ButtsnBallsThe Witch’s tent
"Yes Yes come in." The old woman walked with a hobbled step around her small tent. She came to seat where an orb was sitting, glowing brightly with a mythical aura. "Have a seat please." She awaited Garrett who entered first to take a seat before her across the table. Two small cups that were previously empty suddenly steamed with a piping hot red tea. "Now you may ask of me what you will. But in return I will give you the gift of knowing your own fate. However fates can be changed once one knows where they're headed." She placed her hands over the orb. Soon the light inside began to whirl like a tornado, then slowly but surely, riddled with particles. Like a galaxy. "It would seem that your ambitions will lead you to great things. However it will also be your down fall. Be wary. Some sacrifices may need to be made. Either good ones or bad ones. The sacrifices you make for your ambitions or against it will decide whether you lay in the dark or basking in the light." She then rested her hands on the table. Ready to receive any questions from the man. But placing up a finger. "You may ask one question. I apologize but time is very valuable to me."Garrett above all else took a seat as well as a cup with hot tea, sipping as the seer of a woman did her soothsaying.
What she had to say was surprising, if anything he's only revealed his ambitious goals to one person, and in no way gives off that aura otherwise. It signaled that what she had to say was no lie or some odd form of blasphemy.
Sacrifice. At this point that is exactly what he was willing to do just to make sure the alliance succeeded. Though, it seems that the success of more than the alliance will require sacrifices.
A question to ask this woman that just gave a prophetic telling that reinforced his resolve, answering most of what he would ask.
"It's funny how anybody else with great ambitions would ask a question on how to make their lives easier on making their dreams a reality. I don't think I have one of those at the moment. Thank you for opening my eyes a little more. My one question I do have is a little selfish. I just need to know if I will ever be liked among my peers. Appreciated. more or less, and if you're able to, give some explanation that could help me with that path."
"I'm afraid the way things are headed now you will not receive general appeal among those you are currently associated with. However there will be opportunities to change your outward appearance to others." With a poignant tone she spoke. She then turned to the opening. "I wish you well on your travels."
Once the situation became resolved, Tali found a good spot to lay down and began to sun herself while she waited. She quietly hummed a song as she relaxed. She really wasn't bothered by the order of things. Given the old woman was a witch, she assumed there was more than just stories going on. She got a wicked idea to tease Nailah, so she began to weave some magic to practice her hero summoning. Perhaps in the near future, she could repurpose the simple spell for her impish ends.
Itzel hovered in one spot, seeming to be thinking. She was gauging whether it would be a good idea to begin crafting while the others entered the woman's home. She wanted to make some barding for Gaston, but he always refused and acted like she was trying to suppress his beauty.
Once gaston got the attention he wanted, he let out a loud but comfortable grumble. He sat down and looked at the rest of the group with a look that said, "You will pet me eventually. You know you will love me."
"Thank you. This makes things clearer. Be safe."
Garrett finished the drink in his cup, setting it back down where he found it, then standing in giving a thankful bow.
"Thank you for the hospitality. Perhaps if my ambitions come true, I'd love to see you in my court."
With that, Garrett departed from the tent signaling some other of the team to take his place. At the time he'd approach Acrid as a place to stay by while he waits for the others to inquire within the oracle's hut.
(edited)
With a grunt the giant replied to Allard. It was a possible 'I don't like you' or a 'Sure buddy' grunt. Either way it let him know this giant was not happy being talked to so casually. He had a job to do and none of them would be on his good side.The giant looked as Garrett stepped out of the tent from between his legs. He stepped out of his way, a little rattle in the earth as he moved. "Next may come." He allowed another to step forward.
Lynn couldn't help but end her petting session with a big hug, Gaston was just too soft not to! She giggled to herself as she pulled a feather from her hair. When she noticed Garrett walking out, she got excited to talk t the nice lady herself. "Oh! Can I go next?" she asked. It didn't seem like anyone else was ready to go yet, so she decided that she could go on. When she floated up to the giant, she looked up with her innocent smile and waved to him. "Hi! Pleasure to meet you! I'm Lynn! I've never met a giant before, you're so incredible! I'll try not to take too much of your time, promise!" She gave him a bow and then went to go to the tent, waiting for the giant to allow her entry when they were ready, she stepped off her staff, which would remain floating outside. Once inside, she would see where the lady had a place for them, but out of politeness stood unless instructed other wise. She bowed to the lady with her hands clasped low in front of her. "Its a pleasure to meet you and your friend! I hope we aren't being a bother!" She said with her ears perked up and her tail happily yet slowly swaying from side to side behind her. Her eyes wondered across all the different knickknacks and objects in the tent, fascinated by them.
"Come in come in. Please have a seat dear." Once Lynn took a seat she let out a meager laugh. She put her hands to the sphere and it began to glow like a storm of light. "Now you may ask of me what you will. But in return I will give you the gift of knowing your own fate. However fates can be changed once one knows where they're headed." She took a moment before speaking. "Oh you poor sprite. Your perseverance will assure you many allies on your path. Those willing to lay down their lives to protect you. But your purity will be coveted by those who seek to get closer to you. Do not trust so quickly young sprite. And you must steel yourself for what may come ahead of you." She rested her hands from over the orb. Ready to receive any questions from the girl. But placing up a finger. "You may ask one question. I apologize but time is very valuable to me."
What the woman had said had instantly made her think of both Tali and Nailah. She had only known them both a little over a day now and felt like she could trust them, but they weren't bad people, right? They have been so nice and helpful, she doubted the lady was talking about them.Maybe she was trying to warn her of others another their journey. As for steeling herself, she thought about the time Pearl came under attack from the plants. She had dealt with injured and gruesome wounds, but she had never been on a battlefield before. Lynn gave a little bow to the woman, her face a bit more serious given the situation. "I will try my best to keep those around me alive and well with the skills I have learned. I hope none ever have to sacrifice themselves on my behalf." she said in response to the woman.
As for her question, Lynn was at a loss. "I, uh....I'm not sure what I have to ask for myself, or rather, maybe there are things that shouldn't be asked. I guess, I'll just ask about...." She thought for a moment and then remembered about the giant outside. Her ears perked up once again with new excitement. "Oh! That's right! I've never seen a giant before, it's amazing! Are there more? Are they kinda grumpy like him? What might cheer him up?" Lynn stopped and withdrew a bit. "Oh, sorry, that's three questions.... then....maybe, does he like singing?"
"I admit he is quite the sight at first. But over time I've learned to see him just as any other man. One with his own past and destiny. I suppose you are blissfully unaware." She chuckled a bit. "His kind are a rare breed of descendant. Old blood from before the dragon war lingers in us all. Some more than others." She then gestured for the entrance. "Next may enter."
Lynn bowed once more to the lady and thanked her before heading out of the tent. She waved to the giant once more as she got of her staff and startedbto float back towards the group. She smiled as she passed Nailah on her way back to her carriage. Instead of going in it, she sat on top of it to stay in the fredh air a little linger as she thought about what the lady said. Nailah and Tali wouldnt be takong advantage of her, would they? The thought never crossed her mind before, but looking back, Tali's actions seemed odder than Nailah's, but she didnt feel like there was any harm in what she was doing. Lynn sighed, this inly seemed to make her own questions even more frustrating.
As Nailah laid down on the grass, looking to the sky, she couldn't help but notice Itzel, hovering above them almost as if she was thinking very hard about something. The woman's appearance was undoubtedly enthralling. Especially her wings and how the light reflected on her scales, creating beautiful patterns on the ground that twisted and changed as she moved herself. She spent a good while simply relaxing and looking up, bathing in the sunlight and the rainbow reflections coming from Itzel without noticing that she was staring at her. The moment she noticed though, she couldn't help but to chuckle as she sat down.
It was then that Nailah heard the giant replying to Allard with nothing but a grunt, making her laugh as she turned to Allard in a clear 'I told you so' smug.
"You already know what I'm going to say~" Nailah said with a teasing, singing tone to her voice.
Unexpectedly, it didn't take that long for Garrett to leave the old woman's tent as the giant moved out of the way. She was certainly expecting it to take more time but she simply shrugged when he walked away from the tent towards his horse.
When the giant's thundering voice said for the next to come, Lynn immediately asked if she could go, excited. Despite the Giant obviously not being that sociable, Lynn floated up to the giant, looking towards him with an innocent smile and waving to him before she went inside.
Just like Garrett, it didn't take that much time for her to get out, but she was definitely thinking hard about what the old woman had said to her. That only made Nailah even more curious.
"I guess I'm next then." Nailah said, standing up as she discreetly nodded towards the giant as she went inside the tent.
The moment she entered the tent, she gave a discreet bow to the old woman, introducing herself.
"I'm Nailah, a priestess from the Temple of the Fallen Goddess. It's a pleasure to meet you." she said, with a kind smile.
"Oh, but even though I am a 'priestess' you don't need to worry about boring sermons, someone judging you or me trying to convert you. We are not like that." Nailah said, with a giggle. By the way she looked at the old woman, it was clear that she was incredibly curious.
"Ooooh. A priestess. What a divine title." She seemed delighted by the impression Nailah was giving. The witch then gestured for Nailah to take a seat across the table. "Now you may ask of me what you will. But in return I will give you the gift of knowing your own fate. However fates can be changed once one knows where they're headed." She placed her hands over the orb. Once Nailah were to sit it's inner milky aura began to swirl. It moved with a sky like celestial motion and color. Blue orb yet white mist. She watched for a few minutes then brought her hands together in thought. "[color=black]It seems you won't be able to truly help those you're developing true relationships with. Not without sacrificing the allegiances of your past. You may very will be ready. If so. A grand awakening awaits you priestess. May you rest in the divine.[color]" She then rested her hands on the table. Ready to receive any questions from the woman. But placing up a finger. "You may ask one question. I apologize but time is very valuable to me." Garrett hummed as he waited by his horse, this was quite boring, he shouted out for everyone near him that were also waiting to get going after everyone had their turn at the oracle. It was quite a great thing to ask at this moment.
"Nice weather right now, aint it?"
Aeden stared blankly at Garrett as he tried to start up a conversation. It was the most awkward question. The most basic and simple conversation starter. He then glanced up toward the storm the giant had looked at so longingly. Finally, he settled his gaze back on Garrett with an expression of incredulity. "Did you seriously just comment about the weather?"
He had to restrain a laugh. "You aren't used to casual conversation are you?"
Tali's spell practice was interrupted when Garret made the most basic, and frankly boring, attempt at casual conversation. She looked at him much as a disappointed parent would look at a child that just made a huge mistake. "For your first time trying to talk to us casually, you pick that question? Of all the things that have happened to us in a single day, the weather, really? I agree with Aeden. I'm guessing a lot of your issues with trying to talk to people comes from lack of experience. What were you doing before this?"
Itzel heard the poor attempt at conversation and turned away to stifle and hide a small giggle. It wasn't a social gaff so much as an obvious social ineptitude that would have been detrimental in Gaian nobility. She turned back, looking much as she did before to maintain the politeness of a royal. "Considering a storm is nearby, I would imagine the weather could be better."
Gaston heard the fiasco and let out a snort as a proxy laugh. Unlike his owner, he was not beholden to politeness. He just lost his petting girl, so he got up and loped over to Shye, nudging her hand with his nose, looking at her with his best cute look.
(edited)
Just as Nailah had initially suspected, the old woman was more than just a hermit. As she sat down across the table as per the old woman's request, she carefuly heard as she explained. Nailah could make any question for her but the price to be paid was knowing her own fate. Nailah quietly nodded as she heard her explanation, indicating she was ready.
Placing her hands over an orb that was on the table, Nailah watched as it slowly changed. The milky aura inside began to swirl like clouds. The white mist contrasted with the blue orb.
After Nailah heard her own 'fate', she couldn't help but being silent for a brief while, thinking about it. What did she mean by allegiances of her past? She saw herself as a truly free woman, who had no 'allegiances'. The only allegiance Nailah could think of was with the Temple... Would she have to sacrifice that to be able to help Lynn and the others?
Many questions rose on Nailah's mind together with the words spoken by the old woman, but instead of tiring herself trying to discover what the old woman's words meant, Nailah simply nodded with a understanding smile on her face.
"Thank you for your wise words. I may not be able to fully understand them yet, but I know that when the time comes, I will know what they meant." Nailah said, with a discreet but polite bow to the old woman.
"Regarding my question..." Nailah said, with a serious expression, hesitating for a moment.
"It's about my blood and my origins..." Nailah said, with a thoughtful expression.
"There is a side of me that I've been hiding and suppressing even though it's precisely because of this side that I am alive today..." Nailah said, with a bitter expression as she remembered about her past in the Fotian Arenas and the time when her instincts and her dragon blood were everything she had.
"I need to know who I really am and what I really am if I want to protect those whom I hold dear." Nailah finished.
It was clear to the old woman by her expression and her voice that Nailah was confused and conflicted about that matter.(edited)
The witch placed her hands flat on the table. Contemplating Nailah's words for a moment. "I cannot tell you what your past may have entailed. Such as your mother or father. But by looking at your fate I saw a woman whose unique blood will open doors no others could. That is. You are indeed a most unlikely breed. Have solace in knowing that you will decide who you are not just your bloodline." She gave a light hearted chuckle at the end. "You may go now." She waved Nailah goodbye as she left out. "Next"
Allard chuckled a bit at Garrett bringing up the weather to start a conversation, but to Allard, it didn't seem to be all that far fetched a question given how the sky looked on the horizon. "Aye, friend, its good fur now, but I don't think we will have much time 'fore that storm makes it's way here." Allard looked over to Nailah emerging from the tent. He gave her a warm smile, but she seemed to be lost in her thoughts briefly, much like most the others after coming out of the tent. He decided it was about time he took his turn, and started for the tent him self. He carefully made his way into the tent, trying not to knock anything over, pulling his wings as close to his body as he could. He gave a bow to the woman. "Good day ta ya ma'am. I hope we haven't inconvenienced ya in any way. Been a tad cautious on tha road since the attack in Pearl."
Shye stood by, quietly watching everyone go in and out of the tent. It seemed things were fine, at least right now. She wasn't sure she could go in by herself. Though if Nix was with her, she would feel a lot better. Nix chirped at her on her shoulder, as if knowing what she was thinking. Just then, Gaston, who seemed to appear from nowhere was there practically begging for attention, rubbing into her outstretched hand. She lightly giggled as she scratched under gaston's chin and pet his head, being careful with her clawed gauntlets not to scratch too hard, but it did seem to do the job well. "Well aren't you just a big friendly thing?" she asked as she continued to pet him.
Nix, who was just watching at first from her shoulder, chirped Gaston, leaning in from Shye's shoulder to sniff at him. After seeing Shye pet him for a bit though, she thought it was safe enough to investigate further. The little dragon nimbly hopped from Shye's shoulder to Gaston's back, her ears perking up and eyes wide and dilatated at the feeling of Gaston's soft fur on his back. He would soon hear a soft purring coming from Nix as she started kneading at his fur before snuggling down on his back.
"Come in come in. You may have to stand dear." She said didn't want Allard to be shy about coming in, which he clearly wasn't. But she had to keep her seat safe. "Come here now." She waited for Allard to come closer. "Now you may ask of me what you will. But in return I will give you the gift of knowing your own fate. However fates can be changed once one knows where they're headed." She put her hands to the sphere and it began to glow like a storm of light. She kept her hands over the sphere for a few minutes before saying anything."I see... Your future will be a test of your strength. Many different variables are after you. A worthy trophy for those with strong bloodlust. You musn't fear these forces. With your companions made in your life you will have help in your struggles. But only if you are willing to ask." She then rested her hands on the table. Ready to receive any questions from the man. But placing up a finger. "You may ask one question. I apologize but time is very valuable to me." Allard nodded as he stood where he was asked in the tent. He was relieved she didn't ask him to sit, as he wasn't sure how well the chair would hold up. He listened to her words carefully before replying with his question. "If I let my new companions fight alongside me, however, I always fear that they could suffer a similar fate. I could never forgive myself if my personal battles led ta one of their own demises. I know the job of the strong is to sacrifice themselves fort he ones they love. I have failed ta do just that before...., so please, I ask ya now, will I have the strength needed ta protect them when tha time comes?" His eyes pleaded with her for an answer he himself wasn't sure she could even answer, but ever since he talked to the other shadow skill user, his mind had been a little clouded with the thought of loosing the ones he cares for once again.(edited)
Nailah was satisfied with the old woman's reply. It wasn't exactly what she had expected, but at least it was something and it served to calm down some of Nailah's insecurities and doubts. Especially the last phrase the old woman said. She was the one who would define what she is, not her bloodline.
After thanking the old woman with a silent but polite bow, Nailah got out to let the next one enter. Maybe it was time for her to stop suppressing her instincts that much and start trying to see them as a part of herself.
She knew there was power into her dragon blood, power she would need if she wanted to protect Lynn and the others.
In the other hand, maybe it was a good idea to teach Lynn how to defend herself even if a little bit. The thought that Nailah wouldn't be able to protect her or help her in a tough situation was something she didn't want to think about.
"You surely are strong. But you are only one man and those you wish to protect seem to grow by the day. I would recommend using your strength in other ways. Ways that may be outside of your general path. Perhaps even relying on others will be your strength, as they may learn to rely on you." She seemed to want to help Allard but unable to give a clear answer. After so many people she was feeling a bit tired. "No more for today." After Allard departed from the tent, nearly knocking over a few things as he did, she stepped out as well. "It's a pleasure to have met you all. I have a gift for you all." She brought out from her bag several pouches of a dark purple powder. "This is a grounded herb that will turn one who inhales it into a very honest individual." She chuckled. "But don't use it on me." She hobbled along and handed the pouches to everyone, even the one sleeping in the Ox's food.
Allard nodded solemnly. It wasn't the answer he was looking for, but maybe he didn't need to hear what he wanted to hear. [color=9ACD32]"Thank you. I will take your words ta heart." He bowed and made his way out the tent, trying not to bump into anything, though he still seemed to. He apologized and then rejoined the group.
Allard and Lynn both thanked her for the gift, though neither were sure what to use it for at the moment. Shye was a little crestfallen despite her worries on the matter. She still was a bit curious as to what happened in the tent. She formally bowed and accepted the gift, wishing the woman well. She wasn't sure on how she would use it though. Sure she had an idea as to who but it wouldn't be right to do so.
Dremmick had just finished his sketch as the woman had come out of the tent. He was now standing next to his horse with his arms crossed waiting on the others. He was a little surprised when the woman came his way to hand him a gift. If it did what she said it would, it would be quite valuable. He would hold onto it in case he needed to come by some information later. He gave his normal half bow, in salutations, but then, curiosity got the best of him. "One question, if I may, out of curiosity. That stone over there embedded in the ground. I saw that it contains life energy. What is it exactly?" He asked, with an eyebrow raised.(edited)
The old woman, though her face was not visible, was clearly taken by surprise by Dremmick's question. "What stone dear?" She asked. Baffled by what he was saying. She continued back to the giant and her tent. "This old woman has grown weary. Please do visit me again some time another day. Safe travels to you all." She hobbled her way inside the tent and closed it behind her.
Dremmick's eyebrow rose as she seemed to know nothing about it. He walked over closer to where the large flat stone was, one of his eyes glowing yellow with a silvery aura trailing from it as he activated his soul sight in one eye again. "This one here." he said flatly, "It looks a little odd to be a golem, though it has its own life energy. Were you not aware of this?"
Dremmick's words fell to the Giant to hear. "That is of no concern of yours." He said bluntly with a low growl.
Garrett looked around as if nothing was wrong with what he said
"[color=a0410d0]I thought it was a suitable question to ask. The weather is quite nice at the moment.[/color]"
Garrett inspected the pouch the old seer gave to him along with the others. The lady was quite hospitable up to this point, so he placed the pouch in his carrying bag along with his other provisions for the trip.
Mounting Acrid he'd pace himself back at the forefront of the group.
"Well, if anybody wants to stay and chat with the big guy they're free to, but it's about time we kept on the trail. Any objections?"
He held onto the reins, looking back at the group.
"Interesting. A man who ignores you when you speak to him, and then decides to talk for others when you speak to someone else....," Dremmick flatly stated glancing over to the giant. "It's fine though, just idle curiosity. Though, I suggest if its something you didn't know about, seeing your surprise, it may be worth you looking into." he finished as he hopped onto his horse. From her reaction though, he didn't believe she was surprised that it was there, more that she was surprised he noticed it. He lead his horse back to the front and onward. "Ready when everyone else is," he said as he passed Garrett.
Allard followed along as the group departed, checking on the egg and Aste to see if they were still all okay.
Shye would continue as the group does, If Gaston chose to still walk beside her, she would still give him a scratch or a pet. She was still feeling a bit tired from the last night herself. When she did sleep, it was only a bit at a time in one of the booths in that bar, and she was starting to tire herself. If it weren't for that short relaxing nap at the bath, she probably would be like Aste in the cart by now. Nix, however, slept like a baby, and continued to do just that now that she was on Gaston's back.
When the group would start to move forward, Lynn would wave to both thte old lady and the giant. She got off the roof of her carriage, but she didn't want to go back in it yet. It was too quiet in there normally, so she decided to ride on the back of her horse instead, sitting on the saddle, but with her legs crossed, balanced in the seat.
Nailah couldn't help but smirk when she received the gift from the old woman. That purple powder would be incredibly useful for a lot of situations... She could defintely think about a couple of people on the group whom she would love to use it on, but it would be better for her to wait for the correct time, after all, she had a limited supply of said powder.
That said, when Dremmick asked about the second big boulder, which seemed to have a strange life energy to it, as Dremmick himself mentioned, the old woman genuinely seemed to not know what he was talking about before she walked inside her tent again, bidding them farewell.
Despite the fact that the encounter with the old woman had raised more questions for Nailah than answered, she was satisfied with it. It had made her think more about herself and the ones she wanted to protect.
As the group resumed their trip, so did Nailah, going back to her seat besides Allard on the ox cart.
"It was an... interesting experience." Nailah said, with a thoughtful smile to Allard.
"The words said by the old woman certainly made me... think." She finished. Despite her thoughtful expression, it was clear on her expression and her tone of voice that she was satisfied with the encounter.
Algimar had a small smile on his face. Receiving a gift from the old woman was very unexpected. No doubt about it though. She was a capable mage who lived outside of society. Likely for a very good reason. So he kept the pouch of powder on his belt to stay wary of it. Continuing on the journeys walk with the others.
