Tales of Exzalia dying worlds

Pickles kept beaming at Pip. "I'd still be happy evetually. I'd feel dead, lonely and be in a great deal of pain first more then anything but eventually I'd learn to heal and be happy again for my family and friends and for Tassy. It's not good to spend your life brooding over one bad experience. People suffer loss and hurt everyday but they still manage to smile. I'm not sure how long you've been like this Miss Pip." Pickles sighed. "But its a waste of time, time you could spend being happy or making other people happy." Peter once again smile at Piper. "I want to see you cheer up and at the most I want to see you smile."

 

Tassy lead them to an open area, in the middle of that area one could here the sound of unstable eather, the noise it made was impossible to describe, the best one could call was unearthly, illogical. A sound that confused the ear.

It was the sound of reality it's self unraveling, an eather spasm. Tassy pointed to a large red and blue orb that spun wildly. "Behold, an eather spasm. But one unlike any other, this spasm is just like the spell that caused Exzalia to be drained fifty years ago but on a much smaller scale. My research indicates that these things have been appearing all over Exzalia, what's more...they're portals. To the other world."

They all stood in stunned silence, for eons it was thought Exzalia was the only world out there. But now, portals leading to new ones? not too long ago such talk would be seen as insane.

Tassy fixed her glasses as she began to pace. She allowed what they were seeing to sink in. A portal...to another world.

"...has anyone gone through?" Sol finally asked. Magnolia shot him a stare, but the boy was for once serious. Something about the portal suddenly made him stand striaght.

"Yes, but not in the way you think. A group of mages were practicing here when it happened. When this eather spasm engulfed them. We believe they are now in the other world the world we have dubbed Terra. Many mages tried to follow, but were instantly destroyed upon getting near the portals. It seems you can only use them at the very moment they appear, and because they form at random places and random times. We have no way of traveling to the other world, yet. On your journey I want all of you to keep an eye out for these portals, tell us everything you can about them. Understand?"

They nodded. Magnolia sighed, "before you are dismissed, do you have any questions?"

 

While Magnolia answered people's questions River made her way through the group of people finding her husband near the back.
"Will?" River touched his arm, a worried look on her face. Before he could speak she took a breath and said, "I know...I know you need to go. Exzalia needs you. Fighting for a better future for our kids, right?" She smiled sadly, subconciously laying a hand on her pregnant stomach. "But, I don't want you to take Kieran."

"I don't see why he shouldn't go..." Will responded. "He's older than we were when he first set off," he said reassuringly.

“Be that as it may, the journey to Morien is dangerous. What if something were to happen and he be…” River didn’t finish and she looked off into the distance for a short time before returning her gaze to Will. “If Kieran were to go you know we wouldn’t hear the end of it from Rayla and knowing her she would run off in the middle of the night after you two. And she would most certainly be killed, she’s too impulsive.” Will gave her a look that showed he wasn’t yet convinced those were good enough reasons.
She took his hand, tears glistening in her eyes. “I already lost one child…please don’t ask me to risk another. Especially with you already going.” She knew her arguement was weak, but the thought of possibly losing a both her husband and another child was too much to bear. Keiran was going to be angry with her if Will agreed, but at least he'd be safe.

Will considered it a moment. "Alright, but only for you," he said and kissed her forehead. "I do find your lack of faith in Rayla a little disturbing though," he said with a smile. Rayla was certainly impulsive, but she was capable, and intelligent. He was proud of her, and her lofty ambitions. Will felt that was something to be nurtured, not stifled. Keiran on the other hand, Will had a hard time relating to him sometimes, but he was his son never the less, and he loved him the same. He just wondered sometimes what it was that Keiran waned from life. He was wise beyond his age, and surprisingly cold when it came to certain things.

"Keiran, your mother doesn't want you to go, and I'm going to respect her wishes," Will said to Keiran, then winked at his wife. She wasn't going to get off that easily.

 

Carson fiddled with his jacket as he examined the portal. The same smirk across his face. "Looks like my story got a bit more interesting." Carson walked up beside Magnolia and Tassy. He really wanted to dive into that portal and see this other world for himself. But he contained himself. "It doesn't really matter were the portals lead. The simple fact remains that I'll get the eather back if you like?" He said casually.

Pickles on the other hand seemed deep in thought. He may have been called a fool but he wasn't. Pickles was naive not a fool there's a difference. Portals to another world huh? He wondered. "Wait did I hear right about this being the same type of eather spasms as in the The death of Magic incident?" He asked pointing at the portals. "And it can take people to another world?" He asked his face stoic. The hero had an idea.

 

Kerian

"Keiran, your mother doesn't want you to go, and I'm going to respect her wishes,"

"What?" Keiran started. "But, there's no reason for me to stay here!" He said.

"Your mom want's you to stay here," Will replied. "That's all there is to it. If you want to argue, argue with her, not me... good luck with that," he said, giving Keiran a wicked smile. Will had learned a long time ago that there was no winning when arguing with River. His arguments would always end up returned to him, routed, or it was a battle of attrition and he would cave first. Such was married life, he supposed. He wouldn't trade it for anything.

Keiran in the meanwhile pouted. He too knew that there was no point in arguing with his mother. And his desire to go wasn't strong enough to make it worth it either. So, he would stay here, enjoy the palace. There was a dismal lack of young women his age, but he was used to that... He had somewhat been hoping to meet a nice girl. He hadn't been in cities much either, and the prospect of exploring one was intriguing, but he still would have rather gone with his father. As Keiran had grown older, they seemed to have grown more distant, and he wasn't sure why. He had been looking forward to spending some time with him, away from his mother and Rayla. But, it was not to be.

"Fine, I'll stay here," he said, sulking off to another corner of the room, and watching and listening as Magnolia explained more about the Eather Spasm.

 

"Carson you can't just go get the eather back, for one the portal only works if you are there the moment it appears. Two, we don't know what kind of world it is, does it even have breathable air? And three even if you could get there. How would you bring the eather back without casting a spell similar to the draining one. A spell only former shadow mages know?"

 

Craze


Loud children, unmanageable teenagers and verbally fighting matures. What kind of group did the Queen intend to send on a voyage?

"We have no way of traveling to the other world, yet."

The words of the siren twirls through his head, although he prefers to call their kind fish. They are not actually planning to enter this.. this thing?

"before you are dismissed, do you have any questions?"

“Please do mind my bold question, your Majesty, but you do not expect me to go through such portal, do you? I wandered around these lands for years, but never felt part of the kingdom. Still, I am willing to fight alongside this uncontrollable group of heroes and be the very best you expect. I am willing to fight for you, this kingdom, for this broken world, but I do not consider myself some kind of test subject that is willing to enter an unknown world. Just that we’re clear on that.”.

A bit too long of a pause.

“Your majesty.”.

 

Carson smiled at the remarks of his mother and held up three fingers. "One, the moment will appear and when it does I'll go get the eather. Two it doesn't matter if the air is breathable I can't die I'm the main character and three I'd figure out to cast the spell. How? I don't know but as I said I never fail when it come's to saving the world. I'm the lead after all." He said happily. Carson was the star in his own head. He could lose but he'd never be beaten in the end.

"So Pyria and the others could still be alive?" Pickles asked. All the eyes who knew the name fell on him. "If this the same sort of spasms from the death of magic incident. Couldn't everyone who was caught up in the blast sent to Terra?" He asked. "Wouldn't it make it a 50/50 chance that their alive?" He asked. Pickles face was serious for the first time since arriving in Fare glimmers of hope in his green eye. Marine turned to her mother. The question her dad asked seemed important. She had heard of Pyria and how she and many others perished in the death of magic event. She was curious to know if any of them might still be living.

 

So Pyria and the others could still be alive?" Pickles asked. All the eyes who knew the name fell on him. "If this the same sort of spasms from the death of magic incident. Couldn't everyone who was caught up in the blast sent to Terra?" He asked. "Wouldn't it make it a 50/50 chance that their alive?" He asked. Pickles face was serious for the first time since arriving in Fare.

"Do not...inspire false hope." Magnolia said, "With eather spasms your are not likely to live. besides we saw Pyrias life become drained as she weaved."


Please do mind my bold question, your Majesty, but you do not expect me to go through such portal, do you? I wandered around these lands for years, but never felt part of the kingdom. Still, I am willing to fight alongside this uncontrollable group of heroes and be the very best you expect. I am willing to fight for you, this kingdom, for this broken world, but I do not consider myself some kind of test subject that is willing to enter an unknown world. Just that we’re clear on that.”.



"No you won't be going, not when we know nothing about it, you will be coming with me to Morien. I am simply letting everyone know what we have found. If we're done with the questions then you all are dimissed to get ready, I'll be in my chamber. Your children will be taken care of safe in Fare."

 

Pickles laughed standing up. "There is no such thing as false hope Miss Magnolia. There is only hope and hoping for a chance." Pickles said smiling. As long as the possibility existed he decided to believe Pyria was alive. But first Pickles turned towards his love. "Tassy would you mind coming here for a moment." Pickles said smiling brightly. Pickles figured he'd help his wife out now since the everything seemed to be in the order.

 

River: The Pain of Hope

"Pickles, as much as I, of all people, wish that were true...i can't possible see how it is." River said sadly. She'd come to be at peace with what had happend, to the red-headed halfling she'd raised. But to hope that she was alive...simply stuck in another world, only to likely have her hopes dashed...it would be to painful. She couldn't bring herself to hope that Pyria was still alive. Being here was like reliving the past all over again. And it wasn't pleasant.
"What happened was an explosion...you saw the crater. Nothing could have survived that. We barley survived it." She shook her head. "No. Pyria, Tess, Saya. They're gone...as are the others, there is no use in hoping otherwise."

 

Tassy looked over at River, it was the first time she had really acknowledged her since they came. "Lets not think on the past." She said. Tassy went over to Pickles, she put on a smile masking the burdens in her heart.

"What is it bubbles?"

 

The hero flashed his wife a bright smile and plucked the glasses off her face. Before Tassy could say anything Pickles put his hand up. The hero pulled a small pin from his pocket he then started fiddling around with her glasses. He seemed to be adjusting them in a way. Pickles gently placed the glasses back on her face. They fit perfectly now. "I noticed they kept falling off your face." He stroked part of her hair. "So there you are pretty as ever Pumpkin." He was practically glowing.

He paused and looked thoughtful for a moment. "Cheer up love. Plenty to be happy about like um...puppies? Yes puppies." He said with a sigh. It wasn't easy hiding your true emotions from Pickles. He had that uncanny power to pick up on them. So if there was one person in a room of sadness he wanted to cheer up it would be Tassy. "Yeah cheer up for puppies!" He exclaimed spreading his arms.

"In fact everyone in this room should cheer up a bit. Come on think of puppies and get excited! Fill the world with sunshine as heroes sunshine come from us naturally. So come now start hoping, get happy, get in the spirit and most of all laugh the tears away!" He spoke with passion to everyone in the room.

Carson smiled in response to his dad's speech, Carson agreed to much sadness and hoplessness in a room is never good. Marine was beaming with happiness makes for a nasty work habitat. "Dad's right I think being happy helps with quests.....so um think of puppies" She said quietly but loud enough to be heard.

 

"What happened was an explosion...you saw the crater. Nothing could have survived that. We barley survived it." She shook her head. "No. Pyria, Tess, Saya. They're gone...as are the others, there is no use in hoping otherwise."
"Wait, what?" Archibald pondered for moments before stepping back in shock. "NO! Don't tell me- are you folks the band of heroes who saved the world oh so many years ago? I've heard so many stories!" Archibald bowed again, though he rose back up in instantly. "Might I say it is an absolute honor to even stand in your presence. Say, Mistress Brook, is it true that you can deflect swords by shooting arrows at them? What incredible skill!" Archibald was almost jumping up and down as he excitedly questioned the elf.

 

"Say, Mistress Brook, is it true that you can deflect swords by shooting arrows at them? What incredible skill!" Archibald said excitedly.

River chuckled and gave an amused smile. "No, I'm afraid not. That would be quite the feat if I could, though."

 

"No, I'm afraid not. That would be quite the feat if I could, though."
"Yes it would be. I'm sure you'd be quite able of such if you tried." Archibald smiled. He was somewhat disappointed for sure, but he wasn't dumb enough not to notice exaggerations in the legends. "Are the stories of the savior herself true though? I hear that the one who stopped the Leaking was a young girl whose very hair burned with the fire of justice. What of her?" He smiled another genuine smile. Frankly, he had no idea.

 

"Thanks Pickles." tassy said smiling, she still wouldn't tell him her problems but it made her happy he still was supporting her.

Magnolia began to head out leaving the group to get to know one another. Tomorrow the real journey would begin.

 

"Are the stories of the savior herself true though? I hear that the one who stopped the Leaking was a young girl whose very hair burned with the fire of justice. What of her?" He smiled another genuine smile.

River's smile became sad, but her eyes shone with pride. "Yes. That story is true. Pyria, my daughter...she gave her life to save Exzalia and stopped the draining. Her story is one to be forever remembered."

 

"Never forget the possibility of her being alive." Carson said as he sat a seat behind River. Carson had a bored expression on his face as he spoke. But the hope in his eyes were same as Pickles. Carson wasn't a complete monster. He was actually quite noble in general. He just did it in his own way.

 

Kal Tor'ih, known as the Hunter, is just leaving Grove after killing 20 uncastables soon after realizing that their artifacts hold no true power. Still searching for powerful artifacts he sets out again down the lonely path of power.

 

River

"Never forget the possibility of her being alive." Carson said as he sat a seat behind River. Carson had a bored expression on his face as he spoke.

"I see little possibility. It hurts too much to hope." River said calmly, though inside she was quite wary of the man who was supposedly Pickles son. Had it not been for her standing by Will's side this man would have tried to kill him. To punish him for a mistake made 50 years ago? Who was he to pass judgement? Though River said none of these things, her eyes and cold demeanor said it all.

She took a seat on a bench nearby a window overlooking Fare. She sighed gratefully, glad to get off her feet. The strain of carrying a baby drained her more than she liked to admit. She hated being so slowed, and encumbered. But Rayla and Kieran had been worth it...and so would this one.

The garden could be seen from her seat on the bench. The garden where Pickles had forced them into a game of tag for a much needed respite. It had done much to lift their spirits for the upcoming hardships. And now Will was going to leave on yet another journey. Thankfully this one much shorter and not as dangerous, but there was still the possiblity of him being injured or worse. Goddess protect him, as you did before. I don't know what I'd do without him.

--------------------------------------------
Rayla

Dad was packing the last of his things into his bag when Rayla came up to him, her face turned down in an unlady-like pout. "Keiran and I should be coming with you! We can fight just as well as any of those other mages. Especially since we're half-elves. Mom's just being overprotective. Can't you talk to her again? Please!!!"

Will looked at his daughter, his little girl. River was right, if they had gone without her, she would have followed them no matter what. "Honey, you and I both know what your mom is gonna say," Will replied. "You know that she's just worried about you. She's lost a lot of people in her life, and a few she really cared about, she doesn't want to lose you too," he said.

"But she wouldn't! You'd be there, and Pickles and Magnolia, Tassy...and even Kieran. We'd get the queen to saftey and come back heroes! Then maybe mom would stop treating me like a kid."

Will laughed. "It's going to be a very long time till your mother stops treating you and Keiran like kids," he smiled. "There's nothing for it. Ever since... ever since Pyria died, she's been protective of you kids. Don't take it personal, she's just looking out for you is all." Will gave his daughter a hug. "And to tell you the truth, I wasn't to thrilled with the idea of my little girl going dashing through Grove. I shouldn't be gone long, take care of your mother, try not to kill your brother, and stay away from Carson. That man is trouble," Will said.

"You don't have to tell me that. He's creepy." Rayla thoughts drifted to what Carson had said to her dad. "Dad. What did he mean...when he talked about killing you for what you did to Charon? I thought it was the Well of Darkness that destroyed it, when mom got knocked out and dropped it."

A sad look came over Will's face. "There was a little more to it than that..." he started. "You know what, I'll tell you about it another time." He smiled at her, the sadness going away a little bit. "Tell you what, how about while I'm gone, you keep watch over my sword?" he said, unbuckling it from his waist and handing it to her. "I wouldn't want to lose it out in the swamp right?"

A look of utter joy came over Rayla's face as her father put his sword in her hands. She was easily distracted and immediately forgot about her question and even the fact that she wasn't going on the adventure. "Really!?" She pulled it's gleaming blade part way out of it's sheath. "I'll keep it safe. Promise." Rayla exclaimed hugging it to her chest. "And practice with it everyday until you get back. Maybe I can get one of these castle guards to show me a few new moves."

"Well, be careful..." Will replied. "Don't hack your arm off... Or anyone else's! Unless they deserve it!" he smiled at Rayla. "And be kind to this sword, it belonged to my father. The one edge is enchanted with Nox, and the other with Althea. It represents the dual nature of the world, life, and death. When you hold this sword, never forget that you have power over both." That was an important lesson that Will wished someone had taken the time to teach to him. Instead, he'd had to learn the hard way.

Rayla strapped the enchanted sword and it's belt to her waist then hugged her father tightly. "I won't. Promise." She held onto him for a long while and didn't let go until she felt her mother's presence behind her. She probably wanted to say goodbye as well. Rayla stepped back and said solemly, "Don't get killed, okay?"

"I won't. I promise," Will said. "Be safe, never forget that I love you."

"Love you too."

 

The nest morning, all packed and ready to go. They set off to heart feld good bye's and worried faces. Upon the backs of strange beasts the uncastables called horses, they began trecking away from Fare. Magnolia looked back at the worried faces, she sighed to her then did something odd for her.

"River, Emery! I will return them to you alive, you have my word!"

A reasuring comment by such a bitter person was rare indeed.


................

A shadow peeked at the group now heading off to Morien. a gruff voice came from under the beings cloke. calling to it's accomplise it whispered. "Are you sure that's the one? And not a decoy?"

"As sure as the grave." His female cohort responded.

"Then we'll attack them once they reach the city limits, the eather is weaker there."

The female also cloaked raised her hand in protest. "You men attack the caravan, I'm heading inside Fare. there is, leverage in there."

"Isn't the one you want with the Caravan?"

She nodded, too powerful though at least for me, remember don't kill if you don't need to. Good luck."

..........

Sol was back to his antics again, this time he found Rayla wandering about the palace. "KNOB!"

"Yes your awesomeness?"

"Plan beta strike E." Sol said with a mischievous grin. As Rayla rounded a corner she heard a very loud voice from above.

"Look at me!!!!" Sol had jumped of the roof of some building about 2 stories high and was flying with some strange enchantment he had on him, "You angel, is here!"

*Smash!*

upon trying to land his enchantment went hey wire and he smashed into a shop selling fish, the owner a fate man with an insane beard began beating the poor boy senseless. Until of course he realized it was the prince.

"Oh...terribly sorry. you can wreck my shop any time you want!" the shop keeper said going to his knees Sol ignored him. He was looking directly at Rayla.
"so...did you see that? impresive huh?"

 

Rayla

Rayla was wandering around the palace with her Dad's sword strapped around her waist. It was heavier than she had originally thought it would be, especially after carrying it for several hours...but it was worth it. Her hand lay on it's hilt, her back straight and a serious look on her face as she walked the halls as a guardian of the castle would. Though a smile threatened to break out on her face at any moment.

"Look at me!!!! "Your angel, is here!"

Rayla looked over the balcony to see someone launch himself off the roof and right into a fish shop. The Keeper proceeded to beat him soundly before getting to his knees and begging forgiveness.

"So...did you see that? Impressive huh?" It was the kid who had proposed to her earlier. Then insulted her brother. He was amusing, and cute...but that was about it.

Rayla laughed at him and then proceeded to continue in her search of Kieran. She wanted to show him the sword.

 

Must keep moving or he'll catch me. Marine was panting, she was being chased. She looked behind her to see if he was still behind her. He wasn't.....whenever he vanished that was the worst part. It meant that she'd get caught for sure. Marine flanked to the left and began sprinting down the hall. Marine took another right and slammed into Rayla. Marina was knocked off her feet. "Ouch!" She screamed she then looked at Rayla. "S..sorry." She said shyly her green eyes wide with fear. Marine kept looking up and down to see if her pursuer was anywhere in sight.

 

Ouch!" She screamed she then looked oh. "S..sorry." She said.

"Ouch is right." Rayla replied rubbing her forhead. She got to her feet and held out a hand to Marine before noticing her frightened look. "What's going on? Are you in trouble or something?"