and when the dust settles

your dreams are all full of war
you are from another time

She’d never been to this portion of the Greatwood – but the water called, as it so often did. The Stone Symphony altered to narrowed portions, where wood seemingly erupted from the canvas of liquid – and she wanted to be a part of it. To hunt. To do something other than bide her time around roots and trees, trying to find fortune in petals and hues.

A slip of her feet across the surface eased the tension along her calves and toes, and she remained taut upon its veneer, neither drifting nor falling. In fact, she stilled entirely, and must’ve been a bizarre sight along the exterior; flame-haired demigod, floating on the current.

Then she whispered, bringing it all back to the present as her dragon settled above, wings flapping quietly. “Do you see it?” To which the companion gave an extended nod, beginning to meander at a languid pace, as if trying not to give away their position.

salvation doesn't look like light
So what remains?

Melita

Ace

I’m Mean. You Hate Me. The Earth Is Back On Its Axis.

Having finished his delivery in the village, Ace had decided to take the long route back to Torchline, letting his mane fly free as he galloped among the trees. It felt great, his heart pounding against his chest with the wind whistling through his ears while the pathways shifted around him. Although it didn't call to his soul like racing, there was something about losing himself in the freedom of his equine form, like he was untouchable, even by the mischievous spirit of the woods. 

He only slowed as he neared the water, the sound of his hooves absorbing into the soft moss of the bank. His neck bent to take a drink, but he paused at the strange reflection on the surface: a fiery redhead standing on the water. Ace flicked an ear as it shrank down to that of a human, his dark hair attractively curling over his forehead as his head tilted to hear her words. "And what, exactly, might such a beautiful woman be looking for out here?" There was a crooked, dimpled grin across his face, lazy with a playful glint in his eyes.

your dreams are all full of war
you are from another time

Fangorn alerted her well before the unicorn…man appeared by the water – but Melita’s focus and attention was on the cracks and crevasses by sunken logs, pondering over whether to go for her arrows or simply shoot whatever she could at the nasty things lurking near the surface. By the time he uttered something, she snorted lowly enough to not impede her own intentions. “Hunting void shit,” she hinted, waving him away with a swish of her hand.

Then, of course, the gods damned nasty river star started moving - to which she hissed. “You may want to hide somewhere.” As she immediately went invisible, though the traces of her motions would be easily recognizable across the water in fast ripples – she was counting on the infected creature not possessing that level of intellect.

salvation doesn't look like light
So what remains?

Melita

Ace

I’m Mean. You Hate Me. The Earth Is Back On Its Axis.

Feeling like this woman might not want him here was a strange sensation that he wasn't used to, but Ace liked a challenge. Even if her words suggested a violent streak, as long as it wasn't directed at him, he didn't usually mind. She could cuss and fight as much as she wanted, but it wouldn't scare him off until she proved to be a threat, which was certainly possible as she turned invisible. 

His eyes followed the rippling of water, curious at her abilities and if they were anything he could 'acquire' from her. His pack was feeling rather empty, although he'd have to see what else she had up her sleeve before proceeding. Not really heading her warning, Ace backed away to a tree, leaning casually against its bark as he watched her and her multiple companions work with an amused grin on his lips.

your dreams are all full of war
you are from another time

She figured the warning would be sufficient – if he didn’t heed it, then it’d be his problem if things went awry.

Which, to be fair, usually happened.

But as she remained invisible, the void river star meandered onward – long enough for her to draw out her bowstring bracelet and her favored quiver. The pulse and sparking array of the electrical elements sizzled, and figuring they were out on the water…it wouldn’t take much to render that fucking douchenozzle of a creature well…dead.

So she sent it volleying, and it was likely quite a sight as it hit directly into the top of the beast’s head – eliciting an unfavorable screech of pain and malice. Though it hadn’t met its demise yet, which the Honeybee thought was a shame, and began to snag at her quiver once more.

salvation doesn't look like light
So what remains?

Melita

Ace

I’m Mean. You Hate Me. The Earth Is Back On Its Axis.

Despite the impressive display of magic and abilities, Ace was quickly losing interest in the woman. It wasn't her per se, he didn't even know her name (although he had a sinking suspicion considering his involvement with Jack and the darker side of businesses); but he didn't like being excluded from fun, especially for so long. It was all rather boring and tedious to just watch, particularly in a slow waiting game of 'hunting.'

His eyes found the purplish river star where her lightning had pierced, the water crackling and sizzling with the electricity. He just hummed with amusement, head tilting as he debating leaving her to... whatever she was doing. For now, he lingered another moment, lazy grin comfortably set on his face.

your dreams are all full of war
you are from another time

Ah well, Melita wasn’t there for Ace – and could quite frankly, give less than a single shit about not giving or granting him attention.

But, if he wanted something to do so very badly…

She sent another arrow flying, and despite all her years of practice and precision, it missed, sent directly into a stump of a log instead. Huffing and rolling her eyes, for no one to see, she advanced, intending to simply try again. The river star had other plans though, and gave some lumbering, foul noise, before heading off to easier prey – like Ace, leaning against a tree, in all its dark, foreboding nature.

salvation doesn't look like light
So what remains?

Melita

Running is the answer.

Something about the missed arrow and resulting river star reaction seemed intentional and gave Ace the impression that he'd somehow pissed the woman off. How that was possible baffled him. Sure, he ruffled a few feathers now and again, even though his silver tongue and charming grin usually got him out of any serious trouble, but some people just wouldn't be appeased. However, this might be a new record, considering they'd barely spoken more than a few words. 

Whatever the case, when the creature incorrectly assumed him to be an 'easy target,' Ace decided to prove it wrong. His shift was fast like everything else about him, his hooves suddenly appearing to come down hard against the Void monstrosity. His muscles rippled under his shiny black pelt as his legs stabbed and stomped with lethal precision, causing the river star to squeal, squelch, and squirm beneath him. Thanks to Melita's own contributions, he was able to swiftly deal with the threat. He moved to scuff his hooves in the mossy riverbank, trying to rid them of the oily blood that now coated them while his black mane fluttering in the breeze, a heavy breath puffing from his nose.

The question is irrelevant.

Ace

your dreams are all full of war
you are from another time

Well, that was a disappointing finale. For the Honeybee, at least.

As soon as the river star headed towards the stranger, and he shifted into a god damned unicorn, stomping and beating and tearing the thing apart, Melita was left quite out to sea. Huffing a breath and rolling her eyes again, she turned visible once more, figuring there wasn’t any point to hiding now, and gracefully maneuvered across the water again, weapons still in her hands. Y’know. Just in case.

“I think you got it,” and she sneered at the remains, shrugging her shoulders, figuring there wouldn’t be much left to be of worth, value, or trading.

salvation doesn't look like light
So what remains?

Melita

Ace

I’m Mean. You Hate Me. The Earth Is Back On Its Axis.

Certain that the oily thick blood was gone from his hooves, Ace shifted back with a casual flick of his ear. Once he had hands again, he placed them in his pockets, shifting the bag on his shoulder. A lazy, crooked grin sat across his face as he took in the obliterated remnants of the river star. "You're welcome." He'd call it his 'damsel in distress' quota for the year. 

Lifting his blue gaze back to the redhead, he shrugged his shoulders. "I'll accept any forms of payment. I'm not picky." His words were accentuated with a playful wink. Ace was somewhat kidding, although he wouldn't turn down anything she offered for his heroic actions.

your dreams are all full of war
you are from another time

Melita squinted at the man – a facetious comment tucked along her teeth. Considering she’d done most of the work…and had been intending to use portions of the damned thing for trade and shit further down the line, she was half-inclined not to give him anything but her caustic attitude.

But then again, the Honeybee always had some ideas.

“Sure. Thanks a lot,” and she gave a very dangerous smile, indicating many other things. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a duck – bright and yellow, slightly larger than the usual bath flair, and reached forward to place it in his hands. “Enjoy yourself.”

Before sauntering back out the way she came with a cheery little wave, companions at her side.

[FIN]

salvation doesn't look like light
So what remains?

Melita