind the ocean leaving the Hive in a curious silhouette. On top of Orri's makeshift crows nest sat a full hut, a cozy comfortable house with a tired occupant. As if a living fairy tale gliding across the Merian Sea. The high elf Zephyra summoned her home with ease on the main mast of the ship and set herself up for a cozy night of reading and eating scraps from the kitchen. The mighty witch could grab any scrap of food, random item, or whatever was nearby and turn it into a sweet candy or pastry. It was an incredible ability to save what would be tossed or wasted from the mess hall, her spoiled spoils if you will. She laid down her scroll on the small table beside her and spun it enough to continue reading, and she reached over the pile of discarded food. Grabbing the top most scrap, a chewed corner of bread, mere moments away from her lips it became a lovely square of baklava. She sunk her teeth into the sweet confection and sighed to herself in satisfaction when a voice came from nowhere, "Can I have one Zephy?" Quite like a feline being surprised, Zephyra nearly jumped from her seat as her hair bristled all over. She searched the warm room only to find a horned smiling woman sitting on her floor plainly looking up to the elf. This woman sat silently leaning against a massive fur covered behemoth as if she had been there for hours. She was waiting patiently looking away from her book into Zephyra's eyes, seeing that she took the elf by surprise attempted to explain, "Hi, I like being in high up places. It's nice and well you put a house on the crow's nest." Morrigan still looking at the baklava in Zephyra's fingers. The elf shrugged into a smile, quickly placing the pastry in her mouth and creating another to throw at Morrigan. She easily caught it with her mouth and the two spent the night in soft warmth reading their books, occasionally remarking on the story and tossing more candy at Orri. It was a serene and well spent evening. The soft fire and large dog creating a comfortable warmth which slowly lead the two to drift off to sleep.
The following days and nights went along the same vane, Orri would take a single leap onto the front porch of Zephyra's home nearly forty plus feet up, and during the day she made sure the Hive stayed on course. Upon the second night Morrigan felt the urge to let her voice ring out and sooth the witch of sweets and pastries. Unlike Edea the heavy metal wolf, Morrigan was taught a more traditional way of singing. Her songs were soothing, old fashioned, and almost ethereal. Orri found that her songs could charm Anaxa's large constrictor snake, Zephyra the high elf was no different, "That is just what I needed." Zephyra sighed and sank into her couch after getting lost in Orri's music. Spending their nights like this were a welcome serenity before the hopeful upcoming battles. Orri would stretch her legs a little around the comfy room, but understood Zephyra's need for quite reflection and relaxation. So she would return to her own books and just enjoy the simple pleasures of friends spending time together. The high elf has been kind to Orri and has complimented her finer qualities, and Orri wished nothing more than to prove her friend right by keeping her rested after her cooking duties. The martial artist saw the healing witch as a kind and good friend, it seemed Zephyra was beginning to feel the same toward Orri and on one night saw the little demi-human fidget a little. Zephyra held up a particular dramtic scroll, cleared her throat, and started to read it out loud to her friend. The sweet witch proclaimed and put on a dramatic flair as her voice brought her scrolls to life. She read aloud while listen with enthusiasm, standing with a smile as she began to act out the story. Stifling a laugh as Orri jumped and waved her arms to give the story a flair, only getting the gist of the tale as Zephyra sang out the tale, Orri whispered to herself unable to hide a smile, "..Rest well, live well."
The past three days left the martial artist refreshed and ready to take on any challenger for what she had forgotten was under the water. Riches and treasure were distant thoughts as she imagined tough crews meeting them there and ready to battle. Who knew maybe one particular rival crew might have a mysterious, heroic, and ready to fight handsome man aboard! Dreaming of such an event brought her attention to the sun and her maps, they were there! Finally reaching the coordinates she double checked and confirmed. Excitement filling her lungs she leapt straight up in the air landing on the bow of the ship to see....no one. They were the only ones here, a sad discovery to her and no one else. To the port a commotion arose as the impatient green muscled captain held the forge master Hephane over the edge to find the "shinies." Hephane pleaded with Captain Squeenifer that she could not simply sense treasure. The Captain would hear none of it, she noticed Orri approach, "She will find the treasure, the quicker that happens the sooner we can challenge the strong Ifrit's Blade guy!" Morrigan's disappointment turned into panicked desperation, the heavy disappointment she felt was still weighing her down and she simply acted without thought. The demi-human's brain saw only one solution, and it was get to Serpent's Row to fight Ifrit's Blade, with all her feeling Morrigan found herself speeding forward and launching Hephane over the rails of the ship into the sea. Well if she was in the water she could find the sunken ship quicker right?
Coming to her senses after being spurred on by the Captain, even Orri realized that was a stupid thing to do. The world of Gaia discovered long ago that a good way to stop sharp weapons from damaging flesh and bone was covering ones self in metal. Orri missed such lessons and found being weighed down by metal and weapons makes it harder to move and fight, so she did without. Hephane on the other hand was encased in layers upon layers of it. The moment she started to panic in the water in the heavy material yelling, "I can't swim." Really cemented the idea of kicking her into the ocean was a bad plan. As if to confirm Morrigan's realization of her bad idea, the universe opened a giant whirlpool and suddenly turned Callipoe the terran sorcerer into a squid.
A few yards behind the panicking Hephane formed a violent whirlpool which threatening to eat up the armoured smith. Simultaneously Calliope came up on the deck next to Morrigan, as she witnessed the vortex in the water her body began to convulse. She looked as if in pain and her body seemed to take on a wet sheen as her arms separated and formed tentacles. Completely surprised by this sudden transformation Orri grabbed the now tiny sorceress and jumped into the sea with her, pulling up her hood to help her breath the water. As the two jumped into the sea the whirlpool seemed to react and let out a massive amount of water directly into the ship in the form of a jet stream. The Hive was hit dead center and pushed back a few feet on the water, the damage was clear. The Captain ordered the ship away and Orri's thoughts immediately went on the offensive, "Fighting a vortex in the water, how awesome." She thought to herself with excitement. Her face determined and eager to really test her new technique, she swam closer, faced the whirlpool and began to summon up her very own life energy into her palms. Under the water was a different experience building up her ki energy, but she charged it all into her palms brought it in front of her and aimed, "Ha I can do the same as you whirlpool. BLAZING GOD IMPACT!" Morrigan let loose her powerful technique and from within the whirlpool came a groan of pain. "A living whirlpool!?" Orri exclaimed with surprise. She noticed Anaxa making her way below the whirlpool to attack it from beneath. Her voice echoed through the water to the others, "It's a dragon in the whirlpool!" Anaxa yelled out after stabbing the watery vortex with her spear. On the other side of the fray Morrigan's face turned to worry as she repeated Anaxa's words, "Oh no, she being dragged into the whirlpool?!"
Only after exchanging blow after blow did Orri break through the illusion the dragon had around itself, and she saw the dragon for what it was much after everyone else. Seeing the creature of heavy malevolence the martial artist swam at full speed to the creature and slammed her feet and elbows into the monsters neck. Her legs and fists wreathed in pure energy as she struck the dragon along with her crewmates, it cried out and ran to it's lair. It was weakened and hiding in it's keep slowly being surrounded by the crew of the Hive. Morrigan followed them into the lair and knew it must be stopped, her lessons on malevolence were stamped into her early in life, and she was well aware it can effect things around it. Swimming past her comrades and straight to the dragon Orri began to charge another Blazing God Impact. She raised herself above the Captains new form to get a good shot at the monster, building the energy into her hands once more she started the motions and then saw the dragon smile. It opened it's horrible maw and let out another massive water attack beam down the narrow hallway at nearly everyone. It slammed into The Captain, Orri, Anaxa, and narrowly missed Calliope's new squid form. The energy built up in Morrigan's hands dissipated as the cave went dark, the pain was severe yet quick. Echoed voiced carried through the hall as she faded, and then her eyes sprung open, it seemed like an instant. Zephyra floated in the water above her, "Hey Orri, I killed it with words." She said in a mocking tone. Orri looked down the cave to see the creature slain, she sighed in relief and subdued excitement.
She floated while tending to her wounds and looked at her hands. So this was her current ability, her limit. Her fists closed swiftly and a smile formed on her face, "I can't wait to break through this limit." Morrigan already set plans to train herself past this plateau toward the next level. To her core, this was the very reason she trained and looked to the horizon. There was always someone stronger, and challenging them was worth it's weight in training. The lessons of her Mother ringing true each time she broke past a new limit. This failure only stemmed to fuel the fire in Morrigan's soul, a new excitement building in her heart of flame and battle. Now this renewed beautiful feeling was demolished now that the Captain ordered everyone to carry these heavy slabs of copper back to the surface of the water to the Hive. She wanted to go and train to get better and refine her style after getting bettered by the dragon. She relented and tried to make carrying these heavy bits of metal to the ship a form of training.
More than half the day passed by the time they brought all that metal onto the ship. Some of the crew collapsed with exhaustion on the deck after the laborious task. Orri did her best to see it as training, but after the hundred and twentieth copper ingot she was bored as hell. She laid there on the deck staring at the starry sky finding her favorite one and smiling at it, only looking away as Zephyra looked for volunteers to purify the skin they cut off the dragon. Taking another glance at the star Orri stood up raising her hand, "I know a little bit, hang on I'll get the good beer!!" Zephyra placed the items to be purified on the bow of the deck as Morrigan approached with a tankard full of good beer. The image of how her Mom did some rituals swimming in Orri's thoughts, she felt some comfort in the idea of being a part of the process. Like many things in this insane part of the world Merians took things like this to the extreme. Like the oracle Morrigan met some time ago, Zephyra's eyes rolled back and she convulsed like a possessed creature. Orri sighed and followed the steps she knew and poured some of the beer onto the tainted skins and bones. With time the dark energy on the materials began to lift and dissipate into the air, Morrigan smiled thinking she can't wait to tell Mom what she did, and her amazing healing friend who made it possible. Seeing her face beam with pride that her daughter could dissipate malevolence, standing straight with her chest out pridefully she looked forward to talking with Mom.
The Captain rung her hands watching the dignified Artemis walk with his four paws around the copper studying each piece. His highly developed nose taking in the aroma of the patina and oxidation of the pure metal. Taking his paw and letting his claws scrape portions of the ingots with care, circling back and around once or twice of the pile. His left eye covered by a specialized lens which magnified many times to see how the surface of the prized booty faired. Hepahne had retro fitted the lens especially for him to study gems and treasure they found. Appraising was a serious business for the canine and he took it seriously, studying the ingots for nearly an hour and a half. He perused and made sure the quality of what they dug from the wreckage down below. He nodded his large head backwards, causing the lens to spring back away from his face. Slowly he approached the Captain who stood there shivering with anticipation. Artemis sat before her with the air of a regal jewel merchant opened his tooth filled mouth and simply laid bare his findings, "Bark!" Captain Squeenifer jumped up in triumph and exclaimed, "One hundred and fifty drachma woth!? WOOHOO. Time to go shopping." She smiled evily wringing her hands once more.
S:4 Three Pirates and a Baby
The moon lit up the floating city, it will be at it's fullest very soon. Morrigan stared up to the sky for a moment as the night fully conquered the day, ignoring the nearly full moon as she does. A woman on a mission to convince the Captain to head toward Ifrit's Blade. The fauna of the city now actively giving her a wide birth, as well as the populace of the night life. Seeing no more creatures to interrogate in her exhausting search for the Captain. By simple luck Orri turned a corner and ran right into her goblin leader, unlike her faithful companion she was no hunter or tracker, she was however a very lucky individual. Flying through the seat of her pants has been a way of life for the budding warrior, luck and skill are what shaped her into the woman she is becoming. Her mother's learned early on to nurture and instill how Morrigan "picks things up." Which unfortunately to them was almost always the hard way, through dumb luck and a clever warriors mind Orri seemed to turn out alright.....if not a bit sheltered. Skill, compassion, kindness, and a fair amount of naiveté are what make up Orri's emotional intelligence. Her dear parents hoped very much to themselves that the naïve portion would break apart on her current journey of self improvement, only time and effort will tell.
Returning to her target and mind encompassing goal, the Captain now stood directly in front of the tired demi-human, as she firmly held four cats in her arms thinking one of them must be the shapeshifting goblin. Screeching to a halt, and releasing her feline captives she bombarded the poor goblin with requests and "solid" information about Ifrit's Blade. This excited onslaught was met with a simple phrase from the Captain, "I don't believe you." Taken aback but not deflated, Orri remarked that, "Of course it's true, north quick before he's gone, the ship is right over there!" The Captain had to take a moment and handle this as she always had to, distract the warrior, or give her some task that should take time. The Captain remembered that the forge must be installed on the ship, and found her solution, "Not until the forge is done, now if you'd like to hel..." Orri vanished down the road directly to the ship, where the materials for the forge were. Going at a normal pace after her the crew finally made their way to the ship to see a blur of red going from dock to deck over and over. Orri saw it as a form of training, as she did with everything, as well as way to speed up the process. There was an opponent waiting to be challenged! Taking advantage of her Crimson Ignition Drive transformation to increase her strength and haul more materials on the ship. It was a special hidden technique of the Blazing Edgeless Blade style, which was a massive burst of power, however it also required a massive amount of energy and strain. An amazing feat very few could ever even think to try, giving Orri the advantage, unfortunately Anaxa still outmatched her by picking up an entire pallet and bringing it on board. Construction began on the forge itself, with Orri mentioning the strong Ifrit guy every chance she gets, just to make sure everyone remembers he is out there. With Hephane's knowhow, Anaxa's strength, and everyone else helping out as large amount of progress had been made. "Is it done, is it done, is it done?!" The crew was tired of telling her no, so Zephyra attempted to distract her with a task or two.
The sweet regal elf appeared on board in her usual noble pace, "Oh you managed to get it all on board, well done." Zephyra's smug little smile reached everyone and they all gave up and waited to hear the news she found on her little journey to avoid manual labor. A few promising and informed odd things happening around town rang out to everyone from the elf. The only one Morrigan really resonated with was a small elf child has been roaming the streets by herself and trying to get into the tavern that Edea was holding a concert. A good chance to hear Steel Stinger's music and to help someone out. Morrigan enjoyed the chances she got to listen to Edea the wolf demi-human metal rock star's crazy music. Orri herself was also concerned as well as excited that she may have to fight someone to protect the young girl wandering the city. To think a small elf wondering around this crazy city might lead to something dangerous for the youngling. Just like home this floating city was a bad idea to walk alone, especially as a young girl unless you had the skill to fight.
Many years, and leagues away a memory of the Silver Seas presents itself. The roads and congested streets between villages and cities in The Silver Sea Isles were a fun and tricky place if you could not defend yourself. Every city, town, and village did NOT ban or outlaw fighting. In Morrigan's youth she was given a test of her progress, unbeknownst to her. Her Mother had sent her to the next city, following her the entire way. A woman of terrible stealth following her daughter, who luckily was of terrible perception. Just outside of the city gates were two small time "toll collectors". They saw the young child approach and saw nothing but gauld signs in their eyes, the slave trade was a gold mine. They had thought an easy prey, quickly approaching from the sides and towering over the girl. Years of training and reading her opponents, as well as growing up where she did she could get a fair sense of another mortals aura and strength. Someone had to have ki of course, but with these two she almost had trouble sensing them, maybe they could hide their strength? She took a quick glance at both of them, and quickly got lost in the possibility of a good spar. The lanky one on the right went to grab her and she adeptly swept his foot out toward the side making him drop to eye level with her. He blinked in astonishment now being level with the demi-human as a palm landed firmly into his forehead. The impact forced him back as he began to immediately snore. The portly one stood there almost unable to see how quickly she took his accomplice down, "What the fu.." His words suddenly muffled due to the girl suddenly leaping off his friend and grappling his neck with her legs. She spun her body around to his back, and attempted to force his head back and flip him to the ground as she spun. There was a serious silence as she struggled to rock him backwards, not quite having the force and the weight to bring him down. Regaining his composure he grabbed her ankle and threw her full force toward a tree. Flipping in the air and meeting the tree with her feet flat against it and using it as a spring board and landed a side kick to the man's shoulder as she passed by. Landing onto another tree and repeating the maneuver to strike him in the jaw. She found this exhilarating and attempted the action another three times, missing the last strike due to the man's impact onto the ground unconscious. "Hey, misters? Do you want to keep going? Are you that tired?" Her Mother watched on with pride as her daughter tried to help the men into the city, when she caught up with her child she was trying to buy them a room at the inn to rest, "We'll have to do something about that naive compassion, Sweet Warrior."
Through the city heading toward the tavern the three would be detectives Calliope, The Captain, and Morrigan walked with mild purpose. The massive fluffy dog Artemis following close behind picking up things he thinks might have value, and that are shiny. Rounding the corner they came upon the tavern with a man standing in front of it. Morrigan always thought that Anaxa towered over the crew, but as the group approached the bar there was a man the size of the building waiting outside. He had a pair of massive horns similar to the First Mate, and Orri attempted some kinship by showing him her horns....he seemed ill impressed. He would not let Artemis inside, so Morrigan agreed to wait outside for the girl. Calliope and the Captain went inside to get information and support Edea on stage. A decision that was very regretful to the bouncer, this poor man dealt with a strange horned woman who suddenly kept speaking to herself, claiming her Captain was talking to her but could not hear her back. The bouncer could only take so much until the girl, whom later would be introduced as Kaiko, much later, finally approached him. A sigh of relief at the distraction and a sigh of frustration that she returned, "Can I go inside?" Small pale, and very cute, this sweet little elf child now stood in front of the bouncer. Morrigan did not notice her until she spoke, "huh" she let out as the child stood there. Getting a good look now Orri was quite surprised that this little girl walked all the way here for a doll by herself. "I can't sense her?" she questioned to herself. Morrigan could not figure it out, but she could not sense the sweet little elf. It was so weird to experience, but she shook it off as something weird. She turned toward the child who was dwarfed immensely by the bouncer, "Hello little one, my friends are looking for your doll inside right now. Want to come wait with me and Artemis?" The little child bounded over with hope and excitement for her doll, and Orri found her quite endearing, almost forgetting about not sensing her.
Morrigan kept her occupied by having her play tik tak toe with Artemis in her sketchbook. The horned warrior found herself completely distracted making Kaiko happy and entertained. Orri did not even bother to learn her name until well after playing with her. They seemed to be enjoying their time together when a voice kept popping into Orri's mind. She was continually interrupted by the Captain attempting to get the demi-human to actually fulfill the mission by getting information. Wanting to keep watching Kaiko play with the furry Artemis she was sent prompted questions as to the doll's location, finally curtailing to her obligations she asked Kaiko where the doll might be specifically. Orri drew the directions to the doll for the captain and pressed them against the window. The bouncer, astounded by this simple warrior who sat here and drew out the directions, could take no more and spurted out, "Why didn't you just write it down instead of drawing it?!" Pondering this perspective Orri shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to lose another game to little Kaiko. The girl had dubbed her Big Sis Morrigan and the compassionate warrior was enchanted. Such a cute endearing child must be protected at all costs, this doll must be found! The Captain had found far to much troubling evidence to conclude the child was long deceased. Getting this information subtly to Orri was more troubling however for the warrior did not get the jist until the lack of sensing her life energy hit her. The spiral of realization collapsed in her mind and her eyes went wide with a thin glazing of future tears, she grabbed the child and hugged her sweetly and sniffed the tears back, "The Captains going to go get your doll now ok?" Sitting on her Big Sis Morrigan's lap she looked up at the demi-human with concern and happy excitement. Heading back inside the goblin ran back to the space with the doll leaving the ghost with her quartermaster. Nearly cradling Kaiko Orri fought back her realization and tears for the little girl, "Are you ok Big Sis Morrigan?" She said with her sweet little Felenian accent. It was almost enough to break Orri who pulled it together as best she could, "YEP, I'm fine." She sniffed the tears back. The Captain appeared outside once more with the doll in her rat forms mouth, returned to normal and handed it to Kaiko. The child beamed with happiness and the doll formed into it's former glory. Morrigan could not fight back the tears as she went to hug the child who was no longer there.
Morrigan was not deterred or changed, but this smack to the face by reality was only strengthened by the fact that the Captain was on the assumption that the bartender might be responsible. Orri would have been swift to act on emotion because of her quick connection with Kaiko. Captain Squeelob stopped her and threw reason at her, which she reluctantly accepted. Morrigan's experience with the ghost weighed heavy. The confusion of not being able to sense the sweet little girl was eating away at her now. Would a ghost not be easier to sense? are they not just all soul? Was it because it was an elf ghost? Is it because the spirit is still on Gaia? She learned this skill by....it had to be different from....they..... She stumbled with her thoughts as they tried to break through the emotion of helping Kaiko and wondering about the bartender. Inside her mind the image of her Mom became clear, her knowledgeable kind smile beamed down on her, yes of course, she would know. Orri will have to remember to ask her about this, next time she calls.
To make Orri happy and bring some closure, The group approached the bartender about the samurai sword on the wall. Morrigan sighed a breath of relief as the bartender went on about the past where he challenged the samurai to a duel because of what he did. Kaiko hopefully found peace. Then the Captain put on a coy smirk and told him a story about a group of people who did the same exact thing that they did not an hour ago. The Quartermaster listened closely to the tale and got more confused as it went on. There was no way TWO groups of people would handle a ghost child in the same exact bar, around the same time, right?! "Wait a minute Captain, That was US!" The bartender could not hold in a hearty laughter comparing Morrigan to his old friend Demetrius. "Every group has one, am I right?!" He declared and kept laughing.
He kindly offered them free drink, and Morrigan took his hospitality, "Thank you, can I have water...I mean do you have regular beer. Or do you have the good beer?" With a smile of confidence he looked the young warrior in the eye, "Oh you're damn right we do!" He poured her the good beer and the moment it touched Morrigan's lips, she was transported immediately back home. It was warm, and tasted like fresh bread, she felt so at home and couldn't help but pour the contents down her throat. The heavy and happy emotions of the night blending together as she drank a few pints of the wonderfully familiar brew.
"You broke the codes, Now I pull out all your bones, You damn malaka, You damn malaka!!" Edea's incredible voice and style rumbled through the entire bar. The tables shook, the liquid in the drinks waved with turmoil as if wanting to escape their containers, and the people found their heads bobbing back and forth. She had such a gift, a natural talent that reminded Orri of home. The quartermaster's musical mother could not have a more different style from Edea, but the two shared such a passion, such a natural beauty in their voices that Orri loved so very much. She was drawn to Edea's passion for music, combine that with the beer and it felt like home. Her song came to a resounding finish, she walked over to the crew's table as the drinks finally calmed themselves. The Captain and Calliope gave Edea the run down of what happened with Kaiko. Giving a sympathetic smile toward Orri she joined them with a drink, and started their way back toward The Hive.
GurgleThwap was the name Orri gave this little goblin that had a note pinned to his actual skin, came running up from the direction of the ship. The Captain read the note aloud as Morrigan fairly affected by the bready beautiful beer she was brought to life by one word in particular. Punch....punched......PUNCHED?! Anaxa protected the ship by punching the enemy to death?! In her buzzed and emotion filled stupor, her mind goes on a spiral of lost bullet points trying to figure out the loop hole of this city.
There are many advantages to hard work, to training with love and turning the body into a weapon. A warrior with the potential of even controlling what happens inside her body, but not today, nope this morning without any hangover was aided by how she was raised. Her basic tolerance for beer itself, she awoke like any other morning and went right into her morning training regiment. Her dramatic and chaotic kata covering the entire deck, her movements a dramatic dance. To an untrained eye, maybe even a trained eye her moves seemed random and inefficient. It drove other fighters crazy how her style seemed to work, but how. This was no more true than for the archeologist monk they beat and forced on their crew, Alcaeus. Orri continued her practice forms and come across Alcaeus doing the same. The poor archeologist is harassed for a sparring match, and knows full well he needs to relent or she will not stop.
"There is a sunken ship to the south that was full of copper ingots." Zephyra's pretty voice resounded to everyone on the deck. There were two very different and dramatic reactions from a particular pair at that moment. Hephane appeared with a massive and bright smile on her face, "ssssssshhhhhhhinies?!" A few feat away Morrigan looked on in despair as the crew saw drachma in their eyes, "NO, but north there is this guy, and merchants....ummm." Zephyra pipped up and told Ori that there may be strong opponents looking for that ship to the south as well, maybe a good warm up.
Disappointed, but rejuvenated by the prospect of strong people showing up to compete for the treasure. Orri never stayed disappointed for long, any chance for a challenge or to get better was welcome, her road was a long one, with really only one specific task handed down to her. That was going to be something she had to start thinking about, but not right now.
S:3 PLEASE CAPTAIN, PLEEEEEAAASE!!
The wind ran quickly through the boughs and sails of the ship as the group spoke and reviewed the plan for the massive floating city full of merchants. The young Demi-Human leaned into the wind between her horns while she cuddled and scratched the large behemoth of a dog who reveled in her affection. Without the aid of hands the massive animal bumped and leaned into Morrigan, letting his tongue smack against her peach fuzzed cheek. She faked a wince and scratched his ears to "retaliate", the conversation everyone was having breezed past them, only receiving small pieces of information. ".....merchants.....Undine........something something.....fighting outlawed.." The captains words broke though with the last phrase. Artemis nuzzled into Morrigan's neck as she heard the captain say no fighting, she rolled her eyes and immediately looked dejected, "Ugggh so dumb.." The words escaped the flashy dressed gazelle like human, which brought her some attention. Anaxa, who towered over Orri's crouched form, while the Captain met her eye to eye. The dark green of the Captain's skin seemed to take on a harder hue as her eyes looked deep into Orri's, "Something to add QuarterMaster....It's the fact fighting is not allowed isn't it? You know the drill, I need not remind you to control your urges?" Anaxa giggled at the stern yet affectionate tone the Captain directed toward Orri, "No, I know..... I'm excited for all the new fabrics and colors that man might have!" The excitement bubbled up into Morrigan's entire body, as her mind filled with future dresses and clothes she could craft with Amarabi's wares! The Demi-Human's expression lit up as her mind wandered far away again, the Captain shook her head realizing that Orri had mentally left and was going to be fine.
The group looked to the far off shadow growing in the distance, finally the floating city was in view. They all fell silent looking on for a moment, then Calliope approached the Captain, "Captain, there is fabric and many distractions for Orri to focus on. I have even heard there is a Barnacle and Noble there! We can all find some books and scrolls." The Captain nodded appreciatively.
The screeching of hundreds of birds knocked out most other noise as the ship bumped into the wooden dock, a few dock hands jumped into action by throwing and catching ropes. A younger tanned and toned apprentice dockhand was nearly scared off his position at the edge of the dock by the instant presence of Morrigan. She had jumped from her crow's nest and landed right behind him so softly that he didn't notice at all. He turned and found her right in front of him, "WHOA!! LADY!" He yelled to himself. As he was about to recover, a massive four legged creature manifested out of thin air beside her and barked happily to him. He grabbed his chest and immediately fell backwards into the seas. "Oh, he was cute...must have been warm and had to jump into the water to cool off." She said calmly as Artemis let out a series of barks. Morrigan looked at him blushing a little, "He thought I was so cute he jumped in?! Come on Artemis." Her face still a little pink, she followed behind the group as they walked toward the city proper.
The crew of the mighty Hive follows a direct course to Amarabi's shop. Yet again, Morrigan's ears muffled whatever conversation was happening that did not involve the endless rolls of fabric and chi stones for sale. Then again, before all that she was swallowed by a whirlwind of fascination at what the sun kissed merchant was wearing. Gaia holds vast, if not endless, types of knowledge and areas of study, and in that head bursting list of study, Orri has a strong hold of maybe about two things on that list. Fighting and fabric seem far away in relevance but that not many choose what interests them, usually an interest chooses you. Naturally a better fighter, Orri was also a skilled and knowledgeable seamstress. She knew right away that people who can wear the colour purple have an uncountable amount of drachma.....well Orri thought many things were uncountable. As her faithful and loving puppy Artemis haggled and dealed with the crafty merchant while Orri greedily grabbed at all the fabric she could get her hands on. The merchant stood no chance of winning against the cunning pooch, thank god Artemis was clever and smart for Orri's sake. After all he was the one who counted out her coins into separate bags and amounts so all she had to do was grab a bag and hand it over.
Years ago in their home town Morrigan would often just grab a random handful of coin and hand it over in hopes it was the right amount. Never was this more evident than on a rare cool day in the island village of Talon, a wily trader came to town with silks and fabric rolls. Orri was excited to work with new materials and the trader saw a sucker right away. Artemis was young and inexperienced, and the trader knew to get them out of ear shot of the rest of the village, "Now my dear you are interested in silks, eh?"
Orri looked on with joy and excitedly exclaimed, "Oh yes of course, it's hard to get this far inland sometimes!"
"Since you seem so keen, if you purchase all the silk for about a hundred twenty gauld, and this roll for maybe sixty gauld, I can give you...." He pondered for a moments as Morrigan swiftly jotted the numbers down in her sketchbooks and attempted to add the sums.
"Hmmm ok a hundred and twenty pluuuuuuus sixty..." She trailed off so he could continue, he saw she was young and excited, so he turned off his cut throat trader attitude and decided to be generous. She seemed sweet and had an aura about her.
"Alright young lady how about I take about forty gauld off of everything." Raising his hands with the joy of doing something just and good. The act invigorated him and he felt one with his fellow man, a do gooder!.
Orri's face lit up and it gave the trader a sense of pride knowing how it made her feel.
"REALLY?! You're so nice!!" She started writing with her finger into the sketchbook doing the math, "Ok, one hundred forty.....sixty......plus this....minus that...HA! Here you go!" The young and....special demi-human handed the man, who now felt as though he had done something good for someone else, roughly four hundred gauld.........
"Thanks for the discount!" She said happily as the trader stood in stunned silence for what seemed like hours. His mind was first hit with her misunderstanding, then with his feeling of good, then his hand grabbing the four hundred, packing his cart up and heading immediately to the next village. With more haste than he thought he was capable of.
The memory passed through Artemis' brain as he vowed that day, it would never happen again. He learned the way of the merchant and spent his days protecting Morrigan's life and more importantly her money, something she had little care for.
He haggled with good old Amarabi, and watched like a hawk as he counted out Morrigan's separated bags of drachma for all the fabric she purchased. Satisfied with this, he lovingly returned to her side and then wandered into the city proper, where upon Callipoe saw Barnacle and Noble at the end of the block, "Hey guys the book store is.." Before the sorcerer could finish the sentence Morrigan sped like the wind and was already at the door and inside. Her mind frantic in finding new stories of love and romance. She grabbed an arm full of scrolls and purchased them hastily, Artemis right behind her as he reached into his saddle bags and gave the store owner a small bag of drachma, Morrigan was walking toward the door with a scroll half open before Artemis was finished. The owner looked skeptical as she placed some smaller coins back into the bag and handed it to a large dog with a look of resignation on his furry face.
The scroll took up most of Morrigan's vision while she lost herself in a compelling tale of love, a young man named Orpheus who played the most beautiful music, music he learned from the gods! Orri sighed to herelf as she read on when the man named Orpheus met an enchanting beauty named Eurydice. As their beautiful tale of love captivated the Quartermaster, she reached out for Calliope's long flowing sleeve and was lead like a child as they continued into the city. The next few hours were a blur of love and romance as Morrigan was following along with whatever the crew of the Hive was doing. Muffled and familiar voices occasionally reached her ears but the words never met their mark, as Orri continued to read.
She and Calliope found themselves, Morrigan found herself there, Calliope had lead them to the docks. The conversations became less muffled as the "Blade of Ifrit" was mentioned. Orri was thrust from the spell of a musical love story, "The strong guy?!" Orri exclaimed. Calliope was surprised as Morrigan came back to reality. "Where is he? Can we fight him?" She bombarded the dockhand from earlier with questions, and he eventually let it slip where their target is rumored to be, "He should be about twenty leagues that way North, in the Serpents Row, and treacherous archipelago of rapids and dangers. You.." He tried to finish when Orri interrupted, "YES! Can we go!! I gotta find the Captain! We can set sail NOW!! I mean the ship is like..RIGHT THERE!" She points quickly. Calliope opens her mouth to remind Morrigan she might be able to ask the Captain, as she turns she sees Orri visage waver slightly and she slowly vanishes. Orri sped away with all her ability and was long gone back into the city.
"I have something REALLY important to ask you!" Morrigan tried her best to stay calm as she pleaded with the Captain. "...Captain? is it you?" She peered closer. The poor rat looked back into the demi-humans eyes with shock, as she held the little creature in both hands. She sighs and puts the little rat back down, "It's not you is it? Oh maybe there!!" Suddenly Morrigan leaps up into the sky and approaches a seagull in mid air, "Captain listen I just want to ask....." Her voice trails off as she descends mid jump. She gently touches down on the ground and repeats her leap action and comes face to face with the gull once again, "...ask you I found out where the crazy......." She lands again and leaps once more, as she reaches the flying creature it stares at her in fear and then notices some jerky sticking out of her blouse, "....You're not the Captain are you...HEY!! MY EMERGENCY JERKY!!!" The gull snatches it away as Morrigan descends once more. She gently lands and drops to her knees, "NOOOO! oooo wait!" She notices a larger furry creature standing in front of a shop, speeding across the way to meet it head on, "CAPTAIN, I've been looking for you." The large creature stands stoic, it seems to be completely still. "Captain? Is it not you?" Still no movement. A passing woman carrying a basket stares at her as she walks by, "Nice stuffed bear, right?" She says nervously at the apparent crazy person, "Are you ok sweety?" Orri met the woman's gaze, "A stuffed bea....oh. Yeah I'm ok... THAT DOG!!" Orri points with excitement and dashes off after the dog down the street. Anaxa looks on in astonishment at the spectacle that is her speedy companion.
The next few hours animal after animal are interrogated and accosted by the well meaning, simple, fighting addict. Time is running out, they had to get to the Serpents Row to catch this strong opponent so Morrigan could challenge him and see how she has progressed, to get out of this fighting prohibitionist hell!
She will have to come up with a plan....or learn to drive the ship herself.
S:2 Unfortunate Firsts
The quite night was taking over the sky, Morrigan was happy to see her star again and be in the salty breeze. The row boat was filled to the brim with people and stuff they had found in the cave. Anaxa was concentrating on rowing, Orri would glimpse over at her now and then as she thought back to the last couple of hours. The battles were challenging and definitely made her stronger....but they were different. It wasn't so much all out battle with a rival and more "hey look these weak weird guys are doing something mean, we need to destroy them" kind of a battle. Her first fight with a cult was alright, but she didn't get to have her usual fun as a warrior. She looked back at Anaxa, the woman who kept barking orders as if this was a weird war story. Orri was not a tactician, her Mother was, but those lessons fell on deaf ears. The image of the "member" in Anaxa's hand as she scolded them came to Orri's mind and she quickly looked away from Anaxa. Going back to drawing in her sketchbook She sighed heavily which caused Zephyra to turn and pat her on the shoulder in comfort, handing her a small baklava. Morrigan ate it with joy and was suddenly hit with a warm and hairy weight in her lap. Wiping away the endless wet affection from her face to see her beloved Artemis excited to see her.
After climbing back onto the ship, Morrigan and Artemis made their way up to their crow's nest. The two had their own cabin, but it was filled to the brim with fabric and art supplies with a little space for Artemis to lie down and be comfy. Orri much preferred to be in high up spaces and closer to the night sky. She sketched her recent adventure while talking to Artemis as he dozed off cuddling beside her. Staring to the sky with a smile, "It will be soon when mom gives us a call, and I can tell them the crazy stuff in that cave AND that I have finally figured out my new move. My mastery of my ki is getting better and better!" She scratched Artemis on the head and he moved himself into her. "I can't wait to try it out and refine it! Who knows if Anaxa will like it, UUGH she was such a....such a.......ugh she was like Mother the whole time. Well except the part with the umm things." She erased a portion of her drawing, trying to get the face of Undine and the door to the tower just right. Looking back up to the stars, "Moms I'm the fated of the chariot! I hope you guys can meet the awesome warrior in my...soul? head?... whichever. She runs fast like me! I'll tell you when you contact me." Looking back to her puppy, "She might even be as fast as me AND you!"
A crash of metal hit the deck and it echoed up to the mast, "Whoa, Anaxa must be giving Hephy all that metal stuff." Mocking Anaxa's voice, "Why don't you all weigh yourselves down and use a shield." Returns to her voice, "Ha it was funny when Zephy made the shield float and move it in front of her. Maybe I can run and use it to slide like a sled...that would be so fun!" Orri leans over to look at the crazy mess on the deck as Hephane looked through the endless stuff they found. She softened her look, "She is fun to fight along side of though." She quickly went tense again, "HMMPH "squirrel dance" MAN! I spent all that time giving cool names to my styles and forms, just for it to be called squirrel dance. Maybe I can call it something else. Uncle ChuChu said it was cool!" She rolls back over and returns to her sketchbook, "Ok what am I going to call this new form I figured out. I have been trying to master it for so long so it has to be good. What do you think boy?" Artemis licks his paw and turns to lick Orri's cheek with a deep calm growl into a ruff. Orri considers this for a moment, "Yeah, I can add a blazing into that to match my style's name. I bet Alcaeus will be so excited to see it, maybe I can help him learn better ki control. It might be fun to combine all these forms with everyone else and we can do cool attacks together." Orri finishes up her visual summery of her adventure into the cave temple, leans back and smiles to the view of the sky and the funny noises Hephane makes down below. "Got an early start for training tomorrow, Goodnight Mother and Mom, goodnight my little Arty." She pets him to sleep and drifts off staring at the star. She snores and lets out, "mmm a fickle, the pickle you can fight..."
S:1 First Dungeon in a While.
A dark stormy night, the captain received word of a treasure in a cave where the tide can trap you inside. Really weird place for a cult to make their hideout. A cult of a big sea squid......OOH, they can probably breath underwater like Calliope can...when she is a squid of course. Had to endure the boring part of what the captain calls "Dungeon Crawling" kind of a weird name, we never crawl and it sounds creepy. She brought out her friends and even after so many years I have to brace myself, my first year on this ship was the first time I ever saw a spider...shudder. I've seen the dinosaurs she turns into, sort of, but never a spider.
Anyway, they forced me to whisper and walk slowly as we went through. I know it's safer and everything, but it's a little unsportsman like. I mean we are breaking in, the least we can do is announce our presence and take them on, but Zephy always thinks I can't take something on. That is the whole point! Taking on strong opponents is easily worth weeks or months of training! I listen to them and go along with it. Until they broke into this guys bathroom, it screamed as us and I was excited to take him on and test out my skills....but I disrupted it's ki and froze him in place with my Hidden Arte: Stillness of Death! I expected it to break it and we would have a nice back and forth. After a few seconds he was not doing well and I started to feel bad, he wasn't as strong as he looked. Anaxa was keen to finish him and he unfortunately went down. Everyone said it was a monster, but we did kind of rush in his room and beat the hell out of him.
The cave was getting cold and we found some stuff that wasn't that exciting, EXCEPT this nice himation for Zephy and a pretty crown that actually went over my horns! They kept sneaking through and I wasn't paying a lot of attention until they said wait here and I heard a loud noise way down the hall. I can get places quickly with my TrailBlazing Hamstring magic heehee. In an instant I flew past everyone into the face of some guy. I hoped he was strong and I even asked him! But one punch and he fell over asleep...so disappointing. Then some crazy black liquid was trying to eat the captain, every time she hit it, it had a baby like the way she does all the time. Then these evil water things tried to surround Anaxa and Calliope, I tried to kick it off of Calliope but injured her instead, and Zephy yelled at me....It was hurting my friend and I wasn't thinking, I guess she was right.
We took out all the cult people, I knocked them out and felt good that we were safe and could move on, then Anaxa started cutting their throats and....and...and.... she took time to cut their.....their things off. And tried to lecture us while waving one at me....to think this would be the first time I see...one. siiiiiiigh. Maybe it's just another Merian thing. Zephy did not seem too amused, but she also wasn't disapproving so I couldn't tell.
There must be a strong guy at the ritual thing...maybe even an enemy that might become an ally...a cute one...who likes redheads .
Looking Back, Three Years on the Hive Already!
Atop the main mast, on her now stable and fixed crow's nest, Morrigan lays down with her face to the stars. Artemis dead asleep beside her and keeping them both warm. Morrigan's voice is soft as it recounts her time on The Hive to a book she is holding. "..ell after my first ship with all those Daiya-jin was attacked by some crazy evil mage guy. He couldn't hurt us so he hurt the ship, we barely made it back to the Silver Sea's haha. I remembered what you told me so I looked for the colorful captain you spoke about, and I found a green one! She wasn't sure what to do with me and Artemis so she accepted us as crew, I cleaned the floors for a little while and taught some of the crew about ropes, I saw that most of them were also green, it turns out they are all goblins....except for the weird familiar looking magic guy hanging out around the ship." She looked back up into the stars making sure they were still on course. "You remember when I told you about the captain being kidnapped by that crazy dragon, and I had to figure out how to figure out where she went. The crew helped me steer the ship and search as I navigated.....it took a few months I think. Then we found it, and I remembered all the basics you taught me and took on the challenge and took on the dragon, it couldn't lay a claw on me and I ran up it's back and slammed down on it's head. It went down so easily, I felt a little let down. BUT the captain made me the quartermaster navigator! OH! I never told you about the crazy divine oracle lady who spoke to me and made me miss out on a battle! I think she helped me get a little stronger though. Not like the dark dungeon that I couldn't see in....BUT I figured out a weakness and took time to adjust for it. It was so good talking with you guys, have a good night, I miss you so much....especially your cooking. Zephy only makes Merian food and NOTHING ELSE." She sighs. "Love you guys, I'm having a lot of fun." Kissing the book. "Goodnight!"
The Hive's New Recruit
Entry dating back to Anaxa's First arrival
::High above the ship's deck, in a badly built "crow's nest" sits Morrigan with a sketchbook. Writing in the book and occasionally looking up into the nice cool sky, so many stars and only a few she really cared about:: "...It has been a few weeks and the super tall lady, Anaxa has settled into the ship. She was really quite and somewhat imposing, I challenged her the second she put a step on the wood of the Hive. She is a competent warrior and seems keen to fight and better herself as well. She is at least a better sparring partner than Zephy....who is never really super into it.
She used to be quiet....I sometimes miss those days. Anaxa loves to play pranks, a lot. And for some reason keeps calling me a Satyr. Do you know how many books I had to find to know what a Satyr is?! Why am I asking myself questions in my sketchbook? Did I just do it again? Why do I keep writing these questions down?! Oh come on, really I can........Going to sleep.
::Morrigan closes her book, checks the stars with her hands and knows they are still on course:: "Good to go still on course! ::She yelled down to the deck and immediately fell asleep::
Morrigan the Burning Path to the Heart
Lessons of The Blazing Edgeless Blade Style
Take a deep breath and focus on your life force, now bring it forth!
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