Update: @WeepingWisteria helped create the Storybook so I asked if she wanted to do Camp NaNo with me, and she agreed! So now, I'm even more excited for this :3
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
Name: Tethys Tidecaller Age: Ageless, she was born as soon as the planet was created. Species: Siren Appearance: Tethys has long black hair just like Blue, with streaks of purple. She's tall in human form, standing at a tall 7'0, and has long sharp nails that are crafted from seashells and clams. She has a purple tint to her skin, and like Blue, is almost unnaturally beautiful. Some would say that they could be sisters because Tethys doesn't seem to age-- not one bit.
- Main Form: Tethys spends most of her time in Siren form. In this form, she has the tail of a great white shark. Her eyes turn a glowing purple, and her teeth grow with pirhana-like sharpness. Her tongue also grows in size, as she uses it to shred apart her prey. Personality: Tethys was raised as a traditional Siren of royalty. She comes from a long line of royals, and has the mindset like one. She's very strict, and tends to overthink most situations. In her eyes, it's either her way or the highway. She also tends to think she's better than everyone else because of her status. There's one thing that she hates, though, more than people disobeying her: Mer. Short History: Tethys was born and raised in the deepest depths of Seaburrow. Far away from Mer, she was followed by 3 siblings, who all died in battle when she was just a teenager. Like Blue, she grew up with some traumatizing events. Powers: Siren Song, slight telepathy Relation to the King: Ex-Fling.
Name: Anna Sol Age: 17 Species: Mer Appearance: Anna has long white hair that travels with the currents. She has brown skin and piercing blue eyes. She also has tattoos that run from the back of her neck to her tailbone. She's normal height, standing at 5'7". Main Form: Anna spends most of her time in Mer form. In this form, she has the same facial attributes, but instead of long legs she develops a pearly white, almost luminescent mermaid tail that glows different colors in the dark. Personality: Short History: Anna was born to Queen Dante Agaith when she was just a young girl. She's always been bold and does what she wants. I kind of imagine her super curious like Ariel from the Little Mermaid-- always going places where she doesn't belong. Powers: Water wielding, can communicate with animals, normal Mer powers Relation to the King: Future step-daughter, but no relation as of right now in this novel.
Vaedis:
Spoiler! :
Azriel:
Spoiler! :
Kyris:
Spoiler! :
Name: Serafina Hourglass Age: 350 Species: Moon Sprite Appearance: Serafina, as a moon Sprite, has a glowing exterior. Her features are barely able to be made clear, all that can be seen is her long curly hair and full lips. Personality: Serafina is bubbly and loyal. She tends to find the good side of things, even when they seem to be going downhill. Her smile seems to light up a whole toom, and she may look intimidating: but she's far from it. She's a good friend to those she loves and cares about. Short History: Serafina is one of the strongest Moon Sprites in Xillia. She works alongside the royal court and has ties with royal blood. Powers: Can determine moon phases, speed, easedropping Relation to the King: Distant cousin
Dory:
Spoiler! :
Cherika:
Spoiler! :
Name: First Seargent Thomas Woo-Woo Age: 37 Species: Fae Appearance: Sergant Woo-Woo is a grizzled fae, tall and bulky, with a mean scar across his cheek. He has a buzzcut and a tattoo on his bicep of an impartial solar eclipse. Personality: Seargent Woo-Woo is known for being harsh on and off the battlefield. When the new recruits snicker at his name, he makes them sleep outside for a night. When he finds a potiential POW, he cuts them down before they can talk. He's judge, jury, and executioner. No one can convince him to stand down. Short History: Woo-Woo has always been a narc and joined the military as soon as he could at 18. Has been a bootlicker ever since. Powers: Fire Relation to the King: First Seargent in his army. Private First Class 1
Name: Private Edward Twine Age: 20 Species: Fae Appearance: Private Twine has short brown hair, an almost always furrowed brow, and the stupidest five-o-clock shadow mustache you have ever seen. No one can convince him to shave it off. Many have tired. He's average height with a modest build. Personality: Private Twine is... a boy only his mother can love. He's very dumb, but at the same time incredibly arrogant and thinking everyone else is beneath him. He's the man the dunning-kreuger affect was made for. If he wasn't fae, Cherika would have had him paced for home a long time ago. Short History: He joined the military on a dare from his frat friends and was shocked to realize it was actually a serious thing. He stayed anyways so he never had to admit he was kidding. Powers: Airs Relation to the King: Private in his army. Private First Class 2
Name: Private John Doe Williams Age: 21 Species: Fae Appearance: Private Doe Williams has shaggy blonde hair that he's almost always yelled at for, a gap-toothed grin, and some very surprising muscles. He looks as if a cartoon character decided to go Popeye mode. Personality: Private Doe Williams is the perfect solider: great at fighting but not a jerk about it. He keeps a level-head on and off the battlefield and is generally of the opinion that if he's not paid to care, he doesn't care. Cherika's go-to guy. Short History:Joined the military soley because his dad pressured him too. He can't wait to retire. Powers: Metal Relation to the King: Private in his army.
Calypso:
Spoiler! :
Dante:
Spoiler! :
Xillia Leader:
Spoiler! :
Name: Dagon Blackthorn
Age: Nobody knows for sure, you are not supposed to ask a demon their age
Species: Demon
Appearance:
- Main Form: Dagon's main form is that of normal fae-- but it's been centuries since others have seen the right side of his face. As a result of a fire accident, it stays permanently bruised, sheathed by obsidian shadows. He's handsome, at least on the side that isn't burned. Dagon has dark crimson eyes and a smile that stretches to his ears, similar to the joker or a mad clown. He's insanely tall, standing at 9"0', and has dark brown skin. He has a muscular build, and is usually seen wearing a black robe with armor underneath, enhanced by his huge black wings. - Secondary Form (if applicable, if not delete):
In pure demon form, Dagon is anything but inviting. He has a row of razor sharp teeth, and his body multiplies in size. He turns into the devils spawn, literally. Stark black satanic script becomes visible on his chest, and his wingspan grows almost as large as a dragons. He only uses this form for battle.
Personality: Dagon is very wise and observant. He prefers to let others talk for him rather than waste his breath on someone lower than him. Being as he's one of the oldest beings on the planet, he's seen and experienced almost everything. He enjoys telling stories of past battles or encounters with famous beings. He's kind of maniacal, and tends to laugh in situations more than he's serious. It's unlike him to handle business himself, and enjoys reading or catching up on battle training rather than political agendas. When it comes to someone he loves, though, he becomes what he is deep down: the devil that the fae made him out to be. He will ravage, tear apart his enemies without a second thought, until they're nothing more than bones and loose skin. He'll do it with that smile, too... with ease.
Short History: Dagon is the first Demon ever cursed by the fae. He disobeyed a past fae king and was punished and sent to Varrenia in response. When he was cursed, he forgot who his family used to be, and decided to make the best of it. Ten thousand years ago, working as a hand to the ruler of Varrenia, he met Lilith, who was merely a princess at this time. After numerous tries of trying to get her hand in marraige, he had to prove himself worthy. He faced the largest serpent in Dynalis, earning her hand in bravery and combat. He killed the monster in 30 seconds or less-- stunning the onlookers and her parents. Not only were they madly in love, but they would do anything for eachother. In order to keep the rest of the courts happy, they decided it'd be better if they stayed in their own countries. When Dagon became the ruler of Xillia, it was not of his own will. One of the current king's ancestors threatened him, worried he was too strong, and blackmailed him. They said if he didn't rule, they'd kidnap and kill Lilith. Dagon wasn't going to let that happen, so he agreed. Lilith and Dagon bared one singular child. The rest is history, and leads up to this very day.
Powers: Astro-projection, rare ability to shapeshift into his ultimate form, can communicate with spirits and ghosts (which was an ability taken away by the fae centuries ago that he still possesses) and exquisite judgement ability.
Relation to the King: Blackmailed henchman
Starbane Leader:
Spoiler! :
Seaburrow Leader:
Spoiler! :
Sunrye Leader:
Spoiler! :
Thebia Leader:
Spoiler! :
King of the Fae:
Spoiler! :
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
Cherika entered her tent, shaking ash out of her hair. It clung to her, like a second skin, but she was used to that sort of thing. Ash and ember and blood. She glanced out of her open tent. Wailing soldiers were being carted around by their comrades, their poison wounds sizzling or smoking or simply oozing blood that wasn't quite red enough to be natural. Deep in her heart, she knew they deserved it. But that was something that she couldn't show. Not today. Not ever.
So, instead, she wet a washcloth with some of her water ration and started wiping the ash from her face. The water was still cool, making her body tense. Cool water. A pleasantry for fae soliders, an unwelcome burden on desert naga. But, it was getting rid of the ash, so it would do no use complaining.
Someone stepped into her tent, just behind her. He brought a smoke smell with him, that made Cherika want to gag as it passed heavily across her tongue.
"Corporal Distant."
She turned around, putting on a lazy smile, just the tips of her fangs in view. "Sergeant Woo-Woo. To what do I owe this post-battle pleasure?"
He cleared his throat, not quite looking her in the eye and angry about it. "His royal majesty requests you visit his tent at once."
"Oh?" She set aside the washcloth. "Did he provide a reason for this?"
"You are not to question his majesty. Simply do as he says."
Cherika nodded, like he had answered her question. "Very well. I shall see him then." She turned back to her table.
"He has made it clear that the matter is urgent and he would like to see you now."
Cherika sighed. "And why didn't you lead with that, Sergeant?" She rolled her shoulders and walked to Woo-Woo, the same unbothered smile on her face. "Do I need an escort or is Corporal a high enough ranking to walk myself there?"
He turned a vivd shade of poppy red. "Just make it in good time, solider." He left, presumbly to boss around the other officers. Cherika gave his back a little half wave before taking her own path to the king's tent.
Though, tent wouldn't quite be the right word. It was a tent as much as a well-furnished, insulated log cabin was a wood shack. Sure, it was made of all the right ingredients, but no one would ever confuse the two unless they were intentionally trying to downplay their advantage. It was in the middle of the camp, with metal rods holding the velvet--or was it satin?-- in perfect shape. The flaps were guarded by two royal guards, one of them trying to hide the fact that smoke was not good for his lungs. Kudos for him for not completely doubleing-over, though. Even as his face was turning purple.
"Your majesty!" The one who was not choking stood tall and proud, a mostly ornamental spear in his right hand. "Corporal Cherika the Distant has arrived."
The King spun around from his place at his battle desk, a map spread across the table. The script seemed to be made of the most precious wheat, a dark cream color that was complimented by black markings. Cherika glanced at it before looking back at the King of the Fae. His long, brown hair was pulled back into an intricate braid, most likely done by his maidens, and he was dressed in a light blue battle-suit, with sterling silver armour safeguarding his heart and sensitive areas.
"Please, sit." The King gestured to a seat at the table.
Cherika did a small curtsy, spreading her arms further than strictly necessary, and sat down. "To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking to the head of the desert operation?"
The King chuckled, but kept steady eye contact. He leaned casually against his desk and crossed his arms, "You have impressed me. We haven't spoken, but... I can feel this connection between the two of us, and I think we'd make a great team-- away from all this war. I have a mission for you."
"A mission, your majesty?"
He nodded, "As you know, we are approaching Starbane. I expect us to be in for a wild ride. Do you care about your people, Cherika?"
"Well, that's the only reason why I'm here, your majesty. I care oh so much. And you say you have the best in store for those who comply."
"Precisely. And you, being... Naga," the king grimaced at the thought, but shifted his tone quickly, "would be the perfect candidate for this mission-- if your morals are in the right place, of course. Do you know of the Naga Queen, Empress Lilith?"
"Not personally, of course. But I've heard of her in passing."
He smiled lightly and began to pace the tent, "Let me give you a little history lesson. Astrana was created by the rulers of each provence: Starbane, Seaburrow, Xillia, Sunrye, and Thebia. We posess orbs of power, ones that keep each country up and running. There are some rulers who plan to use this power for treason, by joining forces with others to take down my reign. Empress Lilith is one of them. I need you to go find her, and kill her."
Cherika nodded. "Make my way into Starbane, find the Empress, kill her, and do what with the orb of power? Just leave it there and hope you come in time to keep it out of... dastardly hands?"
The King paused, and glanced in her direction, "I can trust you, correct?"
"Of course, your majesty."
"Bring the orb directly to me, and tell no one. In return for this, I will release you and return you to your family. If you do not succeed, you will not return."
Cherika laced her fingers together. "And we both know I will do anything for that."
He winked, "You're getting the gist of it now. You leave at sunrise."
"I leave before sunrise so the breakfast cooks never see me."
"You do as I tell you, Corporal. We have guards at night that are stationed at every exit. In the morning, you'd be better off leaving without getting caught," his eyes flared, "Don't question me again," he waved his hand, "That is all."
"I do as you tell me, your majesty." She stood up and bowed again, folding her right arm across her waist. "And if anyone gets in my way, I will treat them as if they're committing the highest treason for your honor, your majesty."
He bowed his head, "Seems like Woo-Woo taught you well. Now get some sleep, you have much to do."
"Of course." She left slinked out of the tent, smirking to herself. It seemed like her week actually had some potiential now.
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
Blue sat on a piece of coral nearest to the bank, her long thresher shark tail slashing the currents below her. Her long black hair flowed seamlessly with the water, drifting around her face like a distant cloud. She glanced up at the surface, longing to feel the heat from the sun on her skin. Anna was late. Anna was never late.
It was hard enough as it is, meeting a Mer on the outskirts of their territory. A siren was never welcome in those parts, as they were known to be ravenous and disturbances.
The blues and greens of the salty water shimmered in the reflection of the sun, causing Blue to smile faintly and reach up longingly. She wanted nothing more than to be fae, or anything other than what she was. A predator, and hunting machine, a killer is what she was. Just pure migraines.
Just as Blue was about to leave, a long white luminescent fish tail pushed water towards her, causing Blue to fall back off the coral. Anna, her best friend, came into view, smiling as bubbles escaped from her lips, "Sorry I'm late... Mother was doing that thing again. She wants me to come see her in Levianthia."
Blue steadied herself, "If you do, take me with you."
Anna giggled and crossed her arms, "You know I can't bring you. I wish I could, though."
Blue rolled her eyes and swam towards her friend, "Mommy dearest wants me back before sundown. We can manage that, right?"
"There's a few pirates on the outskirts of Seaburrow. I overheard mother saying something about that in her council meeting. I think we should go check it out."
"Pirates?" Blue raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Anna's voice was that of saltwater and conch song, "Just beyond the barrier."
"Now, you know..."
"Yes," Anna said again, "I know. Too dangerous, blah blah blah, Mer don't belong on the outside of the barrier. I've heard it all before. But when has that ever stopped us?"
Blue glanced in the direction of the barrier, the one thing that stopped most sea species to stay in the sea. The vast ocean was dangerous, and pirates were well known to take Mer and Siren as pets. Blue's mother's voice repeated over and over in her head:
Child, you shall never cross that barrier. There are evil things out there, more evil than anything we've ever seen. The one thing we should fear more than ourselves is 'Man'.
Blue sighed and ran her seafoam manicured hands over her face, "Fine. But we're just checking it out. Okay? No funny business."
Anna clapped and pushed her white hair out of her face, allowing it to drift behind her in the current. She blew a kiss with a bubble and held out her hand, "Let's go, then."
~
The ship was a majestic beast that glided across the turbulent seas, it's sails billowing in the wind like wings of a giant seabird. Anna and Blue watched from the depths, their eyes catching a the gleam of gold and jewels at the ships hull. The crewmates laugher filled the salty air. The wood planks on the outside of the ship looked weathered and worn, a sign of past battles won. The girls peeked their heads out of the water, only the top of their heads and eyes showing.
If anything happened, Blue would be ready. She'd be ready to sing, ready to tear each of them apart one by one, no hesitation. She exercised her vocal chords just in case, clearing her throat, "So what now?"
"We listen," Anna whispered, eyes not once leaving the ship's deck.
Blue's eyes followed hers and landed on the group of pirates that sat at at a rounded table.
They were playing a card game, chuckling to themselves. "How long do you think Douglas is going to be with the suits?"
Another fae, with a bright blue streak of hair, snorted. "Knowing him, he'll be back with the queen's dead of old age and algae rot."
Another round of boisterous laughter went around the table.
"So what do you think this orb looks like?"
One of the players, with pearl earrings, shrugged. "Beats me. The boss didn't describe it. Maybe we'll know it when we see it?"
"Can we leave behind Douglas, then? We doesn't know his head from his ass."
An out of sight door opened. "Hey! I found the gear."
"Took you long enough. Bring it here."
Another fae popped into view, with thick square glasses and a bowl cut. He set a box on the table, which the other fae promptly tore open, grabbing what looked like wetsuits.
Douglas swallowed, fixing his glasses. "So why are we...?"
"Killing the siren queen and stealing this orb thing?"
Blue's neck almost broke at those words. She looked straight at Anna and nudged her in the gut, "Let's get out of here."
"No!" Anna nudged her back, "Just keep listening."
Blue was fighting with herself internally. Something bad was about to happen, she could feel it. Deep down in her core she knew something was wrong, especially when the pirates stopped talking completely.
A sharp, piercing noise rattled its way into her brain. It consumed everything, making even your vision warp. It threatened to rattle her very body into pieces. Blue covered her ears. Before she could get a hold of herself, she was being pushing out of the water and thrown on to the deck of the ship. The sound only got louder.
The fae were yelling at each other, completely drowned out by the horrible sound. Someone was pointing at her tail and their ears. Someone was grabbing a fishing kit. Then Blue was being straddled, her head pushes to the ground, her lips being pushed together.
Anna was screaming. Blue couldn't hear it, but she felt the vibration on the deck. A tear ran down Blue's cheek, but she didn't fight. She should've been smarter, faster.
Mother was right for once.
A sailer grabbed her by the hair and lifted her face up. The sound was unbearable, and she couldn't even cover them-- her hands locked behind her in an uncomfortable position. If they weren't careful, they'd break them. It wasn't like she couldn't heal, but still. She'd rather not feel that pain right now. She beared her sharp, razor teeth at the sailor that crouched down in front of her, hissing and spitting. She could feel her tail slowly morph painfully into two feet.
He was speaking now. Hold still... lips... sew..... He was going to sew her lips shut. Blue thrashed wildly, swinging her feet to the front of her. The sailors just held her down as she screamed, hoping they could hear her, "No!"
She caught a glimpse of Anna's face, stark white.
Her friend wouldn't stop screaming, wouldn't stop fighting. She was saying something, but Blue couldn't hear.
She. Couldn't. Hear.
Everything went red, her mind blanked, and she could've sworn she felt her heart drop to her stomach. Were they really going to sew her mouth shut? Tape would work just fine, or even a balled up shirt that got shoved into her mouth would be superficial.
One of the sailors smacked Blue straight across the face, causing her to spit blood onto the worn out deck. Before she knew it, she was being separated from Anna and dragged into the Captains Quarters.
There was fire. A needle. Everything was blurring together. She has being held down. Her lips pressed closed.
Then the pain started. Hot, searing bone deep pain. Like she could never have guessed existed before. Blue couldn't scream, she tried, but she couldn't. Her eyes poured tears, and she trembled and shook. This was torture, pure utter torture. She couldn't feel anything after a while and just stared blankly at the wall above her, praying for anything at this point. For the first time, she prayed for her mother. If she died here, who would be Queen next, or King for that matter? What about Anna? What about...
Pain.
When they got to the last stitch, she was practically unconscious. Her eyes still remained open, drying up with every second she laid there.
"Get up," one of them said, but she didn't listen. She couldn't. The sound stopped, but she stil felt ringing in her ears. They will never stop.
"Is she dead?" one of them asked in response to her inability to respond.
She couldn't even breathe.
"She's useless if she's dead!" The larger of the men bellowed, "Wake her up!"
They shook her, slapped her, poured water on her face. Yet, she didn't even twitch. Before she knew it, everything went black.
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae was starting to get just a little bit bored now. It had been a fun little idea to go chasing after the little insects but now she'd been flying along this admittedly a little boring coastline for quite a bit of time and so far there'd been nothing really worth seeing. She was close to calling it a night and retreating before the sun decided to come up and be its annoying self when she finally spotted something that wasn't just floatsam.
She approached it carefully. It looked to be something alive. You could never be sure with alive things. Getting a little closer, it looked to be a young siren. She frowned slightly. What was one doing just washed up on shore? This could be a clue.
"Hello!"
The girl opened her eyes but blinked slowly. She took a minute to take in her surroundings and frantically brought a hand to her mouth. After making a grumbling sound, the siren looked down at her fae legs.
"Mmmm, Mmmm!" the siren tried to shout through the fishing line that stayed sewed to her lips.
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae frowned. Was that normal? Fashion was kind of horrifying in general but they hadn't gotten this crazy of late had they? The girl flipped on her stomach and brought herself to her feet. She rushed to find something to cover herself with, anything. She settled for cacti remnants, holding them against her body as her face reddened. She refused to look at Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae, just staring down at her feet. She crouched and hesitated before drawing something in the sand with her finger. When she was finished, it read:
Where am I?
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae frowned. What kind of question was that? But then. This girl did look confused and a little bit...frazzled. She decided to humor her odd question.
"Dynalis. Or the beach. Depends on how specific you like it."
The girl's brows furrowed and she closed her eyes for a good three seconds before opening them up again and writing back in the sand, Have you seen a Mermaid around here recently? White tail.
"Mermaid? Nope. Seen nothing. You're the first interesing thing."
The girl pursed her lips and studied her. She looked back down at the sand, wiped away the last message and started tracing something again, My mother is Tethys of Seaburrow. Queen of the Sirens. My name is Blue. Can you help me?
"Um. I mean. That depends. If you want me to carry a boulder, that's a no. If you want me to lead you somewhere I could probably do that. If you want me to give you better fashion advice, I could be bribed. What help do you need?"
Blue tried to smile, but cringed. She pointed towards the sea. She traced one last thing in the sand, Pirates took my friend. They did this to me. Help me find them, and I will be forever grateful.
"I mean. I'm looking for pirates too. So that's just kind of what I'm doing. But umm. If they did that to you. Maybe...go get some..help. Of the medical kind. First. Or you'll just end up their captive again. Your not much use to your friend like that."
Blue pushed her insanely long black hair behind her sandy body and hesitated before nodding. She pointed to the cacti remnants, hinting that she needed clothes before she went anywhere near Dynalis townspeople.
"Oh. Your nakedness isn't a stylistic choice?"
Blue just rolled her eyes.
"Is that a yes or a no?"
The siren shook her head.
"I see. Uhh. Well. I don't think mine would fit."
Blue glanced around them, and started walking towards the path, wherever it led. Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae harrumped.
"Well don't go get yourelf lost there! Come on follow me. Children these days."
Blue nodded and slowed down to match her pace.
She smiled. "That's better." Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae guided her back along the long boring path she'd walked up here. It was somehow even more boring than before. She wished this girl would at least break into a dance to entertain her but it seemed there was no such luck. Well she supposed it was at least a little adventure. She was helping. She grinned widely. Yes this was good. Not boring anymore. She flew forward with just a bit more enthusiasm trudging away from the beach and towards where clothes may be found.
They pair trudged down the path for a few more minutes before a figure appeared, going down the same path as them. The figure was tall, too tall, with long limbs that seemed to fit her height, but seemed impossible regardless. Even from this far away, Sele-Anna-Lunae could tell their eyes glowed a bright yellow. The person sped up a bit to catch up, but with their long legs it took almost no time at all. "Is everything alright here?" Her face was even stranger, with an birthmark in an almot perfect circle over her eyes, and silver hair that framed her face almost like a hood.
"I was dying of boredom but I got better."
Blue glanced at the girl and groaned. Surely, she was counting in her head now many people saw her naked by now. Well, not really naked. She was still covered by the cacti remnants, which must be painful either way. Her face turned a bright red.
The being took off their long leather duster and passed it to Blue, leaving them in a red leather dress, with a bag hung across their torso. "For your troubles. Also, why is your mouth stitched shut?" The turned to Sele-Anna-Lunae. "Was that your choice?"
Blue turned to the being, accepting the leather duster, and cuddled into it. It was insanely big and dragged along the sand behind her. She nodded her head in a thank you and also looked at Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae for her to answer the first question.
"What does her mouth have to do with me exactly?"
"I don't know. I've never met either of you." They hummed. "Do we want the stitches removed?"
Blue's eyes widened at the thought. She hesitated, but nodded lightly.
The person nodded and opened the bag, pulling out a box. "If you don't want to make the trip all the way to Starbane, I can be of assistance. It's best to remove... all that... sooner rather than later. Unless you want permenant holes in your lips. It could look quite nice with metal that allows you to speak instead of fishing line. But if you don't want an involuntary lip piercing, I would suggest doing it before it heals."
Blue steadied her walk and pulled the jacket tighter instead of responding.
"Shall we find a nice rock for you to sit down on? Would you rather lay down?"
The siren glanced around them and her eyes watered. She nodded once again, but knealt back down into the sand, drawing with her finger: What is your name?
"Oh, I'm sorry. My name is Cherika." She bowed, being one arm at her waist, and holding the other out like she was curtsying. "Pleasure to make your acquantince in the unpleasurable circumstances. Now, sitting or laying? I would offer standing but your knees would probably give out."
Blue made a funny face and dropped her butt into the sand. She glared at Cherika, but not an angry glare. More like a you be gentle glare. Cherika gently approached, her hands splayed like she was approaching a wounded animal before gently sitting in the sand beside her. "I'm opening the medical box. Do you want to see what I'm using or would you rather not know?"
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae hovered quietly above them flying a bit higher to avoid bumping into the tall one. This was a much better view than the stupid ocean. She only wished she had something to munch on.
After a minute of thinking, Blue glanced away from her. It was most likely best she didn't know. She wouldn't know what the tools were, anyway, but still. Seeing things like that could make a girl whoozy.
Cherika gently cupped her face. "I'm not doing anything. I'm just getting a look. Nothing is happening."
Blue glared at her again, but allowed her. After considering the stitches for a moment, Cherika got a pair of surigical scissors and snipped the first stitch. Blue winced and grabbed a fistfull of sand.
"You're doing good." Her voice was a soft murmur as she cut the next stitch. Blue squeezed her eyes shut in reaction, almost growling from behind her teeth.
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae resisted the urge to clap. This was getting very exciting but then she also wanted them to forget that she was here at the moment.
Cherika kepy slowly snipping, occasionaly murmuring praise. It took a while, but eventually Cherika pulled back the scissors, all of the stitches snipped. "You should be able to move your lip:
Blue nodded but let out a sigh. She seemed somewhat relieved at this point, but her body was extremely tense in preparation for what was to come.
Cherika patted her shoulder. "I'm going to start, alright?"
"Mm-hm," Blue murmered, barely opening her lips. She closed her eyes. Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae rubbed her hands together in anticipation. They were getting to the good part.
Cherika slowly tugged on the first thread. Blue exploded into a high-pitched little girl scream. It almost sounded like her heart was getting ripped out of her chest. She thrashed and flaled her arms, kicking at Cherika with her feet, "No!" She managed to get out. She didn't care if it got tangled.
"Hey. Hey!" Cherika didn't seem to react much to the blows, her main goal being to grab Blue's shoulders. "It's okay. It's okay."
Blue's eyes were wide with terror. Her pupils shrank. She breathed heavily "Put me out. Knock me out," she said.
Cherika nodded gravely and suddenly, Blue went lax, slumping to the ground. A thick tail coiled beneath Cherika and Blue, coming from underneath Cherika's dress. It was greyish brown, like ash mixed with dirt. She cradled Blue with, gently easing her form into a beter positon. She went back to taking out the threads.
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae groaned. Typical. Ruining the best part. These kids. Couldn't appreciate the value of a good show. Well it was probably for the best she supposed. The naked one did seem to be in a lot of pain.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I ruin your show?" Cherika turned to Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae, a perfect, fanged smirk on her face. "Next time I'll deny her desperate pleas to escape pain, okay?" She turned back to her work.
"You did. And thank you. Very kind of you."
"Pleasure." Cherika hummed. "You should go to Starbane and get her some pants. Maybe something to eat." She shrugged. "Or not. I don't know if you're responsible for her safety. You very much seemed to enjoy her unsafety, so I hope not."
"Oh absolutely not. I just found her and was attempting to help her find clothes."
"Well the clothes will be in Starbane. Unless you have snakidegon wings."
"No?"
"Then Starbane it is."
"Yeah seems like it."
"Luckily, I'm headed that way too. So I can help transport your unconscious friend."
"Oh. I was going to carry her all the way with my incredible strength but thank you for your offfer."
"My pleasure." The tail disappeared and was replaced with her usual spindly legs. She picked up Blue. "Shall we?"
"We shall."
The now even stranger party resumed the journey towards Starsbane. Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae found herself flying higher than usual to keep above Cherika who was carefully holding onto Blue with a grip that suggested she did this more than just on Sunday afternoons. That probably was good for Blue. Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae didn't care too terribly much. Either way they continued their trek onwards.
It was a little while before the gates of Starsbane were visible, imposing and brooding. Typical boring nonsense. They approached the guards stationed by the gate.
The guards blocked the door. "Halt!"
"Hello!"
"What is your purpose for coming into the city?"
"Pants."
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
Cherika carried over everyone's drinks and set them on the table. She scooted them over to their respective drinkers: tequila for Blue, a fizzy cola for Sele-Anna-Lunae, and a whiskey neat for herself.
"So," she took a sip. "Blue are you enjoying wearing pants again?"
The pub was buzzing, mostly loud laughter and the clatter of glass. A perfect place to blend in while Cherika got the lay of the land.
Blue seemed to still be sore from the wire, as expected. She downed the first shot of tequila before responding, not budging at the hot, sour taste as it burned down her throat, "It's fantastic. I'd rather be in the ocean, though." she waved her hand for another.
"Well, as long as they're looking for sirens and mer, it might be best to be... a little bit away from the whole mess."
Blue thought to herself, suddenly frowning, "I guess you're right. Plus, if they were to take Anna anywhere, it'd be here. I'd have the best chance of finding her in Dynalis."
"Exactly!" Cherka waved her free hand, as she finished off her glass of whiskey.
It wasn't long before Blue got her next shot. She let this one sit, sipping it periodically, "What's your story anyway?" she murmered.
"Oh, I've never been to the capital before." She drummed her fingers on the table. "Figured I'd go see it before we all die in a blood war."
Blue studied her, noticing the birthmark around her eye, "Is that a birth mark, there? On your face?"
Cherika nodded. "It is."
The siren pulled the coat from her neck and tilted her head, showing the same exact mark but a tad lighter, and in a different location, "I have the same. That's strange."
Cherika shrugged. "Could be. It is interesting."
Blue pulled her long hair back into a bun and bared her teeth at the men across the pub that seemed to be staring a little too hard, "Ugh. I hate men," she grumbled before downing the rest of her shot, "Another round!" she exclaimed dramatically, throwing her hands in the air.
"They can be distasteful." Cherika glanced up at Sele-Anna-Lunae. "What about you, short, bright, and mysterious? What brought you to the desert beach?"
She giggled. "Why it was pirates, tall, spiky, and mysterious."
"For joining or for hunting?"
"Huntinggg. The little fishies have been causing trouble."
"Some tend to do that."
"They doo. But its so fun to watch them wiggle as they diee too."
"I see."
The doors to the pub opened with a whoosh. Everyone in the pub stopped talking when a large shadow entered the establishment, eyes pinned directly on Cherika. His face was covered with a hood from his velvet black robe-- all that could be seen were his peircing red eyes. His voice echoed throughout the pub and was that of smoke and tar, "I'm looking for Cherika the Distant of Starbane."
Cherika inspected her empty whiskey glass, not looking up at him.
Blue glanced up at Cherika, a smirk pinned across her face. She raised her eybrows and minded her business, looking back down at her empty glass as well. The being moved closer to their table, his boots clicking against the wooden floorborard. Everyone stayed silent. He stopped at the head of their table, turning slowly and sniffing the air. He placed a hand in front of Cherika loudly, "Outside. Now."
Cherika looked up with a sugary grin, her fangs glistening in the gaslamp light. "Me? Oh how come?"
"Would you like me to announce your mission to everyone in this pub, or would you like to discuss it privately... Corporal?" He met her energy with an even wider smirk. The light gleamed just right to see his stretched mouth, as if someone had cut it to make it look longer, similar to a mad clown. Burned skin could be seen on half of his cheeks.
Cherika hummed. "I'm sure you have the wrong person, but I'll go with you if it makes you feel better." She stood up, closer to his height than anyone in the pub. Probably closer than anyone he's ever met before. Good. Maybe it'll make him nervous.
"Lead the way." She swept her hand towards the door.
He glanced at the confused bartender and slid some coins from his robe onto the table. He led her outside and to the side of the pub, waving his hand to mask them in a sheet of darkness, "Do you know who I am?"
"Not in the slightest. My apologies if that hurts your feelings."
"Oh no, actually I'd prefer that. I like making dramatic introductions," he bowed, "Dagon Blackthorn."
Cherika curtsied, tilting a little two far to the left. "Cherika the Sandwaster."
He chuckled, his voice slightly echoey, "I heard you've been looking for my wife. And I will not allow that to happen. So, I'll offer you a proposition. You tell me what that idiot's plan is, or I kill you right here, right now. I'd suggest you pick the first option, as I just bathed and I'd rather not get dirty today."
Cherika considered him for a moment, keeping her face blank. Her heart was pumping wildly, like a desert mole in a flood. She kept his gaze, though. Even if he knew she was unsure, even if he could see deep into her soul, she was going to show him that she wouldn't let it affect her. Courage only matters if you're afraid.
"You're the king of Xillia, correct?"
"King of Demons, King of Xillia, King of Varrenia, what does it matter? Titles don't mean anything in Astrana, anyways. It's all about battles won, and battles lost," he groaned, throwing his head back, "but yes."
"So, you're... monitored by Fae King Adam Evergreen."
"Sometimes I think I'm monitoring him and his incompetent ways. I wouldn't say he monitors[/i[] me. I could kill him with my pinky. Just like every other ruler, I was forced to be king. I didn't want to, for this exact reason right here."
"And what reason is that?"
"With time, child. With time," he hummed, "I will tell you more than you would ever comprehend if you agree to my terms. Leave him, join me. Tell me what he knows. Whatever he promised you, I can promise better. What was it? Safety of your family, if I'm feeling you out correctly."
Cherika decided she did not like people knowing her this well. That's the only way she's survived this long, being made of layers and masks and misdirection, so the Fae King can hear an insult and think it a compliment.
Cherika just gave him a jerky shake of her head.
"What if I told you that they're already safe, and hidden, and out of harms way? What if I told you... you could see them sooner than you thought. What if I told you I handled it?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I'd ask you what you mean by that. In this hypothetical, impossible scenario."
"If.... this was a real scenario, they'd be hidden away in the dunes, far away from Starbane," he sighed, "where nobody but you and I can find them. Don't ask how. Questions are annoying."
"I'd ask for proof. Because that sounds like a trap to me."
He smiled, "I expected that," he dug in his robe and pulled out a gold engraved necklace, with a snake pendant as it's focus-- complimented by sparkling emeralds, "She wanted you to have this," he placed the necklace in her hands.
Cherika took it, eyes blowing wide. The metal was still warm. "How..." She swallowed. "How do I know you didn't just snatch it off her corpse?"
"Child, are demons really made to be [i]that heartless? I have an image to hold up. I don't have time to be going around killing innocent Naga. Do you want to see them or not? If not, I'll have to kill you, and that'd be oh so unfortunate for them, don't you think?"
"You don't understand." She looked up. "I just got a letter from her before I set out. She was not in the dunes, she was in the village. So someone is lying here, and I'm not going to die to find out."
"Who delivered the letter to you?" Dagon asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
"It was delivered with the rest of the mail!"
"And do you think your sister would send it with the majority of the mail, knowing it gets looked over, with information about her whereabouts, Cherika?"
"Her whereabouts aren't a secret. She's being used as the carrot. She's watched constantly." Cherika dug her nails into her wrist.
"Watched by who? I assume you were told Levianthian soldiers. You were lied to. They've been in Varrenia. And who's the king of Varrenia? Oh wait, me." He placed a finger on his chin, "Cherika, I had her send that letter, after offering her and your brother safety. It was the only way to keep their whereabouts hidden, or at least masked."
Cherika covered her mouth, head spinning. The Fae King lied. The only people Dagon was mentioning was Havilah and Noya. Were... her parents dead? Was she really that much of a fool to believe they weren't? Was Dagon using that to his advantage? So many of her people dead... over a bargain that wasn't true. Disgust and guilt and grief rolled over her like a sandstorm. What was the point? What was the point of anything?
If Dagon was setting up a trap, why bother avoiding the trigger?
She swallowed again. "I want to see them."
"You will," Dagon promised, "Very soon. Do you agree to my terms?"
Cherika nodded. "I do."
"Then grab your friends, and follow me," he dissapeared into a mist of darkness and then reappeared near the door to the pub.
Cherika walked over to Blue and Sele-Anna-Lunae, putting a smirk back on. "Hey, you two don't have any weekend plans, do you?"
"Besides finding my friend and trying not to get killed, none," Blue was now on her fifth drink, and at this point seemed like she was seeing stars. Her head bobbed, "Oh, and who was that scary man?"
"He's our guide to great adventures, if you two would like to join. Maybe damage the Fae King's ego."
"Ooh," Blue stood up in a wobbly fashion, "I'd do anything to destroy a man's ego. Fae king or not."
"Wonderful. Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae?"
"I have plans. But these plans sound more funnn. The cockroach is very annoying."
"Lovely. Blue, can you walk on your own?"
"You should ask that handsome scary man to carry me. I may not have been able to see his face, but I'd climb him like a tree regardless," she stammered, holding onto the back of the chair, "What's his name? Sir Handsome Darkness or something?"
"His name is King Dagon. And he's married. So maybe keep the climbing comments to a minimum."
"That hasn't stopped half the men in Astrana," Blue winked and tried to make her way towards the door, "I'll ask him myself, then."
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae quietly gagged in the corner.
Cherika promptly picked her up and slung her over her shoulder. "You'll regret that in the morning." She patted the back of her leg. "Let's go."
"You're no fun," Blue went limp, "but so warm. How are you so warm?"
"I'll answer that question when you're sober enough to understand the answer." She gestured for Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae to follow and walked to Dagon.The Demon King was waiting patiently with his hands folded in an impatient manner, tapping his foot in the sand as he took in the scene of Blue over Cherika's shoulder.
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae giggled and did a litle curtsy. "A kinggg. Not like the stupid cockroach. Rare these days."
Dagon smiled at the Sprite and bowed, "And it's a pleasure to meet you, little one. I've heard of the things you've done. You should be proud of yourself, and all the teachings you've provided. It's rare to find a competent Sprite. You should work for me, when we're finished with all this."
She giggled and did a little twirl. "That's a very kind offer. I might just take itt! Ahh to be among adults. In a manner of speaking.I'm still a child next to you."
"We are all children in our own ways," he waved his hand, and a portal of darkness formed in front of them, "and children like slides. So go ahead and slide down this one."
"I love slides." She flew in without missing a beat.
"Is it safe to have cargo?" She gestured to Blue, who was actively drooling on Cherika's back.
"I wouldn't see why not. I've gone through one of these things holding cattle,' Dagon shrugged.
"Alright then." She did a small half-bow and walked through.
Dagon's skin fluttered into shards of glass, and the portal dissapeared.
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
By the time Blue was able to walk without falling on her face, they reached the Starbane Palace. She couldn't keep her eyes off of the strong, unique, overly-sarcastic man they'd met at the Pub, and the way his cloak dragged behind him in the form of energetic power. The amount of times she checked in her necklace for food in her teeth or anything of that nature was unimaginable.
The world was still slightly blurry as she entered the main corridor of the palace. She'd never been in another castle before, besides her mothers and occasionally the Mer Queens. Anna would sneak her in at night when Blue's mother would be in one of her overly dominant moods. So, it was nice to get some insight on where the other rulers lived. The walls were decorated in emerald velvet drapes that accentuated the light of the ever-glowing sunlight as they bounced off the stained-glass windows. The floors were a deep maroon, complimented by cracks and crevices that layed somewhat hidden beneath the long, vast gold carpet.
It wasn't the most luxurious place that Blue had ever seen, but it was more impressive than the stinky smelling pub that they'd made their temporary home while in Dynalis. She yawned as they followed Dagon through the underwhelming hallways, until they eventually came to a halt at two large, gold encrusted master doors.
"When you enter, you address her as 'Empress'. Nothing more, nothing less. Is that understood?" Dagon studied them, his large veiny hand planted on the doorknob.
"Understood, sir," Blue avoided all eye contact at all costs. She didn't want to become more obsessed with him than she already was. She glanced at the floor instead, trying to get her shit together before she met the man's wife.
What are you doing, Blue? Get your head out of the gutter. He's a married man, and he probrably wouldn't be interested in you, anyways.
Cherika smirked and waved her hand lazily. "Of course."
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae did a little salute. "Understood!"
Dagon twisted the doorhandle, and what laid beyond those doors was pure magic. A naga was curled into a thick, wooden nest, her shifting tail an iridescent blue. The walls were decorated with intricate silver and gold metal sculptures, spelling things in ancient languages. The roon smelled damp, like wet soil, with the spice of something magic. Curled around the nest was a large seraphine with two heads, its scales a bright and vivid green. It nuzzled into the naga's chest, each head idly chasing her hands.
The naga looked up. "Dagon." Her hair was a blue even brighter than the green scales along her seraphine. Her voice was that of a polished sapphire, sliding so smoothly it would change the texture of your hands.
Blue froze. So this was the wife. She awkwardly pushed a strand of black hair to rest behind her ear and glanced at the floor as Dagon spoke, "Lilith, my love," he approached her and took her polished hand in his, kissing it ever so gently.
Blue wanted to gag.
"These are... this is the one I told you about," The Demon king gestured to Cherika who was glancing at the statues, with a forced neutral face.
Lilith hummed, her tail relaxing, letting her spill out of the nest. Even with no legs, she was still almost as tall as blue, and her tail dragged behind her like a creature of its own. Her seraphine flicked its tongue petulantly and stole her space in the nest. "Quite the... eclectic bunch." She moved around them, her tail leaving behind the faint sound of bone smoothing rock. "But they could be useful."
"I agree," Dagon nodded, following her lingering gaze, "Cherika the Distant, Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae, and..." he paused, glancing at Blue, "the drunken, unnnamed Siren."
Blue wanted to die. No, not just die, not even have existed in the first place. Her face grew a bright red and she cleared her throat, her voice cracking, "Blue Tidecaller of Seaburrow, sir."
"Blue Tidecaller of Seaburrow," he hummed, "alright then."
Lilith nodded and locked eyes with Cherika. "So you're the one sent to kill me."
Cherika's hands curled into fists, but her smirk grew into place regardless. "That depends. What do you know about me?"
Lilith chuckled. "Oh, you have no idea. What I do know is that the Fae King has a trouble keeping two things shut, and one of those things are is lips. Dagon and I knew you were coming before you did." She brushed Cherika's shoulder like she was wiping the dust off. "But if you're here, that means you're willing to work with us. And that's what I'm focusing on now."
Cherika nodded. "Sounds interesting."
"We need people who can go undercover. Not just that, but be ginea pigs for the weapons we have in store, in case the King decides to pull some funny business," Dagon's strong voice radiated across the Throne room.
"What exactly are these weapons?" Blue asked.
Dragon smirked and looked at the seraphine cuddled in Lilith's nest, "You're looking at one. These are one of the strongest genetically modified animals in all of Astrana. We call them Seraphines-- a mixture of bird and serpent. A deadly yet... adorable killing machine."
The seraphine chirped in the nest, as if to illustrate his point, before resting its head on the nest.
"Those things?" Blue chuckled, "It looks like it couldn't hurt a fly."
"Oh, child," Dagon chuckled, "this is just a baby."
Blue paled. If that was just a baby...who knows how big the seraphines could actually get. She'd never heard of an animal that was genetically both bird and serpent. The idea of a large, winged snake sent shivvers down her spine.
"Just a baby?" Lilith tsked and shook her head, grabbing a target that was leaning against the wall. "Emerald!" The seraphine' ahead shot up. "Khylle!" The seraphine, seeming Emerald, drew back, its heads baring their fangs. Lilith waved the target and a spray of venom shot out of Emerald's mouths, hitting the target square in the center. The target cracked in half, wood oozing and dripping to the floor. Lilith cooed, slithering over to pet both heads. "Good girl. You've learned so quietly." The two heads, previously hellbent on murder, nestled into Lilith's sides, their tongues flicking lazily.
"We will provide you three with your own personal Seraphine each, courtesy of Empress Lilith. You will be responsible for training and bonding with your Seraphine. But, remember, they must pick you. When we show you the stables, you will be drawn to one of them. Don't choose the Seraphine, let it choose you," Dagon finished.
Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae tentatively raised her hand. "Would I um? Well. Would it listen to me? It looks like I'd just be a snack to a reasonably grown one?"
"That's why bonding with your Seraphine is extremely important," Dagon turned his attention to Sele-Elle-Anna-Lunae, "If you successfully do that, you will not get eaten. If not... they do enjoy Moon Sprites very much. So stay attentive." he flashed a wink in her direction.
"That's a memorable way to go out."
"More like... a painful way to go out," Dagon hummed, "Any other questions?"
Blue stayed silent for a moment. Not only did she not sign up to train an englared snake-bird, but she was sure one wouldn't even pick her. She's a siren. There's no way. Maybe she did have one question.
"What's the difference between these... Seraphines, and a dragon or wyvern?" Blue's voice was light and airy.
"Great question," Dagon moved to stand next to Lilith, "These animals are Elementals. They have either the gift of shadow, ice, water, fire, poison, air, or metal."
"Shadow is not an element," Blue questioned.
"Indeed. Shadow is a genetic mutation that happens rarely. Shadow Seraphine's are extremely dangerous, and only get assigned to the wisest of handlers."
Makes sense. Blue knew she wasn't going to bond with a shadow seraphine anyways. Maybe water, or ice.
"Does bonding with any other element say something about you?" Cherika waved her hand, a mix between exasperation and joking. "Like it say... someone here got an air seraphine. Would that mean you're an airhead?"
Dagon didn't seem amused, "Yes, it actually does. Seraphines bond to whoever they feel connected to, like soul-ties. If you are Mer," he glanced at Blue again, "or siren, you will not get assigned to a fire seraphine."
"How do naga get anything other than poison then? Or did you make the others specifically for other species to diversify the force?"
"There's only been one naga who has ever got assigned to an elemental seraphine, that wasn't posion," Dagon clarified, "and they were not fully naga. If you have anything else in your blood besides your spirit element, you do have the chance of bonding with another element besides poison. But that, also, is very rare."
"Well then, I know what I'm getting. I know my parents." She smiled. Must be nice to know you had an advantage of being the right species with a generational history of being picked.
"Possibly," Dagon shrugged, "Lilith, would you like to add something?"
Lilith turned around, eyes gleaming. "Try not to get eaten. They're on a strict diet."
“Look at that moon. Potato weather for sure.” ― Thornton Wilder, Our Town
And Cherika is such a good character, big props to you, @WeepingWisteria ~
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