Concept: Xila's a shapeshifting thief. Any time period, anywhere she can appear. But when her gear malfunctions, she finds herself stranded in a strange city. With her mana running low, she can't retain her form for long and has to hide. But where will she go in this metropolis? Who can she turn to to survive while she fixes her gear to get back home?
They call it the city of travelers. People come in from the spaceport, the ocean, the land around them and sometimes they just appear out of thin air. It is the cross section of all worlds it has been said. The boundaries of time and space are thin here, making deja vu a constant occurrence.
(Looking for 3+ players, futuristic ideas welcomed but can be more modern. Any species/type that can fit in with humanoids. Romantic/Adult Welcomed.)
They call it the city of travelers. People come in from the spaceport, the ocean, the land around them and sometimes they just appear out of thin air. It is the cross section of all worlds it has been said. The boundaries of time and space are thin here, making deja vu a constant occurrence.
(Looking for 3+ players, futuristic ideas welcomed but can be more modern. Any species/type that can fit in with humanoids. Romantic/Adult Welcomed.)
((Hello!
Oh gosh, I didn't realise that the live chat actually posted in the thread. Whoops. ; n ;;; The post is edited now. Oh gosh, that's a little embarrassing.))
In the beginning, all that was said to her was that she could go home and enjoy time with her family. In the beginning, that sounded like one of the best things that this particular woman could have asked for. However, as time rolled on, and as she walked in her civilian clothes toward the familiar building where she deemed as home, things seemed to have shifted and changed. In the passage of time that seemed unnoticeable, the roads changed and the buildings around the blue-haired woman shifted.
Raising a hand to rub at her eyes, the Merr had wondered if it was the stress of having to oversee many different soldiers in a day that was making her feel a little woozy now that she finally got the chance to return home for a chance to relax. With no imminent fear of war or some kind of outbreak about to happen, things seemed at ease. Though now... now seemed as if the scaled woman's mind was at odds with itself.
'Perhaps I am in need of more sleep than I originally thought,' the woman thought to herself, pausing in her tracks as she took a glance around and then frowned. There was a pang in her chest as she realised that she was not home -- in fact, she was nowhere close to being in a location that she even recognised as being familiar to her. Was this just a lucid dream? Or was this a spell that had been cast on her in the process of returning to hers and her fiancé's flat?
"Where... am I..?" were the words that were uttered from the woman's lips as her brow furrowed together and she gripped her bag a little more tightly. Being in a place where she had no idea what the customs were like, and even less what the general society was like was a little worrisome. The worst part about this was if she were to come across any hostiles, the only thing she had to defend herself were her claws -- and in some cases, that simply just was not enough.
Perhaps... perhaps it would have been pertinent to her interests to have found someone that might have been both friendly and helpful.
Oh gosh, I didn't realise that the live chat actually posted in the thread. Whoops. ; n ;;; The post is edited now. Oh gosh, that's a little embarrassing.))
In the beginning, all that was said to her was that she could go home and enjoy time with her family. In the beginning, that sounded like one of the best things that this particular woman could have asked for. However, as time rolled on, and as she walked in her civilian clothes toward the familiar building where she deemed as home, things seemed to have shifted and changed. In the passage of time that seemed unnoticeable, the roads changed and the buildings around the blue-haired woman shifted.
Raising a hand to rub at her eyes, the Merr had wondered if it was the stress of having to oversee many different soldiers in a day that was making her feel a little woozy now that she finally got the chance to return home for a chance to relax. With no imminent fear of war or some kind of outbreak about to happen, things seemed at ease. Though now... now seemed as if the scaled woman's mind was at odds with itself.
'Perhaps I am in need of more sleep than I originally thought,' the woman thought to herself, pausing in her tracks as she took a glance around and then frowned. There was a pang in her chest as she realised that she was not home -- in fact, she was nowhere close to being in a location that she even recognised as being familiar to her. Was this just a lucid dream? Or was this a spell that had been cast on her in the process of returning to hers and her fiancé's flat?
"Where... am I..?" were the words that were uttered from the woman's lips as her brow furrowed together and she gripped her bag a little more tightly. Being in a place where she had no idea what the customs were like, and even less what the general society was like was a little worrisome. The worst part about this was if she were to come across any hostiles, the only thing she had to defend herself were her claws -- and in some cases, that simply just was not enough.
Perhaps... perhaps it would have been pertinent to her interests to have found someone that might have been both friendly and helpful.
She stumbled down the street clutching her left arm, a little disoriented as her form seemed to shimmer. Leaning against a building, she looked back the way she had come, sighing with relief. Her gear had held up long enough to get through the portal and into the town, but which town?
"Great. This isn't the town I was hoping for." Slumping against the building, she glanced around, noticing the Merr with a start. "Uh.. Sorry.." She righted herself, shifting her pack to the other shoulder as her form shimmered again. Though injured, she palmed a knife, just in case this wasn't the friendliest of towns.
On her left arm just below the wound on her bicep was a metal band, now soaked red and glowing a flickering green. When that light went out, she'd have run out of time in this form. Purely Terran, her dark skin was barely a shade beneath her leather vest and pants. She looked like a hunter, with orange paint smeared across her right cheek. Green eyes sized up the Merr.
With a grimace, she tried to smile and nod, forcing herself to walk calmly down the street towards the main plaza. If this city was like the others, she would be able to find someone to fix her gear.
"Great. This isn't the town I was hoping for." Slumping against the building, she glanced around, noticing the Merr with a start. "Uh.. Sorry.." She righted herself, shifting her pack to the other shoulder as her form shimmered again. Though injured, she palmed a knife, just in case this wasn't the friendliest of towns.
On her left arm just below the wound on her bicep was a metal band, now soaked red and glowing a flickering green. When that light went out, she'd have run out of time in this form. Purely Terran, her dark skin was barely a shade beneath her leather vest and pants. She looked like a hunter, with orange paint smeared across her right cheek. Green eyes sized up the Merr.
With a grimace, she tried to smile and nod, forcing herself to walk calmly down the street towards the main plaza. If this city was like the others, she would be able to find someone to fix her gear.
A scowl of confusion had washed over the Merr's face as she noticed that there were some folk here and there. The most noticeable person appeared after a moment or two, and even almost seemed to have collided with the scaled woman. Raising her brow a bit in a little bit of surprise, the Merr held her own and side-stepped moments before brushing shoulders. When the other being had apologised, the blue-haired woman could not help but to notice that this unknown woman seemed to have spoken a language that the Merr actually understood. That, in and of itself, seemed amazing enough to warrant the Brigadier-General to clear her throat.
"Apology accepted... um..." the Merr started to say. Her dark eyes had noticed the shimmer that seemed a little more than obvious, though perhaps that was normal in this area? Maybe other people had enchantments that made them shimmer, or even altered their forms. It would have been no different than the magically imbued gem that hung around the Merr's neck, after all.
In any case, it seemed that the woman that had bumped into the aquatic-based individual seemed to glance over her. There was a moment of tension that arose in the Merr -- mostly because she recognised that look. After all, being in the military, she was used to sizing up recruits, and then watching as her subordinate friends had also given that look to the lower classed privates. However, it might have just been a look that was just to see what exactly the Merr was. Maybe folks in this town did not know what a Merr was; that should not have been surprising, given the nature of most Merr that this particular one grew up around.
"E-excuse me..." the Merr quickly said as she watched the other woman starting to walk away to tend to their own business. "I seem to be lost here. Actually... it's not really even a 'seem', I am lost. One moment, I was about to enter the building where my home is located, the next thing I know, I'm suddenly here. Could you assist me in some fashion?"
"Apology accepted... um..." the Merr started to say. Her dark eyes had noticed the shimmer that seemed a little more than obvious, though perhaps that was normal in this area? Maybe other people had enchantments that made them shimmer, or even altered their forms. It would have been no different than the magically imbued gem that hung around the Merr's neck, after all.
In any case, it seemed that the woman that had bumped into the aquatic-based individual seemed to glance over her. There was a moment of tension that arose in the Merr -- mostly because she recognised that look. After all, being in the military, she was used to sizing up recruits, and then watching as her subordinate friends had also given that look to the lower classed privates. However, it might have just been a look that was just to see what exactly the Merr was. Maybe folks in this town did not know what a Merr was; that should not have been surprising, given the nature of most Merr that this particular one grew up around.
"E-excuse me..." the Merr quickly said as she watched the other woman starting to walk away to tend to their own business. "I seem to be lost here. Actually... it's not really even a 'seem', I am lost. One moment, I was about to enter the building where my home is located, the next thing I know, I'm suddenly here. Could you assist me in some fashion?"
She stopped, hearing the Merr say something to her. Weighing her options, Xi looked to her bicep and made a calculation, finally turning around to smile at the lost woman. "Did you see a shimmer somewhere along the way to your house?" It was a simple question, one that would hopefully get them both home quicker.
Xi leaned heavily against the wall again, her back keeping her exhausted frame up. She was drawing on fumes to keep this form, but her own would be no help. The inability to speak a language these monkeys understood would be her undoing and randomly trying portals would do her no good. At least she had a town with intelligent lifeforms. All around them different beings passed, from lycans to anthros, shimmering beings of light to shadows in the corner of your eye. This was the crossroads. With a barely repressed groan, Xi realized where they were.
"Somehow, you've tripped on a portal to the Crossroads, The City of Travelers." She hoped the Merr had heard of it, even better to have been here before. Shifting the pack on her right shoulder, Xi watched as some of the beings seemed to disappear in mid air while others continued down the street oblivious. "Can you see anyone walking around?"
Running her right hand through her black hair, she winced as she tied it into a ponytail, feeling her fangs starting to sharpen against her lip. Carefully she spoke around the fangs in her mouth, trying not to show her teeth lest she scare the Merr. "I'm Xi.(Zee) I'm not from around here either, but if I can help you, I will."
Xi leaned heavily against the wall again, her back keeping her exhausted frame up. She was drawing on fumes to keep this form, but her own would be no help. The inability to speak a language these monkeys understood would be her undoing and randomly trying portals would do her no good. At least she had a town with intelligent lifeforms. All around them different beings passed, from lycans to anthros, shimmering beings of light to shadows in the corner of your eye. This was the crossroads. With a barely repressed groan, Xi realized where they were.
"Somehow, you've tripped on a portal to the Crossroads, The City of Travelers." She hoped the Merr had heard of it, even better to have been here before. Shifting the pack on her right shoulder, Xi watched as some of the beings seemed to disappear in mid air while others continued down the street oblivious. "Can you see anyone walking around?"
Running her right hand through her black hair, she winced as she tied it into a ponytail, feeling her fangs starting to sharpen against her lip. Carefully she spoke around the fangs in her mouth, trying not to show her teeth lest she scare the Merr. "I'm Xi.(Zee) I'm not from around here either, but if I can help you, I will."
For a moment, the Merr appeared to have been confused. Most magics that she knew of were generally contained among a lot of the continents and usually were not to be tampered with lest something were to have thrown the world balance out of alignment. The most that would have happened, normally, were quick passages of time, or traversing into a different alteration of the world. However, this did not seem to make the Merr any more or less concerned for her situation... perhaps that came from the rigorous training and the constant reminder of having to expect the unexpected since anything could happen. This was certainly one of those things.
"I cannot say that I have actually really heard of this City of Travellers, if I am being quite honest," the Merr replied, tilting her head in thought as she did her best to absorb the information that was being told to her. Once the Merr was asked whether or not she could see others walking about the area, she had looked about and noticed the other individuals that seemed to fade in and out of existence. When the seamless disappearance and appearance of other beings had been witnessed, the Merr momentarily gave thought to the idea of maybe this is what happens to those people that disappear without a trace.
Snapping back to reality, the Merr had nodded in regards to the question, allowing the other woman to know that she saw the living beings as well.
However, when the woman had introduced herself as 'Xi, the off-duty Brigadier-General had returned the courtesy: "Ah... my name is Sylsalis. I suppose we can help each other, then? I suppose it would likely be within our best interests if we were able to actually find a way out of here with some assistance. From the sounds of it, you've been here before, or at least have more knowledge of this place than I do. In my line of work, any information that gives us an advantage is good information to have."
"I cannot say that I have actually really heard of this City of Travellers, if I am being quite honest," the Merr replied, tilting her head in thought as she did her best to absorb the information that was being told to her. Once the Merr was asked whether or not she could see others walking about the area, she had looked about and noticed the other individuals that seemed to fade in and out of existence. When the seamless disappearance and appearance of other beings had been witnessed, the Merr momentarily gave thought to the idea of maybe this is what happens to those people that disappear without a trace.
Snapping back to reality, the Merr had nodded in regards to the question, allowing the other woman to know that she saw the living beings as well.
However, when the woman had introduced herself as 'Xi, the off-duty Brigadier-General had returned the courtesy: "Ah... my name is Sylsalis. I suppose we can help each other, then? I suppose it would likely be within our best interests if we were able to actually find a way out of here with some assistance. From the sounds of it, you've been here before, or at least have more knowledge of this place than I do. In my line of work, any information that gives us an advantage is good information to have."
At least she could see them too, that made Xi sigh with some relief, but noting she hadn't come here on purpose made her tense. This was not good. "Nice to meet you Sylsalis..." She struggled with the name, turning it around in her mouth as her fangs began to show. "This is a problem then, since you didn't come here intentionally." She gestured for the Merr to follow her as she pushed off the building stiffly, the shimmering a pulsing force around her, as if a heart beat.
"Well, first I'll explain why you're here, or better yet, how you got here." She looked over her shoulder, making sure the Merr followed down the hill towards the docks and the main plaza. If she could buy some mana crystals, she could retain this form longer and maybe get them both home. "This is the City of Travelers, the crossroads of every world in existence. If you've ever seen a mirage or the glimpse of some unknown place in the distance, this was it. Most people use it as a hub to transport goods from one dimension to another, being that the walls dividing all worlds are so thin here." Xi gestured around to the buildings that couldn't seem to make up their minds on what color brick they wanted to be, the ground changing from cobblestone to sandstone one minute and back again. "Nothing here is solid because we walk between multiple worlds. Most likely your world crossed this one and you accidentally stepped through a boundary. It's just like those people that go missing and no body is found, this is normally how it happens. They get lost in this world and can't find a way back; or they don't want to go back."
Ahead of them they could see the fountain in the square and stalls set up with food, mysterious potions and drinks, and trinkets. Beyond that the ocean spread out with ships of all kinds docked, from ancient viking ships to modern day boats. "This city has things even I can't fathom from worlds so unlike our own." But as they walked, not a single creature even ventured a glance their way, as if they were in a separate dimension just shadowing this one. But Xi knew better. A thief could spend an entire lifetime dimension hopping in this city, or so she had heard. "So what is your world called?" She ventured, glancing curiously at the Merr.
"Well, first I'll explain why you're here, or better yet, how you got here." She looked over her shoulder, making sure the Merr followed down the hill towards the docks and the main plaza. If she could buy some mana crystals, she could retain this form longer and maybe get them both home. "This is the City of Travelers, the crossroads of every world in existence. If you've ever seen a mirage or the glimpse of some unknown place in the distance, this was it. Most people use it as a hub to transport goods from one dimension to another, being that the walls dividing all worlds are so thin here." Xi gestured around to the buildings that couldn't seem to make up their minds on what color brick they wanted to be, the ground changing from cobblestone to sandstone one minute and back again. "Nothing here is solid because we walk between multiple worlds. Most likely your world crossed this one and you accidentally stepped through a boundary. It's just like those people that go missing and no body is found, this is normally how it happens. They get lost in this world and can't find a way back; or they don't want to go back."
Ahead of them they could see the fountain in the square and stalls set up with food, mysterious potions and drinks, and trinkets. Beyond that the ocean spread out with ships of all kinds docked, from ancient viking ships to modern day boats. "This city has things even I can't fathom from worlds so unlike our own." But as they walked, not a single creature even ventured a glance their way, as if they were in a separate dimension just shadowing this one. But Xi knew better. A thief could spend an entire lifetime dimension hopping in this city, or so she had heard. "So what is your world called?" She ventured, glancing curiously at the Merr.
Absorbing the information that was being told to her about this place in particular, Sylsalis had brushed a few stray locks of hair from her face as she gave consideration to this place -- the City of Travellers. It was an interesting place to have ended up, that was for sure. However, it was probably best a different dimension than being torn to shreds by one of unstable lands found on her home world. At least there was a small chance of Sylsalis eventually getting back home. The migraine inducing part was finding how exactly to get back to her world without ending up lost on some kind of journey through various dimensions... at least, that was what the Merr was puzzle piecing together.
Admittedly, there were a lot of interesting things that were found here -- probably even a little more interesting than having been introduced to the Illurigariae, Avoss, or Tengu on her home world. Then again, living them with them on their planet had become rather common after a couple hundred years of them having settled.
"Ah... it's called The Ryne... or just Ryne... it depends who you talk to from there," Sylsalis replied after a moment. Leaning over and looking to Xi and having observed her movements every now and again, Sylsalis had finally said, "though... I don't think my home world is too important at this time. Is there something wrong? I cannot help but to notice your stiff movements. Even on my world, that is generally a sign of stress, or injury."
Admittedly, there were a lot of interesting things that were found here -- probably even a little more interesting than having been introduced to the Illurigariae, Avoss, or Tengu on her home world. Then again, living them with them on their planet had become rather common after a couple hundred years of them having settled.
"Ah... it's called The Ryne... or just Ryne... it depends who you talk to from there," Sylsalis replied after a moment. Leaning over and looking to Xi and having observed her movements every now and again, Sylsalis had finally said, "though... I don't think my home world is too important at this time. Is there something wrong? I cannot help but to notice your stiff movements. Even on my world, that is generally a sign of stress, or injury."
Smiled at her and looked at her shoulder, shrugging. "Nothing a little cloth can't fix." As they neared the stalls, she forced her body to relax, walking past the vendors crying their wares until she came to a table filled with glowing gems. "Hmm.." The vendor eyed her warily, but she ignored him as she picked up a green crystal and inspected it.
"I'm from Kitar IX." She replied, picking up two more crystal-looking gems, a blue and a yellow one. "How much?" The vendor seemed perplexed until she tried again in a guttural tongue. It was rough on her tongue around her teeth, but she managed, handing over some coin before turning to the Merr. "And they speak common terran here, not universal terran. You don't know it do you?" She was grateful to have picked up a few things here and there in her dimension hopping, including the universal they were speaking.
"It would explain why you can speak universal, since I've heard of Ryne in passing." Though she never planned to find that world, she went to the fountain in the middle and used the green gem to recharge her pulsing gem on her bicep, tossing the dull gem into the fountain. With the metal band and green gem glowing a solid green now, she felt the start of her wounds begin to heal. It would be slow, but it was better than bleeding to death.
"Now Ryne is... in the Southern hemisphere.." She turned to walk around the fountain, facing towards it and the South as well. "Just past Koral and Orin..." Muttering to herself, she looked at the two remaining crystals, finally taking off her pack and opening it. Inside were various items, but the one she wanted was a bracelet, just big enough to fit snug around her wrist. It looked like a faded gold color, the small gems in it ranging from red to black. All of them were dull as Xi looked at it, holding the glowing crystals over it one at a time.
When the last crystal broke in her hand, she cursed, looking over the bracelet. "Well damn, of course it's broken." Xi gave a resigned sigh, looking to the Merr. "Do any of your people use dimensional travel at all?"
"I'm from Kitar IX." She replied, picking up two more crystal-looking gems, a blue and a yellow one. "How much?" The vendor seemed perplexed until she tried again in a guttural tongue. It was rough on her tongue around her teeth, but she managed, handing over some coin before turning to the Merr. "And they speak common terran here, not universal terran. You don't know it do you?" She was grateful to have picked up a few things here and there in her dimension hopping, including the universal they were speaking.
"It would explain why you can speak universal, since I've heard of Ryne in passing." Though she never planned to find that world, she went to the fountain in the middle and used the green gem to recharge her pulsing gem on her bicep, tossing the dull gem into the fountain. With the metal band and green gem glowing a solid green now, she felt the start of her wounds begin to heal. It would be slow, but it was better than bleeding to death.
"Now Ryne is... in the Southern hemisphere.." She turned to walk around the fountain, facing towards it and the South as well. "Just past Koral and Orin..." Muttering to herself, she looked at the two remaining crystals, finally taking off her pack and opening it. Inside were various items, but the one she wanted was a bracelet, just big enough to fit snug around her wrist. It looked like a faded gold color, the small gems in it ranging from red to black. All of them were dull as Xi looked at it, holding the glowing crystals over it one at a time.
When the last crystal broke in her hand, she cursed, looking over the bracelet. "Well damn, of course it's broken." Xi gave a resigned sigh, looking to the Merr. "Do any of your people use dimensional travel at all?"
Looking to the wares that were being sold by vendors, Sylsalis had brought a hand up to touch the blue gem that was fixated upon a leather band that pretty much hugged itself against the Merr's neck. It emitted a soft, aqua glow about it. There was a moment where it seemed that Sylsalis was a little curious to what exactly these magically infused crystals could do.
Turning her attention back to Xi after she had spoken, Sylsalis removed her hand from her necklace and had listened carefully to what the other woman had said.
"I only know how to speak two different languages -- and apparently it's the language we're speaking now, and then the common language of the seas of Ryne," Sylsalis replied in regards to the languages. Sylsalis did not seem too bothered by imparting this information, nor did she seem at all concerned with not knowing different languages.
While it seemed that Xi had more things on her mind, Sylsalis merely watched the other woman for some time as she seemed to murmur and mumble to herself about Ryne and its location in the grand scheme of the universe. In the past, Sylsalis would have disregarded such information, though now, it was very appreciated and useful to have if it meant getting home faster.
Clearing throat after Xi seemed to utter a small comment of disdain and then question the Merr, Sylsalis replied with, "not without a proper reason. Most magic having to deal with dimension hopping or time travel is outlawed. Mostly for what strain it causes to both the person using it and the world's flow of mana in the first place. Unless there's a safe way to use it for our denizens, we usually just have to make due with the natural flow of the world. We have designated mages or 'weavers' that help regulate mana flow or divert it from building up and creating too much force in one area to become dangerous."
Turning her attention back to Xi after she had spoken, Sylsalis removed her hand from her necklace and had listened carefully to what the other woman had said.
"I only know how to speak two different languages -- and apparently it's the language we're speaking now, and then the common language of the seas of Ryne," Sylsalis replied in regards to the languages. Sylsalis did not seem too bothered by imparting this information, nor did she seem at all concerned with not knowing different languages.
While it seemed that Xi had more things on her mind, Sylsalis merely watched the other woman for some time as she seemed to murmur and mumble to herself about Ryne and its location in the grand scheme of the universe. In the past, Sylsalis would have disregarded such information, though now, it was very appreciated and useful to have if it meant getting home faster.
Clearing throat after Xi seemed to utter a small comment of disdain and then question the Merr, Sylsalis replied with, "not without a proper reason. Most magic having to deal with dimension hopping or time travel is outlawed. Mostly for what strain it causes to both the person using it and the world's flow of mana in the first place. Unless there's a safe way to use it for our denizens, we usually just have to make due with the natural flow of the world. We have designated mages or 'weavers' that help regulate mana flow or divert it from building up and creating too much force in one area to become dangerous."
Xi pouted, shaking her head as she touched the bracelet, having little coin left in her pocket to fix it or buy more gems to charge it. She would have to wait for it to charge by itself and pray they didn't get thrown out of this dimension before then. "Be careful what you touch here too. Sometimes things from another plane overlap and you can get thrown there with no way to come back here."
She held the bracelet and left it on her wrist, praying this world was a little better infused with mana or else they would be sitting here awhile. "Until this repairs itself, we're pretty much stuck here." She held up the bracelet for her to see, something so small and insignificant, but it amplified her own abilities. Without it, she could jump when she recovered her mana with the gems she had, but with it she'd be able to take the Merr to a designated location.
"I'm a jumper, I'm not sure if you know what that is..." She sat down on the edge of the fountain, watching the people phasing in and out as if nothing was amiss. Some wouldn't even know they had passed through this world for a moment. Others were intentionally coming and going.
She held the bracelet and left it on her wrist, praying this world was a little better infused with mana or else they would be sitting here awhile. "Until this repairs itself, we're pretty much stuck here." She held up the bracelet for her to see, something so small and insignificant, but it amplified her own abilities. Without it, she could jump when she recovered her mana with the gems she had, but with it she'd be able to take the Merr to a designated location.
"I'm a jumper, I'm not sure if you know what that is..." She sat down on the edge of the fountain, watching the people phasing in and out as if nothing was amiss. Some wouldn't even know they had passed through this world for a moment. Others were intentionally coming and going.
"Duly noted..." Sylsalis replied in regards to touching the things found in this particular location. While there was no real intention of touching too many foreign objects, the Merr certainly appreciated the concern for any curiosities that might have gotten a little too much. For now, Sylsalis had glanced to the certain features that were prominent of the City of Travellers once again. It certainly was a lot more odd than some of the other features that were present on the world of Ryne, though perhaps that was neither here nor there for the moment.
"I've heard of the term before. I, however, usually had no interest in researching such a topic. Ending up here -- or anywhere outside of Ryne -- was never really on my list of plans," Sylsalis sighed, raising her free hand and rubbing at her forehead as she thought about how her fiancé at home might have gotten worried about her. "Though, I suppose that now I am in this situation, and you seem to know most about what it's like to go from one place to another through various means, I guess all I can really request of you is to enlighten me."
"I've heard of the term before. I, however, usually had no interest in researching such a topic. Ending up here -- or anywhere outside of Ryne -- was never really on my list of plans," Sylsalis sighed, raising her free hand and rubbing at her forehead as she thought about how her fiancé at home might have gotten worried about her. "Though, I suppose that now I am in this situation, and you seem to know most about what it's like to go from one place to another through various means, I guess all I can really request of you is to enlighten me."
"I've traveled." She began, looking up at the frustration on the Merr's face. "With my mana restored, I can jump time, space, and dimensions for jobs. Typically I can pick where I'm going by seeing the gates that most people walk by or through without ever leaving their world. But I was in a battle recently, as you saw, and I can't do much with my broken amplifier. I couldn't even take you with me without it. So until it charges, we're pretty much stuck here." Xi crossed her arms, chewing her lip as she thought, feeling her fangs recede so she wouldn't slurry her speech.
"So is anyone missing you back home? I could be gone for decades before anyone noticed and came looking for me. My own daughter is still too young to start jumping dimensions without me." She ran a hand through her hair, thinking about her family and friends only a jump away. The dark streets and the warm glow of the home on the outskirts of the town, covered in fresh snow as her daughter and adopted sister baked cookies. It was the last thing she saw before the order came, steal some stupid pendant and get out. But she hadn't planned on the ambush or the guards being able to follow her jump trail, but somehow they hadn't been able to make the final jump here.
With that thought on her mind and the odd fact that they hadn't stormed here to find her, she looked at the fountain again. Gates were opening and closing every second or two around them, as if phantoms coming into existence and disappearing. But she guessed the Merr couldn't see that, even as people walked through them right before they vanished.
"So is anyone missing you back home? I could be gone for decades before anyone noticed and came looking for me. My own daughter is still too young to start jumping dimensions without me." She ran a hand through her hair, thinking about her family and friends only a jump away. The dark streets and the warm glow of the home on the outskirts of the town, covered in fresh snow as her daughter and adopted sister baked cookies. It was the last thing she saw before the order came, steal some stupid pendant and get out. But she hadn't planned on the ambush or the guards being able to follow her jump trail, but somehow they hadn't been able to make the final jump here.
With that thought on her mind and the odd fact that they hadn't stormed here to find her, she looked at the fountain again. Gates were opening and closing every second or two around them, as if phantoms coming into existence and disappearing. But she guessed the Merr couldn't see that, even as people walked through them right before they vanished.
"That seems rather unfortunate. Though if it's one of the only ways I have back, I guess I have no choice but to wait unless I am to stake my chances on the... gates... that open to this place," Sylsalis responded, shifting her bag and placing it upon the ground for now. During this time, the Merr had sat on the lip of the fountain, looking to the water momentarily. Another sigh exuded from more than just her nose this time as the gill flaps found on either side of her neck also expanded and then fell closed.
"Mmmm... as for missing me back home...." At this, the Merr had steepled her fingers together and placed her hands before her mouth as she gave consideration to what she would further say. Before long, the Merr had lowered her hands back to her side and said, "well... my fiancé -- he'd still be on duty for another couple months, so with luck, I can get back home before then. I suppose that there are some other friends that I had made servicing for the army back home that would miss me as well. Lastly, the sisters that I keep in contact with, and the one brother that decided to also keep in contact with us might also."
There was a small chuckle that came from Sysalis after she had made mention of her siblings. It was more of something that gave the impression that the Merr remained in a state of disbelief. However, she shook her head and ran a hand through her hair as she looked to the water in the fountain for a good few seconds.
"Merr society on my planet is... odd. So it sometimes feels strange to mention my siblings. We're not land-walkers by nature. When we abandon part of ourselves that would be sea-dwellers, we're met with scorn and disdain from much of the older Merr. Though, Merr also tend to have lots of family members, too. The family members that I keep in contact with is surprisingly large, considering that most of us are also expected to fend for ourselves after a few years of being hatched."
Sylsalis shrugged and gave a slight laugh that kind of showed off the interesting build of teeth that resided within her mouth. They were sharp and serrated... much like how sharks' teeth were.
"Since we'll be here for a while, from the looks of things, I suppose I certainly don't mind filling that time with conversation. That is... unless you wished to find some other means to fill the time," Sylsalis said, not sure what exactly there was to do besides talk.
"Mmmm... as for missing me back home...." At this, the Merr had steepled her fingers together and placed her hands before her mouth as she gave consideration to what she would further say. Before long, the Merr had lowered her hands back to her side and said, "well... my fiancé -- he'd still be on duty for another couple months, so with luck, I can get back home before then. I suppose that there are some other friends that I had made servicing for the army back home that would miss me as well. Lastly, the sisters that I keep in contact with, and the one brother that decided to also keep in contact with us might also."
There was a small chuckle that came from Sysalis after she had made mention of her siblings. It was more of something that gave the impression that the Merr remained in a state of disbelief. However, she shook her head and ran a hand through her hair as she looked to the water in the fountain for a good few seconds.
"Merr society on my planet is... odd. So it sometimes feels strange to mention my siblings. We're not land-walkers by nature. When we abandon part of ourselves that would be sea-dwellers, we're met with scorn and disdain from much of the older Merr. Though, Merr also tend to have lots of family members, too. The family members that I keep in contact with is surprisingly large, considering that most of us are also expected to fend for ourselves after a few years of being hatched."
Sylsalis shrugged and gave a slight laugh that kind of showed off the interesting build of teeth that resided within her mouth. They were sharp and serrated... much like how sharks' teeth were.
"Since we'll be here for a while, from the looks of things, I suppose I certainly don't mind filling that time with conversation. That is... unless you wished to find some other means to fill the time," Sylsalis said, not sure what exactly there was to do besides talk.
Smiling at the Merr, she nodded, conversation would fill the lull between the recharge of the crystals and keep boredom at bay. "So you won't need to go running for the salt water anytime soon?" She had heard stories like time was limited and if people like her got wet, they'd turn into fish, but she tried to keep an open mind. Water was the best way to charge the crystals naturally, so she leaned her hand into the flowing water of the fountain, letting her arm get wet.
"My problem is the moon." She looked to the darkening sky and the rising purple moon with an arched brow, thankful it was only half full. "When it reaches full, I can teleport nearly anywhere with unlimited resources, but I cannot retain this form." She gestured to the body she had now, five toes on each foot, five fingers and dark squishy skin, a terran's body. "I revert back to the form my ancestors gave us, for better or worse, depending on the time and place I jump to." It had been awhile since she'd been anywhere with a moon, now that she thought about it. Kitar IX didn't have a moon since it had been blown to pieces by a meteor thousands of years before.
"I didn't know what it meant until I jumped to a place with a moon when my mother told me I'd find my birthright soon enough. Kitar IX doesn't have a moon anymore, just the endless stars in the dark sky at night. To discover I would lose all control and become a demon, wasn't nearly close enough to the truth. It's how I had my daughter conceived." She shrugged, most of her kind were bastards of some planet with a moon in a frenzy of lust and hunger.
"Your kind lays eggs? Do you guard them?" She tilted her head, curious to learn of a new culture she had only heard rumors about. "Mine is matriarchy. The women live in clusters and family groups led by the oldest female while the males are thrown out when they reach puberty. It keeps us safe from them turning beast." Xi looked to the stones beneath their feet, remembering her brother jumping for the first time, his happy face and her mother's fear-stricken one. He had been sent off with her sister, thankfully to a world with no moon and were both happier for it.
"My problem is the moon." She looked to the darkening sky and the rising purple moon with an arched brow, thankful it was only half full. "When it reaches full, I can teleport nearly anywhere with unlimited resources, but I cannot retain this form." She gestured to the body she had now, five toes on each foot, five fingers and dark squishy skin, a terran's body. "I revert back to the form my ancestors gave us, for better or worse, depending on the time and place I jump to." It had been awhile since she'd been anywhere with a moon, now that she thought about it. Kitar IX didn't have a moon since it had been blown to pieces by a meteor thousands of years before.
"I didn't know what it meant until I jumped to a place with a moon when my mother told me I'd find my birthright soon enough. Kitar IX doesn't have a moon anymore, just the endless stars in the dark sky at night. To discover I would lose all control and become a demon, wasn't nearly close enough to the truth. It's how I had my daughter conceived." She shrugged, most of her kind were bastards of some planet with a moon in a frenzy of lust and hunger.
"Your kind lays eggs? Do you guard them?" She tilted her head, curious to learn of a new culture she had only heard rumors about. "Mine is matriarchy. The women live in clusters and family groups led by the oldest female while the males are thrown out when they reach puberty. It keeps us safe from them turning beast." Xi looked to the stones beneath their feet, remembering her brother jumping for the first time, his happy face and her mother's fear-stricken one. He had been sent off with her sister, thankfully to a world with no moon and were both happier for it.
Listening carefully to Xi and keeping a mindful ear to details of the conversation, Sylsalis had remained rather silent as the other woman spoke. A look of indifference was apparent on the Merr's face for the time being, though she also kept her attention on Xi to assure her that she was paying attention. With things that were said and imparted, Sylsalis had actually been rather intrigued by much of what Xi had said about herself and her culture.
Sylsalis had issued a relieved laugh for the most part to Xi's first question and she then said to her, "luckily not in the terms of finding water. While I am still in need of hydration in arid areas, if I'm somewhere where the air is at least filled with a good amount of humidity, I'm usually rather fine. On my world, since my line of work is unpredictable, I've been outfitted with a special made suit that keeps me hydrated out in the field. Ah... and luckily, it doesn't have to be just salt water -- since Merr are travellers in and of their own, many of us are more versatile in the many bodies of water on our world and can tolerate a lot more -- be it tropical seas, to the ice cold, from salt to fresh. Some of us have unfortunate disadvantages depending where our lineage lies -- like cave Merr are blind, for example."
The Merr's expression fell after a moment or two when she recalled what Xi had said about her own form and ability. Clearing her throat, Sylsalis had given a couple moments of thought to the next words out of her mouth; "that sounds like quite the responsibility of one's self. We have individuals back on Ryne that rely on our moons' cycles -- which seems really unfortunate at times, since the waning and waxing of the moons could seriously conflict with their lycanism. We have two moons, so it makes some nights really bright sometimes if both moons are visible and full. Though on some occasions, one could be full while the other is only half-full, or whatever it is. The more I think about it, I think one will ever catch both moons full on a night two to three times a year there. It's always a celebrated occurrence in my home city because of how rare it is. Not sure if it is in other parts of Ryne."
Clearing her throat, Sylsalis gave a smile and brought a hand back up to her necklace.
"I kind of got off track there for a moment. My form doesn't rely on the moon, nor does it rely on my introduction to water -- much to many Humans' dismay on the world I come from. Many forms that a lot of individuals have are from magic-based glamour trinkets or gems. If I lose this or if it eventually loses its magical substance, I'll revert back into my sea-based form within a week's time. It's a slow and admittedly odd-feeling process."
In regards to the egg-laying, Sylsalis had rubbed the back of her neck as she turned her gaze downward. She had an awkward smile on her face about it, though she decided to expand more about Merr life; "ahh... well... we don't really have a matriarchy or even a patriarchy. A lot of Merr are very individual until you get to Merr towns or cities, where those that have a 'schooling' instinct tend to gather and commute. This is mostly because many, many, many Merr are territorial and savage -- hunters by nature and all that. Sometimes you'll find Merr that only stick to being in a group of five or six, but it's very rare.
"When Merr fall in love, we woo one another by... singing -- which earns us the nickname of 'Siren' from the topsiders. In our water-based form, we do lay eggs when we're ready, and of course the males, err... fertilise them. On average, Merr females have anywhere between fifteen to thirty eggs in a clutch. Most of us don't make it, and after a couple years, we are expected to live on our own and fend for ourselves after our parents have taught us the essentials.
"However, this is coming from a Merr that does not have the schooling instinct to stay clustered with others. I stayed with my siblings for some time, though in a family of about twenty to twenty-three brothers and sisters, I suppose one could understand why I only keep in contact with only three to five of them.
"Ah... and as for my form now... I'm actually not... too sure if I and other female body Merr that abandoned their underwater life lay eggs. It's quite possible that we can copulate with topsiders if our biology allows it."
Sylsalis had issued a relieved laugh for the most part to Xi's first question and she then said to her, "luckily not in the terms of finding water. While I am still in need of hydration in arid areas, if I'm somewhere where the air is at least filled with a good amount of humidity, I'm usually rather fine. On my world, since my line of work is unpredictable, I've been outfitted with a special made suit that keeps me hydrated out in the field. Ah... and luckily, it doesn't have to be just salt water -- since Merr are travellers in and of their own, many of us are more versatile in the many bodies of water on our world and can tolerate a lot more -- be it tropical seas, to the ice cold, from salt to fresh. Some of us have unfortunate disadvantages depending where our lineage lies -- like cave Merr are blind, for example."
The Merr's expression fell after a moment or two when she recalled what Xi had said about her own form and ability. Clearing her throat, Sylsalis had given a couple moments of thought to the next words out of her mouth; "that sounds like quite the responsibility of one's self. We have individuals back on Ryne that rely on our moons' cycles -- which seems really unfortunate at times, since the waning and waxing of the moons could seriously conflict with their lycanism. We have two moons, so it makes some nights really bright sometimes if both moons are visible and full. Though on some occasions, one could be full while the other is only half-full, or whatever it is. The more I think about it, I think one will ever catch both moons full on a night two to three times a year there. It's always a celebrated occurrence in my home city because of how rare it is. Not sure if it is in other parts of Ryne."
Clearing her throat, Sylsalis gave a smile and brought a hand back up to her necklace.
"I kind of got off track there for a moment. My form doesn't rely on the moon, nor does it rely on my introduction to water -- much to many Humans' dismay on the world I come from. Many forms that a lot of individuals have are from magic-based glamour trinkets or gems. If I lose this or if it eventually loses its magical substance, I'll revert back into my sea-based form within a week's time. It's a slow and admittedly odd-feeling process."
In regards to the egg-laying, Sylsalis had rubbed the back of her neck as she turned her gaze downward. She had an awkward smile on her face about it, though she decided to expand more about Merr life; "ahh... well... we don't really have a matriarchy or even a patriarchy. A lot of Merr are very individual until you get to Merr towns or cities, where those that have a 'schooling' instinct tend to gather and commute. This is mostly because many, many, many Merr are territorial and savage -- hunters by nature and all that. Sometimes you'll find Merr that only stick to being in a group of five or six, but it's very rare.
"When Merr fall in love, we woo one another by... singing -- which earns us the nickname of 'Siren' from the topsiders. In our water-based form, we do lay eggs when we're ready, and of course the males, err... fertilise them. On average, Merr females have anywhere between fifteen to thirty eggs in a clutch. Most of us don't make it, and after a couple years, we are expected to live on our own and fend for ourselves after our parents have taught us the essentials.
"However, this is coming from a Merr that does not have the schooling instinct to stay clustered with others. I stayed with my siblings for some time, though in a family of about twenty to twenty-three brothers and sisters, I suppose one could understand why I only keep in contact with only three to five of them.
"Ah... and as for my form now... I'm actually not... too sure if I and other female body Merr that abandoned their underwater life lay eggs. It's quite possible that we can copulate with topsiders if our biology allows it."
Xi kept her face blank as she listened, nodding appropriately and storing this information for later. The moon captured her interest though as she watched, feeling the hair on the back of her neck raise in response. She didn't like this place, nor the fact that lanterns were starting to light all around them as the streets darkened. "I'm just glad you won't turn into anything I have to worry about, we really can't afford it if we want to get back to our homes."
Taking her arm out of the water, she noticed it was half charged with a sigh. But with darkness setting in, she couldn't afford to remain exposed like this. Slowly she stood, stretching her muscles that were stiff and tense. It felt like someone was watching them, but none of the information she imparted would endanger anyone but herself she knew. Unless they could magically change the moon, she doubted she was in any danger at all.
"I could go for a nice bed and some food, what about you?" She pointed to an inn just off the main street with a hanging sign in scribble she could barely read. Something about food and rest, The Sparrow's Nest, some catchy terran rhyming meant to lure people in. But it looked safe with lanterns lit outside and people starting to gather within.
Xi headed in that direction, giving Sylsalis some response to what she had said while they walked. "Those others must hate that you have two moons, forcing them to shift more often. I know I'd hate it." Xi could hear footsteps behind them, but she tried to ignore them, running a hand over her head to cover the bone plates that were angled like ears atop her head. They picked up the vibrations around them, making her head pound obnoxiously. Thankfully they were black, making it look like her hair was out of place just a bit.
"Your kind has weaponry outside of the water besides your fists I hope, we may need it before the day is out." She barely turned her head to mean their curious followers as she passed the threshold into the building, temporarily blinded by the bright light and noise within.
Taking her arm out of the water, she noticed it was half charged with a sigh. But with darkness setting in, she couldn't afford to remain exposed like this. Slowly she stood, stretching her muscles that were stiff and tense. It felt like someone was watching them, but none of the information she imparted would endanger anyone but herself she knew. Unless they could magically change the moon, she doubted she was in any danger at all.
"I could go for a nice bed and some food, what about you?" She pointed to an inn just off the main street with a hanging sign in scribble she could barely read. Something about food and rest, The Sparrow's Nest, some catchy terran rhyming meant to lure people in. But it looked safe with lanterns lit outside and people starting to gather within.
Xi headed in that direction, giving Sylsalis some response to what she had said while they walked. "Those others must hate that you have two moons, forcing them to shift more often. I know I'd hate it." Xi could hear footsteps behind them, but she tried to ignore them, running a hand over her head to cover the bone plates that were angled like ears atop her head. They picked up the vibrations around them, making her head pound obnoxiously. Thankfully they were black, making it look like her hair was out of place just a bit.
"Your kind has weaponry outside of the water besides your fists I hope, we may need it before the day is out." She barely turned her head to mean their curious followers as she passed the threshold into the building, temporarily blinded by the bright light and noise within.
Squinting over in the direction of the inn that had been pointed out, Sylsalis had murmured in agreement to getting out of the open. She had already been relatively tired when she first made her way from her post to hers and her fiancé's flat. With a strong inhale and a heavy, indifferent sigh, the Merr had picked up her bag and stood up from sitting on the lip of the fountain. With night approaching, and being in a new place, nonetheless, she was all for getting off the streets and somewhere where there was at least some form of safety guaranteed.
"Well... if you mean a high-tech military as 'my kind', then yes... we have plenty of arsenal that we use outside of water that involves high-energy weapons. Since my time on land, it had only been wise for me to have gotten one crafted for myself, along with a collapsible spear," Sylsalis replied with a small chuckle, soon offering a tired smile as she walked along behind Xi.
Sniffing the air for a moment, Sylsalis grimaced a bit at the new smells that she would maybe have to get accustomed to if it turned out she was stuck in this place a lot longer than she anticipated.
"Well... if you mean a high-tech military as 'my kind', then yes... we have plenty of arsenal that we use outside of water that involves high-energy weapons. Since my time on land, it had only been wise for me to have gotten one crafted for myself, along with a collapsible spear," Sylsalis replied with a small chuckle, soon offering a tired smile as she walked along behind Xi.
Sniffing the air for a moment, Sylsalis grimaced a bit at the new smells that she would maybe have to get accustomed to if it turned out she was stuck in this place a lot longer than she anticipated.
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