When all three reached the exit, Tempest held onto White Glory as he took the medallion off his neck and held it firmly in his other hand. “ymen” he spoke. Once again his body began to tingle, but this time everything became smaller as he and Glory returned to their original size. Tempest quickly tucked the medallion into his bag where he had already put the other three things given to him away. Flora, now loosed from her single binding, just sat on top of Tempest’s other shoulder; boiling in her own anger. As they exited the forest with Birch and the other fairy guards guarding it from their reentry, she spat out, “Stupid Tendril, always treating me like I’m some stupid kid… I’m a hundred and sixty years old for pete’s sake! It’s not my fault I caught someone sneaking through the forest!”
“Tendril?” White Glory asked ignoring the rest of her ranting.
“The elder.. He doesn’t like anyone using his real name so he has them all call him elder.”
“Can’t imagine why…” Glory chuckled, “Besides, are you really going to stay with us?”
“I have no where else to go..”
“Hmmm… Tempest.. Can I see that jewel.”
Tempest reached into his bag again. And brought out the green jewel that was given to them. Along with that he took out the ring and Flora’s belongings. He passed Flora her things and then examined the ring as Glory examined the jewel in her claws. “You can probably have these back as long as you don’t cause trouble.” He told the little fairy and then exclaimed, “Oh! A fire resist ring.. That may be handy.”
Flora grabbed her things and quickly put them on. “Thank you..” She mumbled under her breath and then sat still as Tempest continued to walk.
Glory seemed to be pleased with her finding. “Yes! This is it!”
“Is it what we were looking for?” Tempest half assumed
“Yes. Very much So. Now we have to find the rest.”
“Any idea where the next one is?”
She looked straight ahead of them, squinted a bit, looked around, and then straight again. “We need to go into some mountains. However, I can’t think of the location right now. I think my head is still fuzzy from being mushroomtized. We have to travel east a bit more. I know that much for sure, but we may have to travel a little north too..”
“So North East then?”
“I would assume so.”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Chapter 4 (part 6)
Flora shot Tempest an angered glance and then muttered underneath her breath once again. However, Tempest wasn’t concerned with the thought as he was watching Glory mushroom in the old fairy’s hands expand and take on another form. The smooth spongy surface became feathered as the gold color shrank slightly letting the white take over. It grew the compact shape of the mushroom into that of her former self. Her wings tucked as she once again became the dragon he met her as. Her green eyes opened as she began to lift her head. She let out a dazed yawn and looked about. Blinking as she took in the new scenery she freed herself from the elder’s grasp and flew about. “Wha- What? What am I doing here?” She managed to squeak out as her voice readjusted itself.
The elder laughed again, a little louder this time, “It seems she’s returned to normal. I’m glad, I almost thought my magic had gotten rusty. Yet, my question has still gone unanswered. What will you do Tempest? Will you take her with you or not?”
Tempest, although slightly relieved that White Glory was back to normal, let his thoughts wrap around the question. To him, there was really no point in bringing Flora along. She attacked them out of the blue and turned White Glory into a mushroom. As from the hints the elder had been dropping it seems she was quite the troublemaker. However, If he refused, what would happen to her? She had been forbidden from the village once already and now it seems she would be banished from the forest as well. Then what? She may be a troublemaker, but she would still need somewhere to go. Even more so, what would happen to her if she were left to the harsh world outside of the forest.
Despite all the negatives, Tempest made a decision and sighed, “I.. I will let her come with us. Although I’m not sure how I can be guaranteed to stay out of trouble. Or that she won’t give us any.”
“Hmmm.. I can exactly assure that, but I can give you these for your trouble.” the elder said reaching in what had to be a pocket. He took out three things; a ring, a potion bottle, and a dull green jewel. White Glory repositioned herself on Tempest’s Shoulder. Her eyes stared intently at the green stone. Her tail twitched nervously with excitement. Tempest accepted them and then walked over towards the guard that had Flora’s single binding. The guard handed it to him and he held it in his hand.
The old fairy reached for his staff and returned it to an upright position. He motioned to Flora, “If you ever want a chance to redeem yourself, then I suggest you stay with them. As for you three as a group, I will have Birch guide you to the exit. There. You can place your hand on the medallion he should have given you and say ‘ymen’ and it’ll return you back to your original size. If you wish to shrink for any reason and have anyone else shrink with you as well. Have them touch you, touch the medallion, and then say ‘hasirn’. They basically mean grow and shrink. Now.. Be off with you. Your presences here have already caused quite a stir.”
The elder quickly waved them away and tried to stand. His assistants quickly came to his side to help him up. Birch nodded towards Tempest, “Follow me… You three must leave here as soon as possible.” However, it seemed kind of useless to tell them that as four of the guards that had kept steady eyes and hands followed behind them as well. Perhaps to make sure they didn’t try anything else.
The elder laughed again, a little louder this time, “It seems she’s returned to normal. I’m glad, I almost thought my magic had gotten rusty. Yet, my question has still gone unanswered. What will you do Tempest? Will you take her with you or not?”
Tempest, although slightly relieved that White Glory was back to normal, let his thoughts wrap around the question. To him, there was really no point in bringing Flora along. She attacked them out of the blue and turned White Glory into a mushroom. As from the hints the elder had been dropping it seems she was quite the troublemaker. However, If he refused, what would happen to her? She had been forbidden from the village once already and now it seems she would be banished from the forest as well. Then what? She may be a troublemaker, but she would still need somewhere to go. Even more so, what would happen to her if she were left to the harsh world outside of the forest.
Despite all the negatives, Tempest made a decision and sighed, “I.. I will let her come with us. Although I’m not sure how I can be guaranteed to stay out of trouble. Or that she won’t give us any.”
“Hmmm.. I can exactly assure that, but I can give you these for your trouble.” the elder said reaching in what had to be a pocket. He took out three things; a ring, a potion bottle, and a dull green jewel. White Glory repositioned herself on Tempest’s Shoulder. Her eyes stared intently at the green stone. Her tail twitched nervously with excitement. Tempest accepted them and then walked over towards the guard that had Flora’s single binding. The guard handed it to him and he held it in his hand.
The old fairy reached for his staff and returned it to an upright position. He motioned to Flora, “If you ever want a chance to redeem yourself, then I suggest you stay with them. As for you three as a group, I will have Birch guide you to the exit. There. You can place your hand on the medallion he should have given you and say ‘ymen’ and it’ll return you back to your original size. If you wish to shrink for any reason and have anyone else shrink with you as well. Have them touch you, touch the medallion, and then say ‘hasirn’. They basically mean grow and shrink. Now.. Be off with you. Your presences here have already caused quite a stir.”
The elder quickly waved them away and tried to stand. His assistants quickly came to his side to help him up. Birch nodded towards Tempest, “Follow me… You three must leave here as soon as possible.” However, it seemed kind of useless to tell them that as four of the guards that had kept steady eyes and hands followed behind them as well. Perhaps to make sure they didn’t try anything else.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Chapter 4 (part 5)
Tempest nodded, agreeing to the fairy’s request. He placed her in his hand. As the old fairy examined her he set back a bit. “Ahh.. Now I see. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem. What is your name, young man?” He asked nodding toward Birch as if giving him a signal. Birch flew off as he did a quick nod back. Where? Tempest hadn’t the slightest clue.
“My name is Tempest.”
“Hmmm.. Tempest you say.. Tell me.. Are you from the desert town of Ca’astings?” The old fairy continued on as he put his staff down and grasped Glory mushroom in his hands.
“Yes… That is where I’m from, but how..?” Tempest asked bewildered.
“How do I know?” The old fairy chuckled again, “I’ve lived long enough to know that us fairies get a sense of adventure every now and again. Some return with stories and treasures. Some return with something a little more…. That, is the reason why some of us are forbidden to return at all. Which is Flora’s case. She put herself at great risk leading you here.”
Within a the time they spoke, Birch returned along with two other guards carrying a bound Flora. Frustration marked her face as she ranted and raved under her breath. As they all touched down on the platform that held the elder’s house, one of the guards started to untie her. However, one of her feet were attached to a string that was held by one of the guards. Before, Tempest couldn’t make out her wings enough to see that they were marked. Where most had clear wings, hers had golden yellow ovals that started about three/fourths the length of her wings and were cut off where they connected to her back. The elder turned his attention toward her as she made her forced entrance. “Flora, child, it seems you are causing a ruckus once again.” He said waving her over.
Her expression didn’t change as she walked over near him. He placed the mushroom down on his lap, his hands still firmly grasped around it. Nonetheless, he kept up the conversation, “You know you are forbidden here.. Yet you returned with a human. The thing that had gotten you banished in the first place.. Even more so, you managed to disrespect our goddess by turning her messenger into a mushroom. What am I ever to do with you…” He shook his head. “I will pardon you this time, for it seems you still have some growing to do. However, I must request something of you, Tempest. Please.. Can you take Flora with you? If she can’t stay out of trouble in the forest, then she has no use of being here.”
“My name is Tempest.”
“Hmmm.. Tempest you say.. Tell me.. Are you from the desert town of Ca’astings?” The old fairy continued on as he put his staff down and grasped Glory mushroom in his hands.
“Yes… That is where I’m from, but how..?” Tempest asked bewildered.
“How do I know?” The old fairy chuckled again, “I’ve lived long enough to know that us fairies get a sense of adventure every now and again. Some return with stories and treasures. Some return with something a little more…. That, is the reason why some of us are forbidden to return at all. Which is Flora’s case. She put herself at great risk leading you here.”
Within a the time they spoke, Birch returned along with two other guards carrying a bound Flora. Frustration marked her face as she ranted and raved under her breath. As they all touched down on the platform that held the elder’s house, one of the guards started to untie her. However, one of her feet were attached to a string that was held by one of the guards. Before, Tempest couldn’t make out her wings enough to see that they were marked. Where most had clear wings, hers had golden yellow ovals that started about three/fourths the length of her wings and were cut off where they connected to her back. The elder turned his attention toward her as she made her forced entrance. “Flora, child, it seems you are causing a ruckus once again.” He said waving her over.
Her expression didn’t change as she walked over near him. He placed the mushroom down on his lap, his hands still firmly grasped around it. Nonetheless, he kept up the conversation, “You know you are forbidden here.. Yet you returned with a human. The thing that had gotten you banished in the first place.. Even more so, you managed to disrespect our goddess by turning her messenger into a mushroom. What am I ever to do with you…” He shook his head. “I will pardon you this time, for it seems you still have some growing to do. However, I must request something of you, Tempest. Please.. Can you take Flora with you? If she can’t stay out of trouble in the forest, then she has no use of being here.”
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Chapter (part 4)
Tempest simply nodded. He figured that the situation was out of his hands. For the most part, that is. He still needed to reverse what Flora did so he could help Glory out with her ridiculous quest. She certainly was of no use as a mushroom. Well, unless he got hungry. However, there was no way of telling if she would taste all that great or not.
The helmeted fairy led the way as most of the group of ten dispersed and were reduced to two. Up many ramps and across a few bridges, they managed to stop just out side of what would be a large one story tall house for a fairy. Decorated with the same nature bound materials as the rest with the hint of metal. It stood with a large opening covered by a single leaf. Two guards, much like the ones that had their weapons fixated on Tempest, stood on either side of the would be door. The helmeted one saluted, but stood his ground. One of the guards saluted back and stepped inside the door. Within a few minutes he came back out assisting an old man.
His hair and beard was long and white. He wore a gray cloak over dull green robes. He even had a staff that he used along with the assistance, perhaps out of habit. His wings were a tad different then the others. Instead of sticking semi upright, they drooped close to his bent back. As he stopped, the other guard disappeared inside and reappeared with what looked like a short, squat stool. They both helped the old fairy sit back on it and then returned to their positions. He looked over at Tempest, still holding his staff upright as he sat. “Is this the one?” he asked in a hoarse voice.
“Yes elder… This is the one she brought.” the helmeted fairy responded.
“Very good, Birch. Where is the dragon that is being spoke of?” the old man fairy asked coughing to clear his voice a bit.
The fairy now known as Birch turned his head to look at Tempest and nodded, “You may come up and show him.”
Tempest stepped closer to the old fairy and reached into his bag. The guards behind him and the ones by the door seemed to prepare their fighting stances. They stopped midway as Birch held his hand up in reassurance that it was alright. They relaxed a bit as Tempest took out the white and gold mushroom and presented it. The old fairy looked at him, “Is this is it?”
“Yes, that’s her.”
“Her?” The old fairy chuckled slightly and then stretched out his hand, “ May I see her please?”
The helmeted fairy led the way as most of the group of ten dispersed and were reduced to two. Up many ramps and across a few bridges, they managed to stop just out side of what would be a large one story tall house for a fairy. Decorated with the same nature bound materials as the rest with the hint of metal. It stood with a large opening covered by a single leaf. Two guards, much like the ones that had their weapons fixated on Tempest, stood on either side of the would be door. The helmeted one saluted, but stood his ground. One of the guards saluted back and stepped inside the door. Within a few minutes he came back out assisting an old man.
His hair and beard was long and white. He wore a gray cloak over dull green robes. He even had a staff that he used along with the assistance, perhaps out of habit. His wings were a tad different then the others. Instead of sticking semi upright, they drooped close to his bent back. As he stopped, the other guard disappeared inside and reappeared with what looked like a short, squat stool. They both helped the old fairy sit back on it and then returned to their positions. He looked over at Tempest, still holding his staff upright as he sat. “Is this the one?” he asked in a hoarse voice.
“Yes elder… This is the one she brought.” the helmeted fairy responded.
“Very good, Birch. Where is the dragon that is being spoke of?” the old man fairy asked coughing to clear his voice a bit.
The fairy now known as Birch turned his head to look at Tempest and nodded, “You may come up and show him.”
Tempest stepped closer to the old fairy and reached into his bag. The guards behind him and the ones by the door seemed to prepare their fighting stances. They stopped midway as Birch held his hand up in reassurance that it was alright. They relaxed a bit as Tempest took out the white and gold mushroom and presented it. The old fairy looked at him, “Is this is it?”
“Yes, that’s her.”
“Her?” The old fairy chuckled slightly and then stretched out his hand, “ May I see her please?”
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Chapter 4 (part 3)
The fairy village may have seemed small to Tempest eyes, but to the eyes of someone smaller it was rather large and ornate. Relying on a group of thin and skinny trees, The houses and various buildings clung around their bark. Though they could fly, there were multiple ramps, bridges, and ladders connecting them all together. Everything seemed to be created from things in the woods; vines, bark, small pieces of wood, leaves, and long grass. However, there seemed to be some that weren’t part. Various flowers adorned multiple buildings. Even though there wasn’t any sunlight, they were nicely bloomed and some seemed to shimmer and glow. There was what appeared to be thin pieces of metal trimmed along various things here and there. It was a wonder how they were able to craft something so small, despite their size.
The two fairies that took Flora had flew so fast that they were lost within the village before they got there. Tempest had no idea where they had taken her. The eleven that escorted him stopped a foot or two away from the village. Again, the helmeted one flew face to face. “I’m going to give you something…” He said reaching into a bag he had tied to his hip. “We’re only allowed to carry one at a time, but it can work for an entire group of people. Flora isn’t allowed to have one since she had been outcast from us. However, I can’t risk you tearing down our village or knocking the elder down with your breath.”
He flew towards tempest’s hand. Though it was still raised, the fairy managed to tie something around his pinky finger. He muttered something that Tempest couldn’t quite make out, but it seemed to only be one word. Tempest felt odd. His entire body started to tingle. The sensation seemed to increase as the fairy’s position seemed to heightened. Yet, he hadn’t physically moved. Tempest looked a bit stunned as everything around him grew bigger and bigger. Even the tiny bows and arrows the others had pointed at him seemed to become normal size.
They all followed him down as his shape and size manage to mimic their own. The thing that was wrapped around his finger, however, retained it’s shape as the string it was wrapped with clung for life on the edge of his finger. He could feel it’s weight as it was about to drop, but he managed to catch it. It was a circle medallion with multiple insignias scratched onto it’s surface. He looked at it for a moment, checking it over with curious eyes. The helmeted fairy stared at him with stern eyes. “You may want to place that around your neck for now. You may need it later.” He said instructively, “We’re going to see the elder now, so I want you to mind yourself. Your at greater risk now that you’re our size.”
The two fairies that took Flora had flew so fast that they were lost within the village before they got there. Tempest had no idea where they had taken her. The eleven that escorted him stopped a foot or two away from the village. Again, the helmeted one flew face to face. “I’m going to give you something…” He said reaching into a bag he had tied to his hip. “We’re only allowed to carry one at a time, but it can work for an entire group of people. Flora isn’t allowed to have one since she had been outcast from us. However, I can’t risk you tearing down our village or knocking the elder down with your breath.”
He flew towards tempest’s hand. Though it was still raised, the fairy managed to tie something around his pinky finger. He muttered something that Tempest couldn’t quite make out, but it seemed to only be one word. Tempest felt odd. His entire body started to tingle. The sensation seemed to increase as the fairy’s position seemed to heightened. Yet, he hadn’t physically moved. Tempest looked a bit stunned as everything around him grew bigger and bigger. Even the tiny bows and arrows the others had pointed at him seemed to become normal size.
They all followed him down as his shape and size manage to mimic their own. The thing that was wrapped around his finger, however, retained it’s shape as the string it was wrapped with clung for life on the edge of his finger. He could feel it’s weight as it was about to drop, but he managed to catch it. It was a circle medallion with multiple insignias scratched onto it’s surface. He looked at it for a moment, checking it over with curious eyes. The helmeted fairy stared at him with stern eyes. “You may want to place that around your neck for now. You may need it later.” He said instructively, “We’re going to see the elder now, so I want you to mind yourself. Your at greater risk now that you’re our size.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
Chapter 4 (part 2)
Tempest managed to brush the owl off his head, to the point where it fell to the ground and started to hop up and down letting out it’s hideous screeches. As he recovered from it’s attack, he quickly looked around to find where Flora ran off to. Instead.. He managed to not see just one tiny winged human, but several. Ten of them surrounded him. Tiny bows and arrows aimed in deadly positions as their wielders were decorated in what looked like wooden armor. Three flew to the aid of the owl. Calming it down as it tried to snap at them in it‘s fury. Three more had Flora in their grasp. One of the three that had Flora wore a helmet that was distinguishly marked. He snapped at her, “What are you doing back here? With a human no less. Haven’t you learned your lesson from last time?”
Her brown hair seemed to reflect her frazzled expression as it escaped from her tight bun. “He made me show him! It’s not my fault his friend got hit by my fairy du-” she cut herself off in mid yell as she realized she gave herself away, “-st…”
The other fairy lifted a brow, “You’re up to you’re old tricks again I see.. What did you do to his friend?”
“ They were trespassing. So I tried to scare them off, they put up a fight, and then I threw fairy dust at him.” She said pouting. “The dragon got in my way..”
“Dragon…” He said silently at first and then came into a realization, “ DRAGON!?! Take them to the elder immediately!” The other fairy signaled to the others quickly. The two that held Flora whisked her away. While the ones who surrounded Tempest held their position.
Tempest had his hands up in a surrendered fashion. If this is what Flora meant by the rest being self explanatory. Well… It kind of is. The helmeted fairy flew over to him so that they were eye level. “I’ll show you the way, human. Though we may be small, our magic is strong enough to kill if we need to. So even if you tried to escape. It’ll be harder then you think.” he said staring Tempest down. He signaled to the other fairies again and turned toward their destination. The other ten flew from a circled position to a u-shaped one as they went behind Tempest, tiny bows still drawn.
As they walked, the remaining three fairies were still trying to calm the hopping owl down. One even managed to lasso it’s wings so that it was now laying on it’s side. Tempest could hear it’s shrewd screeches and hoots as more of it’s feathers danced about.
Her brown hair seemed to reflect her frazzled expression as it escaped from her tight bun. “He made me show him! It’s not my fault his friend got hit by my fairy du-” she cut herself off in mid yell as she realized she gave herself away, “-st…”
The other fairy lifted a brow, “You’re up to you’re old tricks again I see.. What did you do to his friend?”
“ They were trespassing. So I tried to scare them off, they put up a fight, and then I threw fairy dust at him.” She said pouting. “The dragon got in my way..”
“Dragon…” He said silently at first and then came into a realization, “ DRAGON!?! Take them to the elder immediately!” The other fairy signaled to the others quickly. The two that held Flora whisked her away. While the ones who surrounded Tempest held their position.
Tempest had his hands up in a surrendered fashion. If this is what Flora meant by the rest being self explanatory. Well… It kind of is. The helmeted fairy flew over to him so that they were eye level. “I’ll show you the way, human. Though we may be small, our magic is strong enough to kill if we need to. So even if you tried to escape. It’ll be harder then you think.” he said staring Tempest down. He signaled to the other fairies again and turned toward their destination. The other ten flew from a circled position to a u-shaped one as they went behind Tempest, tiny bows still drawn.
As they walked, the remaining three fairies were still trying to calm the hopping owl down. One even managed to lasso it’s wings so that it was now laying on it’s side. Tempest could hear it’s shrewd screeches and hoots as more of it’s feathers danced about.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Chapter 4 (part 1)
Getting through the thicket was a bit tricky. It was gnarled and clumped together so tightly, it was a wonder that even the smallest animal could get through. Tempest had break most of the vegetation it held just to make his way through. After, he stepped out into an small open area. As far as he could tell anyways. He walked to the right, counting in his head. The little fairy took note of his concentrated expression and rolled her eyes. “It isn’t that hard to walk in a straight line.” she remarked.
Tempest glared at her, but said nothing. Instead, he tightened his grip a little bit. Flora gasped out as she got squished a tad more. Then he loosened his grip as he saw a faint hint of purple. The Tree, was a rather good sized tree. For what he could see, the lower branches were inches from the high clinging mist whereas the rest of the trees had most of their branches below. It stood straight up and it’s bark had a deep violet hue. There were a few areas that were bare, displaying the trees real color; a nice vibrant purple.
Up on the lowest branch, peering down on them was an upside down head. Two large gold eyes stared at them within gray mottled feathers. Crrrhwweww, the head spoke from its pointed black beak. More of it’s body became visible as it edged over for a better view. Gray and black with hints of white. Head upside down with it’s body bent. It’s like someone had stepped on a toy owl and all attempts to fix it made it worse. It opened it’s wings. One seemed fine enough for flight, while the other twisted forward and then back. So instead of gracefully flying down it half fell, half hovered down towards them.
Cackrrrwhew! Came the sound of it’s strange screech. Tiny feathers leapt from it’s body as it managed to land right on Tempest’s head and began to claw at him. As he tried to defend himself, Tempest let go of Flora. Immediately she began to laugh and started to fly off. Unfortunately for her, she got tangled in what seemed like a spider web at first. As she stopped struggling with it, gave up and actually looked at her bindings; she realized that wasn’t the case. “Oh fairy winkle…” She silently cursed under her breath.
Tempest glared at her, but said nothing. Instead, he tightened his grip a little bit. Flora gasped out as she got squished a tad more. Then he loosened his grip as he saw a faint hint of purple. The Tree, was a rather good sized tree. For what he could see, the lower branches were inches from the high clinging mist whereas the rest of the trees had most of their branches below. It stood straight up and it’s bark had a deep violet hue. There were a few areas that were bare, displaying the trees real color; a nice vibrant purple.
Up on the lowest branch, peering down on them was an upside down head. Two large gold eyes stared at them within gray mottled feathers. Crrrhwweww, the head spoke from its pointed black beak. More of it’s body became visible as it edged over for a better view. Gray and black with hints of white. Head upside down with it’s body bent. It’s like someone had stepped on a toy owl and all attempts to fix it made it worse. It opened it’s wings. One seemed fine enough for flight, while the other twisted forward and then back. So instead of gracefully flying down it half fell, half hovered down towards them.
Cackrrrwhew! Came the sound of it’s strange screech. Tiny feathers leapt from it’s body as it managed to land right on Tempest’s head and began to claw at him. As he tried to defend himself, Tempest let go of Flora. Immediately she began to laugh and started to fly off. Unfortunately for her, she got tangled in what seemed like a spider web at first. As she stopped struggling with it, gave up and actually looked at her bindings; she realized that wasn’t the case. “Oh fairy winkle…” She silently cursed under her breath.
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