Memories of trees - The tale of a forgotten race.

[Kially Gaith]

The day had been odd so far, all starting with the picking up of a wand.

Within the space of a few hours, many firsts had occurred for Kially, a mish mash of thievery, murder, friendship and pie, the latter being a new favourite for the boy. Even still, with all these new firsts, Kially was still bounding with energy, such energy being depleted as to run from the possibility of yet more dwarves, Luc and himself having killed a small group just moments before.

Now, Concordia forest was at an uneasy state, the birds and wildlife having been disturbed and rattled by that of dwarven blood curdling screams and here was the unlikely match of two geomancers, stood before a large and mighty oak.

Kially had muttered something beneath his breath and the floor had begun to shake with utmost vigour for a 30 metre radius about the two, the forest was now in an uproar, confusion amass squirrels and deer alike.

The tree before the duo raised out of the ground partially, revealing that the trunk went deeper than was shown. Eventually, the tree lifted so high that the roots were but the only thing still in the ground, the tree was held up by a great natural energy, revealing in the maze of roots, a large pale green ball of luminescent energy.

Kially, knowing just what was going on, stepped towards the ball, which grew larger and larger until it engulfed the space below the tree, making it by far large enough for both beings to step into.

“In here!” Kially stated suddenly, before running into the now man sized ball without a second cause for warning. A loud fizzle would signal the boys sudden disappearance act. Kially was now nowhere to be seen, leaving behind the pale green ball, continuing to float in place, the energy now swirling a little at the entrance of the child earlier.

The large tree would wait for Luc and only Luc to step inside, all other life held out by a solid dome of air shimmering about the roots, even insects were slowly sucked back from the ball, preventing them access.

If and when Luc finally entered the ball, he’d be flung forward by the energy of the teleportation, only to be caught by a warm haze that would slowly lower him to the floor. The same had occurred for Kially. The teleportation would have been sudden and rapid, leaving the mind clouded and unable of thought for a brief few seconds as the body would feel that of a blood rush to every organ and limb, the pricking of pins and needles, providing a confirmation of life and reality within the teleportee.

When all the natural senses of Luc came to normality, before him would be a surprisingly illuminated room, filled by tree roots, walls crusted with gemstones and ores that had formed over millennia, undisturbed.

The walls, dotted about them, contained fist sized balls of quartz, each with a bright white glow inside, said glow adding to a surprisingly warm environment. About them were several doors and passage ways to what would make itself out to be an underground temple. The air contained a mass amount of natural magical energy, built up over years and years from its’ powerful geomancian occupants.

Kially was breaking an unwritten law bringing one not of the planet to this location, but this rule had hardly been discussed with him.

The walls echoed with voices of those long since passed, not in a haunting sense though, but one that gave the Naturian temple that of a peaceful aura.

In naturian, embedded in one wall, was written a script of which only Naturians could read, fluent like elven, but clear and bold like dwarven. The script read from left to right.
”Wrqr Jvexyvpuxrvg vfg nore qre Genhz iba naqrera, haq wrqr Yntrefpujryyr rva haxabjvat Tbgg.”

Continuation of 'Money for nothing'

Translation: Each reality is but the dream of another, and each sleeper a god unknowing.

[Cyrus the virus]

The dwarves had never been a threat to the powerful mage, who walked through the forest with the stench of death wafting in the air behind him. The remains of the dwarves who'd attacked, who dared try and take down the notorious Luc Kraus, stood motionless at the edge of the forest, held upright by spires of earth.

A frightening calm had come to the mage's face in light of the killing, as if his nerves had been laid to rest with the fall of blood. He followed Kially with brisk steps to match the boy's jog, green cape bouncing behind him.

Luc stared intently at the forming orb, searching the vast magical knowledge in his mind for some explanation. It was a transport, that he knew merely from the feel of the spell. Before he could inquire with a question, Kially called and rushed into the open portal. Luc waited only a moment before he followed, never taking his eyes off the opening.

It was a disorienting trip, but the mage was used to travel of this nature. When he appeared behind Kially, it took him a quick moment to get his bearings before he examined where they were.

"So this is a Naturian home?" he asked aloud. The boy had mentioned they were going to such a place, but the details of what exactly such a cavern was eluded him.

The roots reached low enough to tussle Luc's hair. Though he imagined water would not be easy to come by for the trees, the roots were strong and healthy, exuding life as if it was a scent.

"I was under the impression that this was the Naturian home," he said, eyes looking to the boy. "But without moving forward, I can sense there are no people here. Where exactly are we?"

[Kially Gaith]

“Safteh.” Came a response that bounced from the walls in common tongue. A language lesser seen to those that still occupied the corridors in spirit alone.

Kially moved towards the wall engraved with the given inscription and smiled, running pale fingers across the deeply written words, his fingers tracing the script along until meeting a solid gemstone, amethyst, embedded in the wall.

A soft press lurched out a click into the warm sweet smelling air of the temple. The wall would slide back to reveal a shrine of a kindly looking woman, made of varying glass like ores and gemstones, an effigy of his goddess. In her hands was a giant black pearl, with each of the continents etched carefully into it, each major forest marked with a ruby, an old world globe with accuracy that pertained to those with knowledge birthed to those of the planet.

Kneeling down before the effigy, he stared up in awe, smiling brightly as he held up the pearl he’d acquired from the dwarven miner just an hour or so before. “A G…Gi…” He couldn’t think of the correct common to use, so hence resorted to what was more appropriate in such a holy place.
“Rva Trfpurax, Zhggre.”

With such said and stated, the pearl was placed at her feet amidst a sea of other items of varying value, from a leaf to an acorn, to enchanted items.

Behind the statue lay a wealth of books, gemstones, trinkets and items that could only be described as strange. The books that lay on the floor were ones of great natural magic, the gifts of life and death themselves. The gemstones had been collected from all over the world and some were as large as a fist, the planets wealth procured to a simplistic effigy. A blue haze, much like a wall of water, protected such items placed behind the statue, whilst those upon the statue were perfectly clean, protected by the solid carved cloak of the woman.

The statues eyes were closed to the world and remained so, unblinking to even her child, enchanted as much as one could please would not bring praise nor scorn to the follower beneath her bosom.

“This is Luc.” He presented, not looking to Luc out of respect for the only existence he knew to respect, a hand motioning to general area of the older fellow behind him. "re fpuügmgr zvpu."

Translations: “A gift, mother”. – “He protected me.”

[Cyrus the virus]

Luc took only two step forwards before the image of the effigy truly impressed him. Adorned with the gemstones of every realm of Althanas, her visage raised awe even in the hardened heart of the human mage. The globe pointed out regions and areas he'd never known existed, though Luc had spent many hours traveling the skies in the form of wind.

More importantly was the sense of the magic here. Bombarding his head like a powerful spell, a plethora of images and indications filled his mind. There was immense power here, locked within books and items. Luc struggled to maintain his composure under the revelation.

He quickly regained his stability, just in time to be 'introduced'. Taking shallow breaths, Luc approached Kially and rested a gloved hand against the boy's head, ruffling his hair only slightly. "He has grown well," the mage tried to reassure, though he truly had no clue as to the being he spoke to.

This location itself was like a treasure trove of the things Luc had sought for the last few years. Living as a recluse below the surface of Althanas, the mage studied these artifacts and unlocked their secrets. As a result, he knew many spells that his rival mages were unaware of.

And yet, as his hand rested delicately on the head of the young Kially, his desire to grab up as many items as he could and teleport away was easily overcome. For whatever reason, Luc didn't feel the desire to claim them as his own. At least not yet.

"Do you sense the magic here, Kially? For me it is so strong, my senses are clouded. Each inch of this temple is exuding magical energy. Try to feel it the way I do. Imagine there is a fiber in your mind that you are stretching, trying to tie it to something."

[Kially Gaith]

The timeless temple held an air of magic that even Kially could feel, a fuzzy warmth that tugged at his mind and senses in a way that both comforted him and left him in pure awe. Still he knelt, in appreciative silence, smiling to nought but himself in result of his hair softly being ruffled, another new feeling he could jot down for later – It was indeed good.

His common tongue was weak, his response to Luc should have merited something a little more substantial but due to limitations, a “Yes, I can.” Would be but the only words that would sliver from Kially’s lips.

Finally, he brought himself to his feet, standing before the statue, turning to Luc. Quietly an eery and pure voice whispered through the air from the statue, speaking directly to the older mage, inaudible to Kially. “Thank you, human man. These days are troublesome. My children value the trees and life more than themselves, they throw themselves into situations they just can’t handle yet…My boy isn’t ready for the impurities of your kind and others…He says you protected him, is this true?”

Kially remained stood, looking to the statue, oblivious to the voice that spoke in secrecy to Luc. Such was the power of the resident goddess that her children were under her full control.

In the distance of the temple, sporadic drops of water echoed through out the caverns and chambers beyond.

[Cyrus the virus]

"Yes," replied the mage, removing his hand from Kially's head and taking two steps forward. "I was confronted by dwarven warriors, and the boy was caught in the crossfire. He was wise enough to do what he could, and no more."

Luc's translation spell hadn't worn off, so he had understood the words Kially spoke thus far, even if the multiple echoes of his voice made it difficult. The mage had slowly gained control over the stirrings of the magic in the air, and was beginning to be able to pinpoint items and realize what, exactly, they were.

"If it would please you," he began again, "I would take the boy with me on my travels, at least for a time. I would serve as his mentor and friend, teach him to understand magics I could not grasp when I was as young as he."

He looked back to Kially as he said this, the faintest of smiles on his boyish face. "I feel we could learn much from each other."

[Kially Gaith]

“This would please me so.” Continued the voice, now audible to both. “Hume man, you may select a single item of your choosing from the fine selection behind me for your services thus far.” The blue haze that had before protected the items from both theft and harm changed to a green moss like hue, allowing Luc entrance to look through and select a single item of his choosing, attempting to take more, even though the goddess did not expect such, would result in the blue haze returning back, denying all magic from both inside and out.

“Child.” She spoke to Kially. “You shall accompany this human, he will teach you hume things. You will teach him the Naturian way.” The goddess could see even the smallest light in the tainted heart of Luc. “And you shall stay away from combat, understood?”

“Yes, mother.” Stated the partially chastised Kially, staring at the floor as he scuffed his feet about solid stone, feeling weak and small before her as his goddess had so seen fit.

“Good. Now, continue your work, I have prepared an item for your cause.”

A solid slab of rock cracked open in a distant room, a roar bouncing between walls as the debris rolled about the floor of a cavern. Followed came the sound of rushing water as the goddess had opened a long dried out waterfall. The peaceful sound of the drink would quietly flow into a pool, that had never stagnated even in millennia of the existence of it.

[Cyrus the virus]

It was an interesting possibility, the chance to mentor a student so young. Kially had enough admiration for Luc to want to please him, the mage thought, and thus could be molded. Luc still wasn't sure what Kially's role in the world would be, but imagined time would carve that out for itself.

Luc stepped through the blue light, feeling a cool sensation in his bones as he entered the chamber. Small mountains of treasure and magical devices lined the walls, each calling out to him with mystic language. Some felt stronger than others, more distinct, and he began to rummage through some of them, examining tomes that were magically shut.

While Kially continued his business with the goddess statute, Luc came across an ivory-white book as thick as his arm. Blowing the dust from its surface, Luc lifted it with both hands to examine it more closely. The cover had only a single word, written in an old tongue he had vague recollection of. "Return," it said, or at least something similar.

The word was basic, indicative of nothing in particular, but the power radiating from the tome compelled Luc to hold it. He unfastened the clasp, opened the cover and fanned through the pages, not fully knowing the language, but willing to overcome that boundary. The book was his.

Returning to the passageway from whence he came, Luc grasped his new item beneath an arm. This eventful day was slowly coming to a close, but tomorrow lingered nearby. There was much to do, he recalled, and at least one thing he needed to accomplish for Cipher Nex, but for now he was satisfied to wait for Kially.

[Kially Gaith]

“You shall both return in 6 months time. I will await you then.”

The goddess now fell silent, though the large majority of the routes closed themselves off, some with ye oldé rolling boulder covering an entrance, some with a force field of solid magic, some with a sudden and rapid overgrowth of roots, all seeing to covering to doorways of entrance .

Left were only two rooms, one was obviously a dead end, the other willing the occupants to go through.

The temple itself lost it’s luster of life, though continued to radiate the ether in the air, maintaining the many spells and enchantments that monitored and protected the great relic site.

The rush of water continued to be the only sound that gave the place any life, whilst Kially absorbed the atmosphere and what had been said to him, awaiting the return from Luc so that they could continue on to the chamber awaiting ahead.

He’d give Luc as much time as he so pleased to make and finalise his choice, having not given any attention to Luc who'd apparently already exitted from behind the barrier. Sitting himself onto the floor and admiring the ‘shinies’ embedded within the walls, Kially began silently naming each one that he knew the name of, in his mind.

[Cyrus the virus]

Luc greeted Kially wordlessly, taking quick inventory of the area to see that only one passageway led them anywhere. He had fully gained control of the immense magic here, could silence it so that his senses worked properly once more.

The mage led the way down a dank passage, water running along burrows on either edge of the stone floor. It sloped downward slightly, urging the water on to a circular pool at the end of the walkway. It was pure, blue and without a trace of the impurities that surface water carried. Luc imagined he could create a weapon of grand power from it, but didn't feel the desire to do so.

Cascading from a place several meters higher, at a height Luc could barely guess at in the dark, a waterfall dropped gently into the pool. At its crest, he could see a floating, glowing orb that he could hardly describe. It was bright, if nothing else.

"Your gift?" Luc asked, though he was positive it was. Lifting his free hand, Luc extended the limb toward the earth by the side of the pool, manipulating it to form a staircase that climbed by the side of the waterfall, creating a walkway to the orb for Kially to climb.

[Kially Gaith]

Quickly, the temple dried the given steps as to protect the boy from falling. Curiosity had the boy carefully climb along, hugging against the wall as not to misplace a foot.

The waterfall water was pure and clean, gushing to the pool below where, even in the presence of the caverns occupants, spawned small fish and living creatures, forming out of the molecules within the water.

As the lad reached the peak of the water, Kially reached out and took hold of the ball in his left hand, unbeknownst of its’ purpose or use.
With a few seconds of grip, the ball slowly radiated fluorescent blue energy which ran up the child’s arm, across his torso and down his right arm. The energy was warm, fluid and oozed an aura of protection. When the ether had travelled its’ course, a large bright light signified the glorious entrance of blue and gold armour, as light and thin as cloth but as durable as steel.. The entourage consisted of basic solid shoulder pads that covered the end of his arms, a rounded chest plate and a simplistic helmet that protected the back, top and sides of his head, All were bright blue and gold, giving off a prevalence of both power and magnificence.

Kially seemed confused, but the goddess resident of the temple planned that if the boy was not to fight, he may as well be protected in the instances that he would fight. As the child admired the armour, he began his descent down the makeshift flight of stairs, on reaching the bottom step, the armour glowed a bright white light, burst into shards of blue and gold glass shaped like feathers which floated towards the floor, dissipating before reaching it.

Kially stood, bemused by the sudden show, once again holding the ball. Opening his hand, the ball slowly sank into his palm, disappearing altogether without a bright show of energy.
A sudden look flew to Luc, his alone, obviously requesting some sort of explanation which even Kially did not believe he had.

[Cyrus the virus]

Luc watched silently in interest, Kially donning and shedding a magnificent, radiant armor in the span of a few moments. The small ball had magical properties that were rare in the world of Althanas, but certainly were not out of the question for a goddess. These Naturians were on to something, he knew.

Still, he could offer no concrete name or description for Kially, who looked to him in anticipation. "I've seen items such as this before," he mused, pulling the tome against his stomach with crossed hands. "I encountered a man in the Citadel once who had an item like this. It could change into whichever weapon he desired. In his hands it was limited, for he lacked the necessary skill to wield such an item. You can learn to be better than him, though."

He grinned at that. With Luc's guidance and Kially's own innate powers, the boy could be forged into a powerful ally. "Imagine. Magic at your fingertips, and armor to protect you. A very valuable gift, your goddess gives."

Careful to protect his thoughts, which already drifted toward prying Kially's beliefs away from the goddess and her Naturian, peaceful ways, Luc beckoned to the lad. "Let's leave, then. I imagine it's growing late, and I've errands to run come the morning."

[Kially Gaith]

Kially and his innocence quickly had his mind distracted by the waterfall, the clear liquid reminding him that food, water and sleep were largely necessary. The child now stood quietly before Luc, trying to decide just what to do and where the exit was.

Sensing her followers need for sustenance, the goddess of the Temple quietly opened another portal for the two above the pool, forming glass steps up to it with her omnipotence.

Kially would grin a playful smile, allowing a show of his innocence. “Thankoo.”
A pointed finger would point out the location of the portal, as if Luc hadn’t suddenly spotted a sudden glowing red sphere appear out of nowhere with the manners and prevalence of a mountain troll.

Looking to Luc, he scuttled over to that of the pool and moved his mouth to the water, lapping some up like an eager puppy with his dainty tongue. Kially found it to be rather refreshing, soothing and delectable. Followed was a quick splash of water onto his own face as to revitalise himself.

With silence held within the boy, Kially knelt once again, closed his eyes and cupped his hands, a circular hole between his hands, symbolising the planet, this shape was placed to his forehead as he thought out his prayer of thanks which his Goddess quietly accepted.

When prayer finally came to a finish, Kially said not a word, quiet gait moving up the crystalline steps above the fluid below him, easing his body slowly into the red glowing orb. Like earlier, Kially disappeared, a fizzle of energy sparking into the air, announcing his leaving.

Spoils Request - Star of Memories: A blue and white marble made from compressed memories and energy. Currently grants Kially a blue and gold chest plate that's feather light with the durability of steel. Will level up and become more durable and cover more parts of his body with each level.

[Cyrus the virus]

Luc observed quietly as his earthen steps sunk back to the ground, replaced by a crystal staircase which led up and over the center of the pool. Bright red light pierced the clear structure, but reflected in such a way that the steps were obvious. The power to create matter from thin air was one that intrigued the mage, but it was one of many things that would have to wait. His current project, after all, would take some time.

He watched Kially closely. The boy was like a typical human child, bending down into the dirt to splash water haphazardly all over himself. Luc suspected Kially could have beckoned the water up to him, in a similar way that he could, but simply didn't think of it. Luc needed to teach the boy that he needn't dirty himself like the typical rabble.

All the same, he followed up the crystal staircase, followed into the red sphere which served as a portal, sucking them in. The moment he did so, the portal and the staircase vanished, leaving the serene underground temple the way they had found it. Empty.

Seconds of confusing travel followed, as the two were dragged through space itself to return to the world Luc knew well. They were spat out onto dry soil, patches of grass about them in the places where plantlife lived.

A wondrous hum came from him, then. The trees were taller than any in all of Corone, with blood-red bark and crimson leaves. The ground itself was red, as if stained with the fallen bodies of many men. He didn't know it, but they had reappeared in the Red Forest of Raiaera, one of the most fearsome places in all of Althanas. For now, it was peaceful.

Through the trees, Luc could see a large lake of water. Though the sky was orange with the promise of looming nightfall, they had some time to eat and wash up. Windwalk needed to recharge, which required a night of rest from the mage. Pointing to the nearby lake, Luc swiftly unfastened his cape.

"Wash up, Kially. I'll prepare us food and a place to sleep. We must rest here for the night."

Without waiting for a response, Luc unsheathed a portion of the Slykrit Blade and created a burning flame in his hand. Using his other hand to create a small hole in the ground and fill it with fallen branches, he created a healthy fire.

Sitting and removing his gloves, Luc chanted an ancient incantation in the Slavarian Forgotten Tongue, opening a small portal by his side from which food and drink began to spawn.

((Spoil: A tome containing a description and history of a particularly powerful spell. Learning the spell requires much time and study in a language Luc does not fully understand yet, along with other conditions. Basically, it's a book.))

[Breaker]

Memories of trees- the tale of a forgotten race
Quest Judgement

Alright, you guys just asked for a few comments, so here they are.

Even though this thread continued from another, and is a prequel to your next one, I still would have liked a little more backstory. As far as I could see, the only reason this thread happened was that you guys wanted some EXP and new stuff.

I think for the most part you two both know what this thread is missing, so I’ll keep this brief.

Kially, your descriptions of things are patchy, and they don’t do the greatest job of helping me imagine where your character is and what he’s doing. Work on using literary devices, and when you’re editing try reading your posts out loud to yourself. You have a lot of word order errors and run on sentences that this should help eliminate. Also, have more fun with your character. The bit where he named the gemstones and lapped from the pool was neat, but I need more from you.

Cyrus, you’re a great writer, so most of your work in this thread was good without being fantastic. Try incorporating some more literary devices, and focus a little more on Luc’s motivation to make his character shine through more. And now the numbers.


STORY

Continuity ~ 5/10.
Setting ~ 5.5/10.
Pacing ~ 4/10.

CHARACTER

Dialogue ~ 5/10.
Action ~ 6/10.
Persona ~ 5.5/10.

WRITING STYLE

Technique ~ 5/10.
Mechanics ~ 7/10.
Clarity ~ 7/10.

MISCELLANEOUS

Wild Card ~ 4/10.

TOTAL ~ 54/100. Nothing really happened in this thread, and I found it pretty boring. Despite that, the writing was mostly solid. Congratulations!

EXP Rewards

Kially Gaith receives 420 EXP!
Cyrus the Virus receives 2023 EXP!

GP Rewards

Kially Gaith receives 100 GP!
Cyrus the Virus receives 100 GP!

Other Rewards

Cyrus the Virus receives his requested spoil, under the condition that he must learn the language in the tome in a separate quest before learning the spell subsequently. This is due to the complex nature of the language and the particular power of the spell.

Kially Gaith receives the Star of Memories, however it is not as powerful as he at first thought. It grants Kially a heart plate that is feather light and has the durability of steel when it comes to slashing/puncturing attacks. However, it is no more protective than wool against blunt force trauma. The heart plate will not grow more durable as he levels up, however, when Kially reaches level 2 it will grow into a chest plate. If you wish for it to become stronger you must earn upgrades in quests or seek stronger enchantments at the bazaar.

[Witchblade]

EXP and GP added!