Estylwen

ArrowFell: The Wizard Queen's Court

Oh definitely. xD

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

New post is up! Got some slice-of-life going on a bit here. Let me know if there's any questions!

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

North Ehlm, Val's Safehouse

@SporkoBug, @Herald, @Qia

---

The Ravagers were picking themselves up. They were screaming, raging, preparing all manner of fire and bullets to throw at Val for his heartless killings.

But it would be too late.

The moment the last of the group got on Inu's back, she took off, barreling through the garage door, taking the exact same path Mercy had taken to get in.

Whoosh!

In mere seconds, everyone was high in the air, soaring over Ehlm. There were sounds of gunshots below, but the Ravagers couldn't touch them, not now.

If one were to look down, they'd see the sprawling city of Elhm below, with its broken and torn skyscrapers. In the center were trees and their blue leaves, marking one of the largest Spectral Woods. A black haze was rising from the woods, causing tension to set in the stomach of anyone who dared to look too long.

Inu turned and set off in the east, in the direction of Ghost Corp. The ground of cracked earth and desert was contrasted by the red of the sky and the green of Inu's scales as they raced ahead, wind flying in their faces and stealing their breath. An exhilarating ride. It was almost too easy to forget where they were heading, and why.

---

Ghost Corp Head Quarters

@SporkoBug, @Herald, @Qia

---

The desert broke into sparse spindles of trees, remnants of the lush forests that used to coat Dust. Some even had a few leaves on them, indicating that some had somehow managed to survive the toil and torture of the surface.

Inu touched down in front of a massive, triangle-like building with several floors easily reaching 50-60 feet high. The mix of concrete and glass indicated it was a newer build. But who would have resources for such a complex structure?

As everyone started filing off Inu, the steel gates to the Ghost Corp Head Quarters opened, and several armed men shuffled up, taking points around the group. They didn't point their weapons, but it was clear they knew who had arrived.

Le Frey waved over a couple of the guards, and soon, a stretcher was brought out, and Wren was placed in it.

Inu gave a low rumble, before they began to dissolve, sighing as they returned to Le Frey's form to rest within. Le Frey gave his hand a flex as he felt familiarity return to him, before his gaze fell on the group.

”Best not to keep ‘em waiting. This won't take long.” Were the words of comfort Le Frey offered as he gestured for the group to follow him.

VV, A, Val, and Mimi were escorted into the building, Wren in a stretcher behind them and Le Frey leading. After moving down numerous concrete and steel corridors, Le Frey eventually led them to double doors he opened with an access card. They walked into what looked like a large, well-outfitted laboratory filled with men and women in lab coats, and several gurneys connected to old machines. And in the center, talking with one of the researchers, was General Solen.

General Solen turned to the group as they entered, watching as the guards took their positions along the back wall. His gaze flickered to VV, A, Val, and Mimi as Wren was brought to one of the gurneys for inspection.

”My sincere apologies for bringing you out here. My name is General Solen. I’m aware that you two,” his eyes fell on A and VV, “Are from Above, yes?”

“We will need to run some tests in light of some… information we received. Your cooperation is appreciated, as we ensure the safety of Dust as a whole.”

At his nod, two scientists approached VV and A. A cute little blonde in a lab coat smiled at A, grasping her hand. ”Hi there, my name is Doctor Willfreed. I'll be looking after you today. Now, tell me, have you been feeling any pain, anything abnormal since falling from the sky?”

Doctor Willfreed spoke enthusiastically and quickly as she guided A over to one of the gurneys. The same happened with VV, being led to another gurney nearby.

Another scientist approached Val with a hot cup of… Well, it smelled like coffee. But with the lack of coffee beans in Dust, it had to be artificial. A convincing fake, give the robust, full aroma it had.

That was when General Solen looked over at Val, and gestured for him to come forward. Of course, before that, he would have to hand over his rifle to one of the guards for safe-keeping.

”Protocol.” The general said plainly, not really giving much room for argument. ”But I am interested to hear how you got mixed up in all this. And what you can tell me about these two girls…”

A smaller scientist with two pink buns atop her head stood in front of Mimi, small hand brushing against his burnt feathers. She couldn't have been much older than a child. ”You're hurt! Letha enya fialth'vae. (Let's get you fixed up.)”

And the small child scientist began dragging Mimi over to Wren's gurney, where she rummaged through the station, pulling out some type of aerosol spray. She pointed it at his tail. ”Hold still, okay?”

ArrowFell: The Wizard Queen's Court

Map of Hathforth

Outer Bristol

A poor neighborhood outside the Hathforth wall. They are mainly made of farmers and farm hands.

White Fields

Poorer than Outer Bristol, with a few families living in tents. These are mainly made out of farmers and their families, and farm hands.

Upper Bristol

The largest neighborhood with the highest concentration of the poor. Also has the highest concentration of those who live in tents. These are mainly industry workers, such as fishers, miners, and farm hands.

Lower Bristol

A modest neighborhood, with a bit more weather than Upper Bristol. These are manual laborers, such as construction workers, miners, industrial workers, servers and waitresses.

Aethera Meadows

A well-off neighborhood with a mix of shops. From its name, it is the highest concentration of elves and half-elves in the city. Lots of the city's enchanting is done here, with some pieces even being commissioned by the Wizards Queen. Adventurers frequent this sector quite a bit.

Elysia Quarters

The quarters of the guards, where the barracks are located, as well as the prisons. This was were Duke Sev Willowsteel was held before his execution. It's proximity to the castle gives the royals more protection in the event of an attack, though it is a bit of a walk to the city walls for guard duty every day.

Castle Gardens

The most lavish, expensive and aristocratic neighborhood in Hathforth. Noble households surround the castle walls. St the edge, the All-Force Cathedral resides, a massive establishment that Potentate Heavy-handed often frequents. These areas are patrolled heavily by the city guard.

Belle borne

This is mainly where adventurers live, having well-to-do houses, settling down with families, and having a base with which to return to after adventures. There are a number of illicit establishments here, such as smoking parlours and pleasure dens.

Gold-Touch

This is a well-to-do neighbourhood mainly filled with wealthy merchants, educated folk, enchanters and folks who know how to make money. From the name, this place is riddled with taverns, pleasure dens, and other establishments where illicit and illegal means happen.

North Pearl

North Pearl is much like South Pearl, except it doesn't have nearly as large of a port or pier. However, that doesn't make it any less quiet. The merchants here travel from all across the province to distribute their unique and exotic wares in the stalls of North Pearl. less known, North Pearl also has a thriving black market in the wee hours of the night.

South Pearl

South Pearl, along with North Pearl, are the prime places where you can get fresh catches and street food with crispy potatoes and fish fritters. This is also where prime boutiques where all manner of charms, enchantments, weapons and Seeds can be bought. This is where the Pier Plaza is located, hosting the largest port in Hathforth, and small stalls with bustling customers. This is also where the Execution Platform is, at the center of the Pier Plaza.

Iris Ascendis

Yeahhhh, that karma is a real kick in the butt, eh? xD

Iris Ascendis

"I know she rests here. Bring me to the Umbralist."

Ohhhh maaaaaan. :o

Umbra: The Abyssal Connection

A bit busier than I would have liked to be tonight, it should be up tomorrow. Apologies for the delay!

Dark Beyond: Voices of the Past

Ah, no worries, thanks for the heads up! We'll wait a little more. :)

Dark Beyond: Voices of the Past

@WhiteAngel25 Heyyy, any luck? :)

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Whoops, sorry Blizz. I may have posted a bit too quick, or a bit too vague, then. I imagined the dragon falling into the storm, and then dissolving. Not the actual Veil stone thingy. Does that work? Or shall I change it? Just let me know.