A Stroll Through the Woods {Mysteria}

[Deleted]

Sept 19, 2016 0:10:51 GMT @arthas said:

Pessimism is the

reason I'm still among the living

The trip out of the bane wasn't too bad and finding the forest wasn't all that hard either. The hard part was deciding on a destination. From what he could tell of the map he had on hand the Arch would be a good place to go and then there was Nova. Either place could offer him work though he wanted to find a place that he could discreetly read up on the world he had been dropped in by some 'God'.

He wasn't exactly trying to be quiet as he moved through the underbrush. Noise helped keep the scavengers away from him since most were not all that fond of finding out what strange thing was headed their way. He used the staff as a walking stick and was keeping his sword hidden under his coat. Normally you would think that he would be rather warm in the thing but a small cooling rune stitched into the inside helped keep him cool in warm climates.

He hated that he didn't have his bag that he left back at the camp he had set up before being transported to this place. His early warning items were all in there as were a lot of his premade healing talismans. For the time being, he would have to take his time and avoid conflict or dangerous looking places.

### | Open | First Encounters are Fun

ulla

[Mysteria]

Mysteria had stopped just outside of bane; her company that of a mule she had purchased in the tiny market that morning before setting out. The mule was rather silent, which was good if it wanted to survive the entire journey to Nova. It’s back loaded with bags of mountain herbs and other goods found around the mountain. A good stock for the castle’s infirmary and for Lilith if she were to continue taking care of the castle’s most well kept secret.

After several hours of walking; her traveling companion began to become more vocal and restless as they traveled deeper into the forest. Once the animal sensed the end of the gorge where there would be less clearings and more trees; The creature suddenly stopped, its behavior becoming more hesitant to progress any further.

“ Come on… There is nothing to fear.” Mysteria calmed the mule, patting its nuzzle as she lead it back to a small open clearing with a few down trees. The clearing had plenty of grass for the mule to graze upon while tied up to a sapling. For now they would both take a rest; No sense in pressing forward when one wasn’t willing to cooperate. She needed the mule to be calm when traveling to avoid unwanted encounters within the forest. The last thing she needed was a basilisk or something hearing this mule and deciding to want a mid-day meal. She didn’t care if smaller creatures heard her; it was the larger ones that concerned her.

Mysteria kept a watchful eye, while she reached into one of the bags on the mules back. After a minute of searching she finally pulled out a thin green blanket and un hatched the rest of the bags from the mules back. Once she had the blanket in her hands and the bags set aside; Mysteria quickly shook the blanket out and laid it flat over a patch of grass before sitting down.

However, the moment her rear touched the blanket, the sound of something approaching caught her attention. At first the noise was far away and not too concerning sense it sounded like rustling leaves; Then it grew louder and louder as if it didn’t care if anything heard it or not. Strange, could it be a person or possibly a predator? Mysteria thought, concerned of the possibility of a hostile creature had already begun sniffing them out.. Mysteria turned very slowly around to look over her shoulder in the direction of the rustling sound. Not sure if it was friend or foe that was making its way over to them. However, after listening to the weight of the steps, Mysteria could determine that whatever was approaching was at least humanoid.

“ Are you Lost, Traveling, or seeking trouble? “ She whispered to herself, not very sure if the humanoid could see or even hear her. Who knows, perhaps it didn’t realize her presence and would keep walking. Mysteria thought to herself, keeping a watchful eye around her as she sat on the blanket; her back leaning against the bags she had pulled off the mule.

[Deleted]

Pessimism is the

reason I'm still among the living

The light through the trees was starting to change off to one side of him so he started to gravitate towards that growing source of light. He had to say it did seem to get warmer the closer he got to the light as well.

Just as he was clearing the underbrush around the little glade he had been forging his way towards he noticed it wasn't alone in the clearing. A rather striking woman with purple hair was sitting on a blanket and had her pack mule with her.

He slowed down so to keep from appearing aggressive and to keep from startling the mule. His hands were held out to his sides to show he didn't have weapons on him other than the staff held in his right hand and the sword at his hip. "Hello there, no need to be wary I'm just trying to find my way through the forest. I might be a little lost for what direction to head in though...."

His eyes had a slight golden tint to them right now as he was using his aura filter to see if she was gathering energy to her or putting off large amounts of it. From what he could tell she wasn't casting anything though there was a faint marker on her that was rather fresh on him. He was curious if the same spoiled brat had brought her here as well.

### | Open | First Encounters are Fun

ulla

[Mysteria]

Mysteria noticed the mule become a little unsettled the more the man stepped into their 'camp'. Not wanting to have to get up. Mysteria quickly thought of a way to calm the creature by reaching around behind her. There she rumbled through one of the bags and grabbed an apple; which she proceeded to toss said apple onto the ground in front of the mule. This was when the Mule stopped being skittish and ignored the presence of the stranger and gladly gorged on its treat. Her attention turning away from the creature over to the man with a bit of curiosity in her expression. Her eyebrow raised and her head slightly tilted to the side as though she was staring at something she was un-sure of.

When she saw his hands up; Mysteria stared at him in awkward silence. Her lips pressed and her hair cascading around her form to create a shimmery lavender silhouette behind her. She didn't say anything as he approached her. She didn't even say anything as she noticed the slight change in his eyes the moment he finished speaking to her. The change making her slightly cautious; not sure if he had started using a spell or if that was just a trait. However, she took note of this and gave a faint smile. At least she could relax knowing he was not a threat at this current moment; though she was rather positive to believe that this man was perhaps a fated being. What other reason would he be out this far? Also this close to bane... The idea of him being fated would be a good enough reason to explain why he seemed a little out of place.... here.

......

" I see. Where is it that you are wanting to travel good sir? Do you have a map or where did you get lost at originally when coming out here? " Mysteria asked, All questions that would one help her confirm her suspicions of him being Fated; If he was not, then at least find out why he was out here close to the gorge and Forest. Too close to Bane for comfort at least. The very thought made her pointed ears twitch.

[Deleted]

Pessimism is the

reason I'm still among the living

The gold hue faded from his eyes as he deactivated the aura filter rune. A rather simple thing to him but he had seen it backfire in the past and blind the mage using it. Perks of the rune being woven into your very bones.

At least she wasn't freaking out though she was fishing for information that he was pretty sure she knew. "I wouldn't really say I got lost, I just didn't have a clear destination in mind yet. As for where I came from I would think you know as you were touched by the same divine aura I was."

He moved around to the front of her to allow for them to converse without her having to twist her head around the whole time. He crouched down for now using his staff to support some of his weight, "I'm looking for somewhere to go where I can put my skills to use that isn't always in the middle of a battlefield. I know I can reach Nova or the Arch of Ages from this forest but I am not sure which one would be a better option."

### | Open | First Encounters are Fun

ulla

[Mysteria]

Mysteria kept a watchful eye on this one.

The gold leaving in his eyes did not go unnoticed as she watched him with a raised brow. Her head tilting a little to the side the moment he spoke again. This time saying something VERY interesting. 'Touched by the same divine aura?' Could perhaps the gold in his eyes had been a spell? Did he have the ability to see things such as auras? The possibilities were endless, however, there was one thing she wasn't confused about.

The man had to mean Fate, there was no one else divine she had been around lately that she knew. So her suspicions had been correct; This man was indeed fated. " I see. So you just came from Bane? " She asked, followed with a grin. " I hate to correct you, but I'm not Fated. I simply help the fated establish a life here in this world. Or I used to, but I've given that job to my apprentice. You might have met him when you first arrived in Bane."

She gave a small smile, her eyes following him over to her where he circled around and squatted down with the support of his staff. Her eyes blinking for a moment as she pondered what he spoke next.

" If you don't mind me asking you a personal question. I would like to know what you're looking for exactly when it comes to your 'skills'. I could help you with that decision, but I need to know more. I guess what I'm saying, is what are you seeking? pleasure, work, or perhaps to gain a better knowledge of this world? "

[Deleted]

Well his luck was running on the good end of the spectrum today as he found another person who had dealt with those like him. She seemed a bit less rushed than the apprentice she left to do the job for her. Her response to what he was looking to do with his skills and whether or not he was looking to learn more about this world. He had to admit he was looking to lay low and do as much reading as he could about the history, religions, and culture of the world he had been pulled into.

"Honestly I would prefer to have easy access to knowledge of this world. Knowing about this world will help me far more than just running off and doing things like I used to. Also would like to avoid the military for the time being. I've grown rather tired of being seen as a weapon all the time. So where would you suggest I head, Nova or the Arch of Ages?"

He was curious what her input would be and what she would advise him to do. While he hadn't told her what his skills were he didn't want to reveal them just yet. Her opinion would be less biased, at least to him, if she didn't know what he could do.

[Mysteria]

Mysteria studied the man's facial features as he remained squatted before her. A stranger still in her presence, however, a brow raised at the response to her question. He was seeking knowledge and wished not to be seen or be affiliated with the Military of this world? What a strange thing to say or interject into a conversation. Though judging by that kind of response she assumed it had to do with something he could do and wished not to be apart of it.. Possibly whatever it had to do with what made his eyes change colors. though Mysteria couldn't be too sure, his answers were still rather vague. 

" If you wish knowledge on magic. Then the Arch of Ages would be your best starting point. If you are searching for knowledge about this world; Then there is no better place than the Grand Library. It is located in the second district of Nova. As for avoiding the Novian Miliary... Then don't attract a lot of attention and you'll be fine. "

Mysteria chuckled, some what amused. Her violet-teal eyes studying him for a few moments longer, her demeanor becoming more relaxed. She turned around to reach into the large travel bag directly behind her. Both hands digging through the bag until she felt a metal handle. Ah-Ha, she had found it! Mysteria pulled very gently out a stainless metal tea kettle from the bag; while her other hand pulled up two stainless steel metal cups to match. Mysteria then placed the kettle and the cups onto the blanket, her eyes returning back up to the man.

" May I ask what your name is? " She asked, her facial expressions taking on a curious manner.   

 " I haven't made a fire yet, but I had originally stopped here to have lunch. I see that our paths have crossed and if you wish to join me. I would be more than happy to share what I have with you. " Mysteria paused, her hand raising up from the blanket to point towards the forest.

" Would you mind gathering some wood so I could build a small fire?" She asked, not seeing the harm. All she asked was for some labor in exchange for food. Mysteria thought to herself, a smile still present.

[Deleted]

She had a good point and for now the magic of the land he had been pulled into was a bit different from what he could feel so learning its properties was a good starting point. So now he had a destination in mind at the very least. When she asked what his name was he tilted his head to the side slightly, "Sorry about that, you can call me lord......just call me Arthas."

When she asked if he could get firewood he nodded and stood up leaning on his staff again, he planted it in the ground his thumb running over the runes on its surface. A faint gold light spreading down the twisting text and a simple word uttered just before the light reached the ground, "Stay." With that done the staff would stay in place and also act as a beacon for him to find his way back if he wandered too far. He made his way around the clearing gathering sticks and pieces of wood from fallen trees. He didn't know if there was a guardian of this forest and didn't want to have an issue with something that powerful just after getting here.

Making his way back to her he set up the wood in a way that is similar to jenga without the middle blocks in each later. His hand found a small rock with a sharp edge and carved a rune for fire into one of the larger pieces of wood and set it in the middle of the stack. Adding manna to it to ignite it and start the fire to save them a little time. He took a seat and leaned against his staff that was held firmly in place due to the anchoring spell. "From what you've told me I would say that my best place to start would be the Arch of Ages then. Understanding the world's magic will help me more than learning its politics. Gotta make sure my more complex magic will work properly."

[Mysteria]

Now that was an interesting slip up. Lord? Mysteria’s brow raised slightly in amusement when he asked her to call him Arthas. A smirk appeared on her features for a split second, before it was replaced with a light smile. “ No need to apologize, I had not given you a name for introduction.” Mysteria placed her right hand up onto her chest. “ My name is Mysteria. Now proper introductions have been made and you are no longer a stranger.” She chuckled, bringing her hand back down to her side. Her eyes following Arthas as he got up with his staff and began to perform some kind of spell or enchantment onto the staff. Or did the staff do that itself? Mysteria watched with curiosity, not saying a word as he left to gather the wood needed to start the fire.


To her surprise, Mysteria continued to watch as he performed more forms of magic in front of her. A runic user? From what she could tell it looked like he was carving something into the wood to make it combust into flame. Her eyes blinking to the methods he used to build the fire. “ My you are quite the magic user. From what I’ve seen here, the Arch of Ages would be your best starting point. “ Mysteria nodded, her attention turning to the fire and the burning logs within. It would be a little while before there would be embers hot enough for to cook on. So for now, she would have to engage in small talk. Something she was rather awkward at, but compensated the awkwardness by keeping herself busy.


Mysteria reached over behind her, rummaged through the bag to pull out a medium size bundle of cloth. She sat the bundle down onto the blanket, unwrapped the binds and pulled the material back, inside a good size hunk of meat could be seen. After unwrapping the meat; Mysteria then pulled out whole red potatoes, carrots, onions and gathered herbs from the bag. Along with a dagger she used to prepare the potatoes, carrots, and onions by chopping them into smaller chunks. She combined all the ingredients together into the cloth with the meat before binding it back all together tightly.


“ Don’t worry about burning the cloth. When the embers are ready, if you don’t mind.” Mysteria nodded, handing Arthas the bundle that had their lunch inside.

[Deleted]

So the Arch would be his best bet on where to go then. He had found that some of his runic enhancements were not able to be activated. It was something he was going to have to look into and the Arch would realistically have the information he needed. The woman with him, Mysteria she had called herself, might be able to help him figure out some of the smaller things needed to make his way in the world he was dragged to.

He took the bag and figured taking her on her word about it wouldn't be a bad thing for right now. Waiting for the fire to die down enough that he could place the bag on the hot and charred remains. "So since you are being kind enough to share your food with me I have to ask if you don't mind answering a few questions for me?" He walked over to his staff and just kicked the bottom of it to have it release from the place he had put it. He sunk down to the ground and straight into a cross-legged position across from her on the other side of the fire that had the bad sitting in it now.

[Mysteria]

Mysteria watched him place the bag ontop the embers of the open fire. A look of satisfaction appearing on her features once she focused her attention on the red coals and the food that was cooking. Reaching over to pick up a stick to rack the hot embers over on top of the bag. “ It’s dragon’s hide, so it doesn’t burn in normal fire. Excellent for cooking on the road, i’ll let you have this one when the foods done.” she commented, informing him of the bag’s nature so he wouldn’t worry about it catching on fire or ruining the food.


Her eyes adjusted from the scarlet flames, returning her attention back to Arthas. Who began to speak and ask if she would be open to answering some of his questions. However, before she could say yes or no. Arthas had already walked over to his staff, kicked it over and returned before her, plopped down and crossed his legs. Which made her blink a moment before letting out a small smirk.


“ I share my food, because its too much for me to eat all at once. Plus, I thought it was a custom for humans to share with other humans....But as for answering a few questions, I might have the answers you seek. I cannot make a promise though. “ She responded with a small smile, glancing over to the bag to make sure it was not over cooking.

[Deleted]

Her explanation of what the bag was made out of confirmed that dragons existed here and seemed to not be extinct like they were back in his world. Back home they had been hunted down for their hide, scales, bones, organs and anything else that could be used for potions, armor, or weapons. "Are you sure it is okay for me to take it? Isn't this something rather valuable?" He was actually worried it would be taking something that was highly valuable but in a way also checking to see if it held a high value.

"I honestly wouldn't know what the human customs are, I've never been treated as one. Where I come from I was a sentient weapon at best so everyone feared or loathed me. Mainly meaning I didn't really have company for meals or much else." He figured that since she knew of the fated and was being kind enough to share food and her knowledge with him she should be safe to tell about his old world.

He was tracking the cooking process by the smell of the food she had placed in the bag, also not wanting it to over cook. She had agreed to answer some of his questions if she could so he had to pick one to be first, "Well you said the Arch is a safer place for me to head to correct, is there an issue in this realm with magi? If so how far spread is it?"