Orianna, Hell's Legend

Orianna (Independent OC, Mun and Muse 21+), a tiefling rogue, who took to the adventuring life to find herself. She became an arcane trickster so, fair warning: She fights, she bites and is feelin' flirty tonight.

[oneandahalfwolf]

Ben squirmed a little with a faint whine of discomfort as Orianna rubbed their back, the movements though gentle pulling at the injured and tender skin - even if the warmth of her palm soothed the hurt as fast as it came. Her voice dragged their attention away from the pain, ear flicking against her jaw as they listened. They didn’t understand all the words, they weren’t well versed in dragons after all, but her cadence kept them smiling. A few giggles did slip out when she mentioned ‘shiny things’ and ‘silly people’.

Despite their tiredness they couldn’t help but light up and almost smacked their head into her chin as they sat up in her arms, tail wagging furiously with happiness as they realised, she had understood theirs and their teddy’s names. The wolf-kin couldn’t help the fast-paced whines that slipped out as the joy bubbled in their tiny body and overwhelmed them, chest heaving as they struggled to get air in. As quickly as the moment came the dam broke and they started coughing again, collapsing against her collarbone as they trembled, saliva wetting the fabric of her clothing. Once they’d caught their breath, they nuzzled her shoulder and whimpered an apology. People didn’t always like when their feelings got too big and they acted out. Mama and Papa hadn’t minded of course, found it adorable. But they weren’t here anymore.

The toddler struggled to listen to Orianna, head starting to hurt a little, but managed to at least catch the last question. As she settled them on, a delightfully soft, piece of furniture, Benkai’l managed to shake their head.

“Lll-eft,” they answered sadly, “Mma-mma fin’ ‘eh-nny in… um…” They couldn’t remember how to say the word in Common so they clumsily signed ‘graveyard’ for the dragon, doing so instinctively and not really thinking if she would even understand. After all Mama and Papa knew Sign so it was just assumed sometimes that all adults would know the language.

They tilted their head as Orianna looked them over, brows furrowing with uncertainty. When she snapped her fingers they yipped in surprise, then shuddered as they felt a strange sensation wash over their body. They looked down and gasped when they realised the dirt and grime was gone from their skin, freckles visible once more.

As she waved her hand, they felt a little dizzy, swaying slightly, but then after a moment they felt even better than they had before. True the side effects of their exhaustion and hunger remained (the slight headache, itchy eyes, grumbling tummy), but the aches in their limbs and the cuts on their skin were all gone. They looked at their palm before turning their hand over and then back, marvelling at the pink and white lines that had been open wounds just moments before. Best of all their back felt much, much better. Yes, the skin felt a little tight with new scar tissue they weren’t used to, but it wasn’t sore and hot anymore.  

They jumped again at the second snap, before their clothes fluttered against their skin and they quickly looked down again to see what she had done. A grin broke out on their face as they realised their pyjamas were pristine again. White and soft and free of rips and tears. They looked freshly washed. Just like when Mama had put them on her child. Not only that but Wojtek was also fixed. Yes, he was still worn and loved, but he was no longer damaged and singed.

Ben started giggling again, looking up at the dragon and clapping their hands together, bouncing in place. They had never seen magic like that. Some adventurers who came through the Smithy occasionally showed them pretty lights or made things float, but this was amazing. Their laughter petered out with a small wheeze, chest feeling a little tight but thanks to whatever healing the dragon had gifted them they managed to not delve into yet another coughing fit, lungs feelings as better as the rest of them. They didn’t want to annoy her with their weakness. The town teacher used to hit them when they coughed too much, which was often. When Mama found that out after a week she’d immediately pulled them out to ‘home school’ them.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna was concerned by that cough. It might hinder the pup as they grew. She'd have to look into it, but in the meantime she rumbled soothingly for them. Apologies weren't necessary for something they couldn't help.

And they were found in a graveyard...and apparently there was no one else in their life. Well...crap. She couldn't simply leave the pup to just anyone. They clearly had enough people who didn't like them on sight as it was. Stupid humanoids. How could they be so horrid to her little pup?

Wait.

'Her pup'

Oh dear.

Dragon instincts were already kicking in, ready to claim the pup as her own child. Gods damn it. Being a dragon meant having a distinct advantage over the other races in the realm, being practically godlike by a certain age. Orianna might reach that within a handful of centuries, should she make it to Ancient Dragonhood. But being a dragon meant there were some things that happened on instinct. Like hoarding things, and claiming people or even other dragons as their own.

Thankfully, Orianna knew this wasn't a claim in the sense of claiming property. She didn't have to be concerned with herself there. But she knew she was attaching to this pup quickly, and goodness knows what would come along with that.

Ben had mentioned a 'Moon Lady' had helped them before. Had this woman placed Ben under her care for a reason? If there was no one else for this pup, then Orianna was reticent to put them with an orphanage.

As Ben giggled at their now healed and clean form, something in Orianna melted. She supposed the pup was hers now. Hers to care for. Hers to raise.

Orianna took a deep breath, memorising Benkai'l's scent. Yes, now there was no question of whether she could find them in an emergency.

Raising her hands, Orianna signed to them. It was one of the many languages she knew fluently.

'So, what kinds of food do you like?'

[ineedmyfriendback]

"I do enjoy some interesting architecture," Missy said. Luskan being described as less than upstanding had her a bit nervous, but then she supposed that the best place to look for leads about the Hierophant's killer would be somewhere sketchy.

As for it being a place to start over...she certainly hoped she wouldn't need it to be, but depending on how her investigation went, she might. Ori's grin was reassuring though, and she found herself feeling cautiously optimistic as a village appeared ahead of them.

"Oh? That's good. I'll follow your lead then."

Today was a day of so many new experiences, with the village they were heading towards being the latest on the list. Hopefully it would be a good one.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna weaved through the village's streets. There was a store here that sold the basics Missy would need.

The village itself was a quiet, sleepy place. It was the type of place that was friendly enough to visitors but the residents were definitely obsessed with what their neighbours were doing. Orianna couldn't see herself living in a place like this. It was either the city, or a cabin in the middle of nowhere for her.

As they came up to the store, Orianna turned back towards Missy.

"We'll get your necessities from the store with the red sign up ahead. Keep in mind what kind of weapons you think you can use," she said.

"We'll cover the cost if you don't have the coin for it," said Arrias.

Gods damned daemon! He really was betraying her state of mind.

Orianna was more than aware of what Missy was after, and that she should shake her off as soon as possible. But there was a part of her that wanted to lean in, and get to know Missy. Get to know this beautiful woman who was such a mystery to her.

This was not an option. Missy was a part of the Magisterium and had only just found out that not everything she knew was true. Orianna couldn't put herself at risk with someone who would see her actions as an evil, rather than an act of justice.

[rpmemes-galore]

send "you're just like your father..." for my muse's reaction to yours saying that.

[oneandahalfwolf]

Benkai’l gasped hoarsely as the dragon suddenly changed shape, a snout becoming a face as arms pulled them closer. Tears welled in their eyes again as they felt the hug reciprocated, sobs threatening to take over their frail form again. If they couldn’t fathom how long they’d been on the journey that brought them here, the last time they’d received a hug was before even that. It was from their Mama. Before the fire took her and Papa.

And now they wouldn’t get another from her ever again.

The warmth exuding from the now humanoid dragon however stopped the grief from overwhelming them, allowing them to simply enjoy the sensation. Ben grunted softly as they were picked up, thin legs doing their best to gain purchase on her sides. The toddler leaned back a little, free hand that wasn’t holding their bear reaching up to trail a trembling finger over the scales that arched over her brow – over the same golden eyes.

She was definitely still very pretty.

Grey eyes blinked as the woman spoke, nodding in agreement about going further into her lair. They should probably be more wary of a stranger who didn’t have their parents blessing. But they were so tired, and she was so nice – promising to fix them up. Plus, their parents weren’t around to vet her as safe. The Moon Lady had though, so maybe that needed to be good enough. They tilted their head at her name, trying to commit it to memory as their mouth sounded it out as best they could.

“Riiiii-naaa,” the wolf-kin said carefully, before ending with a wheezy giggle. “Pweddy name fo’ pweddy wady.”  Their tone was matter of fact, no room for arguments. Their ears folded at the tips, brow furrowed in concentration as they tried to answer her question. They still had trouble with their name, and their teddy’s, in Common. “M’ Buh-en-kah-eye-el,” they sounded out as best they could, pointing to themselves, “Mma-mma say Buh-ennnee.” The wolf-kin lifted their bear up, tired arm not able to keep it up for very long. “Ted’s Vvvuh-oy-tuh-ek.”

They hoped the dragon lady could understand their butchered attempt at the names Benkai’l and Wojtek. If not, they could write it down or sign it. But later. That had been exhausting. Now they were even more tired. The last bit of their energy truly drained. The proof being the large yawn that forced its way out of their tiny body. The pup nuzzled into her chest, furry ears tickling at her neck as they huffed a deep sigh, body relaxing into her warmth. Maybe now they could feel safe, and sleep.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna moved swiftly through her false hoard. Gold and gems meant very little to her, but the appearance of such wealth kept adventurers, and even some other dragons from getting to her inner most sanctum if she didn’t see them off herself.

She gently rubbed the pup’s back as she went, doing her best to sense further injuries without word.

“Those are both lovely names. Now where we’re going will be much comfier. I enjoy comfort and knowledge. Those things are my hoard. The pretty shiny things out here…they’re just to stop silly people from going further. But you’ll get to enjoy a lot of the things in my hoard, Benny. You and Wojtek.”

She very much meant it. While Benkai’l was under her care, they would be allowed to touch most of her things. A child needed to have their creature comforts and the necessities. Orianna knew she would need to acquire some specific things for Ben while they were in her care. Food and drink were among those things. She had spells for those things but Orianna was deeply aware that conjured food and drink was no substitute for the satisfaction of the real thing.

As they entered her inner sanctum, Orianna easily jumped large distances as though it meant nothing to her at all. She kept them moving, holding Ben tight until they reached an enormous platform at the back of the cave. The entirety of the cave was comparable to the halls of the dwarves. It easily accommodated Orianna and would even if she went on to become a Greatwyrm.

There were many books, scrolls, maps and more knowledges filled objects neatly organised around the cave. A library so great, it would be a tragedy of the ages if it were to be burned. All across the cave were comfortable chairs. There were entire piles of lovingly kept pillows and blankets. The cave smelled divine. There was a pool of drinking water and a spectacularly large hot spring where the dragon clearly bathed. It was enough to accommodate herself, a mate and any children or friends she might have.

The cave was homey. There was no questioning that the dragon hoarded comfort as well as knowledge. She would never go without and neither would anyone who lived alongside her.

“Now sweet pup, let’s get you and your teddy cleaned and healed. We’ll get you some more clothes and other things in the morning. And we’ll need to figure out where you’ll be able to safely stay and grow up well. If that’s with me, or elsewhere. Do you have any other family?”

Orianna gently put Ben and Wojtek down on a well cushioned lounge, sharp piercing eyes looking them over. With a snap of her fingers, pup and bear were clean. A gentle wave of her hand healed the pup of their aches, injuries and maladies. Another snap and Ben’s clothes and teddy bear were back to pristine condition. Mere parlour tricks for a dragon of Orianna’s stature.

Despite this, she still was not sure Benkai’l was best left with her. They were a humanoid and needed their own kind. She wasn’t even sure how she would do with children of her own kind at this moment in time.

[hellishtrickster]

A Taste Of Something New

//Merry Christmas @thelibraryismytardis/ @ineedmyfriendback and @hollowshadowwolf/ @oneandahalfwolf!!! I hope you both have a wonderful day and get spoiled rotten! Here’s a taste of some characters I’d like to introduce to my blog in the New Year. I hope you enjoy them!

****

Grav finished wrapping T1’s Christmas gift. A new turbo installation to increase his speed limit. The sentient vehicle would adore it!

She reached out with her magnetism and cleaned the workshop, tools flying back to their hooks and metal off cuts and shavings shot across the room, into their respective bins. Being able to use her abilities for everyday tasks again was a gift. It had been months since the final battle, and although she wasn’t ready to talk about all of it yet…having some peace was an excellent start.

As she walked out of her workshop, Grav looked over the pagoda. The outside had been built but it was still under construction inside. She was still getting the elevator ready…and the slide spiralling down the structure. No one said fun was distasteful inside a pagoda. Sun Wukong would probably be one of the first to use the slide.

Then there would be all the statues for all the gods who had supported them. Grav would need to craft a statue of The Star from memory and it had been a long time since she’d seen her. She’d also have to make a memorial for her fallen friends. Something tasteful and discreet. There were too many secrets for anything else.

Blinking out of her reverie, Grav reached into the ground and found the veins of various metals. It eased the ache of her Lichtenberg scarring as she pushed off to fly into the air. She flew close to the pagoda’s wall, inspecting the work as she went, until she came up to the roof. The smell of fried rice, orange chicken and beef chow mein met her as soon as she landed.

Angel was already on the roof having cooked the dishes. It had become a tradition for them after their first years of escaping the cult. They’d had nowhere to go and China Town was one of the few places where restaurants remained open so they’d get some food from there and eat on a rooftop. It was simple, but it was the only tradition they had.

“About time! I thought I was going to have to dig you out of that workshop,” said Angel.

The Asian Aasimar smiled at her adoptive sister, not truly meaning any of what she’d said. Grav chuckled, and affectionately threw up the bird in her sister’s direction.

“I was working on presents!” Grav argued, flicking some of her platinum blonde box braids over her shoulder.

“Likely story,” Angel teased.

Grav rolled her eyes at her sister, and went to sit beside her. As she looked out, she could see T1 in his car form…chasing…were those Hollyphants? Well…it was all in good fun, judging by the squeals of telepathic joy from the sweet celestial creatures. The last thing they needed was for the Hollyphants to take Mastodon form and go on a rampage because they were scared.

“Remember the first Christmas we had like this?” Angel asked.

Grav turned her attention back to her sister, noticing the moon revealing some of Angel’s celestial nature, as her skin was highlighted by sheens of silver, her eyes occasionally flashing to their natural topaz colour.

“Of course, you had to fly me up to the rooftop then. I hadn’t…found all of my power again,” Grav replied.

Angel reached out blindly and gave Grav’s shoulder a quick squeeze.

“It’s in the past and our friends sure helped with all of that. I mean…you started hovering for the first time while taking down members of the KKK. Doesn’t get more badass than that. But my point is…it’s nice doing this again but with all the stars in view. I think that’s my favourite thing about being out here. The open spaces, and all the fresh air,” she said.

Grav smiled revelling in the feeling of success. When she’d bargained for this large plot of land, she’d had some very specific features in mind. It had to be large and expansive so Angel could fly around in her true form without fear of normal folks seeing her, and it needed to have a large supply of metals underground for herself. This was the closest she’d get to the ease of the Earth’s magnetic core on the surface.

Plus, as Angel had pointed out, you could see the stars. You could star gaze for hours, pointing out all of the constellations. Then there were all of the magical and non-magical creatures. As long as there was no malicious intent, the girls welcomed them on the property.

They’d only had to placate the resident thunderbird and that had been easy enough. They’d just had to place a thunderbird decoration on top of the pagoda as a demonstration of friendly intent. The girls had no issues making nice with the creature, and figured the Native American tribes with these decorations had probably done it for the same reason.

Grav had hopes for welcoming all sorts of folks, especially other mutants. What was the point of all this land if they didn’t make a sanctuary out of it? She’d already negotiated for them to be left alone by all officials unless an emergency occurred and she and her sister were needed.

“I knew you’d like that. I’m going to make a bunch of cabins and hideouts around the place. We’re going to explore everywhere anyway, we’ll find all of the scenic spots,” Grav replied.

She turned to the food, and made them each a plate.

“Well, Merry Christmas Sis! Here’s to our first Christmas with a home to celebrate it in,” said Grav.

Angel lifted her plate as a salute.

“I’ll agree to that! Merry Christmas! I look forward to the gift giving, and the making merry tomorrow morning.”

Grav chuckled and dug into her plate. Yes, this was going to be a Christmas to remember.

[ineedmyfriendback]

“Like you said, they’re generally an alright bunch,” Missy agreed. “No one I’m particularly close with, but there are a few familiar faces I see around town now and then.”

She tried not to get attached to humans, in general. With their limited lifespans, it was all too easy to lose touch for years and then find out they were long gone one day when you stopped by for tea. Dwarves, at least, could be relied on to still be kicking when you visited. Elves too, though they didn’t get many elven visitors in the Northern Sword Coast. Otherwise, most of the citizens were a rotating cast of sailors, adventurers, and traders, passing through the port city on their travels. There were a handful of ships that Missy had helped repair more than once, but they were rare. Still, she found herself having a very pleasant time with Orianna so far, so perhaps this was one human she might make an exception for.

She caught something muttered about a Mimic, and tilted her head curiously.

“Mimic? What’s that? Some kind of clever forgery?”

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna giggled at Missy's question.

"You're not far off. A mimic is a creature that can change its form to mimic real objects. A few exceptionally powerful ones can mimic people. They can be ridiculously common in some places so you'll meet quite a few adventurers who will poke things with sticks, or cutlery or their own weapons before picking it up. I've...certainly been guilty of it a time or two."

She smiles at Missy and adjusts her grip on the wheel. Once again, Missy's appearance catches her eye. The dark hair, the blue eyes, pale skin and sharp features. Gorgeous.

Paying more attention to her own inner workings, she can feel a certain pull towards the woman. Orianna was aware of her attraction to Missy but this was more than that. What did Thassa have in mind? Dragging her toward a random woman seemed odd...although it wasn't entire random was it. Not when Missy's cart had broken down in the same spot, multiple times.

Orianna looked up again and noticed the scenery changing. They were moving onto the open road, and Neverwinter would show up on the horizon soon. She felt saddened at the thought of leaving Missy's side so soon. Odd, everything considered.

"So what were planning on seeing and doing for your Neverwinter getaway?"

[ineedmyfriendback]

Missy drank the potion gratefully, letting out a long sigh of relief as she felt it immediately start to take effect. She could still feel the horns growing, but now instead of a jagged unpleasantness, the sensation was more of a dull, slow, minor discomfort. No worse than the residual headache when she’d once hit her younger self upside the noggin with her umbrella.

She loosened her grip, moving her hand down Orianna’s arm to take her warm hand and bring it to her lips, planting a soft kiss.

“Thank you, ne fiest esc simalis,” the timelady hummed, relaxing now that the potion was doing its job. “That helped immensely. Tell me, darling, how do they look so far? Are they at least going to be cool, after all of this?”

She chuckled softly, but was only half joking. She really did hope her horns turned out to be cool.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna rubbed at Missy's arm as she continued to cradle her. She pressed a kiss to the crown of her wife's head and hummed thoughtfully.

"Cool isn't the word I'd use. I'd say they'll be utterly gorgeous when this is over."

She rubbed circles over Missy's belly, her magic feeling the bubbles of magic pop as though Orianna was actually touching them. It was interesting to differentiate between magically feeling the sensation and not feeling it at all physically.

"And we're right on course with Valanthe's prediction. The little pockets of magic your body has been producing the twins are starting to pop, and more are being made to replace them. I can see it and feel it magically speaking. It's nothing short of a complete marvel."

[ineedmyfriendback]

“Brand new, like I’ve just had the best sleep of my entire life. Like regenerating without the shapeshifting,” Missy answered, humming and leaning into her partner’s cozy touch. “And how are you, ne fiest esc simalis? Was it worrying? Did I startle you?”

She stretched a little, wiggling her fingers to make sure they were all still there.

“How long was I out?”

Since they’d made sure to magically seal the room before the experiment had started, she had no idea what time or day it was. She could probably figure it out, if she thought really hard about it, but time on Toril ran slightly differently than in the tardis or on Earth or Gallifrey, so it was more math than she felt like doing right this moment.

No, hang on, that wasn’t quite right. Her time-sense felt different. As if it had…dulled, for lack of a better word. Hmm. She supposed that made sense – as a newly immortal being, she had all the time in the world. No need to worry about the literal minute-to-minute details. Interesting…

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna gently ran her hand over Missy's temple, down her cheek, along her jaw and then traced the pattern back. She continued the pattern over and overr as Missy spoke.

"You were honestly very peaceful in your process. You were out for a few hours...maybe around four. Your regeneration energy came to the surface and made you glow. I could see it moving around under your skin. Fast at first...but slower as the potion finished its work."

Orianna continued to trace the pattern along Missy's face, smiling gently at her partner.

"I'd theorise that your pool of regenerative energy was expanding as a result of the potion. No more terrifying than rain taking a dam from holding a puddle to being completely filled to an unknowable depth from the surface."

She leaned in and pressed a kiss to Missy's forehead, trying to maintain the softness of the moment.

"How did it feel from your perspective?"

[ineedmyfriendback]

Missy listened as Orion spoke, nodding as they explained how the Need felt to them this time. It was that for her too, but also a hollowness when she was separated from them, as if a part of her had been taken out, and only Ori could put it back.

She continued listening but frowned slightly at something else they said.

“When have I ever not been honest with you? At least, when it comes to the Bond?”

She might have lied before about other things, like when she’d done something stupid and was trying not to get in trouble. But she would never lie to Ori about the Bond. She honestly doubted it would be possible to.

“As for madness,” she winked, “been there, done that, don’t plan on doing it again.”

She realized they were trying to be serious, though, and quickly dropped her teasing smirk.

“That’s a good idea - using my feline form to our advantage. Hadn’t occurred to me yet.”

Missy paused, letting herself enjoy the warmth of Ori’s embrace as they gave her a squeeze. She contemplated the plan they laid out, considering it.

“Traditionally, Gallifrey has had a High Council and a Lord President. The President keeps the Council from squabbling and the Council keeps the President in check,” she explained. “Now whether this method is well-liked, I’m not sure. But it is familiar to the people there, so it might not be a bad starting point…I’ll admit the ‘after’ part of world domination has never been my strong suit, dear, but I’m sure we’ll figure things out.”

[hellishtrickster]

Orion gently shushed Missy as she protested against their request for her to be honest with them. They leaned down and gently pressed a kiss to her neck, straightening back up again.

"I'm not accusing you of lying Ne Fiest esc Simalis. I'm just asking for more communication. To tell me when things change, no matter how small. We haven't been in a situation like this before. It's in our interest to make sure we're both on exactly the same page. I apologise, I should have worded that better."

They hummed at Missy's explanation of the traditional Gallifreyan set up. It wasn't THAT bad of an idea. However, Orion believed more needed to be done to ensure the ruler didn't become corrupt. More needed to be done to ensure the average Gallifreyan citizen got what they needed to live a good and happy life.

"Sounds like we'll need to find a better method of oversight. The president...or whatever they'll be called now...has to be kept to the line. Gallifrey can't end up with another corrupt ruler who only cares for the ruling class. There need to laws in place that ensure those running Gallifrey can be ousted. Perhaps term limits? Especially given the average life span of a Time Lord."

[ineedmyfriendback]

Missy thought for a moment, and then looked at her wife and shook her head.

"Nothing I'd recognize as a bonded need," she answered, puzzled. "And you're right, it usually does. At least, in my experience..."

She thought about the bonded needs she'd had in the past, remembering how each one had felt like an urge; not impossible to ignore, but not easy to either. The longer she had gone without satisfying the need, the stronger it usually got. But they had always been present immediately after regenerating. If Ori was going to have one, it should have been noticeable by now.

Yes, Something was definitely strange about this first regeneration together.

"Guess we'll find that out as we go along too," she said. She would have shrugged, but she didn't want to throw them both off-balance.

"What should we do when we get home?" Missy asked, hoping to come up with a goal for them to look forward to as they walked. "A nap is usually in order, but if you're sore, we could attempt a bath? Should we get some food? I'm sure Vesta wouldn't mind preparing that and helping us find some new clothes..."

[hellishtrickster]

"Urgh, home, nap, bath, new clothes and then food. In that order. I feel like a dragon tackled me from high up."

Orianna had never been more grateful that they were currently empty nesters. The restriction of the clothes she had on now made her want to crawl out of her own skin. Perhaps this new body was more sensitive to certain stimuli?

In any case, being completely naked sounded like a great plan at this moment. No kids to accidentally scar for life, and her wife to appreciate her new body. What bliss.

"Come on, you better direct us back home. We're in serious need of the comforts of home."

She took the first steps on their journey home. This was going to feel like the longest walk she'd ever taken.

[ineedmyfriendback]

Missy had to stifle a giggle at Arrias' antics as she listened to Orianna's response. She thought the mention of wanting to disappear seemed odd, but didn't linger on it. The tiefling's secrets were none of her business.

She felt a bit awkward under Orianna's scrutiny, unsure where to look; it was as if her golden gaze could see down to Missy's very bones. Missy settled for glancing between the scenery, Ori's face, and Arrias perched on her shoulder. All of them were nice views, if she was being honest.

" 'Get in, get out, don't get killed' does generally sound like a good plan," Missy agreed, nodding at Ori's suggestions. "I'm willing to try those weapons."

Again, a thought somewhere in the back of her mind pinged at this conversation, but she couldn't yet figure out why, so she ignored it.

"So, um, tell me about Luskan," Missy requested. "I've never been. What's it like?"

[hellishtrickster]

"It's damp and definitely not the most...upstanding place. But it's also a place where you can disappear and no one cares who you are. It's a place to start over...with some of the most interesting architecture you'll ever see," said Arrias.

Orianna turned her head to look at Missy over her shoulder with a cheeky grin.

"The city is made out of a combination of ships and normal buildings. Unlike Neverwinter, we've yet to explore every nook and cranny in the place. But we have found some interesting spots."

She turned back to the front, while Arrias remained facing Missy. Orianna supposed their positions signified the split in her thoughts right now. The need to charge forward and get away from the Magisterium, and the fascination with the curious woman behind her. A woman with no daemon and who had some sort of shield against Dust.

The village came into view, and Orianna felt a small sense of relief. This was where she could maintain the facade of business. She didn't have to be careful about her secrets due to personal conversations. There was no guarantee that Missy wouldn't go running back to the Magisterium if she found out they killed the Hierophant. Even with the recent discoveries.

"There's our first destination up ahead. We can get your supplies there."

And there was the tiny fact that she was about to put weapons in the hands of a potential enemy...great.

[oneandahalfwolf]

Benkai’l looked up as the dragon moved her head forward and her shadow fell over them, sad eyes growing wide with wonder as the scaly puppy’s horns flowed brightly and another set appearing. If she had looked pretty before, she looked utterly amazing with her ‘crown’. After a moment of staring the wolf-kin toddler sniffed, tears and grief having stalled at the magical sight, wiping at their cheeks with the sleeve of their tattered shirt. Their brows furrowed for a second as the air began to feel warm before their whole body melted into the heat, eyes closing with relief as their frail form leeched every bit it could.

Grey eyes opened lazily once more as the dragon started to speak. They blinked and tilted their head before a small smile broke out on their face and their tail started to wag gently. A wheezy giggle came out as the dragon mentioned keeping their bear safe too. They really liked this scaly puppy!

Already feeling better from the excess heat, the wold-kin placed a tiny hand on the stone floor and struggled to push themself back up to their feet. They wobbled a little once upright but soon recovered and toddled over to the large creature, lifting their free hand as they grew close. The toddler hesitated for a moment before they gently placed their hand on her nose – a small whine escaping them as the warmth of her scales soothed the wounds on their palm.

“Fank yoo,” Ben said quietly, patting her snout, “A’noo moon wady wood ‘elp.”

The small wolf-kin looked up and gave golden eyes a watery smile before they hugged her large snout with both tiny arms, nuzzling at her scales.

[hellishtrickster]

Moon Lady? That...was an interesting thought that needed to be pursued later. The fact that the pup felt comfortable enough to hug her large snout was quite the statement. One, she'd answer with a gesture of her own.

Orianna took a deep breath and with a great deal of effort she managed to take a humanoid form, and gently scoop the pup into a hug. It was a far cry from a proper human disguise, but humanoid enough that it would be easy for her to interact with the pup. She still had her horns, golden eyes, claws and some scales placed in aesthetically pleasing patterns; but, she otherwise had the pale skin, dark hair and proper shape of a human.

Her warmth remained however, and she let it encompass the pup comfortably. Orianna knew the pup had to be cared for. They didn't seem to have anyone else. She picked them up and adjusted them so they were cradled to her front with their teddy.

"Alright darling, I'm going to take you further into my lair now. That way I can get you properly fixed up. I even know a spell to have your teddy all cleaned up. I'm Orianna, what can I call you and your teddy?"

[ineedmyfriendback]

"Luskan?" Missy repeated, the name sounding vaguely familiar. "The...pirate city?"

She'd never been, of course. But the Magisterium had maps, and books, and she'd been taught the basic geography of the Sword Coast as a child.

"And you think we might find some clues there? To both of our mysteries?"

She listened as Orianna listed off the supplies they would be picking up. She'd figured on needing to change outfits, so the mention of new clothes was no surprise, and the adventuring pack made sense, if they were going to be on this quest for a while. She hadn't been expecting the bit about weapons and possibly running into bandits, though.

"I've never had a reason to use one before," Missy admitted, shrugging sheepishly. "My people are not soldiers."

She thought for a few moments.

"A sword is a classic choice, I would imagine. Could you teach me to use one of those?"

She had never held a weapon, but remembered watching the Magisterium guards training in the campus courtyards from time to time over the years. The swords they often carried fascinated her more than any other weapon she'd seen them wield.

The only other thing she might have answered was magic, but she wasn't sure whether Orianna and Arrias even knew any. Besides that, Missy unfortunately did not have a single shred of magical ability. She'd been tested when she was small, Idleness said, like all Magisterium initiates, but very few in their order had the potential, and she was not one of them. A shame, really. It could have helped so much on this quest.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna hummed at Missy's line of questioning. She didn't think there would be answers but Luskan was...Luskan. It wasn't like anywhere else. All manner of secrets flitted about there, especially the sort that brought governments to their knees.

The shadiness of the city fitted Ori and Arrias perfectly. They could blend in, and walk around as though racism against Tieflings didn't exist. In fact, despite the watery nature of the city, there were more Tieflings there than Ori had seen anywhere else. As she was about to speak she was caught off guard by another of Arrias' soft tail slaps.

"Share with the rest of the class, damn you! We're not on our own anymore," Arrias scolded.

"Hey! I'm allowed to think before answering. Damn!" Orianna protested "In any case, I wasn't heading to Luskan with the intention to find answers. It's a good place to disappear for a while, but with the way that city works and the number of secrets it hides...we might find a lead or two. At the very least it will give us the time...and the distance from Neverwinter to sort ourselves out."

Orianna paused for a moment as she assessed what Missy had said about her weapons experience. She turned around to face Missy, and began walking backwards as she looked the other woman over. Missy was on the shorter side, very slight and likely didn't have a lot of physical strength. Missy would need an agile style, and hopefully she had a tactical enough mind to adapt to whatever situation she found herself in.

"I'd say you'd be suited to similar weapons to myself. I can pick up anything but ultimately lighter swords like rapiers, daggers and bows tend to suit me best. Get in, get out, don't get killed. Sound okay to you? Might be able to go to heavier weapons when you've built some muscle"

[thenocturnekids13]

Masie stirs and yawns. She rubs at her eyes as she wakes up. She looks around and looks at and she lights up at sight at the embassy. The pillars that hold up the building tall enough to allow crabfolk and the merfolk tails to move around without being impeded. The crabfolk especially since they are bigger than her dad who was the tallest person that she new. Even uncle Hercules wasn’t as big as dad, and he wasn’t as strong as dad as he couldn’t move if he had his pet turtle Kochýli on him and dad could pick her up and so could mum. So he wasn’t as strong as dad.

The late afternoon sunlight bounces of the tiles and makes the tiles seem to glow worth the mosaic of patterns showing cities atop crabs with different types of water dwelling races around each one. Some more human than others. Mum told her when they come up to the surface that people are scared of things that don’t look human and will take them away forever. So she needs to pretend to be a human to make sure she isn’t taken away.

“LADY MASIE! YOU’RE SAFE! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!” A woman in a green chiton dress runs over frantically. “WE’VE BEEN LOOKING EVERYWHERE FOR YOU YOUNG LADY.” She says with a stern expression her black hair matched her pretty black eyes. Masie had once seen a pretty crystal that looked like her eyes once and she wanted to get some for her Nanny because it looks like her eyes.

“Sorry Nanny, I dropped the music box and had to find it… Lady Ori helped me find it she’s my new friend and she is a good swimmer.” Masie replies with her head down showing she was truely sorry. Nanny was her very best friend and seeing her worried and upset about looking for her made her feel very upset. She didn’t want to make her friends upset. “I won’t go away again without telling someone where I’m going again. I’m sorry for making you worried.” She says solemnly.

“I’ll hold you to that promise young lady as you are- you have responsibilities and you need to make sure that you can be with your parents to do those responsibilities. Your mother and father are worried sick they are talking about sending the guards to look for you. We need to take you back to them right now.” Nanny says sternly she suddenly eyes Orianna and says, “thank you for looking out for Lady Masie I will take her to her parents right away. If you would like a reward you can come back in an hours time and the ah our delegates will be able to see you. I’ll personally escort you to them. They will need to make sure their daughter is safe and sound before allowing you into their house.”

“Lady Ori is a good person who helped me. So I should give the reward. Which is my necklace. You should have it because it will keep you safe.” Masie states and looks at Nanny and then extends her hands to be picked up by her.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna nodded along as the Nanny spoke, and then turned to Masie wide-eyed. She couldn't take the sweet little girl's necklace. Plus, it looked like a family heirloom of sorts. So she really shouldn't take it.

"No, no, no."

She hands the Nanny the necklace and the music box.

"Thank you Masie, that's very kind of you. But I don't need a reward. Sometimes we do good things because it's simply the right thing to do. This is one of those occasions. Keep it, and maybe one day if I see you when you're all grown up, I'll see the necklace and know it's you."

Orianna smiles gently at the little girl, and then looks over at the Nanny.

"She mentioned seeing an orb with wrong magic while I was under the water earlier. I'd recommend having a magic expert look her over, just in case. Have a good day both of you."

Orianna offered one last smile, and a wave before heading back to the shore. Hopefully she'd fulfilled whatever purpose Thassa had in mind for her now, and she'd be able to go home. At worst, she supposed she could sleep in the reef tonight.

When she reached the shore, Orianna walked into the water without hesitation. She was quick to swim out towards the reef, glad that the water would feel reassuring regardless of where she was. It wasn't long before the tugging sensation she'd felt on her right foot earlier that day returned.

Unlike her prior experience, the sensation was a relief for Orianna. As she was pulled through the water, back to the reef she'd been in before all this started; she gave thanks to her mother. It had been nice to meet little Masie. Whatever misgivings she may have had about having children of her own one day, had been soothed. Perhaps a family and life after adventuring wasn't too much to ask for.

[oneandahalfwolf]

for @hellishtrickster, continued from [x]

Benkai’l stared as the large dragon moved its head towards them, grey eyes wide with awe and mouth open in a tiny ‘o’ as the scales on the massive creature's body shimmered different colours. They were so pretty. As were the golden eyes gazing down at them.

The wolf-kin tilted their head as she spoke, confused at her question, before they let out a small gasp of horror and shook their head vehemently.

“No, no, no, no,” they said quickly in that adamant way only a toddler could. “No’ scawy. Scawy!” They pointed at her leg towards her scales, indicating they had meant ‘scaly’ and not ‘scary’. Grey eyes looked back up as a lopsided and toothy grin broke over their face. “Scawy puppy no’ scawy, siwwy puppy.”

The child giggled at the absurdity of the very idea, but the sound soon turned into laboured coughing. Their face quickly went red as they struggled, the force of the wet hacking sending them onto their bony butt. The fit passed and they were able to somewhat breath again, though their short puffs were gasped and the air they sucked in rattled around their lungs before they wheezed it out.

They were exhausted. The wolf-kin couldn't begin to fathom how long it had been since the explosion. How long it had taken them to make the trek to the Moon Lady’s mountain top shrine. How long they had spent inside the secret cave that had opened for them. How long they had further travelled to get to the dragon’s cave. All they knew was that they were tired. That their muscles were aching and sore. That the palms of their hands and soles of their bare feet were covered in scratches and blisters from near constant walking or running in both forms. That the mild burns on their back and arms and legs from escaping the fire in the smithy still throbbed even now. That their once white undergarments that had been their fresh pyjamas were signed and scorched and torn, as was the teddy bear they held steady fast in a tiny fist. That they were cold and miserable and hungry.

And most of all, that they missed their Mama and Papa.

Grief rose fast as the dragon asked her second question at the same time that thought flitted through their head. Their bottom lip trembled as tears welled in their eyes, ears drooping as their tail curled against their leg. They shook their head again and dropped their head, hugging their stuffed bear tightly before burying their nose in the soft fur of its head.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna chuckled at the toddler's adamant answer, giants puffs of smoke and steam rising from her nostrils. This little humanoid was very sweet, and was ultimately quite lucky they'd wandered into the lair of a dragon who didn't think they were on the menu.

However, her amusement quickly turned into concern. This pup smelled wounded, and sick. She could also smell their sadness...no, not sadness. The scent carried too much weight for simple sadness. No, this was grief. Something had happened to this poor, sweet pup. Their parents could be missing or worse...and Orianna had the feeling it was the 'worse' option.

She moved her giant head forward, scales shifting colours and her golden horns gleamed. Two medium horns formed like eyebrows and went back to end just over her two long horns at the back of her head. Then there were the four medium horns, two on either side of her long horns. The formation looked like a crown. Fitting for the queen of her vast territory.

The heat of her would reach the pup first. Orianna hoped it would comfort the little humanoid. She needed them to feel they were safe around her. She would bring them further into her lair, past the gold and 'treasure' to her den. She could look after them and heal them there.

"It's alright pup. I don't know what happened but you're safe in my lair. No one could ever hurt you...or your teddy bear here."

[oneandahalfwolf]

Ben couldn’t help but smile as Ember wound herself through their legs, huffing a laugh as her fur tickled the tops of their bare feet. They felt a warmth in their chest. If their fox friend was giving them such kindness maybe they hadn’t given her too much of a fright. She hadn’t deserved to see what was under their clothes but at least maybe this meant they were forgiven. They’d certainly not waste it and be caught like that again. Hopefully.

They didn’t notice the fox jump onto the bed, flinching and stalling in their bandage wrapping as she laid her snout on their arm. The werewolf remained frozen for a second before continuing to cover their wrist and hand in the white fabric. They could feel the pain start to leave their form, shoulders losing some tension as their injury ceased throbbing. What wonders a shower and some medical treatment could do.

Once they’d finished and tied off the dressing they reached over with their uninjured left hand and gently scratched the fox’s forehead between her eyes.

“Thanks Ember,” they murmured. They enjoyed the moment for a few more seconds before they nudged their furry friend. “Go on, go settle down for sleep. I’ll be turning in soon too, don’t worry.”

They gave her a smile before grabbing another bandage packet to wrap up their feet with. Once they had done this and sorted the first aid kit, they could take their meds and go to bed. Their body was already looking forward to it.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna let the moment go for as long as her new friend needed it too. The scratches were as much a source of comfort for them as it was a way for them to offer gratitude.

She looked up at them as they urged her to settle for the night. She could at least curl up. Her new jacket was warm, and these beds were softer than anything she'd slept on in months.

The Fox Fairy jumped over to her own assigned bed and paced a few circles before curling up, facing her friend. Her head remained high, and it was clear she was watching Ben. Orianna would not be attempting sleep until she was certain Ben had curled up under the covers themself.

As they took care of themself, she took the time to puzzle over their abilities. They were of magical descent obviously, and seemed to have sustained magical wounds of some sort. There was no clarity of which community they'd come from though.

She knew they smelled of smoke, and something canine. It hardly narrowed things down, and there were no other obvious signs. Was the kid blocked in some way? Had this 'mistress' person done something to hinder their magical heritage? It was a mystery worth solving.

[thenocturnekids13]

Masie sniffled and went to say where her mum and dad were staying. But she remembered that it was supposed to be secret. But Lady Ori was helping her and she said that she would keep her safe from the wrong orb… maybe if she took her to near where she stayed she wouldn’t get into trouble. But then maybe the orb would come back. She sniffled again before making up her mind.

“We’re staying at the Shel’don Embassy. Father and Mother have work there.” She said quietly, “it’s the big house near the park land and it has the pillars like home but not like home the is no crab.” She said as she buried her face into Ori’s shoulder. Waves of tiredness rolling over her replacing the fear. When she got home and after she was done being told off she was gonna…. Take a nap… she thinks as she slowly succumbs to sleep.

[hellishtrickster]

Orianna listened intently, and gently rubbed Masie's back. The little girl had fallen asleep quickly. She'd had a big day, and Ori knew it. There was something so beautifully sweet about a child feeling safe enough to fall asleep while you held them.

Ori hoped that one day she'd have the privilege of holding her own child like this. Hopefully in happier circumstances. A trip to the beach perhaps, with a swim out to the reef.

As she looked for the park, she thought about what Masie had said.

'...home but not like home, there is no crab.'

A crab. A city that has built itself on a crab. There were whispers of such a thing from the krakens. Something about Terra Kona. Orianna knew it existed and was aware tritons were a large part of it. She'd never seen the crabs personally, and wasn't sure she'd have the pleasure of meeting them.

If this girl was a triton, she came under her mother's protection. It was rare for Thassa to show any favouritism towards her worshippers. For her to have brought Orianna here to Masie, this girl had to be something special.

She eventually found the park, and saw the house Masie had described. So that was Terra Konan architecture. It was beautiful, and grand. She turned her head towards Masie.

"Starfish, we're almost home sweet girl. Time to wake up."