Post by Qivara on Dec 12, 2016 14:57:07 GMT -5
It had been a long time since she'd been back on the islands much less near Moon Valley. She hadn't been welcome in some parts of Moon Valley since the first strands of hair had grown upon her head. Now, she wasn't even sure that she would be welcome but an overwhelming feeling of duty had urged her to get a portal to Tonn almost immediately. When she had arrived, she'd found that the locals needed help and some of them had remembered her. How could she say no to the ones that had taken her in years ago even when she was this wild fey from the forest. Most just assumed she was an Iceborn from Rumeria and she never corrected them of that as her mother had instructed. Even now as she was greeted, she wouldn't change how she was introduced to others. Moving to put her back into the work that needed to be done to keep her old home safe.
That night she had been greeted with cheers of welcome and thanks as everyone went to their homes that would not be on the first shift of watch. It was past the ones that were that had proven a little difficult. She was a natural shifter by fey magic. Her body changed with a will of its own and yet the three moons were playing little tricks on her. Combine that with her current state and she became filled with a sense of urgency on her trek towards the Valley. If she was affected, it meant that the others like her would be, too. She walked in three circles before she could even fathom starting the change that overcame her body. Doing everything she could to protect herself so that the parts of her that were needed most were the less impacted. The entire exercise of going from humanoid to bear took longer than she had wanted and one of the townsfolk had almost seen her at least once. Then the great white polar bear was finally able to get started on its journey.
The speed of the animal and its size was perfect for the trip that she found herself on. The feel of the cold crisp air at the top of the world filled her lungs and her body better than any rejuvenation tonic. While her new home may be in Navahla, the Skeggs would always have a special place in her cold heart. Despite the bad the moons seemed to be bringing the world, the light they offered was perfect for a trip such as hers. Moonlight played on the snow everywhere and made it easy for her to find traps and avoid animals that seemed to be out of sorts.
The climb up the side of one of the mountains was a little more difficult than she remembered but thanks to powerful paws she managed it. She was greeted with the serenity of the large lake with it's perfect reflection of Lunne, Rrok & Vermill and while the shading of Vermill could look bad on the water, it was the fact that her color seemed to stretch across some of the snow that alarmed the moonfey ranger. Fighting had apparently already begun within the valley but it was hard to tell what the bodies were from this distance. Curious as to what she would find, the bear started in that direction only to pause when she heard metal ring out, mixed with animal snarls which couldn't be good. Finding a spot that seemed hidden she began to slow process of changing back into her human form without upsetting her body.
Once again looking like herself thanks to the medallion on her waist, Qivara ran across the snow on a light foot to follow the signs of battle to the edge of the valley that lead to the lycan village. At one time, she had been a member of this tribe though it was for only a short while but she still remembered the call one made to announce yourself to patrols. It had been ages since her throat had made that sound and it wasn't until her third try that it came out just as it should. A body unfolded itself from a sentry post as she drew near and her gaze met with the changed eyes of a villager.
Her heart beat in her chest for a few moments as she waited to see what action would be taken. The silver charm in her hair would need a moment to decompress, but she had known better than to approach with weapons poised. The possibility of needing to change her paws held some held some weight in her thoughts. What had seemed like forever was in reality no longer than a few seconds before the male came forward to sniff at her. Her own face shifting just slightly as she took in his own scent to see if it was one she remembered. He had been child like herself when she was here last. His recognition of her scent had him making a small noise from within his changed throat just before he let out a howl that would say she was coming. Their arms clasped quickly and she offered him a nod before continuing forward across the lines towards where she still heard some of the noises. The poor sentry unable to join the battle in case of stealth attack from whoever they were fighting.
Not in a thousand years would Qivara have guessed what would be found that night. Lycans, lycanborns and fey were all working against each other as the remnants of two armies stained the snow of the valley. Most didn’t even see her beyond the one that was on the ground and shooting with an arbalest despite the damage that had been done to his leg. The call that rose within her throat came without her realizing that it had been done. A stomp of her food was made against the ground that caused a local shake. Then because something told her she had to, she did it twice more. The first call came out in Feral for the ears of the locals. The second was said in clear Sylvan to catch the attention of the unexpected fey. The last was done in Common so that she was sure there would be no misunderstanding. It was the rumbling of the earth at their feet that stopped most of them. Snow starting to fall from nearby peaks to come crossing down in little avalanches.
Self-preservation caused most of them to turn on the moonfey. A few of the archers turned towards her as their target. Her face partially transformed into a growl as her hand reached up to grasp the silver bead within her hair. Her longbow coming into being just before her arm had fully outstretched. The instrument immediately coating itself in frost as all her weapons did. Two magic arrows formed upon the string the moment she began to pull it back and finally someone told the others to stand down. Feline eyes the color of ice turned on the lycans as they did the same. It was only then that she let the magic go and stood there looking at the group with shame in her wide eyes.
Words were whispered amongst some of the ones on the fey side that they knew what the black in her hair meant. She was a dark omen in the flesh. For once, being called that didn’t hurt the way it used to. Instead it just hardened her resolve to figure out what was going on. Some of the bloodlust could be seen in the eyes of the feral shifters. Nothing could be done while the moons were shining brightly. A plead was given to the fey to find camp and tend to their wounded while she looked to her former lycan friends and called for a hunt before Bright Eye came to greet them. The idea was agreed upon but she was told she had to stay here where the Elders could see her. A protest was made but even her inner animal wanted to just sleep. Agreeing with their terms, she moved to set up camp there beside the bloodied battlefield where sentries of both sides could see her. Small altercations happened throughout the night and into the morning. Each time she woke up due to the sounds, she would cause a rumble once more. Eventually both sides seemed to quiet as the aftermath seeped into the bones of those who could see the blood of their brethren in the light of Bright Eye.
As the midday meal approached, she contacted her mate back home to let him know they were fine. Then she moved to break down her camp and seek out the fey that was down in the valley. There she came across the Chief of the local village also attempting a dialogue. The story of how the fey had been on their way to invade an enemy only to be brought here instead. Qivara explained what she knew of the moons from things sent out by the Order and Maria. She told stories of the things she had seen in other parts of the world and rumors that had been spoken about the Heart before she had left to come here. Explained that loyalty had brought her to the valley to check on her people. The Lycan chief took that to mean she meant them but even the Fey Commander could tell that there was a secret she kept. As the chief left, she was invited to come to the feast that night before another hunt and she accepted graciously but stayed to chat with the Commander about where he had come through the rift and how he might be able to return home. She also told him of the village of moonfey that remained hidden amongst the valley and she would appreciate if some of his people could check on them.
The Commander encouraged her to go with the scouts that would take her back home to the village she had been born in. Her ability to speak Primordial helping as they drew near the mythals that helped keep them safe but even the village was not unaffected by the moon and the small legion of fey that had come through the rift. At first the village elders would have nothing to do with the moonfey with dark strands in her hair and it caused her discomfort that had her eyes shifting about to avoid eye contact with anyone to see their superstition. The moons can’t change people’s beliefs and she knew that. However, when the Arch Druid arrived things changed.
The older man took in the sight before him and urged the Elder to take it to their main hall with all of them. Qivara sat where she was supposed to by the door and listened as the fey scouts explained what had happened and why they were there. Apologies were given profusely and explained that if it had not been for the woman behind them, they may not have stopped in time to get home. Plans were made to exchange hostages and for the dead to be taken care of properly depending on their beliefs. When the party got up to leave, Qivara was told to stay and come forward. The Arch Druid stepped towards her to put a cold hand under her chin causing it to tilt so she could look him in the eye. It was odd to look into eyes that were exactly like her mothers, like her own. After his inspection was done, he stepped back and moved over to the Chief to whisper something to him. It seemed to make the man jolt a little in shock and then he too leaned forward to have a closer look at the young moonfey before him. “You are right. It is her.”
Her gaze looked between the two men in confusion. “Pardon?”
The Arch Druid just smiled. “We would know the eyes of Lunara anywhere.” The name of her mother falling from the tall man’s lips caused her to pause in shock. Her vertical pupils widening until they almost took up the whole center of her eyes as her gaze switched between the two men. This was certainly an unexpected twist in her need to know their safety. “I would like it if you would stay near the village tonight.”
Her lips opened to respond just as the Chief said that they expected her just outside and her excitement dampened but only slightly. A chance to talk to someone that was the same as her was something she couldn’t pass up – even if they still were going to treat her as an outcast. A nod of her head was given and she left the main hall to go set up her camp outside the village. She needed to report her findings to Maria and the others anyway. Then she could take care of her personal goals.
That night she had been greeted with cheers of welcome and thanks as everyone went to their homes that would not be on the first shift of watch. It was past the ones that were that had proven a little difficult. She was a natural shifter by fey magic. Her body changed with a will of its own and yet the three moons were playing little tricks on her. Combine that with her current state and she became filled with a sense of urgency on her trek towards the Valley. If she was affected, it meant that the others like her would be, too. She walked in three circles before she could even fathom starting the change that overcame her body. Doing everything she could to protect herself so that the parts of her that were needed most were the less impacted. The entire exercise of going from humanoid to bear took longer than she had wanted and one of the townsfolk had almost seen her at least once. Then the great white polar bear was finally able to get started on its journey.
The speed of the animal and its size was perfect for the trip that she found herself on. The feel of the cold crisp air at the top of the world filled her lungs and her body better than any rejuvenation tonic. While her new home may be in Navahla, the Skeggs would always have a special place in her cold heart. Despite the bad the moons seemed to be bringing the world, the light they offered was perfect for a trip such as hers. Moonlight played on the snow everywhere and made it easy for her to find traps and avoid animals that seemed to be out of sorts.
The climb up the side of one of the mountains was a little more difficult than she remembered but thanks to powerful paws she managed it. She was greeted with the serenity of the large lake with it's perfect reflection of Lunne, Rrok & Vermill and while the shading of Vermill could look bad on the water, it was the fact that her color seemed to stretch across some of the snow that alarmed the moonfey ranger. Fighting had apparently already begun within the valley but it was hard to tell what the bodies were from this distance. Curious as to what she would find, the bear started in that direction only to pause when she heard metal ring out, mixed with animal snarls which couldn't be good. Finding a spot that seemed hidden she began to slow process of changing back into her human form without upsetting her body.
Once again looking like herself thanks to the medallion on her waist, Qivara ran across the snow on a light foot to follow the signs of battle to the edge of the valley that lead to the lycan village. At one time, she had been a member of this tribe though it was for only a short while but she still remembered the call one made to announce yourself to patrols. It had been ages since her throat had made that sound and it wasn't until her third try that it came out just as it should. A body unfolded itself from a sentry post as she drew near and her gaze met with the changed eyes of a villager.
Her heart beat in her chest for a few moments as she waited to see what action would be taken. The silver charm in her hair would need a moment to decompress, but she had known better than to approach with weapons poised. The possibility of needing to change her paws held some held some weight in her thoughts. What had seemed like forever was in reality no longer than a few seconds before the male came forward to sniff at her. Her own face shifting just slightly as she took in his own scent to see if it was one she remembered. He had been child like herself when she was here last. His recognition of her scent had him making a small noise from within his changed throat just before he let out a howl that would say she was coming. Their arms clasped quickly and she offered him a nod before continuing forward across the lines towards where she still heard some of the noises. The poor sentry unable to join the battle in case of stealth attack from whoever they were fighting.
Not in a thousand years would Qivara have guessed what would be found that night. Lycans, lycanborns and fey were all working against each other as the remnants of two armies stained the snow of the valley. Most didn’t even see her beyond the one that was on the ground and shooting with an arbalest despite the damage that had been done to his leg. The call that rose within her throat came without her realizing that it had been done. A stomp of her food was made against the ground that caused a local shake. Then because something told her she had to, she did it twice more. The first call came out in Feral for the ears of the locals. The second was said in clear Sylvan to catch the attention of the unexpected fey. The last was done in Common so that she was sure there would be no misunderstanding. It was the rumbling of the earth at their feet that stopped most of them. Snow starting to fall from nearby peaks to come crossing down in little avalanches.
Self-preservation caused most of them to turn on the moonfey. A few of the archers turned towards her as their target. Her face partially transformed into a growl as her hand reached up to grasp the silver bead within her hair. Her longbow coming into being just before her arm had fully outstretched. The instrument immediately coating itself in frost as all her weapons did. Two magic arrows formed upon the string the moment she began to pull it back and finally someone told the others to stand down. Feline eyes the color of ice turned on the lycans as they did the same. It was only then that she let the magic go and stood there looking at the group with shame in her wide eyes.
Words were whispered amongst some of the ones on the fey side that they knew what the black in her hair meant. She was a dark omen in the flesh. For once, being called that didn’t hurt the way it used to. Instead it just hardened her resolve to figure out what was going on. Some of the bloodlust could be seen in the eyes of the feral shifters. Nothing could be done while the moons were shining brightly. A plead was given to the fey to find camp and tend to their wounded while she looked to her former lycan friends and called for a hunt before Bright Eye came to greet them. The idea was agreed upon but she was told she had to stay here where the Elders could see her. A protest was made but even her inner animal wanted to just sleep. Agreeing with their terms, she moved to set up camp there beside the bloodied battlefield where sentries of both sides could see her. Small altercations happened throughout the night and into the morning. Each time she woke up due to the sounds, she would cause a rumble once more. Eventually both sides seemed to quiet as the aftermath seeped into the bones of those who could see the blood of their brethren in the light of Bright Eye.
As the midday meal approached, she contacted her mate back home to let him know they were fine. Then she moved to break down her camp and seek out the fey that was down in the valley. There she came across the Chief of the local village also attempting a dialogue. The story of how the fey had been on their way to invade an enemy only to be brought here instead. Qivara explained what she knew of the moons from things sent out by the Order and Maria. She told stories of the things she had seen in other parts of the world and rumors that had been spoken about the Heart before she had left to come here. Explained that loyalty had brought her to the valley to check on her people. The Lycan chief took that to mean she meant them but even the Fey Commander could tell that there was a secret she kept. As the chief left, she was invited to come to the feast that night before another hunt and she accepted graciously but stayed to chat with the Commander about where he had come through the rift and how he might be able to return home. She also told him of the village of moonfey that remained hidden amongst the valley and she would appreciate if some of his people could check on them.
The Commander encouraged her to go with the scouts that would take her back home to the village she had been born in. Her ability to speak Primordial helping as they drew near the mythals that helped keep them safe but even the village was not unaffected by the moon and the small legion of fey that had come through the rift. At first the village elders would have nothing to do with the moonfey with dark strands in her hair and it caused her discomfort that had her eyes shifting about to avoid eye contact with anyone to see their superstition. The moons can’t change people’s beliefs and she knew that. However, when the Arch Druid arrived things changed.
The older man took in the sight before him and urged the Elder to take it to their main hall with all of them. Qivara sat where she was supposed to by the door and listened as the fey scouts explained what had happened and why they were there. Apologies were given profusely and explained that if it had not been for the woman behind them, they may not have stopped in time to get home. Plans were made to exchange hostages and for the dead to be taken care of properly depending on their beliefs. When the party got up to leave, Qivara was told to stay and come forward. The Arch Druid stepped towards her to put a cold hand under her chin causing it to tilt so she could look him in the eye. It was odd to look into eyes that were exactly like her mothers, like her own. After his inspection was done, he stepped back and moved over to the Chief to whisper something to him. It seemed to make the man jolt a little in shock and then he too leaned forward to have a closer look at the young moonfey before him. “You are right. It is her.”
Her gaze looked between the two men in confusion. “Pardon?”
The Arch Druid just smiled. “We would know the eyes of Lunara anywhere.” The name of her mother falling from the tall man’s lips caused her to pause in shock. Her vertical pupils widening until they almost took up the whole center of her eyes as her gaze switched between the two men. This was certainly an unexpected twist in her need to know their safety. “I would like it if you would stay near the village tonight.”
Her lips opened to respond just as the Chief said that they expected her just outside and her excitement dampened but only slightly. A chance to talk to someone that was the same as her was something she couldn’t pass up – even if they still were going to treat her as an outcast. A nod of her head was given and she left the main hall to go set up her camp outside the village. She needed to report her findings to Maria and the others anyway. Then she could take care of her personal goals.