A mysterious area, explorers tend to go missing and never return. A low fog constantly blankets the forest floor and strange sounds have been reported being heard during the day. Not much else is known about the forest. (+3 Speed, +2 Endurance)

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Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby ShadowStitches » 04/09/2016 3:48 AM

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Rhys

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Lassiter (Las)

Both in human form
--
There where a lot of question marks on this particular description of their destiny. Rhys always kind of liked that, it meant that few people had been here before.

The man lifted his gaze from his notes to the scene in front of him. Thick fog obscured his view of the old, forgotten buildings in front of him. He shifted the backpack full of equipment on his shoulders to get it somewhat more comfortable, with little result. Never the less the old, tingling excitement set in, the feeling he felt whenever he was about to exit an old abandoned building, or cave, or whatever else he was about to explore. In this case, it was an assembly of old ruins, a forgotten city if you would like to call it that. He had never heard word of it before, which made him even more excited when he practically stumbled about some old tellings of it.

“Las, Are you good to go?” he called over his shoulder, his voice somewhat muffled by the fog. The man standing behind him zipped his bag shut, and gave him a short nod “ready when you are”
the other one answered, his voice soft and smooth. Las was a calm fellow, very pleasant to be around, but not as easily excitable as Rhys, who had to restrain himself from bounding on his heels impatiently. His college had been willing enough to tag along on this mission, and given that he was the expert in ancient languages, Rhys was more then happy to have him with him.
hopefully the trip would be worth it.

“then lets get going, we’re loosing daylight already.” Las looked at the fogged out sky, a smile spreading on his lips. They where clearly far from loosing daylight. shouldering his equipment, he caught up to the expedition leader, who was making his way closer to the old ruins.
Cannot say, I'm breaking the rules
If I can glue em back together.

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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby Nyxia » 04/09/2016 2:23 PM

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The city which lay in the fog and mist, was like no other ruin around. Sprawled over a large area, the ruins held their secrets well. Rumor persisted that once this had been home of a species of elves, though those who knew of it knew that wasn't true. Why it had been abandoned, and what had become of those who had dwelt there, was as much a mystery as the ruins themselves. The land which this place of rumors and mysteries lay on land owned by the Ashcraft family, though few knew that. Just like few knew of the strange plants which had sprung up in the ruins, retaking the land once rightfully theirs.

This day Devi Ashcraft had made the journey from Aldrect to these very ruins for a single reason, she was completely out of several herbs two of which could only be gathered here. She stopped only long enough at the crypt on the far end of city to lay flowers in the large stone vases, as a sign of respect. Then continued on further into the city, among the piles of stones that had once been buildings. If it weren't for Mrs. Jácint and her constant ache and pains, Devi wouldn't have been traipsing about in the fog. However she was completely out of both Rue Bark and Dragunise, and with the war on several soldiers had been buying her teas and treats to take back with them.

She had worn her favorite outfit for the day, not that anyone would see it but her and any spirits that might be here. Despite the fog it lifted her spirits some, as she wandered by memory through the ruins snips and satchel ready. She was headed for what her father had believed was the lord's house, the only place she'd ever known Dragunise to grow. It seemed like just a typical day, despite having left Grace to watch over the shop in her absence.


Bottles smashed, I raised my hand
How can you all even stand?
And why is there joy in this poison? Oh
Faking smiles and confidence
Driving miles to capture this excitement
I can't take anymore

You're never gonna get it
I'm a hazard to myself
I'll break it to you easy
This is hell, this is hell
You're looking and whispering
You think I'm someone else
This is hell, yes
I am in hell



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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby ShadowStitches » 04/10/2016 6:22 AM

The leaves on the ground dampened the steps of the two man as they made their way deeper in
to the city. A few walls of the former buildings where wtill standing, looking relatively unscathed.
"seems like everybody just left one day..." Rhys mused, taking a closer look at one of the tall walls, lightly touching the stone. It was damp and cold from the fog, and much to his dismay, had no runes or...really anything on it. Then again, they could have been rotted away, or they simply where unlucky with this particular wall. Certainly they would have to take a much closer look here "doesent seem like anything bad caused them to abandon this  city either"

Las looked down the old 'street', furrowing his brow. If he was honest, he would have preferred it if they picked a less misty day. Then again, the Whisper Forest was not exactly known for its amazing weather.
"a little early to tell, I think" He answered his friend, and set down his backpack, searching for something."Just thinking out loud." Rhys replied, looking at a particularry damaged building. "It has been a while since we last had a whole city to explore, nice change of pace" He stopped himself before adding with a smirk "lets just hope it has less surprises then the last one " Las found what he had been searching for, and lifted a camera from his bag "I'd prefer to not think back to that expedition, thank you" he murmured. Lifting the device up, he quickly sighed and frowned. "I dont think this will help much, the fog is too thick..."

Rhys refused to get his spirits down by these minor setbacks. Other then his collegue, he did not to let worries  raised by past, sometimes mildly desasterous exibitions , get the better of him. "Sketches it is then. I think we should try to get to the center of the city first, or search for buildings that look important. We have plenty of time taking reference, I want to get a better over all understanding of this place first". Las agreed to that with a silent nod. He always felt off talking loudly in old ruins. it felt...odd. as if they where disturbing some form of peace. Then again, it was his job, and he was used to it by now.

The two men made their way towards what they believed to be the town center, talking ocasionally and taking notes here and there. They where, so far, completely oblivious that they where not the only people roaming the long lost city ...
Cannot say, I'm breaking the rules
If I can glue em back together.

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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby Nyxia » 04/20/2016 1:48 PM

As Devi made her way through the fog and mist, she began to hum. The tune was an old one, haunting in many ways. She was also none too quiet, being alone out here meant no one would hear her anyway, other than the ghosts. While it was old tales, ones her father had told her since she was a little girl, Devi didn't believe spirits roamed out here. Instead she was focused on the task at hand, as she picked her way across the ruble and ruins. The path to the old manor was narrow, overgrown to the point that it nearly didn't exist. More than once Devi had to navigate around large chunks of wall stones, or the odd wooden beam.

As she moved further through the town, Devi let her mind wander. In her imagination she saw the streets as they must have once looked, full of people with wagons of wares in a light mist. Building with people coming and going, the hint of fresh baked goods. She was caught up in the idea of what might have been here, so much so that she didn't avoid a large corner stone that laid in her path. Tripping brought her back to reality suddenly, as did landing on the hard ground. "This is what happens when you don't watch where you're going." She laughed at herself, as she got up from the ground. Picking up her basket and snips, Devi brushed off her pants and settled as through that hadn't happened. "At least no one saw that." She didn't bother keeping her voice low, who cared if she talked to herself alone out here in the mist.

Content that nothing was out of place, she continued on to the manor. It only took her a few minutes to reach what had once been a beautiful building. It had been the only structure with a second level, and made of a light marble like stone. Devi only gave it a once over, before heading around the back of the crumbling structure, "Dragunise...Dragunise. Where are you hiding this time?" She laughed softly, gently pushing aside other plants as she hunted for the elusive but lovely purple red flowers, that would give them away.


Bottles smashed, I raised my hand
How can you all even stand?
And why is there joy in this poison? Oh
Faking smiles and confidence
Driving miles to capture this excitement
I can't take anymore

You're never gonna get it
I'm a hazard to myself
I'll break it to you easy
This is hell, this is hell
You're looking and whispering
You think I'm someone else
This is hell, yes
I am in hell



We Don't Have to Dance - Andy Black
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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby ShadowStitches » 04/23/2016 2:48 PM

It was not long untill the two men came closer to what looked like a Manor belonging to someone either very rich, or important. once, way back when. they had come across several promising buildings and tidbits, and notes and scribbles already littered the scetchbooks they had brought with them.

Rhys was not satisfied yet though. Sure, they could always come back with a bigger team, that would be able to cover more ground, but he was fixed on the idea of at the very least finding out to what culture exactly this city belonged to. If it was a known one, that was. Or maybe a better idea of what timeframe they where dealing with here. Las was not minding either, he had come across some very interisting writings, that he could not wait to try and translate. The mist was still bothering him though

The Manor was now close to them, its bright Marbled stone standing out against the other old buildings.
Rhys whisteled through his teeth "wow. this is..." he stopped, suddently standing stock still.
"did you hear that?" he asked in a hushed tone. Lassiter stopped to, turning his head slightly.
He also could pick up something like a...voice?

Rhys carefully set his equipment down, to make himself lighter, and crawled towards one of the walls of the building. Hearing someone when you where convinced you where alone with your collegue
could very well be a quite dangerous situation. All though the voice did not sound threatening, from what he could tell. Carefully sneaking around the corner, he called out "hello? anybody there?"

(changed Rhy's dialog to green, sorry XD)
Cannot say, I'm breaking the rules
If I can glue em back together.

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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby Nyxia » 04/23/2016 5:02 PM

Picking through the overgrowth, Devi did hear voices. She assumed as the many other times, that she was simply imagining the voices she heard. Being alone in the silent town sometimes played tricks on her, so she opted to ignore it. As she went along the back of the manor Devi spied several things she hadn't expected to see, so early in the season several of the plants should have been tiny still. Then a voice called out, asking for someone. Devi nearly gasped, she'd never once thought someone else would find this place. "Hello." She frowned setting down her basket and moving carefully towards the voice. "Who are you?" She wasn't sure she trusted a random voice, not in the mist and fog.

Not for the first time Devi wished she'd talked Grace into coming with her. Now however she had to be okay with only her own power, as she crept around the edge of the manor. "And what are you doing here?" She hated the fact that a hint of fear that found its way into her voice. Still she had the curious urge to find out why someone would be out here.


Bottles smashed, I raised my hand
How can you all even stand?
And why is there joy in this poison? Oh
Faking smiles and confidence
Driving miles to capture this excitement
I can't take anymore

You're never gonna get it
I'm a hazard to myself
I'll break it to you easy
This is hell, this is hell
You're looking and whispering
You think I'm someone else
This is hell, yes
I am in hell



We Don't Have to Dance - Andy Black
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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby ShadowStitches » 04/23/2016 5:42 PM

He was certain now that they where not alone. Mostly due to the fact that the fog answered his question.
or...well, the woman in the fog currently making her way towards him. He blinked once in confusion. If he was honest, he half had expected that he was just hearing things. Meeting an actual human being other then him and his partner seemed extremely unlikely to him.

Still, he smiled at her, hoping that his stance seemed as unthreatening as he could possibly look. He wore practical clothes, a thin bright shirt that was not exactly ironed to perfection. a dark gray west with bags and pockets for all kind of tools, and dark pants. Had he his equipment with him, it would have been much more obvious what exactly he was. "Oh! Hey there." he said, curiosity of his own rising. Who was this woman, and why was she doing here, seemingly by herself.

"I'm Rhys. I...Me and my partner are archeologists, He is over there somewhere, dont get startled" his grin grew a little wider "We discovered this place and wanted to explore it further. It seems very, very unusual for
these woods to have..."
he stopped himself trailing off, clearing his throat.
"Now if you dont mind me repeat your questions: who are you, and...what are you doing here?"
He was still wary. he had no idea if she was alone after all, or what her intentions where. She seemed...not exactly boiling for a fight though
Cannot say, I'm breaking the rules
If I can glue em back together.

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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby Nyxia » 07/08/2016 1:52 PM

Slowly she allowed herself to silently summon a small ball of witchlight, which pushed the fog further back from them. It was truely difficult to hold a conversation with someone you could barely see after all. Devi stared hard at the man, weighing his words with a heavy dose of suspicion. "I see." She mumbled, glancing briefly in the direction he indicated. What in the world would a couple of archaeologists be doing in a fog bound town, roaming about. "I would have thought it proper to speak with people who own the land before...'exploring' its ruins." She countered folding her arms over her chest, she currently had her own ideas of what this man wanted here. Months before she'd been forced to chase off a couple of young men who sought Moon Aicies. A potent plant which was known for its hallucinogenic properties, that had been used by elven shaman's and seers for ages.

This time she planned to do more than run off these sellers, she fully intended to scare the holy hell out of them. "I'm sure you're aware then, that this entire village is haunted. Not all those spirits are friendly." Brow pinched tightly, she continued to watch him. It was his own question that caught Devi a bit off guard, causing her to frown at him. "I am Devi Ashcraft." She almost answered his second question, but caught her tongue. "I happen to own this territory, which my father left me." Raised brow let him see what he thought of that. It was only then that she saw the outline of the other man, a little too close to a small bush of Ocirian. "Hey you there, don't step on those!" She called out, hoping she wasn't too late.


Bottles smashed, I raised my hand
How can you all even stand?
And why is there joy in this poison? Oh
Faking smiles and confidence
Driving miles to capture this excitement
I can't take anymore

You're never gonna get it
I'm a hazard to myself
I'll break it to you easy
This is hell, this is hell
You're looking and whispering
You think I'm someone else
This is hell, yes
I am in hell



We Don't Have to Dance - Andy Black
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Nyxia
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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby ShadowStitches » 07/08/2016 3:00 PM

Rhys tried his best to maintain his smile, but it slowly got a little more...guilty perhaps.
Yes. This woman was in fact right. In theory they should have asked permission first. But, in reality, more often then not people where protective of their land, for some reason or an other.
It became unspoken policy to do a first tour...less then legally. just to check the situation. Not something the team was particularry font of, but having made a big effort and wasting time and money to track down and get into contact with people just to be turned down was...just a bit too inpractical.

"You are right, of course" he admitted, scratching the back of his head. The info that she of all people owned this land would not make things easier. he cleared his throat, and figured that since they where cought already, he could be honest about it too. "We are terribly sorry to trespass on your territory. We just wanted to take a very first, fast look if the place...suits our research, and then contact you of course." he flinched. "Okay, thats sounded awfull. we look like thugs to you now, most likely. but we really just wanted to explore. This place indeed is fascinating "

His smile got a little less uneasy, and a bit more amused. not mockingly so, just...like someone would smile about an old joke "we have been to more then a few haunted places. and so far, the spirits have been kind enough to us."

Las flinched back when Devi called to him, luckily not trampeling the delicate flora. "I am sorry" he simply said, looking a little guilty. Rhys kept his eyes on Devi, not having missed that she evaded his last question.
he would not try to pry further for now. He decided instead to try to make the best out of their situation.
"Ms. Ashcraft, This situation is more then unfortunate, again I am very sorry for trespassing" he said, before adding very carefully "But...not that we are here, and i am sure you dont want to just let us wander around again...would you maybe be willing to tell us a little about this territory? I am sure you have more to say about it then what we could scrap together so far"

(bleh post, sorry :(  also sorry for the wait)
Cannot say, I'm breaking the rules
If I can glue em back together.

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Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby Nyxia » 07/17/2016 4:49 PM

Devi watched as this man, Rhys, looked a bit guilty. Ah so she'd touched on the correct spot, and he knew it. "In fact some people may have areas they wish to be treated specially, or not completely trampled." She raised an elegant eyebrow at him, in a means of making a point with the crisis of his partner avoided. "You see, I make my living from many of the plants which grow here. How well do you think my business would do if you destroyed some of these plants? Especially when a few species could take as long as five years to return to the current state they are at now?" Raising the witchlight from her hand so she could keep an eye on his partner, Devi crossed her arms across her chest. "You're sorry, but your research is so important that you do it anyway. That does make you sound very much like thugs to me, considering how you were skulking about the ruins." She wasn't exactly mad, because this place was fascinating and beautiful. That didn't mean she gave an inch in how displeased she looked as she eyed him. Lips pinched flat together, with a slight glare. "I do agree that it is, the history of this village and its people even more so." Glancing again to his partner, making sure he stayed on the path.

Giving him only a half smile, Devi shrugged. "The spirits here aren't known for being so kind, nor forgiving." She offered up, watching him. While she had never seen any of the spirits herself, Devi did from time to time sense that she was being watched in the fog, or hear rubble shift when she was alone. Did that mean she trusted his word, not yet really, but she was still listening to him.

Shifting the weight of her slight frame, Devi bit her lower lip for a moment in thought. She could just tell them to leave, chase them away and tell them not to return. That may mean she had to post guards, and go through a police report. However if she showed them around, it would either prove his words or her own suspicions. After a few moments of weighing the options open to her, Devi sighed loudly letting her shoulders drop some. "I don't see the harm it could be." She finally said to him, still not sure which would happen. "The only thing I will say is, stay on the paths unless I show you a way through the growth." Giving them both a stern look she finally nodded, motioning them to follow her. The first building would be the very home they stood near, she lead them close to the manner keeping far from many of her plants. "This house was the home of the village head, or governor, and his family. A job we know passed down through bloodline."


Bottles smashed, I raised my hand
How can you all even stand?
And why is there joy in this poison? Oh
Faking smiles and confidence
Driving miles to capture this excitement
I can't take anymore

You're never gonna get it
I'm a hazard to myself
I'll break it to you easy
This is hell, this is hell
You're looking and whispering
You think I'm someone else
This is hell, yes
I am in hell



We Don't Have to Dance - Andy Black
User avatar
Nyxia
Ultimate Specialist
Ultimate Specialist
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Keystones: 609
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Joined: 10/02/2008 2:08 PM
Location: Within the darkest nights
Status: Doing my best to get back in the swing of things.

Re: Ghostflowers (Nyxia and I)

Postby ShadowStitches » 07/20/2016 3:57 PM

(sorry just a short one, we have extremely limited internet bandwidth here, so I pre typed this XD
still, I do not have much time, so its short :()

Rhys watched the woman carefully, trying to figure out just how hard they stepped over her boundaries. He could feel Las shrink back even more back onto the path, and knew that the guy most likely felt quite guilty. Oh man, they really had a way of making a blunder, didn’t they.

To his surprise though, Devi did not shoo them off. Other then what she expected, they would respect a clear no. There where times where he had thought about ignoring warnings and clear boundaries of land owners before, but in the end, him and his team had learned to be respectful where they could. A released smile spread on his features. “Thanks a lot, Devi, was it?”
He could feel his shoulders relax a little. He had a vague suspicion that she might not be as…harsh as she made herself appear to them.

Following her to the building, he nodded thoughtfully. “I was expecting something along those lines. It must have been a very impressive building, back in the day.” he tilted his head thoughtfully. “do you know exactly how old these ruins are? We where guessing that some of them where dating back at least 400 years?” the last few words where in a more questioning tone, looking over at Las, who, still very careful to not step on anything that looked remotely like a plant, looked at his notes “…yeah, I noted 350 to 400”
Cannot say, I'm breaking the rules
If I can glue em back together.

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