ThatRPgirl

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

<Snipped quote by LetMeDoStuff>

I mean, you could just tell them.

@Silver

Or even just set the candy outside.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

Isla listened as Lance spoke, having always preferred to be a listener over a speaker. Only two years older than her, well, three when winter came she supposed, as her birthday was in the spring.

She also noticed there was no ringing of metal like earlier, and while she had already begun to wonder about it, she didn't want to ask at least yet. Luckily, Lance answered for her, explaining his power and thus confirming her earlier guess that his abilities centered around the metal he carried.

"No, I don't," Isla said quietly when asked if she had other questions. After all, her ear was twitching with far off sounds of shouts and children screams. The village might be a half mile away. Isla batted the idea back and forth in her mind of continuing on with Lance as a travel companion, and decided to just carry on unless she had a reason to go off alone again. So far, she didn't have a reason except still feeling badly, and like she owed an apology to the man. She was much better at actions than words though.

"The village is close," Isla spoke, making sure she was as completely hidden under her cloak as possible as they approached.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

Isla rubbed the side of the dagger harder and harder as Lance spoke. She was so confused and conflicted. Was a magic user apologizing to her? And earlier promised no one would harm her with him around? And was promising to not hurt any humans? Though her face was shaded, she looked almost close to angry tears, as if she had a migraine. The back and forth inside her head made the last of Lance's words just all the more jumbled in her ears. Was he saying he used to destroy villages? Or that he was going to kill people that did so? Or both?

"I don't want to do this," Isla choked, turning her body. One hand grabbed Lance's arm, and the other moved to stab him. The aim was haphazard and her speed slow as her heart and mind fought, affecting her ability to genuinely harm her companion.

Lance Eisert

The connection of blade against Lance would feel not at all as intended. Observing Isla's demeanor, along with feeling the grip on his arm, Lance was able to predict the actions unfolding. Instinctually, the handle of his bastardsword magically parted from the blade. Lance's magi-talent kicked in allowing said chunk of metal to group where Isla attempted to stab. The fragment of metal also panned out into a pancake type shape, to block more area, in case Lance's calculations were not one hundred percent accurate.

Instead of blade against flesh, Isla would feel metal against metal. Upon contact the metal even pooled around and ensnared the blade, aiming to stop further action. Natural response kicked in more than Lance planned. Each rod or needle of metal now levatitated above his person. Prepared to defend if any more unexpected events unfolded.

"Of course you don't, it's only instinct driving your current actions." Lance was holding onto the arm which Isla had on his own. The metal needles above didn't budge an inch. Merely floated within range in case needed. "Which is why you should stand down. I don't want to fight you, most definitely don't wish to harm you either. Just like deep down you don't wish to fight, nor harm, me either." Hopefully Part of what Lance said didn't sound alike a threat. Since it was far from it. The metal which caught the dagger simply held it in place. Waiting for if Isla would continue before trying to push it away or disarm her. Despite current scenario. Lance felt trying to disarm Isla wouldn't go well, only end up invoking more feelings of being threatened.

Isla

Isla's closed eyes squinted open when a clink was the noise made by her blade hitting Lance. A slight reverberation went through her arm, as if she had stabbed a sheet of metal. She tried to yank the knife back, but it was stuck. Letting out a frustrated grunt through her nose, Isla gave up and took a step back, assuming he must have been wearing armor he could manipulate somehow. She didn't go more than a couple inches back though, as the magic user held onto her arm, while her grip on his loosened completely and her hand simply rested there.

Her hollow eyes looked up to where she guessed his eyes to be, fairly accurately since she was more aware of his height now. A tear fell out of each eye as he spoke to her, and she realized how much she didn't like herself like this. What would her parents think? Their only living child wasn't avenging them at all. Just spreading the pain that had been laid on her shoulders 7 long years ago. And Isla was embarrassed. The magic user was a much better person than she was.

"Can I have my knife back?" she asked pitifully, pausing before adding in a whisper, "I'll leave you when we get to Moonbright. Then you won't have to worry about me." Her right hand scratched the scar tissue on her left shoulder, the wet line on her cheeks from tears that had stopped now.

Lance Eisert

Simultaneously Isla's dagger and arm were released by Lance. The floating defense measure once known as the Bastard-sword's handle, returned to being such. The metal rods or needles above, however, combined into a staff or walking stick and floated into Lance's grip. Now Lance would use the staff as he walked. "Honestly, I forgive you for your reaction. Several years ago, if i were in your position and situation, I probably would of done similar things." A sigh of sorrow released from Lance. Traveling alone was so boring by his perception.

"If wish, I won't blame you for parting ways. Though only want you to understand. Your more than welcome to accompany me as long as you wish." On that note he'd continue walking, though would hesitate if she didn't follow suit. Or simply wait for her if she didn't move immediately, or became stuck in thought for a moment.

Isla

Isla let her arm fall and heard the thud that must have been her dagger hitting the ground. She remained silent as Lance forgave her, hearing him beginning to walk. She wiped her cheeks a bit with a sniff before bending down and running her fingers through the dirt til they hit the dagger. She put it away and stood straight again, turning and following Lance.

"How old are you exactly?" she questioned as she caught up. Considering his words of 'several years ago', Isla assumed at least a few older than her. "And what is your ability? Moving metal? Or do you just have special armor?" she also asked, voice a bit quiet.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

The woman smirked again at Lance's words, gazing ahead of them and dragging her bare feet a bit to prevent stepping on anything like sticks.

"Well, aren't you chivalrous?" Isla chuckled. She wasn't being condescending despite her fondness for sarcasm. She was actually impressed with anyone who would put their life on the line for a stranger. She did raise an eyebrow at his questioning of her views though, assuming her views weren't unlike many others.

"Um, well, I suppose humans are a bit of a toss up aren't they? Some good, some bad. Magi... I don't think one exists that isn't dangerous. Except maybe children. But even still they will be one day." Isla seemed a bit sad or pitying towards the last sentence. Her lips became tight, and throat tighter, as she thought about her memories... not just from her family dying, but over the last several years as well.

Lance Eisert

While walking towards their destination their conversations continued. "Magi and humans, are alike in that aspect of being unpredictable. I've crossed members of both origin who are good and evil." Eyes never stopped sluggishly drifting across their surroundings. Searching and planning in case a threat arose. "You're partly accurate with Magi and their powers potential. Hell, I've crossed paths with individuals who's powers were dangerous for even themselves. Whereas, another individual could only change their own, or another's, facial features." It had been a while since Lance got to speak with another like he was with Isla. Lance only hoped their interactions would turn sour as they shared their views of the world.

Isla

"Still sounds like it could be dangerous to me," Isla mumbled under her breath. She could easily imagine the power Lance described as harmless used to steal an identity or manipulate. But she didn't want to alienate her new companion too much.

"Maybe introduce me to a decent magic user sometime. It'd be quite an experience," Isla smiled, giving a half chuckle at the impossible occurrence.

Lance Eisert

Lance hoped the next words spoken didn't startle Isla, though if there was a better time than any it would be now. "Would you consider myself a decent individual?" A brief pause occurred between speaking. "If your answer is yes, than you've already met a decent Magi." Wits were about him or on guard as he said what he did. If Isla were to react harshly or negatively, as much as he wouldn't want to defending himself would be priority number one. Though doubted if he would harm her, unless serious reason provoked said actions. "Now I'd understand if you wished to part ways upon learning this. If you do, I'll be happy to take another path to Moonbright, or separate once we get there." If Isla didn't believe him, showing his ability wouldn't be so hard. Though his statement before, about why he carried so much metal, would of be known as a lie. Possibly infringe on Isla's ability to further trust Lance, as well.

Isla

"Oh," Isla said, the disappointment thick in her voice as her feet stumbled slightly before she paused walking. She lifted her hood gently over her head again before resuming her walk. If he'd asked, she would have made a lie about the sun being annoying on her scalp, when really she just tended to use it to express how she was feeling inside. In this moment, that was stupid, and sad.

"I don't know you, Lance. And you don't know me. I'm guessing your ability has something to do with metal..." Isla spoke more as a statement than a question, her vocal tone now low and unfeeling. Her mind was running a couple different directions. One side said he could have easily killed her by now and hadn't, of course he was decent. The other side told her he'd surely killed before, and what if he was leading her to an ambush? Not to mention every experience she'd had running into a magic user had always confirmed they hated humans... hated her. And she hated right back. Now she was confused.

One of her hands began reacting on instinct and slipped a dagger out of a pocket, hidden under her cloak. She sighed heavily and rubbed her thumb across the flat side. "Magic users took everything from me, you know?" Isla swallowed hard, continuing to walk.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

"If you haven't noticed," Isla said with a smirk and slight laugh, "there are some settlements that are nearly all, if not all magic users. Humans aren't always the most welcome. Even if they were, I hate being outnumbered. Makes me nervous. Considering the world we live in," she explained, getting quiet towards the end, all while continuing her trek with Lance.

Isla was quiet for a little bit, considering whether or not she should open up to this man or not. It was nice when she did find a temporary companion, so she could speak to someone besides herself.

"I... I suppose I also already feel vulnerable enough, you know? I mean, I feel perfectly capable of taking care of myself, but at the same time, I'm a human, a woman, blind... that makes me seen as an easy target. To say I get attacked regularly would be an understatement." Isla didn't say much after that, and her expression remained smooth, but admitting such things made her feel vulnerable in a different way. Since Lance could easily decide 'you know, she is an easy target' and turn on her.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

Isla smirked slightly when the person chuckled, but it disappeared as she heard his pause before explaining the metal.

"Hmm," was all she responded with though, turning her dagger over once before hesitantly sliding it back in its pocket. She didn't quite believe him, but he still didn't seem like an immediate danger.

"Isla," she answered him, realizing there wasn't much sense in keeping her face covered if he'd already noticed her blindness. So she lifted her arms and moved the cloak hood back. Her eyes seemed to stare above him rather than directly where they should. 

"It's nice to meet you as well, Lance. Do you know if there is a village nearby? And if it's human-friendly?" Isla asked, her natural voice much more melodic and smooth when not nervous like she had been upon first meeting the man.

Lance Eisert

Lance's responded. "You're more than welcome to accompany me. Not only is there a nearby village, but I'm headed towards it. The place is called Moonbright Village. It is Human-friendly. From what I hear they are not fond of Magi, yet don't exactly kill them on sight if one passes through. Merely allow them to pay or trade for resources needed, then with a hurried attitude send them away." Lance paused for a moment, not sure if his purpose should be told to Isla. Though goes on a whim and explains anyways. "I warn you now. My appearance there may not be welcome once I begin pursuit of my goal. I need to find information on 'a man who wields flames of darkness'. Such questioning or detail gathering could attract negative attention, no doubt. I've been hunting this man for several months now, so if you have any information on him. I'd be appreciative if you shared it with me." Part of what Lance stated was truth. In fact he was looking for a 'man who wielded black-flames', though he wasn't exactly hunting the man.

Isla

Isla stayed quiet for a while after Lance spoke. She was taking in everything he said and was turning it over in her head a little longer than the average person might. "I see," she eventually said quietly, only taking a little pause before speaking again this time. "I have heard of Moonbright, though I've never been there before. We can head there together," she decided. "Whether fortunate or unfortunate, I do not know of this man you seek. As you can see, flames and I don't get along. I'm not sure I'd like to confront such a magic user. But I'm used to being shoo'd away anyway, so that won't matter to me." Isla lifted her arms, showing the dazzling scars trailing from her fingertips to her elbows. The scars, her blindness, and the cloak were what seemed to make so many uncomfortable and caused her to be unwelcome even among the humans at times. She lowered her arms again and tilted her head in a questioning fashion. "Shall we leave?"

Lance Eisert

On that note, Lance stood, they took their leave of the small creek. While walking, Lance asked another question. "Why are you concerned on Moonbright's acceptance of magi? I understand if you wish to not answer, though i'm still curious." Lance doubted she would answer, or give him indication of her heritage. Yet Lance, even not looking so, was constantly on guard. Better yet, the man didn't know how to relax or ease said guard. Not only was he waiting to see if something said would trigger a negative outcome between himself and Isla. But a part of himself always awaited danger which could theoretically lurk around any corner or moment. As before, each step or every so many steps. The metal rods or needles dangling from his bag would chime as they collided with one another as consequence of his movements.

Isla

Isla gave a slightly surprised look at Lance's question, walking near enough to the man. After all, it would be hard to lose him considering the metal sounds emanating with every step. "I'm not concerned with their acceptance of Magi, but their acceptance of humans."

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

Isla could feel the gaze of the other traveler fall on her. She could only wonder if his eyes noticed her weapon or if he would be too surprised and simply try to study her face. That seemed to be what most people with eyesight did... judged someone's personality by looking at their face. Isla found other ways to judge. Smooth or jerky movements, the quiver or strength of a voice.

At the man's quick response, Isla felt a few of the tighter muscles in her body slack. She was still prepared to turn and sprint like a rabbit but for some reason, the man hadn't moved an inch. She would have heard instantly thanks to his windchime-like load, but he must have only turned his head when he heard her voice, and not his whole body. Interesting.

There was a brief pause, where Isla took in his scent from a breeze barely moving between them. Man and sweat. Not surprising. And as the man spoke again, she could hear the clear quality of his voice. He certainly wasn't afraid of her, and although slightly exerted sounding, she was sure that was from the walking he must have been doing to get to this spot.

The actual words he spoke deflated her slightly. As soon as most deduced she was blind, she was treated like a leper or like she would be easily intimidated. Neither was pleasant. This one might be different though. He'd used an awful lot of words for something that could have been asked in three words (are you blind?). But instead he gave her a choice in answering, signalling respect, and he mentioned her eyes, signalling his observance. 

"Yes, I'm blind," the woman answered matter of factly, moving both her arms now to her sides so they rested under her cloak. She let a small moment of silence occur before her curiosity spoke. "What is your name... and why are you carrying a percussion group on your person?"

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

The cloaked young woman had collected almost all of her items, when an unnatural sound went off in the distance. Like a cautious deer, Isla instantly seized up except for her head. She had one hand reaching out towards her satchel, but it was frozen while her head moved in little twitches so her ear was more directed towards this chime.

The metallic noise rung out again, and Isla scrambled, pulling the last of her effects to her person and sliding off the large boulder. Her back and head pressed against the stone, cheek to the surprisingly smooth surface while her lithe fingers slid a small dagger from a pocket. Only the tip of her nose and below escaped the shade of her hood, and the fingers which held her weapon had pink scars tearing through them, looking like climbing flames ironically. It all gave her a rather menacing appearance. Her breath seemed so incredibly audible to her, but she knew the sighted wouldn't notice like she did. Not to mention whoever was walking up to this very spot was making enough noise to scare everything nearby. There would be no way they would perceive her breathing.

Finally the progressively louder metal sounds were so close, Isla gripped her weapon in preparation to fight. But instead of continuing, the noisy traveller paused before reaching her. A tiny splash of water. Thudding leather. Who knew how many weapons this person carried? It had to be many. Isla swallowed hard, hilt of her dagger pressed onto her palm and blade peeking between her fingers. This was always the part where she had a choice to make. Yell friend or foe? Yell human or magi? Stay quiet and hope she escaped notice? Attack unprovoked? The last option was one she'd never used though she couldn't say the same for others who had run across her.

Isla thought quickly and came to the conclusion that whoever was simply a few feet on the other side of the boulder must be incredibly weighted with all this clanging metal. She was confident that if she could determine their intentions before they could rid themselves of the load, then she had every ability to escape. So the woman closed her ineffective eyes, her rarely used voice on the deeper side for a woman but cracking slightly - "Friend or foe?"

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Isla

Isla sat on a large, smooth boulder, sunlight pouring over her. She was cross legged, hood of cloak folded back and equipment like her bow and satchel laying all about her. The blind huntress had been sun drying some strips of meat into jerky at this spot for a couple days, and now she was enjoying her patience by nibbling on a piece. She had become creative in her cooking methods since she refused to use fire. With her free hand, Isla scratched at some of the scar tissue on her right arm, exposed thanks to the baggy linen shirt she wore having the sleeves torn off it (they had been awfully puffy and simply got in her way). The off white men's shirt was tucked into some actually well fitting, if not tight, brown rough pants. She had traded for them a couple of months ago, needing the pockets it afforded for her small daggers she was so fond of. The 24 year old carried some basic, flat sandals in her bag, but almost always walked barefoot. The feel of the earth beneath her feet often guided her and shoes simply got in the way. Because of this, her slender feet were usually caked in dirt, leaving footprints if she dared enter an actual establishment. For now though, Isla was enjoying a cluster of trees and creek around some rolling hills. She often felt more at home alone like this than in villages anyway.

Isla swallowed the last bit of the jerky piece she'd been chewing, before fiddling with the edges of the dark hood hanging out around her neck. Her grey, white eyes stared aimlessly out in front of her, wisps of dark brown hair tickling her features occasionally when a crisp breeze would float by. Despite the state of her feet, they were very clean fingers that ran along the edge of the cloak before pulling it up and over her figure. Methodically, as if she had all the time in the world, Isla began packing her things, one ear listening to her own noise, the other ear taking in every other noise around her. While packing she also sniffed the air periodically, feeling in her gut that a settlement was merely a half days walk away.

Humans VS. Magic-Users (Ch.1:Beginnings)

Name/Alias/Title: Isla

Appearance: Stands 5'7", average weight/build, light tan skin, grey white eyes, long dark brown hair, burn scars running up her arms



Quote: I can smell your fear. I can hear your heart race. I can taste the sweat trickling down your neck.



Age: 24

Gender: female

Sexuality: heterosexual

Race: human

Habits/ticks/quirks (etc):

• Turns her ear towards someone when they speak, rather than looking at them.
• Keeps her guard up longer than most, finds it very difficult to be trusting.
• Often creates awkward silences in conversations as she tends to over think, and have little conversations in her head so she forgets the other person is there.

Skills/Talents/etc.:

• Great at close range combat with a short blade (thus her collection of daggers)
• Able to hunt deer using her longbow despite her blindness.
• A survivor. She has been taking care of herself for 6 years now and is not easily fooled or foiled anymore

Likes:

• Dancing
• Swimming/the water
• Hand to hand combat

Dislikes:

• Very loud noises
• Sleeping
• Fire

Personality:

Isla is basically a giant ball of emotional scar tissue. She has a good core, and used to be a very happy, open, and loving girl. Now she presents a very real mask to the world, one that is suspicious, angry, stoic, and yet strategic and thoughtful. She is an ally and friend to most every human, and a pain for any magic user. She has travelled with humans in the last 6 years and made friends, but all have died or settled in places visited while traveling.

Bio/History:
Isla was born in a small village of less than 100 people. Most families were self sustaining- gardening, herding livestock, weaving, etc. Most everyone got along in the community, and absolutely everyone was human.

Isla was the only daughter among her parents seven children, and loved to wrestle with her brothers growing up, being very much one of the boys. Each child was expected to learn a skill to serve them after they grew up, and Isla took after one of her older brothers and became excellent at bow hunting. She and that brother, Hugo, would go have hunting trips and bring home meat to their family, and life was good.

Until the Magic users attacked. A small group passed through on horses in the dead of night, laughing evilly and shouting as they wreaked havoc. Isla isn't sure if all of them were fire users, but some were, and one destroyed her home. She managed to crawl out of the blazing hut, but when she looked around her, none of her family had emerged with her. Panic induced adrenaline set in and the 17 year old girl leapt back in, smoke filling her lungs, flames lashing her skin, and embers popping into her eyes as she grabbed the only two bodies she could find in her half blind state and pulled them out. She spent the next several hours smacking and yelling at the bodies of two of her younger siblings, demanding they wake, until her voice began to crack. Then she sat in silence, listening to the few other survivors walk around, but unable to see them.

Isla recovered for a year, taken care of by a few of her surviving neighbors, but never regaining her sight. They tried to prevent her from leaving, but revenge was a thorny vine digging into her heart and mind, not allowing her to think clearly. So she set out with a satchel, a few weapons, and a cloak to hide her face so she wasn't immediately known as blind and then attacked as an easy target. In the last 6 years traveling alone, Isla has killed numerous magic users. She has also been attacked multiple times but has lived through it. She still continues her travels, intent on killing any magic user she can.

Equipment/Tools/Items/etc.:

• Several small daggers hidden on her person
• A long bow (for hunting) and arrows
• A satchel with survival supplies (jug for water, matches, ointment for cuts, a bit of money and food, etc)

Other:

Any other information you find neccisary to cover, goes here.