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Private: Mistress, Star, Timmy
(The following players are involved here: MistressLeopard, Star2000Shadow, TimmyTheNerd.)
Chapter 1: The Sand Witch (A chapter between Star2000Shadow and MistressLeopard.) The cave was in one of the higher peaks of the desert mountains, the dwelling place of a woman referred to as the Sand Witch. Four hundred or more years hung on her shoulders and yet she was a slender, spry creature. Her hair was a frizzling froth of silver around her head and shoulders, braided with tiny black, white and brown feathers and glimmering glass beads. Her skin parchment in appearance and a deep chestnut brown from her days in the desert sun. Wrinkles lined her face and while her fingers were fragile at a glance they were still strong and nimble in truth. She was clad in a brown skirt that wrapped her waist twice and knotted at the right hip, falling to almost ankle length. Her sandles were leather bottoms with lengths of leather wrapped around her ankles. Her shirt was a pale tan that crossed one side over the other, held closed by a few wooden buttons, giving it a v-neckline. Various necklaces of thin leather hide hung around her throat, holding silver symbols, glass beads and feathers on them. The entrance of the cave was a fair sized cavern, with shelves cut into the walls with thousands of various glass bottles that she herself had made with desert sands and the fire from the hearth at the back of the cavern that always burned. She was used to high heat, was comfortable in it. Other nick-knacks lined the shelves, bones, tools, herbs she had gathered from the desert itself. A black iron pot boiled over the fire. The hearth was large enough she, at her five foot eight stature, could have walked in and had more than enough room. She could put several caldrons in at once. The fluid inside bubbled viciously, small curls of green-yellow smoke rising each time bubbles burst. The liquid was a brackish color itself. She used an iron spoon the length of her arm to stir it slowly and gave a nod to herself. “NOVICE!” she shouted, her voice echoing down an off-shooting hallway nearby. It was early morning, the sun was just beginning to enter the wide, oval-shaped entrance. She had been up for hours already. Her voice bombarded the walls and filled the small chamber she had dedicated to her apprentice for the last two years. Today, she would be testing her apprentice and, if the test was passed, it would mean a rise to the next ranking. And she would allow the other into her private library. |
Jerking awake he gave a gasp, and shuddered then slide from his furs where he'd lain. he wore a simple pair of hide pants and a lose top, the skirt hung in four parts, front, back, and both sides. his eyes where dark, a deep amber color, almost gold. and his hair hung in lose curls about his face. gathering his wits he darted out the doorway and raced for the area the lady in charge of him, and teaching him how to control his gifts.. how to brew potions. the like. "yes mistress.." he got out shakily. amber gold eyes flicking up to the other's face as he took in the cauldron and other items about the room. he had fair skin, skin that burned but always healed faster then a humans could. not that he'd ever told her what exactly he was. nor even what his name was. then again one of her first lessons? Names hold power. she'd never given him Hers and after she'd given him his first basic lesson he'd learned why.
He also knew today was the day he tested to see if he advanced, or had another year of back breaking labor as a novice. |
The Sand Witch considered him, moving around him in a circle. She brushed his hair back with a quick stroke of her fingers and tied it back deftly with a strip of hide from around her throat, leaving a little glimmering with vivid green glass beads. "What have I said about your hair?" she said sternly. "Hair will get you in trouble." She tied her hair back as well. They had not started yet, but she held firmly that he come into her work-room, which was the entrance of the cave, fully prepared. She knew how to move, could always sense her potions and spells and general magic-work. Even when he was not working in there and merely passing through, he had to be prepared.
The hair was going to count against him because of just how long it was. Waste length was not the same as short hair. "Alright," she stated. She was plucking at his clothing lightly as she considered him. "The shirt is too loose." Her hands went to her hips. As comfortable as her own clothing was, it was actually not overtly loose. "We've spoken about all of this. I told you to be awake enough to not make the simple mistakes," she tisked. She was harsh, but she had taught him much, and well. She had taken care of him since she took him in two years ago. She had found him in the desert, turned out by his own people for fear of what he could do. She had taught him control. She was harsh because she wanted to see him succeed. |
He flinched dropping his eyes. "Sorry mistress..It's..hard for me to be comfortable in tight clothing." his people saw it as.. well it drew the eye to ones form.. it was frowned upon. a submissive only showed themselves off if they where whores. and he was having to live by a human .. 'well i think she's human im not quite sure on that part..' womens idea of proper. all though if he'd been more awake..he'd of braided his hair before leaving the room. "It won't happen again." and it wouldn't. not if he could help it.
She only had to scold him once on the hair.. but it was the rest of his habits he couldn't seem to brake. swallowing he backed up away from the potions, undid the tie she'd given him and with practiced Ease soon had the hair braided so tight it was a thin, almost rope length braid. the thinner he could get it. the easier to keep it from interacting with potions. once done he tied it off with the same leather hide tie she'd tied it back the first time. He fought the urge to turn and fallow her, not enjoying the feeling of anyone at his back. "So.. what are we learning today." he'd learned he was both an earth magic user.. and fire.. complete opposites. it was why he was so contradictory. all things considering, he was remarkably calm with her. then again she came off like a dominant set to rip into him if he so much as misstepped. |
She stood in front of him and gave a nod. "Very good," she said, more to herself than anyone else. "I've made a base potion," she stated. A base potion was something that could be taken and have one or two items added to it to create a handful of other, powerful potions. She pointed to the cauldron. "Consider this potion, what is it the base to? There are five different potions it can be converted into. And tell me, is this potion inert or active as it stands?" She wanted him to tell her if the base potion itself could do anything. Some base potions were potions in their own rights, they could make things happen or be poisonous. Others were absolutely useless and had about as much affect as water.
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He moved on silent feet tot he potion and bent, first breathing in carefully to catch any of the scents. hesitating he got a tasting 'cup' a small thing almost flat with a small lip, and using the cauldrons spoon, which had the potion on it already he poured a bit into it and putt he spoon back then studied the color. before trying to figure it out. 'well it could be a base potion.. one that doesn't do anything unless somethings added.."I'd say its..inert.. maybe..could it be a healing potion?"
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"Don't question me," she said sternly. "You must be sure. You said it was inert." She held her hand out for the tasting cup. "Give it to me, now." She was actually going to drink it. If he was wrong...then she was going to be harmed. He had to know what he was saying and this was his test. Get it right or harm his own teacher, someone who had been almost like a stern grandmother to him. "Come, come, you can't consider it all day. There are five different potions it can be converted into as well. List them off for me."
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He stared at her and swallowed. he was sure it was inert.. but.. what if it wasn't.. what if it harmed her.. fear started to curl through his stomach. when he wasn't thinking about it he was almost instinctive in potion making. it was when he thought about it that he messed up. or when he doubted himself. "I..I could be wrong.." he got out forcing himself to hand the cup over. he was sure he wasn't but still. "I..I THINK its inert.. a..a..and c..c..can be used for a..h..h..healing potion t..t..to cure infections.. I..I think it could also do that one for pregnancy, something about low iron .." and he forced hismelf to lsit off the other three even as he watched her with wide scared eyes. what if he was wrong?
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She tipped the sample into her mouth, letting the liquid roll over her tongue. She swallowed and waited a full minute and the time seemed to drag on forever. "Yes, it's inert," she stated. "Yes, this base is used for healing infections, preventing pregnancy, building up low iron, improving herb growth and curing nerve damage. Honestly, novice, don't stutter so much. I should hold you back on the mere fact you can't get a sentence out without saying 'I think' or choking on the words. You must be sure of yourself, novice. Your knowledge is what could stand between someone's needs or their demise. Do you understand this?"
The Sand Witch put the tasting cup aside and a considering expression settled onto her face. "Still, despite your nerves, you did get it all correct. That is what is making me confidently raise you to the rank of new witch." She raised a hand to lay it gently on his shoulder. "And as a new witch, you may enter my library and find three books to take as your own to begin your own collection of knowledge. Go to the back chamber, the door will open for you now. Then return to me and I will give you a gift." |
He felt his knees try to drop him. if anything he felt even MORE terrified. swallowing back the fear he nodded and did as told. moving uncertainty back towards the door which did open.. 'goddess i really REALLY want to run in the opposite direction.
once in the room he swallowed. uncertain about which book to chose he fell back on one of the lessons. closed his eyes and unshielded his magic. letting it out to 'pick' for him. when he left again he had books that drew him. then again they where along the lines of his stronger set of skills. one potion's book, one healing manual, and one plant magic. he carefully placed them down for her consideration even as he tried to ignroe the need to go and throw up. he wasn't sure if he had wanted to succeed or fail. |
The Sand Witch considered his choices and a smile touched her lips. She touched the book on plant magic. "This one, it was one of my choices too when I gained three books from my teacher." She picked up something from the floor and put it on the table next to the books. It was a leather satchel that looked half full. She had put in some of his clothing, flasks of water, dried meats, packets of useful herbs, a knife, a few other tools, and several maps of the kingdoms and lands around them.
"Now, you are prepared. As a new witch, you will go out into the world to learn more on your own. To find your own place. We'll stay in contact of course." She held up a small round mirror edged in silver and put it in the pack. "You are ready." She gave him a sure smile and patted his cheek gently. |
He stared at her with wide eyes. his own.. 'oh goddess guard me..' he thought almost panicked. then he took another breath. "Y..yes M..mistress.." he forced out, then slowly picked up the satchel. his hands shaking slightly. at least he wouldn't have to worry about chores and such. no now he went out. to get his own witches tools. items that called to him. "I..I guess i see you in a few years then.." his voice was soft, and uncertain. but he knew as a new witch he'd have to learn his own magic. all witches had their own ways of doing things. sure the basic was the same all over. but after that basic teaching they had to learn on their own. or absorb knowledge from other witches not their teacher.
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"You'll do fine," she assured him and hugged him. "I have given you fifty gold pieces, fifty silver pieces, and fifty copper. That is enough for meals and getting some items for a while. It will give you time to find a place to settle and work. Whether that be in magical work or some other job for a while." She guided him to the opening of the cavern. "You'll do well, I promise you. You can do this." She was so sure of him.
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He stared back at her. how could she have THAT much trust in him? he swallowed and slowly moved forward before pausing. "Thank you mistress.. for everything." she'd found him when he would of died.. saved him.. taught him control..
then gathering himself he slowly left the cavern, and heading down the path he had memorized. he'd gone down it often enough to gather water. once down in the valley he glanced back at what was his home for the past years. raised a hand in farewell, and headed down the path towards the nearest village. at which point he'd refill his water pouch, and possibly buy anything else he'd need for traveling. |
Chapter 2: Nibyna & The Water-Cat
(A chapter started by MistressLeopard, and among the three authors.) The city of Nibyna was the nearest one to the heart of the desert where the Sand Witch's mountains lay. It was a coastal city, one of sandstone structures that got no taller than five stories. There were many fabric awnings and each street seemed to be alive with merchant trade. What items there were to be found in the desert were most often solid here, things that were rare to all other parts of the world. The native people were tanned and their hair lightened from black at birth to nearly mossy brown over years to adulthood. Here, there were many small time witches, casting their magic in little ways to gain money from the foolish or tourists merely passing through. If he wished to go anywhere in the world, he could do it from the Nibyna port for a cheap price. The scents of foods he had never tried teased at his senses. Some were bitter, others were succulent and called to the tongue to take a taste. Meats and fruits, things that were savory and sweet. There were clothes that were richer than anything the Sand Witch owned, and perhaps not nearly as practical as her wardrobe. There were children running around, laughing. A sound that was happy and open. There were toys and useless items meant only to amuse. He saw stalls and shops with many other items that would do well in his collection now that he was free to build one. |
Terra flicked his eyes over the mess. and his mind rebelled. it was utter Chaos. 'why.. why would they do this..' it was.. useless rubbish. he took a deep breath. and moved in, shifting his bag across his chest, to keep it safe. so that the satchel itself rested on his stomach and he could easily wrap his arms around it. his steps where silent and if one watched closely. any plants near him leaned towards him. as if towards the sun.
He trailed down one Alley and up another as he moved. having taken a few coins from the pouch that the sand witch gave him. and that was all he wanted. "Right.. this is just.." a mess. he wanted to mutter. Instead he headed for the herb and other food section of the alley. he bought a few pieces of fruit that he could dry out later, and would have for the trip. once he was done looking. he found he'd bought a sturdy staff, clear of any markings that he then could weave his own spells into, a plain cloak, and a few rolls of parchment. then he headed for the Docks to find a boat out of the town. knowing he'd find nothing else there. for nothing else called to him. his braid swayed with each step. the dark honey gold color glinting in the light. as he spent time in said light it would lighten further then it already had. if the city itself was busy the docks made him have to pause and take everything in. 'oh my gods..' he thought staring at the mess of people, animals and things being off loaded, and on loaded to ships. ship hands calling and yelling to each other. boasting and teasing and generally making a racket. when he finally found a boat that was leaving he asked to be booked. and was informed he had to speak to the captain. who gave a go on all who boarded the ship. Our OOC Thread |
Already on board the ship was a dwarf named Steingir. He had a large beard, braided into two long braids held in place by copper bands, instead of the usual ties. The braids fell down to his waist. He had long, fiery red, hair that fell about his shoulders and his eyes were emerald green. He wore a chainmail shirt, under a leather vest, and steel armor from the waist down. Over the outfit he wore a black wool coat that was lined with wolf fur around the neck and wrists. Dwarven tattoos ran down the right side of his face. The tattoos held a special meaning, as they were made up of mostly dwarven runes. They were oaths, as Steingir was an oathbearer. Dwarven Oathbearers were tasked with keeping oaths and promises made by their Thane.
Gripped in one hand was a large, hammer like, weapon. It was a dwarven warhammer and was as much as a tool for smithing as it was a tool for war. The weapon was as long as Steingir was tall, with the hammer head being twice the size of the dwarf's head. Dwarves were proud of their warhammers and only wielded warhammers they made themselves. Steingir was guiding the rest of the crew in loading in dwarven made cannons, which was how he was paying for his fare. He gave Terra a quick glance as the submissive board the shipped, but looked away as the other entered the captain's cabin. |
Terra traded over his coin for the ride, and padded back out. he made no sound. where everyone else seemed to stomp, and pound, and generally disturb the world around them he seemed very much a part of the world without disturbing it.
Swallowing hard he took a deep breath of salt air. moving he picked a spot outside of the way and watched as the ship busied itself and soon, at sunset, the ship was shoved off and they where on their way. Tera's blond braid twisted and twirled along his spine as he moved. a thin braid of blond with highlights of gold. he stood up at the bow of the ship, watching the water rush past, crashing against the front of the ship. |
Steingir walked up next to Terra, he seemed to be using the warhammer as a walking stick, with the head placed on the deck. He looked at the other before turning his attention to the ocean."It's a beautiful thing, the sea. Don't ye agree, lad?"The dwarf said to Terra."Most of my people avoid boats and the ocean. They prefer to cling to dry land. They do not see what I see, however."
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Terra Glanced sideways at the Dwarf. lips compressing as he took a deep breath to keep from panicking. Didn't this Male know a submissive? if not by look at least by Dress. it wasn't hard to tell a submissive apart from humans. most wore pants.. with skirts thrown over them. now he had several choices to pick from. there was the fact he could be rude, turn on his heel as tradition taught him, and walk away from the bastard. or he could stay. and be humanly 'Civil'.
He chose to just nod and leave it at that. why the hell was this dwarf talking to him. Non-humans and Dwarf's didn't exactly get along. if anything they where like oil and water. the flared and burned, or fought and drowned. and he sure as hell was in no mood to drown. but then this ship was different. it was to bring him to anew life. possibly a place to settle into and grow as a witch. |
A low, soft mew caught his attention then. It was behind him and to the left that he spotted a small, sleek cat with black fur walking on the railing easily with delicate little paws, tail flickering back and forth. The fur was so dark it reflected sapphire and navy in the waning sunlight and the rising light of the lanterns being lit on board. The feline hopped down and trotted toward the ajar door to the lower decks. Something about the feline stood out to his senses.
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Terra didn't think he fallowed the cat, putting the Dwarf from his mind. after all they where just fellow passengers. steps light and quick he darted after the cat, weaving in between the busy crew and other passengers as he did so. he fallowed the cat down the stairs. silent for the moment then softly. "Here kitty.." he murmured softly. voice like velvet.
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He ended up in the cargo hold, far beneath the deck and the rooms for guests traveling. There were many items to be found, to be delivered to and sold at other ports. He could smell foods, wines, incense. So many items. And he heard the distinct mew of the cat somewhere ahead of him. There was a lantern near the door lit low burning. He saw the gleam of the cat's eyes on top of a distant crate where it sat. As if waiting.
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Terra hesitated but he headed after the feline and stood looking up at it. then before he could stop himself he tilted his head. "And who might you be kitty.." he whispered softly. a hand reached back and rubbed the back of his neck. frowning at the cat. he knew the thing wasn't normal. but he didn't know if it was a familiar or not. because, quite frankly, he hadn't thought he'd be strong enough, as a witch, to attract a familiar. or need one to help channel his gifts.
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The feline hopped down and landed on his shoulder. It was not very big, little bigger than a few weeks old kitten. It nuzzled against his cheek and crawled across his shoulders, rubbing along the back of his neck. Its fur was silken and cool. It nearly felt like water. And then the feline's body shifted and a line of water actually curled around his left arm before hopping easily away from his wrist and reforming as the cat, sitting and staring up at him. A water-cat.
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