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Post by Admin on Mar 13, 2023 5:46:47 GMT
This close to Amber, following a trail into Arden, the hellride is short. Ryland finds himself among black trees, in a heavy fog. Even the ferns and bushes all about him are black. It is the darkest time of the night, and a heavy silence lies upon this land.
Through the trees, he can see whisps of black fog drifting past. Or are they the ghosts of ancient armies scattered about a lost battlefield?
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Post by Ryland on Mar 16, 2023 23:30:42 GMT
Ryland stops and takes a deep breath. He lets the sounds of the forest settle over his.
From here on out, caution is paramount. Ryland extends his senses out and starts slowly moving with the forest's ebb and flow, becoming at-one with it.
He isn’t in a hurry and looks at the forest like a predator, moving from concealment to concealment.
Ryland’s plan is to find some of the Arden Rangers or his cousin and observe them before approaching. |
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Post by Admin on Mar 19, 2023 4:43:28 GMT
Wherever this place is, it is not the garden he has ever travelled in before. No birds sing, and no small creatures dart about in the underbrush. Moving through the forest, he sees no hoofprints of deer or footprints of coyotes. Clear, silvery rivulets cross his path, and he senses poison in the water. Paralleling the trail through the forest, the ghosts continue on the wanderings. Now, for the first time in an hour, he hears the faith sound of paws on the trail. Whatever manner of creature makes the noise, he can't see it due to a bend in the path.
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Post by Ryland on Mar 20, 2023 1:38:15 GMT
Ryland glances at the ghost, then tries to move to the edge of the trail, while staying away from the ghosts. If possible he will be right off the trail in the brush. Then he will stalk forward until he can observe what is ahead.
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Post by Admin on Mar 20, 2023 6:16:51 GMT
From his place of concealment, he sees a large wolf come around the bend. Its eyes glance about with more intelligence than usual for these creatures, and its gait lass fluid.
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Post by Ryland on Mar 21, 2023 21:58:14 GMT
Ryland palms his sticks, one in each hand. The stick goes up the inside of his wrist/forearm, pressed against his sleeve.
He makes a bit of noise as he moves out of cover and into a defensive stance.
“I’m not an enemy, but I will defend myself.
You look intelligent, and I hope you can understand me.
Are you willing to talk instead of fighting?” Ryland asked, appearing calm. |
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Post by Eivor on Mar 22, 2023 8:24:37 GMT
The wolf pauses in its progress along the path, then sits. It seems to bow its head as its form seamlessly shifts into that of a woman, blond hair cascading down her shoulders as she looks up.
"Ryland," Eivor replies evenly. "First Eshanta now here. It's almost as if you're following me."
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Post by Admin on Mar 23, 2023 5:52:47 GMT
OOC: Why assume you both are at the same place?!  |
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Post by Admin on Mar 23, 2023 5:54:09 GMT
OOC: Okay, it's true, just trying to scare yas. Continue.
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Post by Admin on Mar 23, 2023 5:57:14 GMT
The ghosts continue their drifting up and down the path and pay no attention to the two cousins.
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Post by Ryland on Mar 24, 2023 3:14:47 GMT
“Hello, Eivor.” Ryland replies with a slightly stupid confused smile.
“It is always good to see family, even in a dark, dank, haunted part of Arden. Especially here. I knew Arden had some dark places, but I have never been in this area before.” Ryland looks pointedly at the ghosts.
“I’m passing through on my way to visit other family. I’d gladly share a meal and trade tips on the trail since you are coming from where I’m heading.” He offers. |
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Post by Eivor on Mar 24, 2023 8:24:46 GMT
"You don't just pass through the dark paths of Arden," Eivor replies, shrugging on her shirt. "No-one comes here unless they are looking for something or someone specific. If you can't be honest with me at least come up with a better lie. Now are you really going to tell me what you're doing here are you going to leave it to me to join the dots?"
Straightening, she pulls on her pack.
"Thanks for the offer, I'd rather we shared a meal somewhere more convivial and I'm trying to conserve my rations."
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Post by Ryland on Mar 25, 2023 5:16:10 GMT
“If you think I’m lying, then keep walking, cousin. I will find them either way.” Ryland said shortly.
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Post by Eivor on Mar 25, 2023 8:04:33 GMT
Eivor shrugs. "You'll find nothing here but ghosts. Stay safe, cousin."
She continues along the path, leaving different tracks to the ones that brought her here.
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Post by Ryland on Mar 26, 2023 8:32:13 GMT
Ryland sighs, then turns and heads the way he was going, towards Edmund.
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