The Demons of Watchwood Forest 2

[Blaze]

James is a thief, he is no stranger to darkness in the slightest. He stands in the castle, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness before venturing forth, his footfalls silent and careful. Doesn't want to trip on anything.

[Vomica]

Ovvar follows behind, and slightly to the side, of the guard. He walks with light foot falls, feeling as if walking into a bar that is known to be frequented by less savory folk. The man mentions to the guard, "...hmm. I love the architecture."

[Knight Errant]

Ginny chewed her lip, and then frowned slightly up at the Princess, "I can assure you I know how to read and write, Princess, there won't be any need for lessons". She shifted around a little, her fancy dress rustling, while she swept loose red curls back from her face with her fingers. "I grew up in orphanages. A couple of years here, and a few there.... never in one place for very long", she began to explain.

"I got sent to live with people now and then. I spent about a year living at an Inn here in the city when I was a teenager... ", she said, pausing to blush a little, as she felt silly talking about her teens being in her passed, when for her body they were clearly now very far into her future. "That's when I went to school for the first time. It wasn't school that taught me most of what I know though... ".

"A few years later, I ended up very far from here". She smiled, glancing up at the woman again, "I was chasing a boy. Stupidly, I tried to prove to him I was capable of facing the world's dangers at his side. Of course... he was right, and I was far from ready. My foolishness nearly got me killed. I was taken to a Temple to be treated for my injuries. It did lead to a chance meeting with another Princess however. She was the same age as me, around seventeen. She didn't get much contact with others her own age, so when she came across me during a visit to the Temple with her Mother, she took an interest, and insisted the Queen take me in to aid my recovery".






Rose's claim seemed to confuse the two guards. They exchanged uneasy glances, "You better come with me... ", said the brown-haired woman, motioning for the Seductress to follow her. Her blonde-haired partner stood back, retaking her position outside the gate. As they were led through, Caileanne gave Rose's arm a slight tug. "She's taking us to see Heulwen. Mother left her in charge".

Through the gates, the architecture went through quite a change. Every building was made from a clean, white stone, and they were much more spread out, with a lot more grass. Two women with nothing but white towels wrapped around their curvy figures walked passed them, and headed up the stone steps into a small building with stained glass windows that were clouded up with steam. From inside came the echoing sounds of splashing water and female giggles.

Moving beyond the building, the giant white temple was revealed in the center of the compound. It was huge, with around a hundred or so stone steps gently sloping up to it's entrance. Infront of the temple was a most curious sight, a large wooden ship, complete with sails. It was resting in a wooden construction, with several ladders around it, and people seemed to be unloading goods from it.

As the brown-haired guard led them up the wide steps to the Temple, people continued to look at them oddly after seeing Caileanne. "Almost there now... ", the child murmured to the Seductress as they headed into the building, it's halls refreshingly cool compared to the sunlight outside. Their path took them along many corridors, which occasionally looked out over large halls within the Temple, some of them filled with groups of women.

Eventually, they came to a set of double doors, with armed female guards on each side. "This woman has an urgent message for Heulwen... ", explained the brown-haired woman to her two fellow guards, not even pausing as she pushed open the doors and led Rose and Caileanne into the room.

It seemed to be some kind of study, packed bookshelves against much of the walls, with any space left taken up by maps and charts. In the middle of a room, a white-haired young woman was sat at a desk. She too wore heavy armour, but her's was mostly blue and gold, and seemed even grander than that which was worn by the guards. Her blue and gold shield was resting against the wall behind her, along with a giant sword. She had a pretty face, her hair twisted into thick curls which fell just below her shoulders, and she had green eyes which now peered at Rose and Caileanne in suprise.

"What's the meaning of this?".

The Princess nods, tilting her head. Obviously interested in this tale. "I see... do go on..." She says with a smile.

Lady Rose walks through the temple... her eyes flickering from the architecture to the curvy forms of the females within it. She keeps mostly silent until finally she is brought in front of the steward. Smiling. "Ahh... finally I am getting somewhere." She clears her throat. "The meaning, in short, is this. I have defeated your leader... and taken her to serve under me by the authority of the Princess of Watchwood. I've come here to see if her servants will pose any problems to the throne... And offer an opportunity. Those interested in serving the Princess as her guard will be granted great power through me... And those who refuse will be... persuaded to reconsider." She says with a wink.

James is a thief, he is no stranger to darkness in the slightest. He stands in the castle, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the darkness before venturing forth, his footfalls silent and careful. Doesn't want to trip on anything.

As James' eyes adjust to the darkness, he sees a grand hall in front of him... silent and still. Despite the abandonment of the area, there was no ruin or clutter. Everything was neat, arranged carefully... just forgotten. Up ahead there is another set of large doors, these ones closed. As well as staircases to the sides, leading up and down.

Ovvar follows behind, and slightly to the side, of the guard. He walks with light foot falls, feeling as if walking into a bar that is known to be frequented by less savory folk. The man mentions to the guard, "...hmm. I love the architecture."

The guard chuckles. "These are old stones, shaped and built by the architect mages of the First Empire." Indeed, the massive slabs, when looked at closely, bore traces of melding on the edges. The stone being superheated to fuse with its fellows. Ornamentation was sparse, as per the usual spartan style of Overwatch. But the impression of the stone castle was still of grandness and strength.

Finally, they head into the castle itself. The floor carpeted with thick red rugs. Windows and oil lamps casting a warm light inside as Ovvar is led onwards through the castle and up a flight of stairs!

[Harri-chan]

Ginny's gave lowered slightly, and she began to idly smooth out her little green dress as she continued her story. "That's where I learned how much power a God or Goddess can draw from the prayers of mortals. I also discovered the Queen had a way of harnessing the powers of her mages to perform magic that none of them could achieve alone. Combining the two processes, I came up with the idea to make myself stronger. I created Skylar, a Goddess in my own image", she murmured, with a slightly guilty look on her young face.

"I suggested to the Queen that I take a ship, a few good women, and plenty of gold, so that I might spread the word of her Sun Goddess throughout the land. What I actually did was return closer to home, and spread the word of Skylar". She glanced up, meeting the gaze of the Princess again. "I build a temple, and a whole town around it. Epoch. People came, they worshipped Skylar, which made me stronger. As Epoch grew, so did my ideas, and my collection of paladins and priestesses".






The white-haired young woman kept her emotions under control as she was told that Ginny had been defeated. Her green eyes looked down at Caileanne, and then back to meet Rose's gaze. After a moment's pause, she motioned to the brown-haired guard that had brought them here. "Leave us... send in Krystal". The guard nodded, leaving the room, to be replaced a moment or two later by another woman, with long, straight blonde hair that fell to her waist. She had a somewhat sheer white cloth wrapped around her breasts, and another around her hips that flowed down to form a short, makeshift, and slightly transparent skirt. Upon her head was a silver tiara, and she had matching silver bracelets and anklets, along with a necklace from which a silver moon hung, resting against her breasts.

"Where is my sister?", asked the white-haired one, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Rose. "My sister Nevrina, she went with Ginny when the call for help came from the King".

[Vomica]

Our daring rogue is clearly impressed by the craftsmenship. He smiles approvingly at the handy work, "...in this day of age magic is used more for destruction it often seems, then anything else." Once in the castle, he goes along those lush carpets... glancing around the entire time.

[Blaze]

James considers his options. Go through the doors or take the stairs! If he takes the stairs before announcing his arrival, he might be seen as a thief! Well, he is but...

Anyway, he goes to the grand doors and tries to push them open!

[Knight Errant]

Ginny's gave lowered slightly, and she began to idly smooth out her little green dress as she continued her story. "That's where I learned how much power a God or Goddess can draw from the prayers of mortals. I also discovered the Queen had a way of harnessing the powers of her mages to perform magic that none of them could achieve alone. Combining the two processes, I came up with the idea to make myself stronger. I created Skylar, a Goddess in my own image", she murmured, with a slightly guilty look on her young face.

"I suggested to the Queen that I take a ship, a few good women, and plenty of gold, so that I might spread the word of her Sun Goddess throughout the land. What I actually did was return closer to home, and spread the word of Skylar". She glanced up, meeting the gaze of the Princess again. "I build a temple, and a whole town around it. Epoch. People came, they worshipped Skylar, which made me stronger. As Epoch grew, so did my ideas, and my collection of paladins and priestesses".


The white-haired young woman kept her emotions under control as she was told that Ginny had been defeated. Her green eyes looked down at Caileanne, and then back to meet Rose's gaze. After a moment's pause, she motioned to the brown-haired guard that had brought them here. "Leave us... send in Krystal". The guard nodded, leaving the room, to be replaced a moment or two later by another woman, with long, straight blonde hair that fell to her waist. She had a somewhat sheer white cloth wrapped around her breasts, and another around her hips that flowed down to form a short, makeshift, and slightly transparent skirt. Upon her head was a silver tiara, and she had matching silver bracelets and anklets, along with a necklace from which a silver moon hung, resting against her breasts.

"Where is my sister?", asked the white-haired one, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Rose. "My sister Nevrina, she went with Ginny when the call for help came from the King".

The princess tuts at her. Frowning. "Religion is not a plaything to manipulate for your own gain... its a matter of grave importance... I'm sure you will learn that soon. Your current situation might be looked on as a punishment for such... wrongdoing." She sighs. "But do continue..."

Rose smiles at the question... "Your sister is very close..." she rests a hand on her chest, over her heart. "I am a... well I suppose you could see me as a deity... Nevrina welcomed me into her body to serve as my vessel. She sees and hears all that I see and hear... would you like to speak with her?"

Our daring rogue is clearly impressed by the craftsmenship. He smiles approvingly at the handy work, "...in this day of age magic is used more for destruction it often seems, then anything else." Once in the castle, he goes along those lush carpets... glancing around the entire time.

The guard nods. "The ancient mages built many of the wonders that dot the land. Temples, aquaducts, roads... as far as I know, Overwatch is the only castle built by them." He leads Ovvar through the halls! He sees many portraits of old kings, battered suits of armor and weapons... eventually stopping outside a large set of doors flanked by guards. "Here you go, sir. The King waits within."

James considers his options. Go through the doors or take the stairs! If he takes the stairs before announcing his arrival, he might be seen as a thief! Well, he is but...

Anyway, he goes to the grand doors and tries to push them open!

The doors open slowly... with a long creeeeeeak. Inside in the gloom is what seems to be a throne room. Tattered banners hang on the walls, dust lies on the floor, and on the large stone throne a figure seems to be sitting...

[Harri-chan]

Ginny frowned slightly as the Princess tutted at her story, "You didn't even know any of this when you had Rose do this to me... you can't say it's my own fault I ended up this way", she muttered before rolling her eyes. "People came from all over the land to live at Epoch. My order was a very select group however. We lived within a walled compound in the heart of the city... only the finest paladins, priestesses and mages, chosen by me. All girls... ", she said, glancing up at the Princess with a blush.

"It was decided that every five years, a male from the city would be chosen to... ah... well, to ensure the Order's survival, we needed children. One of our Priestesses knew of herbal potions passed down through her tribe that would ensure the babies are born female. It's not failed us once. I'd set everything in place for us to continue for hundreds of years... but you're going to bring it all to an end".




The white-haired young woman didn't seem entirely pleased by the news that her sister had been... possessed by this woman. "My sister welcomed you? I find it hard to believe... her biggest flaw was her loyalty to Ginny", she said, with a look of disdain on her face. Apparently she didn't share that loyalty with Nevrina. "Speak with her? I want more than that... tell me... if I provide you with another body... can you release her?", she asked.

Caileanne listened to the discussion in silence, looking up at Rose in suprise as she revealed the fate of the mage her Mother had been so fond of. "I'm suprised at you, Callie", murmured the tall blonde woman in the cloth wraps. "This woman defeats your Mother, yet you seem perfectly happy to accompany her".

The little blonde smiled up at the woman, puffing her chest out slightly, "Mother is being looked after, Krystal. They promised me she'd come to no harm. Besides, I'm Lady Rose's new apprentice. We're going to live in a castle. That's way better than a Temple... ".

[Blaze]

James enters the room, breathing lightly to avoid getting a lungful of dust! He approaches the figure and kneels before him!

[Vomica]

Ovvar nods, "Much can be lost to the ages... and the infrastructure of a nation is it's source of wealth and power. A castle or a fortress is just a place to keep it, a place to weather storms. It's not what makes a state, but that which that can save it." He eyes all the things on the walls and on display, as if apprasing them. Odd. Anyways!

At the doors, he gives the knight a small bow "Thank you for your kindness. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to get to." With that, he heads into the doors! ...unless those guards stop him. Stop guards!

[Knight Errant]

Ginny frowned slightly as the Princess tutted at her story, "You didn't even know any of this when you had Rose do this to me... you can't say it's my own fault I ended up this way", she muttered before rolling her eyes. "People came from all over the land to live at Epoch. My order was a very select group however. We lived within a walled compound in the heart of the city... only the finest paladins, priestesses and mages, chosen by me. All girls... ", she said, glancing up at the Princess with a blush.

"It was decided that every five years, a male from the city would be chosen to... ah... well, to ensure the Order's survival, we needed children. One of our Priestesses knew of herbal potions passed down through her tribe that would ensure the babies are born female. It's not failed us once. I'd set everything in place for us to continue for hundreds of years... but you're going to bring it all to an end".

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The white-haired young woman didn't seem entirely pleased by the news that her sister had been... possessed by this woman. "My sister welcomed you? I find it hard to believe... her biggest flaw was her loyalty to Ginny", she said, with a look of disdain on her face. Apparently she didn't share that loyalty with Nevrina. "Speak with her? I want more than that... tell me... if I provide you with another body... can you release her?", she asked.

Caileanne listened to the discussion in silence, looking up at Rose in suprise as she revealed the fate of the mage her Mother had been so fond of. "I'm suprised at you, Callie", murmured the tall blonde woman in the cloth wraps. "This woman defeats your Mother, yet you seem perfectly happy to accompany her".

The little blonde smiled up at the woman, puffing her chest out slightly, "Mother is being looked after, Krystal. They promised me she'd come to no harm. Besides, I'm Lady Rose's new apprentice. We're going to live in a castle. That's way better than a Temple... ".

The princess shakes her head. "Have you even considered the damage you were doing, dear? Making a false religion, a god that dosent exist... People depend on their religion in life and in death. You would have them believe in a lie just for your own profit." She sighs. "But you will have a way to redeem yourself now. And perhaps find the right path this time." She says, nodding. "I'll have to teach you the old ways... I think I know what I need to do." She pauses. "Anything else you need to tell me?"

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Rose glances down at Callieanne, amused that her little apprentice was staying loyal and unwavering. She will have to reward her later... as for the white haired woman.... she shrugs, her breasts jiggling a bit in her top. "I can use another as my avatar, yes. I'd prefer whoever it be to accept me willingly... I can take them by force, but its... much more comfortable to find someone like Nevrina who welcomed me in." She says with a playful smile.

James enters the room, breathing lightly to avoid getting a lungful of dust! He approaches the figure and kneels before him!

The air is still, silent. As he approaches the armored figure a sigh emerges from the throne. The unmoving figure speaking in soft tones. "A supplicant approaches... one who still draws breath. I would strike you down where you stand for invading my tomb... but your show of respect stays my blade... for the moment. Tell me, living one, what do you seek among the dead..."

His thief's eyes pierce through the gloom, revealing more of the figure as he approaches. Revealing the shape of a skull beneath the helmet. Faint motes of light in the eyesockets... watching him.

Ovvar nods, "Much can be lost to the ages... and the infrastructure of a nation is it's source of wealth and power. A castle or a fortress is just a place to keep it, a place to weather storms. It's not what makes a state, but that which that can save it." He eyes all the things on the walls and on display, as if apprasing them. Odd. Anyways!

At the doors, he gives the knight a small bow "Thank you for your kindness. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to get to." With that, he heads into the doors! ...unless those guards stop him. Stop guards!

Ovvar passes through the doors! The guards nodding to him. He may notice on the door frame to the hall he is entering are runes carved into the wood. Inside is a long, grand table... mostly empty but with a large meal set at one end. And the king at the head of the table. Arleigh is an aging man with graying hair and beard. He wears fine furs and bright chainmail, and a weary expression. He dosent notice Ovvar at the moment, he is reading a large tome, his meal untouched.

[Harri-chan]

Ginny looked up to the Princess with a suprised expression, "Me? You tricked the finest Heroes in the land and offered us up to the Demons... ", she said with a frown. She shook her head slightly, red curls swishing about and then adjusted her dress a little, not used to wearing such frilly things, childish or mature. "No... that's pretty much everything", she sighed. "What do you mean teach me the old ways? What's going to happen to me now?", she asked.

Considering this woman was the reason she was now a child, Ginny felt suprisingly relaxed around the Princess. She wondered if that was down to Rose's magic, or if the Princess just had a way of charming people. "I can't be of any use to like this, Princess... ", she muttered, glancing down at her young body with a wrinkled nose.


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The white-haired young woman was silent for a moment, and then nodded. "Krystal... take my sister's place", she said as if she were only asking the other girl to fetch pass her the salt. Both suprise and horror briefly washed across the tall blonde's face, but she soon composed herself, "Yes... of course... ". She drew a deep breath, her breasts rising beneath the skimpy cloth wrap, and she moved to stand before Rose... and sunk to her knees at the feet of the woman, which drew an amused giggle from Caileanne.

"I give myself willingly... ", said the kneeling blonde, while the white-haired Paladin sat on the edge of her writing desk and watched. "No tricks... ", she warned. "Only if my sister is released unharmed, will I join you. You try anything funny and every woman in this temple will be at the door within moments regardless of their loyalty to Ginny or myself".

[Blaze]

James's skin becomes a mass of gooseflesh as the dead man gazes upon him. Nothing he had done had prepared him for such a thing and for the first time, his words caught in his throat.

"S-Sir, a terrible plague of demons has befallen the land of the living. I have been sent to search for a weapon in your realm that can turn back the dark horde."

[Vomica]

Ovvar stays silent. He considers his options for a few seconds, and observes for a moment. [i]The king. He is in armor in his own dining room. That is saying much. ...his food left untouched. There are more pressing matters at hand then a meal. He isn't a fool... or at least not aware that other things are happening.[i] Ovvar grins with what looks like an approving smile. The dashing swashbuckler walks over to the end of the large table -- making no attempt to be sneaky. No attempt at skulking. At the same time he doesn't bother with formalities, or honorifics. Not in this situation. Perhaps there is a reason why Ovvar is so paranoid, perhaps there is a reason why he hides so much. Perhaps it has to do with his approach to somethings. ...a self feeding cycle. That is a different issue. This issue is more pressing.

The scoundrel ahems slightly, "...King Arleigh? I presume?" He presents himself, "I believe I have an audience with yourself. I am the one who won out at the Arena."

[Knight Errant]

Ginny looked up to the Princess with a suprised expression, "Me? You tricked the finest Heroes in the land and offered us up to the Demons... ", she said with a frown. She shook her head slightly, red curls swishing about and then adjusted her dress a little, not used to wearing such frilly things, childish or mature. "No... that's pretty much everything", she sighed. "What do you mean teach me the old ways? What's going to happen to me now?", she asked.

Considering this woman was the reason she was now a child, Ginny felt suprisingly relaxed around the Princess. She wondered if that was down to Rose's magic, or if the Princess just had a way of charming people. "I can't be of any use to like this, Princess... ", she muttered, glancing down at her young body with a wrinkled nose.

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The white-haired young woman was silent for a moment, and then nodded. "Krystal... take my sister's place", she said as if she were only asking the other girl to fetch pass her the salt. Both suprise and horror briefly washed across the tall blonde's face, but she soon composed herself, "Yes... of course... ". She drew a deep breath, her breasts rising beneath the skimpy cloth wrap, and she moved to stand before Rose... and sunk to her knees at the feet of the woman, which drew an amused giggle from Caileanne.

"I give myself willingly... ", said the kneeling blonde, while the white-haired Paladin sat on the edge of her writing desk and watched. "No tricks... ", she warned. "Only if my sister is released unharmed, will I join you. You try anything funny and every woman in this temple will be at the door within moments regardless of their loyalty to Ginny or myself".

The Princess smiles. "Well... soon you will be my adopted daughter... I'll raise you up as a lovely, proper, beautiful girl who is devout to the old spirits. Do you want to know a secret about Lady Rose?" She says with a smile. "She is my patron spirit... I worship her... and in return she protects and guides me. I'll teach you how to show proper respect and reverence too!"

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Rose dosent even glance at Heulwen, her curious gaze on Krystal. She bends down, putting her hand under her chin and lifting it gently. Her gaze, often mischievous or haughty, shows a new emotion... compassion. She speaks, her honeyed voice pouring into the golden haired woman, sending shivers down her spine. "I wont force you... and neither can she. My power is greater than all of you... I am the one who makes demands here. But if you truly wish to become one with me... to taste my power and pleasure coursing through your body... then rise... and kiss me." She says, her plump lips pulling into an inviting smile.

James's skin becomes a mass of gooseflesh as the dead man gazes upon him. Nothing he had done had prepared him for such a thing and for the first time, his words caught in his throat.

"S-Sir, a terrible plague of demons has befallen the land of the living. I have been sent to search for a weapon in your realm that can turn back the dark horde."

There is a pause, then. "Your words do not ring false... but the tools of old are not trinkets to be idly given to one who asks. I challenge you to single combat. Impress me, show me you have the skill and steel to use that which you seek... and I will open my armory to you, living one."

Ovvar stays silent. He considers his options for a few seconds, and observes for a moment. The king. He is in armor in his own dining room. That is saying much. ...his food left untouched. There are more pressing matters at hand then a meal. He isn't a fool... or at least not aware that other things are happening. Ovvar grins with what looks like an approving smile. The dashing swashbuckler walks over to the end of the large table -- making no attempt to be sneaky. No attempt at skulking. At the same time he doesn't bother with formalities, or honorifics. Not in this situation. Perhaps there is a reason why Ovvar is so paranoid, perhaps there is a reason why he hides so much. Perhaps it has to do with his approach to somethings. ...a self feeding cycle. That is a different issue. This issue is more pressing.

The scoundrel ahems slightly, "...King Arleigh? I presume?" He presents himself, "I believe I have an audience with yourself. I am the one who won out at the Arena."

Arleigh looks upwards from the tome. Closer, Ovvar can see it is written in the same strange runescript as that on the doorframe. He places a marker, closing it and reaching up, shaking Ovvar with a strong, gauntleted hand. "Yes, I heard about that mess... Sad, but in many ways it was a good thing. The Arena weeds out the week, those who's greed outmatches their skill. I'd rather they turn back here than head under the boughs of the Watchwoods to meet their death."

He waves to a chair next to him. "Sit, eat if you are hungry. You have glimpsed some of what you will see in the darkness of my land, and still live. Better yet, you seem willing to continue. I'm sure you still have questions... or if you dont, you should. What I ask you to go up against is unlike any foe you will find elsewhere. Knowledge can strike with the bite of a honed longsword... and can defend like a stout shield. I'm afraid I have little else to arm you with as it is."