#m:uncharted

[hezulion]

descanso

Scouts returning from afield have been returning with reports equally conflicting and strange: some say there’s a beast of a man running about with an axe for an arm, and that he is seen only by day, and only from a distance, as though he knows to evade pursuers. Others say that no, the large bipedal beast appears only at night and wields a stick, alongside all manner of crude tools that seem to suggest the intelligence to set small traps. In the name of research, authorities want the beast captured, preferably alive, but if it starts to become a nuisance… [ Grants Lance +1 ]

Ares prepares to leave camp, amidst wild rumours of strange beasts stalking the forest. Hunting upon human flesh. There were reports the creature, or creatures, possessing almost human intelligence. He’s not sure he believes them.

Monsters are so rarely cryptid’s and beasts. They’re people in all their twisted glory.

Fundamentally though, it’s irrelevant. Whilst he’s no longer a mercenary by trade, over a decade on the battlefield have taught him never to flinch at any foe. Ares supposes if they can bring back something interesting for studies, the researchers will be pleased. The threat posed to nearby villagers however, is a more pressing concern. The lance in his hand is weighted, a comfort that grounds him. Mystletainn hangs upon his hip and a bow and quiver are slung across his shoulder. It never hurt to prepare thoroughly, especially against threats unknown.

A familiar shock of navy blue enters his vision. His posture relaxes somewhat, Felix was one of his few classmates who didn’t force him to engage in mindless conversation. Something he was a little embarrassed to be so relieved about but he had been trained to wield Mystletainn with impunity, not make sycophantic small talk with noblemen.

“Are you ready to go?” Ares asks, already making his way to the path extending from the camps clearning. He looks back, making sure Felix is at least following. The younger swordsman’s prowess left no need for concern, unlike some of their greener classmates. There was however, only one map between them.

@violentiaed

[amitieos]

oil and water

Brisk winds whipped at Elincia’s face as she exited the infirmary tent, in dire need of a moment to herself. There was so little she could do to help the sick and injured when their water supply was stained black as ink. Trying to rehydrate patients was futile, the dirty water simply made them even more ill. Rinsing wounds to prevent infections was a losing battle too - whatever was in the water smelled foul and was akin to rubbing mud into the wounds. She let out a deep, long sigh, allowing her shoulders to fall. The situation felt utterly hopeless.

It was then that the first drop of rain splashed against her cheek. Turning her face up to the heavens, Elincia took in the dark storm clouds gathered above. As if struck by lightning, she had an idea.

If she could manoeuvre through the storm succesfully astride Chrysaor with some buckets, the water could be boiled to sterilise it and used in the infirmary. It was risky but she believed in him - proud and brave as he was. There was only a brief window of opportunity though and it would be difficult to gather enough water alone.

“Lord Andrei?” Elincia approached the young man, one of the only other students here and thankfully, another pegasus rider. They’d barely had occasion to speak, what with the chaos they’d found here. “I was hoping you could assist me with something.”

It was one thing to put herself in danger but another entirely to request that of another. Her gaze dropped to the floor for a moment before rising to meet his face. This wasn’t a demand and he was free to turn her down. Cowering away and hiding from his eyes just showed her own weakness and insecurity. Who would be convinced by a woman so meek? So Elincia straightened her posture and did her best to smile in spite of their circumstances.

“The patients and villagers require clean water. If we can collect enough from the storm and boil it, we could save lives. I intend to fly close to the clouds to collect the rain.” A pregnant pause passes between them. Her appeal was inferable but she owed him the respect of voicing it aloud. “I was hoping you’d be willing to do the same. The villagers need safe drinking water and the patients need clean water. There’s some danger but I trust in both of our skills.”

@ulircursed

[lalamines]

bunny noses

It’s not only the land that’s uncharted: where there’s new territory, there’s sure to be new flora and fauna to catalogue, too! Unknown species await those eager to turn a researcher’s eye upon their surroundings. You’ve been equipped with sleds and carts and horses with which to pull them. Load up your charges with your findings, whether that be clippings or sketches of plants, or critters you’ve lured with a tasty morsel before capturing. However, the Church advises to practice stewardship of the environment, and to not disturb more than is strictly necessary. [ Grants Riding +1 ]

Mercedes carefully adjust the mare’s saddle and bags, unsure if she’s done it correctly. Unlike many of her classmates, she was a novice when it came to riding, although her gentle patience had at least won her the horse’s approval. She slips a sketchbook carefully into one of the bags - hopefully she’d stumble across some adorable critters. Hm, she should probably find a partner.

Having taken too long preparing, it seems the other students had already left. Exhaling, Mercedes realises she’s nowhere near confident or competent enough to go trekking in uncharted land alone. Perhaps one of the professor’s would be willing to help her out instead though. It would be a real shame to miss out on the day’s activities.

Her boots crunch upon crisp, late autumn leaves as she approaches the enigmatic dark magic professor. She’d seen him about once or twice, but most of her classes so far had been faith based. It was only recently she’d had the chance to explore reason magic in her studies too.

“Excuse me, Professor Leo? I hope I’m not being a bother,” Mercedes offers him a polite bow and friendly smile as begins to speak. Her hands still clutch at a clear plastic bag, filled to the brim with animal friendly treats. “Could I ask you to escort me into the forests? I’m terribly sorry to impede but I’m not even sure I saddled my horse up right.”

Beaming from ear to ear despite her self-deprecating speech, she glances at the bag in her hand. With a light giggle, Mercedes looks back at him.

“I brought plenty of snacks for people, too!”

@princepsumbra​

[amitieos]

your paths safe and floors unbroken

closed starter for @hresvelged

No matter how overcast the weather, the sight of Edelgard is always a pleasure. Elincia waves, beaming as she crosses the distance between them. Right into a pitfall.

Initially, she thinks she’s just tripped in her own excitement. It would hardly be the first or the last time. Instead though she falls further, faster and harder than expected. Surely, her knees will be bruised, but she picks herself up all the same. Elincia grins sheepishly as her cheeks suddenly turn rouge. It was just her luck but...

“Is the Battle of the Eagle and Lion always this cutthroat?” She poses her question to the ivory-haired princess, assuming of course that was the cause. It was mere weeks away and it wasn’t impossible that the sudden appearance of all the traps was unrelated. Yet she’s sure the celebration of pranks and mischief comes next moon. “I fear some of our classmates may have gotten a little carried away. Please assure me you’re unharmed!”

Elincia stands on her tiptoes, taking cautious steps, like a ballerina on stage. Her eyes remain trained on the ground, so much so that she almost walks right into Edelgard. It’s a mess out here, truly.

“I suppose this makes for good training, if a little unorthodox! Tell me, have you been keeping well since our mission last month?”

[amitieos]

a lesson in sword dancing

You’ve co-taught your peers, now it’s time to take it to the next level! A nearby village has had enough of their unruly children behaving like gremlins and have begged the church for aid. Their hope is that a little bit of learning might sate their unrelenting energy for a moment or two - and if not, well, at least they’ll have a day’s respite to gather themselves back up.  Grab a partner and a lesson plan and meet your new students, and maybe take care not to lose any of them. [Grants Authority +1]

They meet in the dining room for a hearty breakfast as the late summer sun streams through the window, illuminating the hall in rosy hues of gold and crimson. Elincia tucks an errant lock of sage green hair behind her ear before tucking in to an extra helping of eggs. This was the most important meal of the day, after all.

Across from her sits Soleil - a new student and a member of the Blue Lions. The mission they had been charged with was definitely safe but she thinks to herself it’s a little cruel to throw the younger woman in at the deep end. Despite this, Soleil smiles brighter than the star she’s named after as they share idle chatter and small talk in order to get to know one another better. Privately Elincia has to admire the other woman’s open, cheerful nature. It puts her more at ease too, Soleil’s easy smiles make her own reservations seem like trivialities. Why hold back if there’se nothing to hide.

“So, I was thinking,” Elincia begins, in between bites of toast. Part of her hopes it’s not too forward - again, something in her holds back around others. She has never been particularly shy and Elincia supposes it’s just a remnant of her upbringing. One she hopes to break down. “We could walk the route set out and arrive at sunset in the village, thoroughly exhuasted.”

“Or... we could fly there. I’m a fairly skilled rider and Chrysaor’s always excited to meet my friends,” Elincia’s hand reaches in front of her face, stifling a chuckle. ”It would be much faster and leave us ample time to prepare for our class.”

@adoringflirt

[amitieos]

permeating without a sound

You don’t quite know where you are, but you have a good idea of what had been here. What remains of the houses that were built here bear old scorch marks, evidence of a violent demise for the little village that was. You walk past ovens that haven’t baked bread in centuries, the skulls of sheep that provided meat and wool for their shepherds, even stone tops and bone dice that you could imagine children playing with. It’s clear that something happened here…

It’s obvious to anyone they’re lost.

Elincia tries not to fret too much. Chrysaor is with them, if they need to find their way back they can get a better vantage of their surroundings. Besides, she’s with Ike right now. There is no one else, in all the world, whose skill and competence she trusts more. They’ll be fine, of that she is certain. 

“Ah, milord Ike!” Her voice chimes hopefully in this strange, oppressive place. The winds are preternaturally still, despite her obvious jubilation her voice sounds muffled and distant. Her boots step upon a canopy of death, withered long ago. She can’t wait to get away. “I think I spot a village in this distance. Perhaps the locals will be able to help us reorient ourselves?”

It’s not too far, even by foot. Surely anywhere would be better in this soundless field where nothing can thrive. She tries to imagine what this place must surely have looked like at some point in the far-flung past. Teeming with the vibrancy of life. Her gaze turns to Ike, wondering if her feels a similar sense that the world is closing in around the pair of them. He is a stoic and hard to read as ever, a fact she finds deeply comforting. Some things in this rapidly changing world are constant, reliable. Elincia tries to smile, despite herself. There’s no need to panic if Ike is calm, she’s sure.

As they get closer, the hairs on the back of her neck stand to attention. The onerous silence echoes louder in her mind. Something feels wrong, as if they’ve entered a place no one should ever tread. They see houses, building and all Elincia can smell is acrid smoke that threatened to swallow her whole the night Daein invade. She freezes in her tracks, taking in the charred remains of what, at one time, must have been a warm, bright home for many. Head swimming and eyes prickling with tears she refuses to shed she steps forth in spite of her instinct to run, run far, far away.

“What... what on earth happened here?” Elincia whispers to herself.

@aethertine 

[lalamines]

poison ivy

Scouts returning from afield have been returning with reports equally conflicting and strange: some say there’s a beast of a man running about with an axe for an arm, and that he is seen only by day, and only from a distance, as though he knows to evade pursuers. Others say that no, the large bipedal beast appears only at night and wields a stick, alongside all manner of crude tools that seem to suggest the intelligence to set small traps. In the name of research, authorities want the beast captured, preferably alive, but if it starts to become a nuisance… [ Grants Lance +1 ]

Mercedes hands the young gentleman a cup of steaming, chamomile tea. Good for soothing frayed nerves. The tale he tells her is wild and fantastical but he is not the first with such a story. The details vary but the core is the same, beastly men roaming the forests near the village. Various weapons replacing body parts, seen from afar during daylight hours. Evasive but clever, using tools and traps alike. Sending villagers into terrible fits of shock.

Usually Mercedes revels in such tall tales but the furrow of this man’s brow pulls at her heartstrings. He is not alone, either. Her sympathies stirred, she accepts the mission offered by the church.

Rising from her seat, she promises him that they will do whatever they can to deal with the situation. That his testimony would prove useful and showed great bravery. There is much to be done, supplies to be gathered and people to brief before setting out. Once dealt with, she takes a basic lance in hand, the weight of which still feels so foreign to her. Sorcery and spellcraft have always been her expertise, especially faith magic. Wielding a weapon feel strange. As though it goes against everything she is as a person and stands for. Regardless, she understands the necessity. She cannot protect her allies without first being able to protect herself.

Speaking of allies, it’s Eir who greets her at the edge of camp. Mercedes smiles, somewhat bashfully, as she approaches the Helian. Her performance at Gronder Field had left much to be desired. Facing off against Eir had shaken Mercedes resolve, taken her back to their time in Enbarr, when she hadn’t been able to protect everyone. Today though, she feels brighter and walks with a spring in her step.

“Good morning, Eir! It’s a pleasure to see you again. I hope we can rely on each other during today’s mission.” It wouldn’t be right though to ignore Eir’s important role in raising her morale. A fierce competitor on the battlefield, it was her words that had really gotten through to Mercedes. The future is unwritten, whatever she makes it. To stay tied down by past mistakes was to refuse to blossom and grow. “You were right, by the way. I must thank you for talking sense into me. Whilst I prefer not to fight, I must be prepared to do what I must to protect my friends.”

“Thank you, for everything Eir. Now, shall we set forth?”

@asphuxia

[hezulion]

um oh ah yeah

It’s that time of year once again! The Battle of the Eagle and Lion rears its head on the horizon, and you know what that means: it’s time to booby-trap scope out the playing field ahead of time and see if you can’t give your chosen house a leg up on the competition. Trouble is, it looks like someone’s beaten you to the punch! And these aren’t any old traps either - some of these look downright deadly. Escape the gauntlet in one piece as best as you can! [ Any Skill +1 ]

continued from here (we’re also saving kitties today pals.)

Sakura isn’t hurt, at least not physically. That’s something at least, Ares thinks as he wonders what to do or say next. His hands hang heavily by his sides, awkward whilst unoccupied with a weapon. It’s obvious she won’t look him in the eyes and he isn’t sure if that’s better or worse than her getting angry or upset with him for bumping into her.

“Um... so you’re definitely okay?” Ares asks again to be certain. It crosses his mind that she might simply have said that to get away from him. She didn’t fall to the ground though and whilst her gaze is turned away from him her posture seems a touch more relaxed than it did five minutes prior. “As long as you’re sure. I’ll be more careful in future.”

He turns away, ready to give her the space to carry about her day when something freezes him in place. A high pitched scream. Something zips past the pair of them, faster than a lightning strike.

A child charges past his legs, eyes filled with tears. His heart stops for a moment.

The ground around them is littered with traps and pitfalls. Chestnut brown pigtails bounce as the girl sobs, running wildly into the field with no sense of danger. Just a desperate desire to cling on, to not be alone.

Instinct takes over. Ares leaps after her, picking the crying child up around the waist before she can hurt herself. His leg however, is not so lucky. Jammed between the ferocious metal teeth of a bear trap, blood drips down his chin as he bites down on his lip. A flurry of angry curses are stopped behind clenched teeth. Rarely does he bother holding his tongue but between Sakura’s anxious behaviour and a small child staring up at him wide-eyed, he keeps quiet. Mother taught him better than that.

Gods, it feels like his leg is about to split in two though.