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Archive 3 / aurora-chasers
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Mando 15-Dec-21 03:45 AM
@reddeR
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reddeR 15-Dec-21 04:03 AM
@Tyme_Dysyntygratyr
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 04:23 AM
In a world that died not too long ago, the remnants of civilizations in it still struggled to survive for as long as they could. No one could tell just how long it'd take to fulfill this subconscious wish for restoration of society, though influxes of people from the mainland would often come to aid, leech off, or destroy what was left. It was hard to tell what exactly pushed people away, but this same driving force was the reason why people came, or stayed in the desolated continent, once known as Vakaals. Among them was a man whose legends were told throughout the northern reaches of the continent, who had been hunting for game all night long but had a hard time finding anything. He was completely covered in a thick, snowy ghillie suit, which shielded his eyes and ensured he would neither suffer hypothermia, nor be spotted if he sat still. His patience had dried up by this point, as he was unprepared for the winter which had only just begun, and was colder than the start of any local winter he knew previously. As he spotted a lone hog digging for roots to eat a few hundred meters away, he swiftly laid down, deployed his suppressed rifle and breathed in deeply, before taking the shot at the creature's neck. Almost instantly, the pig choked on his own blood, before bleeding to death. The hunter knew he had to come in fast before anything or anyone else would come in to nab his kill, as the blood could surely attract the attention of scavengers... or worse, other people.
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 10:56 AM
I jump up and run to the hog, almost bursting with joy. It worked! It really worked! They said magic couldn't be used like that, but I had just done it! I reach the hog with my dagger out, in case it wasn't really dead. That had happened before. The cold isn't a problem. I'm wearing appropriate gear for the weather. I ignore the brining chill in my fingers as I kneel beside the hog. The blood surprises me. I hadn't thought there would be blood, with what I was trying to do, but it may not have worked exactly as I'd intended. The point was, it worked! I pause, looking at the dead hog. This was a breakthrough, the first of many successes! I would be the founder of a new magic class! I don't notice the hunter behind me, that I abruptly cut off with my excitement. At no point had I been aware of the presence of another.
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 11:14 AM
Immediately after sliding down the snowy hill from which I took my shot at the hog, my yellow eyes darted towards a very young woman, who had occupied the space right next to the creature, armed with a dagger. My rifle was held in both hands, and my footsteps were muffled by the snow underneath me, though this time I had to ensure the girl noticed my presence so I could warn her to stay away. However, I noticed from the start that she wasn't following me at all, which came as a surprise. To me, it was clear that she didn't have any malicious intent, but I had to point my weapon at her anyway. From a good twenty meters away, I shouted "Take five steps back!" as I made my way towards her and the kill. My eyes were shielded, and she could hear nothing but my voice. My rifle was primed and ready, but I kept my finger off the trigger as I didn't want to shoot her.
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 11:28 AM
I hear someone shout at me and whirl around in surprise. At first I don't see anything, but gradually I pick out the form of a man dressed in white. What does he want me to leave my kill for? He seems to have a gun trained on me. I feel powerless, disappointed, and frustrated. "Why? Are you robbing me?" I ask, irritated that my first successful hunt with magic was going to be stolen. "That's not polite, you know." I turn back to the hog, but don't try to skin it. I leave my dagger in the snow and stand up, backing away as the man with the gun insisted. I fight my frustration, tears stinging my eyes. I don't want to cry where he can see.
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 11:46 AM
My attitude changed instantly as I saw and heard her respond appropriately, satisfied that I only had to startle her to get the attention I needed. All the time, I was wearing my mask, which covered my nose and mouth to conceal my identity. "I'm not robbing you. That blood came from the bullet that struck the pig's neck. And that bullet came from my rifle." I inquired, flicking the weapon on safe and slinging it over my shoulder to show that I wasn't a threat to the girl. I made my way towards the dead animal instead and tied a long rope to the rear ankles quickly. "I won't steal any of your belongings... In fact, I'm willing to give you part of my kill. Pick up your dagger, because I'm not staying here to skin or cut the meat." The tone of my voice had calmed down as I began dragging the dead pig along with me, with the ropes held firmly. Surprisingly, I was able to drag such a heavy creature with me despite the soft terrain. "I promise you'll get a share if you help me, hogs aren't always easy to skin. And don't offer me any of your belongings, I don't rob people. I only take payment in coin or work."
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 11:58 AM
it takes a moment for that to sink in. It hadn't been my magic that killed the hog. I frown at your back, sigh heavily, and trudge along after you. When I realize I'm falling behind I hustle to catch up. I have to catch up several times as I go over and over everything that I'd done. I can't figure out why it didn't work. I finally mutter a curse I picked up listening to travelers talk, the profanity sounding strange coming from me. To my own ears, at least. I look up at you, frowning, when I realize it's probably not the best idea for a girl to wander through the wild with a stranger like this. "What's your name?" I ask, "I'm Valesei."
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 12:15 PM
I continued dragging the hog along with me as we made our way to my nearest shelter, looking back at you on occasion. My ears picked up the curse word you let out, but I didn't think much of it as I had already heard it before. While I had my face covered, the shine of my eyes was starting to break through the cloak of the white hood of death that adorned my head. "They call me Snowstorm... It's likely that you've heard some strangers mention me before. But I best remain hidden and anonymous, for I cannot stay out of danger if my identity is known to anyone." After a few more minutes of walking, I gently set down the rope to pull up my binoculars, and spotting my small hunting cabin in the distance to confirm its location. "You're lucky I came along, and not some rowdy bandit. They wouldn't offer you anything. They'd only take what they want from you, and they never want what you want." I picked the rope ends back up again, gesturing for you to come along.
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 12:45 PM
I look at you with wide eyes, then jog close and grab one of the ropes and start pulling behind you. I won't just loaf around and not help. Even with the large pack on my back, I go at it with enough energy that I manage to lessen the weight you are haul. When we get to the cabin I sit on the ground, exhausted. I'd exerted myself at least twice as much as you had, just to be able to help the whole way. But I'm smiling, my eyes sparkle and my cheeks are flushed, adding to my youthful appearance and cheerful demeanor. I don't seem deterred by the exhaustion. Quite the opposite, I look eager for more.
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 01:02 PM
While I was intending on dragging the creature all the way back to my cabin under my own strength, finding you help me along was a pleasant surprise as it got harder to properly create enough traction in the soft snow beneath us. The snow was beginning to get heavier, and when we arrived I noticed just how exhausted you were from helping me. I was mostly undeterred by dragging that much weight along, but this was due to my greater size and strength. "You really didn't have to help me, Valasei. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate it." I had a friendly look in my eyes as I opened the door to my cabin, allowing you to come in first. After you entered, I came in with the dead pig, untying the ropes around the rear ankles and closing the door behind us. The cabin itself was modest in size on the outside, but on the inside, every corner was decorated with trophies of some kind, whether they'd be hunting trophies, medals or old weapons. I went over to the fireplace to stoke a fire for us, as I began to take off my ghillie suit. I did not show my face for a single moment, until I turned around to look at you again. My face - a twisted, ravaged result of a bad hunt in a world full of liars, as the massive gash on my face tore away half a left cheek.
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 01:32 PM
I see your face without flinching. I frown slightly, then step toward you and lay my small, chilled hand against your right cheek, no thought for if you would want this kind of contact. I look at you and my heart fills with pain for what this cost you. Your face is handsome, except for this disfigurement. I imagine this is why you are in this cabin, alone, away from people. Nobody would look at you without seeing this. As for myself, I look and see a man. Then I see a tragic injury. The parts of your face exposed by the missing flesh don't bother me. I've studied medicine with my father, working as his assistant. I've seen inside of bodies, I've seen worse injuries. Not many, but I have seen worse. I smile and look at your eyes. I look for a long moment, then nod decisively and wander over to look at some of the medals on display without saying a word.
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 01:43 PM
As you touched my undamaged cheek with your cold hand, I didn't move, but spoke with a soft voice in response, sounding less raspy than usual. A small tear formed in my eye but I managed to stomach it and hold my emotions down. "It's not the scar that bothers me... It's the implications it carries that will haunt my existence forever." My voice had a lisp as my lips were largely numbed over time, and I couldn't convey any reasonable expressions at all. I knew what I had seen before, and could tell that you could see it in my eyes, and how much damage it did to me on multiple levels. I allowed you to look around the interior of the cabin, and to witness the medals and trophies which I earned over the years. I didn't feel like saying anything, only wanting to skin the hog we brought here, but I did not want to get riled up over it, so I decided to sit down on my chair and watched you look around by yourself. "Ask me anything if you feel the need to..."
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 02:00 PM
"how long have you been alone?" I immediately respond, making it clear I had been bursting with questions and just waiting for an invitation to ask them. "What did you get this for?" I pick up a large medal and set it down again. "What is that?"I point to an unusual weapon mounted high on the wall. "Are you going to skin that? Can I watch? Can I help? I've never skinned a hog before. I've read about it. Do you have any books?" I squat next to the hog and poke it with a finger. Then I look up at you and smile. "Sorry, my dad always says I'm too full of questions. He gives me books so I won't ask any more, but they just give me more questions."
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Snowstorm BOT 15-Dec-21 10:55 PM
I was immediately bombarded with questions that you piled on top of me, but I took it easy and decided to explain what was going on. "I've been alone for a year. My life hasn't been easy, but at least now I can stay out of sight better... Though my face got shredded around six years ago. I was alone then, but back then it was nowhere near as bad as it is today. I got just one friend and she's not even here. We rarely get to see each other these days." I sighed and brushed over the massive gash in my cheek. I could barely feel anything, and I couldn't smile at all, reminding me of the journey I'd have to take. My voice had a noticeable lisp from my injury. "I'm going south. It isn't too far, but I'm going. You could come along if you wish, but right now I'm more concerned about getting that pig skinned and chopped. I'll eat the meat raw if I have to."
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Valasei Forga BOT 15-Dec-21 11:05 PM
"oh! Are you hungry?" I take my bag off, letting it hit the floor heavily. I root around for a bit and finally pull out a paper wrapped package. I open it and produce travel cakes, bars of assorted fruits and nuts, mashed and stuck together with a sweet, sticky sap. Each one has a paper wraper. I hand you one, smiling. "These can last forever, and one of them can sustain energy for a whole day." I break a piece off of one and eat it. "They're kind of chewy. It's my mom's recipe, but I'm not as good at cooking as she is." I blush. "What are you going south for?"
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Snowstorm BOT 16-Dec-21 05:49 AM
"I forced myself to learn how to cook just about anything... But that was a long time ago. I'm glad you learned how to cook as well." I silently took the bar of compressed food you handed to me, nodding in thanks and taking a bite. While the taste was nothing special, I appreciated it nonetheless as I could see that you cared for other people as well. "I need to visit someone, the only other friend I have besides the one I previously mentioned. But I also need to bring her a gift. The tusks of the pig... She'd like those. I never questioned her hobbies and habits at all... I just questioned whether she was okay or not." I answered, tilting my head to the right to swallow whatever I chewed up.
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Valasei Forga BOT 16-Dec-21 06:08 AM
I watch you eat with a very thoughtful expression. An idea begins to form in the back of my mind. I dont seem to realize I'm staring, but I eventually start putting things back in my bag. "That's decent of you, I suppose." I say absently, "I question everything." I poke the hog again, still lost in thought. I wonder why my spell hadn't worked. I sit on the floor and eat the rest of my snack, scowling at the hog the whole time.
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Snowstorm BOT 16-Dec-21 06:19 AM
As I saw you poking the hog, once more, I got up from my chair and finally took off my jacket. "We should start getting the hide off the beast's body. Grab some knives of varying lengths. We'll need both if we want to harvest every part of the animal, not just the meat. I'm cooking tonight." My hands reached for a pair of knives on the counter, after which I crouched down to the dead hog, containing almost no blood as that was virtually drained along the way. "I'll start cutting at the base of the neck." I sunk my knife into the ventral side of his neck, cutting as far down as the chest and splitting the underbelly in half before skinning the animal. "Removing the legs will come later."
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Valasei Forga BOT 16-Dec-21 06:33 AM
I watch with unflinching attention, seemingly unperturbed by the macabre nature of the task. I don't say anything, just watch closely. I've never seen anything skinned. When you give me an instruction, I follow it exactly and without hesitation. When it's butchered I look at the mess my hands have become and grimace. My dad would throw a fit if he saw my hands this filthy. "Where can I clean up?" I ask, keeping my hands away from my clothes and everything else.
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Snowstorm BOT 16-Dec-21 06:44 AM
The task of skinning the creature did take a while, but eventually we were left with just muscle and bone. I gently removed the hide from the beast and placed it in a large barrel full of iced water. "We should continue butchering the creature first. After that I can melt some snow to wash ourselves with." I took note of you not staring in horror, feeling that you probably had experience seeing things like it. After cutting the bladder and other organs out of the animal, I went on to cut out the more meaty parts of the creature, slowly and methodically, allowing you to follow my motions carefully.
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Valasei Forga BOT 16-Dec-21 12:14 PM
I know the procedure, but actually seeing it done is a different matter entirely. You have your own method, of course, which varies from what I've read about, but the basic principals are the same. Quietly, I name every organ you remove. I'm confident that I name them correctly, but if I should get one wrong, my hope is that you would correct me. I've never considered education as anything but a valuable skill, something I was fortunate to be granted. It doesn't occur to me that I might not want to be so free with sharing the extent of my knowledge with a man who was a complete stranger. Not everyone had the privilege of receiving such a thorough education. I also don't realize that revealing my education gives even more information about myself. Education is a costly pursuit. I can't hide the fact that I am young, which makes it glaringly clear that I come from a well-off family. Although, anyone who took time to notice the quality of my clothing, my generally pampered appearance, or who listened to me speak would be able to discern that. I was also putting myself at risk in other ways. Often, people who's lifestyle doesn't expose them to education - usually poorer folk from rural communities, travelers, the lower class, criminals, thrives, beggars, and the rougher sort of folk who lived off the land, in the wild- had an inherent distrust of those who were educated. Some even openly scorned people who had schooling. A few were dangerously opposed to anyone who appeared to have specialized knowledge they themselves were not privy to. I was unaware of any of that, though, as I had been given an education, and the people I'd been around had as well. In fact, until recently, I hadn't realized there were people who had not, and I still had no idea that a lack of education was actually much more commonplace.
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Snowstorm BOT 16-Dec-21 12:33 PM
It took a long time, but we had finally managed to cut the hog into its useful meat, bones and organs. I also managed to saw off the tusks, as I was constantly reminded of how much my old friend would have loved to own these. The head was otherwise in perfect shape, and I decided to freeze the thing so I could set it up as a wall-mounted trophy at a later date. Looking down on the floor and seeing the mess we made had me realize just how much of a harvest could come from just one hog, and not even a particularly hefty one at that. Usually, I didn't think hogs could provide this much as I rarely hunted them, but this time was different. In my head, I thought about all you must have built up over your years, though looking at you a little more made me realize that you probably didn't experience that much yet, as you looked much younger. However, your natural curiosity and willingness to learn and help others made me appreciate your presence, even if we had only just met each other. I knew people like you were a rarity in this world, and especially in the Wasteland, where education itself faded into the past. While I never approved of the standardized schools, I did see the values in what they did do right, especially for people who wanted to learn. I'd stand up and bring my dirty knives into my kitchen. When I came back, I decided to ask you something. "I want to know... How old are you exactly, Valasei?"
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Valasei Forga BOT 16-Dec-21 10:12 PM
"oh, im..." I look over at you and blush nervously. I scratch the back of my head and turn away, then turn back. "I'm 18." I finally answer, bracing my self to be told off. It's happened several times already. "But look, I'm not going back, I can do this just fine. " I say stubbornly. "I can't do what I'm trying to do anywhere else. I'm not a little kid, I'm not going to "get married and start a family like a well-to-do girl like myself ought to", alright? And I've heard all the stupid lectures before. I don't need to hear it again." I start to clean up, grabbing the rest of the blades you'd used and take them to the kitchen. I wash them and my hands and return. With a frustrated growl I drop the blades back on the table and turn to confront you, giving you a defiant glare. I'd been told to go home in so many ways I'm just sick of it. People who could have helped me had laughed and sent me home like an errant child. I am more than done being told i can't because I'm young. "So are you gonna tell me to go home, too?"
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Snowstorm BOT 16-Dec-21 10:37 PM
I was a bit surprised on your monologue, but I reacted fairly calmly even when you seemed somewhat annoyed. "Whether you head back home or not is your choice, though, I'd advise you don't. I know how hard it is to come here, but it's equally difficult to return to the mainland. I'd say... Try not to go to and from. It'll put you in the way of the coastline snipers again. They don't discriminate on whoever sets foot on or leaves the coastline without authorized permission. They have orders to shoot to kill no matter who they're shooting. They only shoot at those they don't see." I said before washing my hands and the tools we used to butcher the hog. I paused for a few minutes before returning to you again. "If anything, I'm impressed that you are this good at surviving for your age. Your background matters, but nowhere near as much as your skill." I'd have smiled if I could, but unfortunately the lower half of my face was mostly numb. "I will say that in a few aspects, you have a lot to learn and you need some help, but you seem willing enough. Why don't you learn from me? I could help you." I put my now clean hand on your cheek and looked into your eyes.
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Valasei Forga BOT 16-Dec-21 11:00 PM
"really?!" I exclaim, "you mean it?!" In a childlike display of gratitude and affection unexpected in someone my age, but not completely unheard of, I suddenly throw my arms around you in an embrace as I grin. You're the first person to offer to help me since I got out here. All I've encountered has been people who think I need to be at my mother's apronstrings. I'm determined to prove I can do this. But I also need to get where I'm going and do what I came to do.
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Snowstorm BOT 16-Dec-21 11:10 PM
I was quite surprised by your sudden embrace, but I accepted it and returned it, pulling you close to me. I closed my eyes for a few seconds as I needed it myself, but I eventually let go so I could tell you what I felt about it. "Yes... I mean it. It's not like me to lie about these things." A little sparkle of happiness formed in my eyes, I was glad I could now at least struggle on within the presence of someone else. It had been too long since I last got attached to someone. "Now, as an experienced explorer, I must ask you this... What the hell are you looking for in this continent? It's a question everyone needs to be asked at this stage." I untied my hair and let it drop down my shoulders.
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Valasei Forga BOT 16-Dec-21 11:24 PM
I blow out a puff of air, already knowing what you'll say to this too. Then again, I was wrong about how you'd react to my age. Maybe I was wrong again. Hopefully I was wrong again. "I need to get to the crater." I say, sounding very self assured. "I...I'm researching something. I need to get to the crater , and probably be there for a little while. I need to collect samples, and make observations." I explain further. "It's going to be a huge help with my life's work." Truthfully, it was going to be what I spent my life doing. I'd need to travel there multiple times, as many as possible, bringing back specimens each time.
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Snowstorm BOT 17-Dec-21 12:12 AM
I was in shock from your answer, as I knew not even I could survive there, let alone you. "If you're talking about the Null swamp, you're crazy. With your skills you could survive in many other places on this continent, but... Not there. No matter your intentions, even the most experienced still can't survive for long in that nightmare. I haven't been there myself, obviously. I can't risk it. I'll leave it to someone else. You're free to go, but you can't use any magic there if you want to protect yourself from it." I had a look of worry in my bright yellow eyes, and I held on to your wrists as I didn't want you to go. Clearly, you could survive, but you couldn't fight to protect yourself, and I knew you'd still need help with both. I was willing to help you no matter what it took, but some things weren't within reason. "I admit, the swamp is alluring, but there's no way anyone could survive there for extended periods of time. You'd have to put yourself in the danger of learning illusion magic, so you can dispel the illusions there. I'm not the best at magic of any kind, let alone illusions..." My voice softened a bit and I looked towards the side, slightly concerned.
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Valasei Forga BOT 17-Dec-21 12:26 AM
"I've got literature on illusion magic, I got ahold of it as I left the mainland. I haven't had I haven't had chance to study it yet, because...well, it's encoded. But I can decode it!" I sound confident, despite having had no luck with it yet. "Null swamp is a wealth of unknown magic, just waiting to be understood! That's exactly why I need to got there!" I say, not noticing just how concerned you are. "When i succeed it will make me one of the biggest names in research! I'll get funding, take entire expeditions to null! We will be making advancements in medicine, magitech, combat and weaponry- who knows, the possibilities are endless!"
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Snowstorm BOT 17-Dec-21 03:05 AM
"You'd need permission from your government to return to the mainland, directly, not indirectly. You can't just go back now either. You'll be shot, not to mention we don't have the right tools to use the magic to our advantage." My hands came up to your face and cupped your cheeks, looking deeply into your eyes as I wanted to show you my concerns without raising my voice. I felt like I had to preserve your innocence and make sure you continued to trust me. "Null is not a place we can head towards without a properly assembled group of more fighters and magicians on our side. Just the two of us... We wouldn't survive a day. The crater itself is too big and too dangerous even if you manage to decode your illusion manuscripts. I only know a few basics on magic, so I can't teach you on that front... But I can teach you how to shoot properly." I said, before taking my hand off your cheek and pointing towards a vertical door leading into the basement. "I'm a lot more versed on that front."
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Valasei Forga BOT 17-Dec-21 03:44 AM
frowning, I slowly nod. It's clear I haven't given up the idea. Your didn't say I can't do it, which would have made me disregard anything else you said. You only said in need things in order to do it. Fighters, magicians, my texts on illusion. Learning to shoot would be useful, anyway, I'm not going to say no to that. "Right, I should be able to shoot anyway." I agree, glancing over at the door, then back at you. I smile and put my hand on yours, on my cheek. "Thank you!" I say sincerely, then I go open the door and peer through it curiously.
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Snowstorm BOT 17-Dec-21 04:15 AM
As you looked through the doorway, I got up from my chair and stood beside you, to tell you what was inside. "There's a cache of guns and ammunition in the basement. You can pick whatever you like, I'll teach you how it works." I handed you a flashlight, as it was quite dark in the basement. I learned to adjust my eyes to darkness fairly quickly, but I knew others may not be able to. "Climb down the ladder and take a look around. There are quite a few to choose from. Some are in better shape than others, but you'll know the difference. That's why I packed them in airtight bags, so they don't accumulate any rust. Just make sure to keep your finger off the trigger, and to keep them pointed away from me or yourself, if you take them out of the bags." I chuckled, sitting back down on my chair.
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Valasei Forga BOT 17-Dec-21 04:37 AM
I hold the flashlight, then look back at you. I look at the dark hole behind the door, then back at you. Frowning, I stalk over and put the flashlight in your lap, cross my arms and glare at you. "You must think I'm stupid or something!" I snap. "What kind of fool would I have to be, to go down that ladder? I thought you were going to help me! Not trap me in your basement!" I stomp over and pick up my bag. The handle breaks and half the contents spill. I growl with frustration and kneel down to start irritable shoving things back in the bag.
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Snowstorm BOT 17-Dec-21 04:56 AM
As I noticed you packing your items, I sighed and brushed my hand over my torn face. "My apologies. I'm not trapping you down there though. I'll head down there myself." I reacted calmly, taking the flashlight and going down the ladder on my own. I rummaged around down there, trying to find a few suitable weapons for someone of your size and stature. To me, you looked like someone who wouldn't be able to handle weapons with a lot of recoil, so I looked around for primarily less powerful ones. "If it makes you feel better, I'll repair your bag too." After a few minutes, I came back up, with three unloaded, empty guns, wrapped in airtight plastic. "You may choose. Once again, sorry for coming off as... Creepy." I blushed and sat back down on my chair.
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Valasei Forga BOT 17-Dec-21 05:51 AM
I look and see that you are no longer asking me to go down to the basement. I relax a bit. My scowl slipping from my face. I look up at you and shrug. "I mean, I was probably overreacting. It just seemed like a really bad idea for me to go down there." I bring the bag over to you and set it by your foot, then go look at the weapons. I don't know much about firearms, in fact. It's why I was si willing to be taught.
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Snowstorm BOT 17-Dec-21 06:00 AM
"Don't worry, I understand..." I said as I looked down at the bag, knowing that I could fix the damage with a sewing kit as it wasn't too severe. "Guns are much easier to use than magic... And they won't kill you, if you use them for too long. Just make sure you don't point it in the wrong direction, and that you put the right ammunition in it. Then you can ensure they won't kill you." I took the weapons out of the bags and made sure they were cleared of ammunition before placing them on the table. "One rifle, one pistol, and a shotgun. You'll find these quite useful. If you're not as strong you might want to start off with the rifle. Easy to grip and shoot. Just make sure you have ammo..."
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Valasei Forga BOT 17-Dec-21 03:50 PM
"this one?" I ask, picking up the rifle. It's easy to see I've never handled one before, but I'm willing enough to try. I line up the sights, aiming at nothing in particular, then lower the gun and look at it closely. After a moment I look up at you with a smile. "This will be fun!" I listen closely to your instructions on caring for, loading, and and using the gun. When we go outside I eagerly fire the gun, aiming for a target placed on a stump. When it proves more difficult than I expected to actually hit the target, my determination multiplies. I continue practicing until I have no more shells. It's chilly when I trudge back inside. I don't see you right away, so I stoke the fire and stand near it, warming my hands, looking around at the tropies on display.
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Snowstorm BOT 18-Dec-21 04:32 AM
I watched you shoot the weapon I handed over to you, keeping my arms crossed. My hands were situated behind my back as you punched holes into the target that was set up on the stump, though I left about halfway to go back inside in order to fix up your bag. As you made your way back into my hunting cabin, I had already closed up the large hole you accidentally tore into your bag, and it was situated next to the fire you had been stoking. I had also been cleaning up the mess on the floor we had made earlier, as the hog I captured left blood smeared everywhere. Eventually, I returned to the fireplace with a large, wooden plate, as I sat down on the floor. The plate had the target you shot on it. "Not bad for someone who just started. Your groupings are tight, just what we need, and some hit pretty close to the center. I think you might become better at using guns as opposed to magic if you practice enough."
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Valasei Forga BOT 18-Dec-21 04:50 AM
i frown at you, then kneel down beside you, my hand on your back for balance as I look at the plate. It looks like a bunch of holes to me, and i laugh quietly. "Guns don't interest me like magic does, magic is difficult, tricky, requires study and practice! Not just anyone can do any spell, and there are always new ways to use magic, new discoveries, new developments. Guns? Guns are, well, Guns. They do one thing, and they do it well." I lean onto you, resting against your back, letting my head rest against the back of your shoulder. "But you're right, I should be able to use a gun. You never know, I might find myself in a situation where magic is just not accessible." I lift my head, still resting against you, and smile. "Hey, didn't you say you were making dinner?" I ask, "how can I help?" I stand and go toward the kitchen, then pause as I finally spot my bag. I can see that it's been repaired. "Thank you, for the bag, and for not shooting me, or locking me in the basement." I say with a cheeky grin.
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Snowstorm BOT 18-Dec-21 05:27 AM
"Magic is slow to activate. Guns... They're faster and more crisp. I can do a few things with magic, but try not to learn from me." I gently wrapped my arm over your head, before letting go and getting up towards the kitchen to prepare our dinner. My intent was to prepare a stew that could keep us fed for days. "Yes, I'm cooking. Though, in these cold winters, I often eat my meat raw. I can pretend to be a little more spoiled and cook my own food though." I chuckled and took two large chunks of thigh muscle from the butchered meat to a cutting board, after which I cut them up into smaller strips and tossed them into a large stew pot, along with several pinches of salt. I decided to add water and the appropriate spices. Usually, this wouldn't be my meal, but this time I had to eat something with just a bit more taste than plain, raw meat, especially since you were here. "You don't need to thank me. I'm compensating for freaking you out. But I do appreciate it." I said while stirring around the contents of the pot, watching as the meat continued to cook. After some time, the meat had softened enough and heated to the point where I could serve it.
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Valasei Forga BOT 18-Dec-21 08:45 AM
"oh wait!" I say, eyes wide as I watched you, "I can help! I'll be right back!" I run outside for a few minutes. When I return, I'm covered in dirt, carrying a small cache of tubers. "These were near where the target was set up! I know this plant, these are good!" I dump them in the sink and proceed to wash them, then start cutting them up and throwing them in the pot. From my pocket I produce two small, leafy plants. I mince them into tiny pieces and add them to the stew. Soon the smell in the room is a mouthwatering blend of scents, instead of just boiled meat. Pleased with my foraging, I wash up and set about cleaning up the dirt I tracked inside.
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Snowstorm BOT 18-Dec-21 09:09 AM
As you came back, covered in grime and with the plants you nearly shot, I gave a reaction of mild surprise but allowed you to add the extra spices to the stew, as I was quite hungry myself. "Well, if you say so... I'll take your word for it." I took a deep whiff and processed the scent, it was different from what I previously remembered. "You clearly seem to know your spices. I think it'll taste better this way." I continued stirring the contents of the pot after you added the extra ingredients, making sure to not burn anything as the water inside had evaporated. The room was heating up from the steam that rose up from the pot. Within just ten minutes, the stew was finished. I took the pot off the gas stove and placed it on the dining table, which was big enough for two people, and had two chairs despite the fact that I lived alone. "Smells good. Let's try it, shall we?" I served a bowl for you and for myself, as well as handing you a spoon before sitting down.
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Valasei Forga BOT 18-Dec-21 04:54 PM
I eat with gusto, the meat and tubers making a hearty meal, both satisfying and filling. I talk the whole time, going on about foraging and gathering, and the different books I'd read about it, and which bits of information I'd been able to put to use so far. "Do you know anything about foraging? Stuff I might not be able to read about? Sometimes there are things you just have to learn from, you know, doing it. I think you've got more experience than I do, living out here." I scrape my bowl as clean as possible with my spoon, then use my finger to get the last taste out of the bowl. The moment I see you are finished I grab your bowl and take it to the kitchen to wash up. I come back and root around in my bag, pull out a thick book, and head to the table. I set it down, then frown. "Are we doing anything else? When did you want to go see your friend?" I ask curiously.
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Snowstorm BOT 19-Dec-21 09:38 AM
As soon as I took my first bite, I was visibly surprised by how your little extra spice added to the flavor of the stew. "There are a few things I know about foraging. I'm a hunter, after all. While I don't know the name of every plant out there, I do know what each plant I know of brings. Though up here, smaller plant life is a bit scarce since it's so cold." I continued eating as I answered your question, enjoying every bite I took because of the taste of the stew. Though because of my missing cheek, I had to make sure my head was tilted to the right in order to not have the chewed-up food slipping out by accident. I appreciated your willingness to help, and allowed you to take my bowl to the kitchen. I remained seated however, but as soon as you came back, I soaked up your question and my demeanor changed immediately. "I intend on seeing her in around twenty days from now. We'll stay here for one more day so we can stock up, then we leave." I replied in a relatively neutral tone, it would've been hard to determine what I felt like as I showed no emotion on my battered face.
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Valasei Forga BOT 19-Dec-21 12:16 PM
"oh, alright. If there's nothing left for me to help with this evening, I'm going to work on deciphering this text." I set the book on the table and grab a notebook and pen from my bag, then sit down and cross my legs on the chair. I open the book and start making notes in my notebook as I try to find recogniseable repeated patterns in the script.
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