into the woods
For Seren <3
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
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Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#1
Maeve

There were plenty of reasons why traipsing through the woods was a potentially bad idea, but Maeve had a little time to kill and she was curious. So much to see and explore. Not to mention the potential herbs that she could gather to propagate and learn about. with a small foraging bag slung over her shoulder and a jacket to shield her, Maeve carefully picked her way through the dense thicket of trees, being mindful of where she stepped. Her boots carried her over long dead leaves and fallen branches, snapping the occasional twig as she went, green eyes constantly taking in her surroundings.

Spotting a patch of mushrooms growing at the base of one of the many trees here, Maeve knelt down, pulling her dagger from her sheath to cut the mushrooms at the base of their stalks. She was mindful not to touch the spores directly, wrapping them in a cloth in case they were potentially harmful as it wasn't a species she recognized and finally slipping them into her bag. Maeve straightened once more, holding steady in that spot as she strained to listen for anything around her, satisfied as the birds continued to chirp and sing in the branches above her.
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#2
Seren

A shadow of something quite large and winged passed by overhead. It blotted out the sun for a moment in a flash of blue, then disappeared. A trilling call in its wake made the birds in the trees go silent, foregoing their usual serenades in favor of nervously scanning the skies.

The somewhat eerie silence made every snap of bush and twig sound over loud. Most of it could be easily explained away; a breath of wind, or a squirrel too brave or too stupid to ignore the potential danger. But a rustle in the underbrush behind the young brothel owner was not as easily ignored. There was a sense of something approaching, crouched low and moving with intent. Closer, ever closer...

It was stalking her.
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
Change author:
Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#3
Maeve

Maeve meandered forward, humming softly to herself in tune with the birds flitting about in the branches above her, eyes sweeping across the forest floor for anything else of note. She almost missed the shadow that breezed by, taking the already dappled sun away for a moment, giving the Madame pause as the wood fell silent. Freezing in place, her hand trailed down to the hilt of her dagger, wrapping slender fingers around the weapon should she need to pull it from its sheath at a moments notice. The hairs on the back of her neck prickled, a feeling of unease swirling in her stomach as she drew in a breath, sea glass gaze scanning her surroundings.

Each snap of twig or rustling of leaves had her spinning, heart rabbiting wildly in her chest as she looked for the threat, but found none. It could be nothing. Just a fox. Maybe a wolf. Those were still common here, right? Fuck. She shouldn't have come out here alone. The underbrush behind her rustled, trembling with movement that quickly had Maeve backpedaling, not willing to face whatever creature might be hiding within the thicket. With a speed that was perhaps faster than one might expect from her, Maeve darted off, heading in the opposite direction as fast as her feet would carry her.
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#4
Seren

A startled - and somewhat suspicious - gasp sounded from the bushes when Maeve took off through the forest. The snapping and rustle grew louder as the pursuer picked up speed, in dogged pursuit. Whatever it was, it had considerable trouble with the roots and ferns, and stumbled about like a drunken bear. Ahead of the Madame, the forest began to thin out. Light trickled golden and reassuring through sparse canopies, and the sound of water promised an opening in the forest. A brook, perhaps; either way, it might be easier to maneuver there.

The haunting trill resounded through the woods again, with a slightly different tone this time. Sharper, like a warning.

"Wait!" a young voice called from behind; breathless and hurried, full of mirth turned to worry. "Don't go out there!"
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
Change author:
Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#5
Maeve

She could hear whatever it was struggling behind her, but she didn't dare to look back. Fight or flight had kicked in and the Madame chose flight. Her chest heaved, arms pumping hard at her sides as she sprinted through the forest, not caring about the fingers of branches that tried to snarl in her hair or whip at her face. Maeve kept running. It was the only thing that made sense. Barely registering the voice that rang out behind her, not daring to pay it any mind for fear it was some trick of the wood, bating her to slow so it might snag her in its clutches. No, she wasn't stopping.

Wild eyes landed on what seemed to be a break in the woods, vaulting over a felled tree that blocked her path and landing hard, stumbling forward before managing to right herself. Just a little further. A little further and she'd be safe. She could cross the stream, put distance between herself and whatever it was behind her. Maeve pumped her legs harder, ignoring the way her lungs burned as she sucked in greedy breaths before finally breaking through the clearing, sun blinding as she faltered. Her foot caught on a rock or perhaps it was a branch, sending her sprawling as pain shut up through her ankle, palms breaking her fall but not without suffering the consequences of the rock packed earth beneath her.
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#6
Seren

The clearing Maeve stumbled out into was quite large indeed. There was a trickle of water carving a path through the center of it, and ferns grew tall on either side where trees had failed to conquer territory. Sunlight bathed the lush vegetation - lush for the Grounds, at any rate - and cast a pool of shadow beneath a big, roundish something that came rolling along through the glen. As if driven by some invisible wind.

It was large, for a tumbleweed. As wide in diameter as a person was tall, it was a tangled snarl of branches, vines and strange objects that meandered not entirely aimlessly along the riverbank. It seemed to be headed for the opposite side of the clearing, where a flutter of movement could be seen. Something had become entangled in dead branches, and was making quite the racket as it fought to free itself.

Behind Maeve, the pursuer was catching up. "Wait!," Seren called again, a little more desperately; that was the biggest tangleweed she'd ever heard of, and Umbra's vision from above hardly made it justice.
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
Change author:
Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#7
Maeve

Maeve's vision blurred as the air was knocked from her lungs at the impact. She struggled to get to her hands and knees, pain shooting up her leg as she flexed her ankle, blinking through the spots that obscured her vision as her eyes adjusted to the sunlight. Maeve shifted her weight to her left foot, getting herself upright as she focused on figuring out her bearings, taking in the cacophony of sounds around her. There was still the voice behind her, pleading with her to wait, but it didn't register as the voice of her dear friend. Otherwise she would have likely headed the warning, but that wasn't the only sound here.

A desperate mix of trills and grunts, high pitched and scared came from a tangle of brambles, a small black creature that Maeve couldn't fully make out struggling desperately in the grasp of the thorns that dug into it. That would have been one thing, but what truly had her heart racing was the tumbleweed that drew ever closer. She hadn't seen one in person, but she had read of them before. The way they snatch anything that gets too close, tangling it in its grasp and draining the life from whatever it managed to ensnare before adding the bones to the rest of its collection. This one was heading for the creature that had found itself trapped and an instinct told her to intervene as she felt that creature's fear as if it was her own.

She knew better than to get too close, but she didn't have anything that could possibly fight this thing off. Maeve looked around quickly, desperate for anything that she could use as a makeshift weapon, eyes finally landing on a fallen branch that seemed sturdy enough. She grabbed it, gripping the end of it with both hands as she limped forward as quickly as she could through the small stream, taking a swing at the tumbleweed to knock it off course.
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#8
Seren

The moment the branch connected with the tangled debris of the creature, the tangleweed came to life. Branch-like limbs flared out from the globe and snatched blindly at Maeve, with sharp finger-like protrusions that attempted to seize hold of anything nearby. One of them caught hold of the improvised weapon and yanked hard, while others snatched at the woman's arms.

A roar from above announced the arrival of Umbra. Like an arrow loosed he came diving down from high up, with fire licking the open jaws. A searing hot jet of flame shot out and bathed the tangleweed from behind - if the creature even had a backside - until he had to bank sharply to avoid being caught by the grasping limbs.

Then Seren was there, with a star-wolf at her side. Armed with a borrowed Dragoon sword, she hurried up to Maeve while the summoned creature leaped at the semi-sentient weed with bared teeth.

"Go on, help the trapped creature!" she shouted, adrenaline and fear turning her voice sharper than usual. "We'll hold this thing off."
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
Change author:
Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#9
Maeve

Maeve tried in vain to pull the branch back from the tumbleweed, that panic building in her chest almost enough to swallow her whole, but she pushed through even as the bundle of weeds yanked her improvised weapon from her grasp. The momentum causing her to stumble closer to its reaching branches, the protrusions scratching at her arms and if it wasn't for the long sleeved tunic she was wearing, it likely would have done more damage than a few scratches that were quickly growing numb. Her mind scrambled for what to do, but a roar from above quickly silenced any thought she might have as a dragon that she had only seen once when he was much smaller swooped from the sky, unleashing hellfire from his maw onto the tumbleweed. Relief rolled over her, knowing that deep blue beast anywhere. Seren.

As if the thought alone summoned her friend, Maeve turned to see her there at her side, sword ready as Umbra retreated from the tumbleweed's reach. A small nod was all she managed before she drew back from the fray, still limping towards the trapped creature, getting a better look at it now. The scales a deep obsidian black, wings tucked in tightly against its small body to keep from getting caught on the thorns further, fiery orange eyes staring up at her as it stopped struggling. Her breath caught in her throat, lips parting in disbelief as realization sunk in. A dragon.

He stared up at her and she stared back at him, kneeling down slowly with her hands spread, "It's okay... I'm going to get you out. Just stay still." She murmured and to her surprise, the dragon grew still, sides heaving as it caught its breath and let out a soft trill. Maeve drew her dagger, using it to cut away at the base of the thicket, working as fast as she was able to.
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#10
Seren

It took all three of them - girl, wolf and dragon - to keep the rampaging tumbleweed at bay. Umbra's breath had set the thing on fire, and thick smoke was drifting over the clearing as wooden limbs reached and flailed, grasping for everything and anything in the vicinity. Seren did more ducking and parrying with her sword than attacking, unwilling to get too close to those flailing arms. Umbra had the advantage of being airborn; he stayed out of reach and kept harrying the living pile of debris with flame whenever he could.

The summoned star-wolf was not so lucky. One of the limbs smacked into it and wound tight arounds its glowing ribcage. With a soundless yelp it was hauled into the midst of the tumbling ball, and disintegrated into glittering stardust when the pressure became too much.

"Hurry, Maeve!" the starchild yelled, as she ducked under a thick branch. "I can't hold it off, we're going to have to run for it!" The thing was too big, and they did not have enough power between them to take it out. Maybe the fire would kill it, in the end, but Seren had no idea how long that might take. Their best bet was to run.
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
Change author:
Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#11
Maeve

"Just a little longer, Seren! Be careful!" Maeve yelled back over her shoulder, gritting her teeth as she vigorously sawed at the bramble branches, tearing at them with her bare hands uncaring of the various thorns that were sinking into her skin. There was blood and raw flesh, exposed and torn to ribbons by the brambles, but Maeve didn't let it deter her. The Madame finally managed to get the dragonling free, scooping him up into her arms and getting to her feet, "Run!" She called out to the starchild, swaying as she cradled the creature to her chest, limping back across the stream towards the safety of the trees.

Maeve didn't know if it would follow them or not, but the water would likely slow it down. At least she hoped it would. She was panting by the time she got back through the clearing in the tree line, sweat beading on her brow, but she didn't stop there. Maeve pushed herself a few more yards before sinking to her knees, still holding the dragonling in her lap as she struggled to catch her breath, the pain suddenly making itself known as the adrenaline slowly wore off.
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#12
Seren

A little longer was really all they had. Seren was able to divert the tumbleweed into chasing after her, but it was with great relief she scurried back out of range and darted for the creek. Splashing across the water, she leaped onto the other bank and placed herself between Maeve and any pursuit, while Umbra brought up the rear.

The trees rose up to greet them, and Seren kept going in the wake of her friend until Maeve stumbled to a halt. Umbra, too big to fit comfortably between the branches, took to circling above the canopy. Serving as a lookout, it was soon clear that there would  be no pursuit. "Umbra says the tumbleweed got itself stuck in the creek," she reported, after a series of mental images flashed through her thoughts. "It's still burning too; I think we're safe for now."

Breathing heavily, Seren slumped down next to her friend. Clutching the hilt of the sword, she reflexively checked over the edges for nicks, while the enormity of the situation slowly dawned on her.

"Maeve... I'm so sorry. I never meant for you to be so spooked." Remorse was thick in her voice; stars, she had almost gotten her friend killed.
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.
Maeve Ansel
the Nightshade
Madame

Age: 26 | Height: 5'4 | Race: Accepted | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Torchline
Level: 10 - Strg: 35 - Dext: 37 - Endr: 43 - Luck: 37 - Int: 1
AIDON - Mythical - Dragon (Fire Breath)
Played by: Artio Offline
Change author:
Posts: 2,404 | Total: 3,277
MP: 877
#13
Maeve

Everything had happened so quickly and Maeve was still reeling from it as she drew in labored breaths, glancing over at her friend as her grip on the dragon in her lap loosened, but the creature didn't move. Instead it trilled quietly, lifting its head to gaze up at Maeve, orange eyes blinking slowly. It was no bigger than a kitten currently. A tiny little thing that seemed content to stay in her lap as she lifted her hands, brows knitting together as she took in the damage done to her palms, wincing at the pain that began to throb through her nerves. "It's okay, Seren." Maeve soothed gently, offering her a wane smile as she let her back brace against a tree, gingerly starting to pick thorns from her palms.

"I'm always on edge when I travel alone. You didn't know." She murmured, the adrenaline finally beginning to fade from her system and she felt a strange level of concern, but also relief. The feeling wasn't hers. Maeve could say that much for sure. The Madame wiped her hand on her pants, trying to clear some of the blood away so she could reach up to cup Seren's cheek, drawing her close to press their foreheads together. "I'm okay, little star. Don't need to worry about me. You can help me with my hands though. I have some supplies in my bag."
But I don't like a gold rush, gold rush
I don't like slow motion double vision in rose blush
Seren Taliesin


Age: 25 | Height: 5'7 in (170cm) | Race: Demi-god | Nationality: Natural | Citizenship: Stormbreak
Level: 3 - Strg: 16 - Dext: 20 - Endr: 30 - Luck: 16 - Int:
UMBRA - Mythical - Dragon (fire breath)
Played by: Chan Offline
Change author:
Posts: 1,449 | Total: 5,770
MP: 1897
#14
Seren

It didn't feel okay, and it wasn't. This was not the first time her presumptions had hurt the people around her - Lena stood out as a fresh example - and it was a slippery slope of irreparable consequences she did not want to continue down. Mistakes were one thing, but this was not acceptable.

Maybe it would have felt better if Maeve was less forgiving. Seren closed her eyes and let the woman pull her in, until forehead pressed against forehead and she could smell the sweetness of Maeve's breath. It was spoiled by a tang of blood in the air; Seren winced in sympathy and nodded. "Of course. Just a second."

Pulling back, she opened her eyes and glanced down at the creature in her friend's lap. Blinking, Seren froze. Slowly, a smile began to curve her lips, and a bubbling joy expanded in her chest. "Maeve... that is a dragon," she said redundantly. Absolutely stating the obvious. "You have a companion."

The reaching for bags and unpacking of bandages was done in a daze. From above, there was a crash of branches and snapping twigs; leaves began to rain down upon them as Umbra demanded to be present, and he more fell than scrambled down the branches. Warbling all the while in a jubilant greeting only dragons might fully understand.
It's written in the stars above
Exactly who we are is just enough
Starlight (Passive) | Starfilled night billow around her like a veil as she moves. It is more noticeable in daytime and when she make sudden movements.


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