[Pavi Lake] A Shooting Star? [Luke Lammergeier]

[Illia]

Time Stamp: 35th of Winter, 511 AV. Was Ukalas a place of solitude, or did everything just feel like it flowed as one energy? In the time she had spent there, she still wasn't sure. Though she didn't care to think much about it. All that mattered to her was being in the presence of her god, Leth. The one that brought her to this wonderful place. It was like being stuck in a blissful dream that would never end. Or at least that's what Illia thought. Suspended in an everlasting happiness, she soon forgot the sadness and pain of what her life once was. But she also forgot the times of joy and celebration as her every thought was slowly consumed by the overwhelming power of Leth. She thought only of him. Listening to the tongues of many, echoing and distorted, there were no words to make out or understand as they spoke in whispers and nonsense. But from out of the sea of voices, one word rang clear and quiet. One she hadn't heard in a very long time and almost forgotten. A distant memory, an appellation, the name of her past. "Aaliyah...." It was the last time she would hear it and understand what it was. With it came memories of her past that slowly seeped in and filled her thoughts. She wandered why it was happening. Something was changing, leaving her bewildered and confused. And as the sound of distorted sobbing reached her ears, she grew uneasy. "My god, Leth... whats... happening? Who is.. crying," she asked reluctantly. Out of fear, or the changing sound of her voice, she wasn't sure. With no reply, the words echoed through her mind and around her, causing her to look around nervously. Soon she noticed something else changing, and it scared her. The warm glowing of the other souls around her were starting to fad, or rather, disappear slowly. And their voices followed, growing distant and eventually silent. Or maybe it was she who was moving away from them. As they disappeared into darkness, another light appeared. One that held a cold glow to it. Starting out as just a thin line, it was rapidly growing into a gaping chasm directly below her. It pulled at her gently at first, as if coaxing her to follow. But when she did not respond, its pull grew into a forceful tug. The fissure would not give Illia a choice; it wanted her, and it would have her. And as she disappeared through it, the presence of Leth almost completely vanished. Leth's presence was quickly replaced with other sensations that coursed through her nerves almost all at once. One moment she felt the forest and the prickle of the pine tree's branches. Then, the scorching heat of a blazing sun and coarseness of the desert sand. Next, she felt the cold sting of snow on the tops of towering mountains. Fear and anger were the only emotions she felt, and it tore at her very being. As quickly as the feeling of passing through Ukalas came, it left, replaced by another awareness. Her weightless body was growing heavy and soon warmth began spreading from her chest, out to her arms and legs. Then she felt something that she had long lost, something she could not mistake. Her heart was beating again, she was becoming mortal. In sheer terror and desperation she tried to call out, but her voice would not come. Had her gracious god, Leth, abandoned her?! At the mere thought of this, her heart was broken once more. Unable to bear such torture, her vision blurred; darkness was closing in. She was unconscious. All memories of her past life disappearing, along with her name. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Appearing seemingly out of thin air, Illia was falling. Even her newly mortal body could not hide what she truly was though. Her entire being was clothed in nothing but a luminescent shimmer, not unlike that of the moon. A celestial form that looked like it belonged up in the sky among the stars. And just as a shooting star falls from its home, so was she. The sensation of falling was what coaxed her to wake, her eyes fluttering open as if waking from a bad dream. But this wasn't a dream, the reality of what was happening filled her with panic. What sight first met her eyes was the large moon and twinkling stars as she fell away from them. Reliving the horror of falling from the celestial realm, she instinctively reached out for the moon; to her, it symbolized Leth. But soon, as she continued her plummet, the large moon grew smaller and smaller, disappearing behind her outstretched hand. Soon she fell through a collection of gathering clouds, the world around her growing suddenly darker without the moons light. The rushing wind was all that accompanied her through this journey of rebirth, and for a while it was all she heard. But when she clasped her hands over her chest, she could feel and hear the beating of her new heart. Tears fell and streaked her face, drying shortly after being shed. Still unable to find her voice to cry out in pain, or even speak her gods name. Once more she fell unconscious; her body giving way under the crushing wave of her emotions. With a loud slapping sound and a large splash, Illia hit the surface of Lake Pavi. Its waters bringing her to a sudden and painful stop. Her body limp from impact, she floated on the surface for but a moment before slowly sinking and disappearing under the dark waters. After sinking down a good twenty feet, she regained consciousness and once more panic took over her. With all her might she fought against he water, but her body was weak, and her lungs still without air. Her body hurt so badly. Would this be where her new life ended?

[Luke Lammergeier]

Picking the sand from his boots. Luke thought about his situation. And whether it was wise to return home after all. He had to be dumped off shore a couple hours before they reached Syliras. So he could avoid the Knights and their patrols. Keeping near the city wasn't an option. But staying in the forests alone, was an invitation to getting eaten. Which led him to head for Pavi Lake. Barren and seemingly desolate. Few trees for anything to hide behind. And somewhat safe if you stayed out of the lake itself. As safe as he was, his supplies weren't going to last him much longer. And it was only a matter of time before he needed to visit the city markets. Or find a decent outpost along the Karbin Road. "I'm so fucked." He muttered to himself. If he waltzed into the City. It was a fifty fifty shot his head wouldn't end up on a pike. But traveling through the forests alone... to the next outpost. Was a death sentence. Resigning himself to sleep. Luke placed his boots aside and curled up on his bedroll. Maybe tomorrow would bring a solution. ----- It was a little after midnight. The fire had all but burned out. Few clouds hung in the sky, giving way to the beauty of the moon. The Heavens where littered with stars. But one shown brighter than the others. It started with a beautiful flash of color. A star, or so it appeared. Began to drop from the sky. Luke was never a heavy sleeper. Fear and anxiety made him wake at the slightest disturbance. So he laid there, trying to decide what he was seeing. Was he still dreaming? Hallucinations weren't uncommon for him. But they always came with a wave of guilt and shame. He felt fine, so it wasn't that. And obviously he wasn't asleep. But stars didn't just drop. Or did they? It was getting closer, and fast. Luke popped up grabbing his gear and ran to the nearest spot of shelter. Dragging Keetah with him, by the reins. He watched "it" splash into the lake. From behind a salt pillar along the waters edge. He was terrified of anything out in the wild. The creatures that roamed these lands were as fierce as they were ancient. But it looked human... right before it crashed into the water. He got a slight glimpse. What could it be? What kind of person falls from the heavens in a shroud of light? What if it was a god? Or worse yet the fragment of one. Legends and stories of the pieces of fallen gods and goddesses were wrapped in blood and crisis. He continued to watch, but it wasn't rising from the water... Panic filled his chest. He needed to do something. Either run away or run to it. Whatever it was, it was thrashing about in the water. He would never forgive himself if he let a person drown because he was afraid. Luke tore off his boots and tunic, and ran into the water. He didn't have to go far before he was upon it. Swimming up to the creature. Luke wrapped both arms around it's chest and began swimming to the shore. He quickly became aware of the horns when they cut a deep gash along his cheek. By the time he got the thing to shore. He was exhausted and gasping for air. Rolling over, he wanted to see what he might have to die for. If you asked him why he had done it. Survived so long against the odds. Just to help something that might be the death of him. He couldn't answer you. In the heat of the moment. Logic escapes you and you act on a basic level. Who you are truly comes out. And Luke wasn't right in the head, obviously.

[Illia]

OOCHey! I finally got my post up. Obviously. lol But anyways, I'm sorry it took me as long as it did. Work was keeping me busy for a while there. x.x... Anyways, I'm hope this post is alright since its a bit shorter then the last. Also, sorry if its not as good as the last. XD Anyways! I wasn't sure where to lead the thread so soon into it, but I figure that maybe the weather can take a turn for the worse and they need to find cover? Although, you may have trouble getting Illia to follow you. Would be interesting I guess! If you have a better idea about where to lead the thread from here, feel free to do so. ^^ Water, a giver of life to most in Mizahar (and to some even a home), had turned into Illia's death and her coffin. That's what she thought as the darkness closed in. She felt weightless again, and her fear had begun to pass. Maybe if she were to die now, she would return to Leth? Silence surrounded her like a heavy blanket, granting her peace and calm. Perhaps it was better if she stopped fighting, she thought; as the powerful water seemed too overwhelming in her weakened state. But once she had given into her presumed fate, something on the waters surface caught her eye. Was she hallucinating? No, the figure had dived down under the water and was moving closer. When it reached out and took a firm grip around her wrist, then her waist, she quickly found herself moving up towards the surface. Somehow this surprised her. As the surface grew near, the need for air finally found her. Breaking the waters surface, horns first, Illia inhaled suddenly and deeply. Fresh air that held a hint of salt filled her lungs. It was her first breath, and the final sign that her mortal transformation was finally complete. She didn't know who or what held her above the surface, and cared too little to try and find out at the moment. So tired and soar, she only closed her eyes as she was delivered to safety. Listening to her rescuers grunts as he pulled her to shore. And feeling the cold water lapping and licking at her exposed skin, followed by the course sand that lay in the shallows of the water as they neared dry land. She was finally being pulled completely out of the water, goosebumps prickled her skin and the air was cold, but she was safe now. For a time, Illia only lay on shore, unmoving, and took in short even breaths. Unclothed, she shown with a spectacular glow under the moons light, somewhat unaware of her captors presence so close by. Her snow white hair lay spread out over the ground near by, draping over parts of her lustrous horns. As black as onyx, they created a beautiful contrast against her hair. Flawless alabaster skin wrapped tightly over her slender muscles and skeleton, created a picture of alien beauty. Once her breath had calmed to an even pace, she opened her eyes. Greeted first by the moon and stars up above the clouds, she was brought to tears once more. Seeming more then just sad, she was in an emotional storm. Digging one hand into the sand, she clasped the other one over her heart. Then after some time had passed, she rested both arms on the sand and dug her elbows into it in an effort to push herself up into a sitting position. But the pain of such a simple act was debilitating, evident in the intense burrowing of Illia's brows as she welded her eyes shut; the pain and aching of her fall still in full effect. Her arms trembled as she used them, but not from pain. It was as if she was a newborn getting used to her limbs and testing their strength. Sitting on her knees, her hair rested against her back, over her shoulders, and hung in front of her bare chest. Bowing her head forward slightly, her face was hidden from the moons light. Looking over the form of her new body, it looked and felt so strange. This wasn't her body; it was her prison now. Since her rescuer hadn't said anything yet, Illia payed little attention to him; too overwhelmed with all that had happened in such a short and sudden period of time. She would speak though, if only to herself. She thought and wandered, eventually speaking what was on her mind. "What.. is this?" There were no words to express just was she was feeling, and no question to ask all that needed to be asked. And while the question was only her thoughts spoken, she could feel the mans eyes on her and wandered if he might answer.

[Luke Lammergeier]

It was a woman... shrouded in a beautiful silver glow. Skin as pale as the moon. With two curved obsidian like horns flowing out from her head. It took him a second, but only one. To recognize what he was looking at. When it hit him, a wave of laughter erupted from his mouth. He thought he was going to be killed or eaten for sure. Ripped apart by some strange monster or dissected by a fragment. Never did he think he would actually pull an Ethaefal from the water. This was the luckiest day of his life. To go from uncertain death to catching a falling star. How many people had seen the falling of an Ethaefal? Or better yet saved one! This was certainly a sign from the gods. And a woman no less! Maybe his luck was finally changing. "It is life! Sweet life!" He laughed, answering the girls estranged questions. "But we must go. It's not safe anymore. Thank the gods you where an Ethaefal!" He laughed wildly. Hugging her tight. Keeping an eye out for the horns. Which reminded him of the gash along his temple. Adrenaline had a strange way of masking pain. And the salty waters of the lake didn't help. But there was much and more to do. He had little enough time to gather his thoughts and even less time for grumbling over pain. "That light will attract every monster within ten miles of here. If we linger we will become dinner. I'm sure you didn't fall from the heavens just to be eaten! Get up we need to ride." He ran to his horse and dug through the the saddle bags. Finding a plain wool tunic and breeches. "Put these on M'lady!" He said tossing them at her. He gathered his supplies and mounted Keetah. Luke was soaking wet and the night was chilly but he didn't care. He was happy to be alive. For once his instincts where right. If he let her drown he would of never forgiven himself.

[Illia]

Sometimes people assume too much from others. Maybe that was what Luke had done, or maybe Illia wasn't trying hard enough. She was surprised by the mans sudden outburst of laughter; not expecting such an insensitive action in her situation. Quickly she assumed he was simple ignorant of the gravity of what had just taken place. It seemed nether understood just how the other was feeling in that moment. Finding no reason to laugh, she only felt despair. But then what happened next was another surprise. The man brought her into his arms and embraced her joyously. His skin was warm against her still damp skin, and his muscles strong, it brought a feeling of security and comforted her somehow. Then, as quickly as it had come, it left. She felt him release her, and heard him rise to his feet, taking a few steps back. He really wanted her to leave that place with him? Her only answer was the subtle shaking of her head. Still coming to terms with her fall from the celestial realm, she wasn't ready to leave. Then when he asked for her to stand and go to him, she turned away from him. Pulling her legs up into her chest, wrapping her arms around her knees, and hiding her face. She was still getting accustomed to her new body, making her feel insecure. Would she even be able to stand, let alone walk? She hadn't given it a try yet. Because she wasn't giving much attention to just what her rescuer was up to, the feeling of cloth landing over the top of her head made her jump a bit. That's when he drew her attention. She heard the sound of hooves against the ground, and the quite noises the horse made, though she was unable to recognize just what the creature was. But she didn't care enough to stand or move to take a better look, staying unmoved at the waters edge and shaking her head 'no' once more. While she sat there stubbornly, unwilling to move of her own accord, noises could be heard off in the distance. Not the normal sounds of forest, like wind moving between trees, or their trunks moaning from the winds push. More unnatural, vicious. She sat unaware of the danger she was putting her captor, or herself in. OOCI give you permission to pick Illia up and put her up on your horse and ride off to safety. Feel free to make the situation sound like its getting worse with creatures nearing quickly while still keeping them out of site. Or even have them come into site. XD And sorry if the post is a bit short... and sorry it took a while to get posted. :/... Today was my first day off in a while. @_@

[Luke Lammergeier]

Luke didn't have time for this. The sky, once clear before he slept. Was now thick with clouds threatening to engulf the moon. And unless he wanted Keetah to trip and break a leg. He needed all the light he could get. It helped that the area around Lake Pavi was mostly flat wastelands with little vegetation and salt pillars instead of trees. Less of a chance to trip on unseen roots. But the forest wouldn't be so kind. Luke dismounted and lifted Illia off the ground and threw her across Keetah's back. She weighed little more than a sack of flower. "You'll regret not dressing when you had the chance Ethaefal." He jumped back onto Keetah with ease and spurred her forward. Sadly this wasn't the first time he had carried a person off before. Although they were often dressed and bound... he kept a steady hand on Illia's back to make sure she wouldn't tumble off. "Do you hear those demons?" He tried to ignore the sounds, but they were much too loud now. Much too close. Guttural noises that couldn't be made by either man or beast. Few knew about the monstrosities that roamed the Wildlands of Sylira. But anyone that heard their cries knew they where terror incarnate. "If you struggle and fall off this horse. They will tear into your flesh happily. Don't struggle." Hopefully they would fight amongst themselves and forget they ever existed. Luke raced along the shoreline. Using whatever moonlight the clouds hadn't swallowed up to navigate. He knew of a little place Called Evantide Tower. It was a days ride from here, but much safer than Syliras. He didn't have the courage to steal a glance behind them. If they were being chased they would die. No other way around it. He needed to be focused instead of afraid. Luke realized they where not being chase by the first ten minutes. And by half an hour he knew there was no chance of them coming around after they had finished each other. An hour in he decided to stop. They had come to the edge of the forest and he didn't want to risk Keetah any farther. The fear and anxiety had exhausted him. They escaped by chance only. If there hadn't been so much competition they would of surely died. "Don't make a peep." He whispered reassuringly. Thankfully Luke had the sense to grab the clothes still hanging from her horns as they made off. Once he got down and helped her off Keetah. He thrust them into her arms. "Put these on, quietly." Her new clothes where a white cotton tunic that was much too large for her. And dark brown breeches of equal size. They weren't much but they would keep her warm. Luke busied himself with setting up camp. There would be no fires and only a small tent to keep the wind off. But the blankets were warm and reasonably soft. "Get in this thing. He said pointing towards the tent. Don't argue, I'm much larger than you and you'll freeze to death other wise." He left little room for stubbornness. He had her interests at heart, but he hardly had the patience to teach her everything at this late hour.

[Illia]

Sitting down near the cool water, Illia found herself being hoisted up into the air by Luke's strong arms. Holding her with one arm behind her back and the other under the bend in her knees, he carried her over to the horse in a hurry. But not before being sure he retrieved the clothes she was supposed to be wearing by now. Then setting her down on the animals back, she felt its warmth and the course texture of its hair. Her legs hung over one side of the horse, and her arms kept still at her side even when the horse lurched forward a bit. Her eyes were fixed on nothing in particular as her mind raced with thoughts and unexpressed emotions. When Luke joined her up on the horse, she felt the warmth of his firm chest against the side of her still bare body, and a strong hand braced against her back. When he signaled the horse, it began galloping and put Illia off balance, making her lean back into Luke's chest. She could feel his heart beating quickly, most likely distressed from the situation. Though Illia wouldn't realize that. Then he spoke, his mouth was close enough that she could feel his breath on her skin. His words didn't affect her, but she did wonder about them. Was being torn into, as he said, painful, or would it feel satisfying? Time was passing, and Illia's features remained placid, but the more distance they covered, the further they got from Lake Pavi, the more her focus was able to turn to what was happening around and to her. She was cold now, and probably had been for most of the trip, but it was only then that she realized how discomforting it was. Her skin tightened and prickled, covered in goosebumps from the nights chill. And at that same time, the horse came to a stop and her savior was quick to jump down off of its back and leave Illia fully exposed to the cool breeze. Just as quickly, she felt his hands on her hips as he pulled her down from the horse. In that moment, and for the first time since their meeting, Illia's gaze fell on luke. Her deep violet eyes, full of emotion and unasked questions, stared into his. They were so fixated on him that she barely noticed when he thrust the same clothes from earlier at her. When she eventually looked down at the articles, she closed her arms around them. Letting the breeches fall to the ground, she held the tunic out in front her. Once a celestial being, clothes were unnecessary until now. Taking a moment to look the piece of fabric over, it took a moment for her to realize just what she was holding. But after looking over the shape and feel, she was quick to remember the proper use of them. Lifting the fabric up over her head, she tried to bring it down over her figure. To her dismay, this supposedly easy task was made difficult when her horns snagged the back of the tunic. Tugging at it a bit, the problem was easily fixed, but only after her sharp horns ripped through the back of the shirt in two locations. The new modification made the already large garment, so large that the collar wouldn't stay up on her shoulders, but instead slide off and come to rest at the bend in her elbows and draping over the mounds that formed her breasts. Next, she crouched down and picked up the breeches, her new shirt falling away from her figure for a moment before she stood again. These were much easier to put on due to her slim figure and no extra appendages to work around. Once she was as dressed as she could make herself, she walked over to where Luke stood, finding that she had grown much more accustomed to her legs and arms in just the short time it took to travel from lake Pavi, to this new location. But when she walked, she was forced to hold the breeches up, lest they fall off her hips. Leaving the shirt to fall freely around her arms and over her breasts, exposing her neck, shoulders, and most of her back. When she approached Luke, he pointed and commanded her to get in the tent he had just erected. Her eyes went from him, to the one person tent. Hesitant at first, she waited a moment before bending down and crawling inside. It was still just as cold as the outside, but with two people sleeping in it tonight, it was sure to warm up soon. Laying down on her side, the torn shirt still rested at her elbows and her pants had fallen down just past her hips. Her back and horns were facing the middle of the tent. If Luke didn't want to be stabbed by them while sleeping, he would need to get her to turn over onto her other side and risk ripping through the tent canvas. Maybe he didn't know it yet, but at night Illia wouldn't sleep. Nor could she if she wanted to. She would be tossing and turning all night. Hopefully nobody would lose an eye...

[Luke Lammergeier]

Sleep... he needed sleep. His night had been filled with excitement and near death experiences. He was grateful to have found her. The wild was easier with a companion. But he needed to rest. His body ached in new ways and the adrenaline was starting to wear off. Making the large gash on his temple more noticeable. He hardly noticed Illia's antics with his clothes and couldn't care less that she ripped his favorite Tunic. Once she was safely in the tent he pulled the blankets over her and whispered. "I will take the first watch Ethaefal. Get some sleep, we have a long ride tommorrow." Luke closed the tent flap behind him and sat against the oak tree. They were a hundred yards or so from the forest and on a slight hill. From here he could keep a sharp look out for anything approaching. Keetah was tied to a low hanging branch and grazing on a patch of grass. The clouds had passed and the sky was clear again. Giving the world a soft silvery tint. He tried not to think about what happened tonight. How close he was to dying. How he risked everything without knowing what she was. What he was going to do with her. No matter how hard he tried to focus on his surroundings. His mind kept returning to her. He wondered what her name was. If she could talk. He thought about how beautiful she was... how soft she must feel. The End

[Chevalier]

Illia

LORE

• Dropped into the World
• Almost Drowning
• The Many Sensations of Mortal Life

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Philosophy	3
Swimming	1
Observation	3

Luke

LORE

• A Shooting Star…Girl
• Saving a Falling Ethaefal
• Riding by Moonlight

EXPERIENCE

Skill	XP Earned
Wilderness Survival	2
Observation	2
Swimming	1
Rhetoric	1
Riding	1
Stealth	1

Storyteller Notes

Secret :

Alrighty, Illia was pretty passive, but I felt she deserved some philosophy experience for her introspection and some observation for her experiencing all the new sensations. Swimming was because even if you’re drowning, you’re learning something. It makes sense too you’re your swimming is starting at 0. You’re your xp was a little more spread out. A little for working through the wilderness, riding a horse, trying to stay quiet, etc. Good thread ya’ll. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to PM me.