isleofavalon | May (dragon)flowers

Entry tags:

May (dragon)flowers

🧙 WHO: Barbara & sundry
⚔️️ WHAT: Going about
🕒 WHEN:
🗺️ WHERE:
⚠️ WARNINGS:

🗡 Nudibranching out

[The call has gone out for adventurers to cull man-eating (or rather, naga-eating) nudibranchs, which as far as Barbara can tell, are an oceanic form of the terrestrial slugs she's familiar with. She doesn't know how to swim, but once she's confident that this underwater breathing potion of the naga works, she's got no objections.

So, one hour of breathing, a spear, and elemental magic which she hasn't yet tried in an aquatic environment. Does anyone want to join her?]

Training grounds

[The training grounds are a good bet for finding Barbara. She's gotten more proficient with her elementatal magic over the course of the month, thanks to the single-minded sense of discipline that allowed her to learn the Dragoon's art despite not having any human mentor.

This time she's not practicing her Jump, but instead trying to relearn the dragonbreath spells she used to know--they were all elemental, which is why she is attempting to breathe lightning, fire, or ice from her mouth. So far her result are mixed. She's getting her arms covered in sparks (which is why she's switched to padded cotton clothes, rather than her usual armor) and the ground around her that isn't covered in scorch marks is frosted over. Also, her water bottle turned into ice and burst.

Or maybe you'll find her moogle familiar, who's gotten bored with watching her trying to breathe fire out of her mouth. He is busy with a notebook and pencil--it looks like he's writing out a list of something, muttering, and then shaking his head a lot.]

Baby dragons

[It's not that Barbara is a nature girl, but knowing what this island of Avalon is and what lives here is essential to surviving here. That's why she spends a not-insignificant portion of her time exploring the parts of the island that haven't been populated by humans.

And today she has found... dragons.

Little baby dragons, flapping and tumbling in the flowers. At first, Barbara keeps a respectful distance--in her experience, dragons do not like their offspring being andled by anyone without strict permission--but as time passes, it seems that there aren't any parents. Just dragonets, playing in the field.]

Odd...

[Well. She's got some cold meat from something she hunted yesterday. Might as well crouch down and see if the baby dragons like it, right?]

wildcard

[ooc: Got something different in mind? Want to mix & match? PM me or hit me up at

compassinks!]

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[Sorting through emotions can take Barbara a little while, especially when emotions happen in a dreamworld created by an interconnected network of magical dreaming flowers.

But she does know one thing. She dreamed of her past, and there were other people in it. So she has to find those people. To what end--talking? Fighting? She doesn't know. She'll figure that out when she meets them.

Searching out the training grounds brings her to one, at least: the pink-haired woman who was cast as a dragoon. Lightning, was it? Still a warrior outside the dreamworld. Barbara approaches briskly.]

You. We talk.

[Lightning had been in the middle of practicing her magic, this time attempting to enhance her own strength, to no avail, when she hears a familiar voice coming from behind her. Sword in hand, she lowers it to her side, frustration clear on her face as she turns.]

You.

[She recognizes her from that dream, and immediately exhales with a sharp sigh.

She never sought out the people who'd mingled with her dreamscapes. They were awkward conversations that Lightning wasn't sure she wanted to have, but this is the first that anyone's approached her. At least, that's what she thinks Barbara is here for... The two of them haven't met otherwise, as far as she knows.]

The dream, right?

[Barbara nods. But she's not actually sure right away what to say next. Lightning had seen one of the most terrifying days of Barbara's life, and Barbara feels a need to acknowledge that. But exactly how still is a mystery.

Does she tell Lightning about what happened? Why they were the only humans? Address their evident difference in opinion in whether or not to just kill the imperials? Tell her about the Warriors of Light? Ask how Lightning feels about it?]

Yes. [...] Barbara's home. Family. You see bad day.

[Lightning's lips press into a thin line, and she folds her sword and slides it away behind her. Looking back, she has no idea what was really going on that day and has no recollection of anything that might have lead up to it or indicated what the imperials wanted.

All she knew was to get rid of them, and quickly. Everything else is left a muddled memory.]

What was with them anyway? What did those guys want with the dragons?

[that sword you have there is VERY INTERESTING lightning and barbara may just ask about it once this conversation is settled.]

Barbara dragoon. Warriors, fight alongside wind drakes. [She lifts her chin.] Best warriors.

Empire--ambush, kill dragoons. Drakes leave, not talk humans, raise Barbara.

But then, Empire come back. Poison drakes, try stealing egg.

[Lavellan was another that frequented the training grounds, though magic and control came far easier to him, he had been trained for that since he was a child. He came to try and deal with another issue.

He noticed Barbara, but before he had a chance to approach or say anything, he gets caught in the crossfire of one of her spell attempts. A few rogue bolts of lightning came towards him, and out of reflex he created a weak barrier of ice to absorb the attack. It was strong enough to do so, but just barely. He still had to strengthen his magical muscles, but it did the job.

He offered her a smile as he laughed it off, his next words carrying a jovial but teasing tone.]

Still have hard feelings over the High Dragon I take it?

[She’d probably notice that unlike the dream, he was missing his left arm at the elbow.]

[Barbara spins at the sound of her bolts hitting ice; she knew that had gone wrong, but she's a little dismayed that she almost hit someone--and then recognition hits. Tattoo-faced elf from the dreamworld.

...Who, here in real life, has only the one hand. Not shocking to Barbara; dragoons don't always keep all the limbs they're born with, but it's definitely something to notice.]

Why you fight her?

[Handy that he's here to talk about that himself, because she would like some answers. ~~Is it her business to judge different dragons from another world? Doesn't matter, she does anyway.~~]

[Ah, right to business then. Lavellan waved off the ice, letting it dissipate into the wind.]

Well, there were numerous reasons, the first and foremost being she was hungry and I was there while she just so happened to be hungry.

[He may have attacked first in the dream, but when it had first happened the dragon had gotten the jump on him and his party. He hadn’t trespassed on her domain as far as he knew either, there were no drakes or dragonlings swarming the area, and no caverns nearby for her to brood in.

Still, he was beginning to feel as though he had to be some dragon delicacy. That high dragon could have gone after any of the plump gurguts or wyverns nearby, but no, it was the elf she wanted.]

Hmph.

You talk like dragon animal. Beast.

[Now, it could be the case that they are just that where he's from, but Barbara finds that hard to envision--about as hard to envision as a human being no better than that.]

That would be.... because that is exactly what they are. No more intelligent than a Mabari at best.

[Clever enough to be a problem, but not clever enough to reason with. He did admire the creatures, lovely as they were, but if it came between his life and theirs... well, he was rather fond of living.]

[She shakes her head. A little more explanation please, elf man.]

Barbara not know, Mabari. Animal? Monster?

[He laughed in spite of himself. Whoops. Forgot, might be a Thedas thing. Probably just a Thedas thing.]

Dog. It’s a dog. A rather smart dog, but still very much a dog. Theoretically more intelligent than dragons.

[Since the breed had apparently been created by a mage that somehow got them to understand speech. If dragons could understand language they sure weren’t letting on that they could.]

[Ah. That explains it. As foreign a notion as it is to think of a dragon that size being no more intelligent than a dog.]

Barbara world, dragons smart. Wise. [better.] When attack people, have good reason.

I wish ours had that logic. They’re magnificent creatures.

[And as much as he loved the thrill from fighting them, he was truthful there. He admired them greatly, but sometimes it couldn’t be helped. It wasn’t as though they were endangered anylonger.]

They mostly live underground and don’t bother people... until a high dragon emerges. Which means she’s laid a clutch. Which means that unless dealt with the area will be swarmed with drakes and hundreds of dragonlings.

[That earns Lavellan a raised eyebrow, maybe even a smidgen of respect, because they are magnificent. Beautiful, great, and wise--well, not his dragons, but still--Barbara trusts dragons more than she trusts any humans beyond the Warriors of Light.]

Dragon predators, no understanding? [...] Barbara not like.

[which... isn't something that is all that useful to say, but really, she doesn't. any more than she would enjoy learning that, say, elves in another world exist below the level of people and certain dogs.]

[Barbara might not know how to swim, but Darin felt completely at home in the water. So much so, he was going to tackle this in just his swim trunks (they have flaming anvils on them!) and his dao.]

So, only one of us can use the underwater breathing, right? I can hold my breath pretty well, so why don't you take it?

[what is that garment, darin. like. she understands that armor won't work in the water, BUT WHAT IS THAT GARMENT.]

Yes. [but she doesn't drink the potion just yet--] Darin forget clothes?

...You've never heard of a swimsuit before??

I don't wear armor and I don't want my normal clothes to get wet.

[why would you wear a suit for swimming. maybe they do that in coastal places?? but as someone who grew up in the mountains and thinks of swimming as a thing other people do... uh.]

What wrong with that? Hang clothes outside, get dry.

[Which is clearly what she plans on doing. Sure, you don't get your armor yet, but why do you need a whole extra thing.]

Well...yea but...

...Look, I'm not shy or anything but apparently people would complain if I was walking around naked while my clothes dried.

[...oh, right. humans. it hasn't been something she's thought about given that it was winter when she got here, but she does remember. being told as a child. that she has to wear clothes even when it's too hot to wear them.]

Darin almost naked now. [She gives a huff, well, her dress is just going to have to do. It's not like it's going to get any more noticeably weathered from the dip.] Human need special clothes for wet. Fine.

Whoa! Hey! This isn't as bad as it could be! The guy selling these things tried to get me into...one of those weird...hammock things. I dunno. And trust me, I love me a hammock, but that was not what I was picturing when he showed me!

[WHY DID BARBARA SEEM ANGRY.]

And I don't need anything but my weapon but I'm tired of getting yelled at! Are you ready to hunt or not??

[weird hammock

okay you know what she is not going to ask any more questions about that]

Barbara not yell! Too many strange human things. [WHY DO HUMANS NEED TO HAVE A SEPARATE PIECE OF CLOTHING AND A SEPARATE TOOL FOR EVERY LITTLE THING TO JUST HAVE A NORMAL DAY] We hunt.

[and with that she gulps down the potion, hefts her spear, and strides into the water.]

[That's a good idea.]

Look, I agree with you! Kinda! Hey, wait!

[Darin sheathes his dao and wades into the water after Barbara.]

So, hey, now that you mention it, does human stuff bother you?

[There are many things that don't make Barbara pause, the prospect of underwater combat with paralytic slugs while under a strict potion time limit being among them. But that question--well, that question does.]

Not bother. [...] Dragons raise Barbara. Humans complicated. Confusing.

[The way they talk to each other, the way they don't, trading, conversation, cooking... there's so much of it.]

Do you...want to understand it? Or would you prefer to just...keep things the way that you're used to.

Because if you want...I could try and help you.

[That is... a good question.

She grew to trust the Warriors of Light, fought alongside them, went back home to the wind drakes. But Avalon is different. She can avoid the big city to some extent, but she can't just completely avoid people because they're weird and confusing.]

Barbara not unhappy being Barbara. [...] But, should understand humans more. Yes.

Well, of course you're happy being you. Barbara is amazing. One of the best friends I have in this place, really.

But...if you ever want to learn about humans...

I wouldn't mind teaching you. I promise not to make fun. I had to kinda learn my way around 'normal people' too, once upon a time...

[Barbara's eyes widen at the admission. She doesn't know what to say to it. She trusted and respected the Warriors of Light once they had proven themselves worthy of it, and they did their best to protect and help each other, but... friends... that was different.

She trusts Darin as a partner in battle, and he's easier for her to talk to than some others. It's not so surprising to hear that he's had his own issues with dealing with his own kind.]

Yes.

[first real human friend. that's... a very strong feeling. it's big, and she thinks it deserves to have more words around it than that, but she doesn't know what words those are. still, the smile on her face says a lot.]

[Darin recognizes the smile and knows that no more words need to be shared, lest the moment be ruined. Instead, he steps up beside her and offers a closed fist to bump in solidarity.]

What do you say we go hunting, partner.

[Barbara stares at the fist for a moment. This is not a gesture she's familiar with--ah, but it's probably like a handshake isn't it? Just without the grip.

It's a little awkward, but she clenches her fist and bumps it against his with a satisfied nod. Time to hunt.]

[ Corwin walks beside Barbara toward the shore, Grayswandir at his belt. He'd left his class at home, choosing to go on this mission in just a tunic and his pants. ]

Alright. We should have some kind of plan before we go into this. Which means, we ought to know what we're working with. I already know you can fight. Can you swim?

[Plan? Why do you need a plan beyond just "go in, avoid poison, stab." Though a plan might be helpful to get there efficiently, probably.]

Barbara not swim. Naga have magic potion, breathe underwater.

[She's obviously not concerned by the idea of doing so.]

Corwin swim?

[ ..... He should have expected this. ]

Yes, Corwin swim. Corwin can also lift the slugs out of the water with his magic, and/or position them such that they can be easily skewered by your lance.

[ Kinetic magic is helpful for avoiding the toxin and fighting from a distance. Although if Corwin wants to use his blood magic to fight, then he'll need to get up close and personal. ]

[Barbara gives Corwin a somewhat stale look.]

Corwin talk like Corwin, not Barbara.

Strategy good. Barbara have lightning magic, good for water monsters. [she holds out one of the two doses of potion that the naga have provided them.] Start?

[ Corwin raises a hand in apology. ]

Sorry. Bad habit. "When in Rome, Romani non loqui," and all that.

[ But anyway, better to be getting along with the mission. He takes the offered potion and uncorks it, waiting for Barbara to open hers before tipping the contents into his mouth. ]

Here goes nothing!

[While he would consider himself a strong swimmer, Hendrik knows that he has no experience with actual battle underwater. He's done some light preparation -- in the form of some hair-ties and a pair of goggles that dangle around his neck. Excess clothes can be left with any supplies too cumbersome for the water, but he would prefer to cover skin when he doesn't know anything about what's in the water.

He shifts his gaze over to Barbara with a thoughtful frown.]

Have you done much spearfishing?

[It's something of a joke that feels fitting, given what they know about these creatures.]

[Tackling this challenge with Hendrik is something Barbara is looking forward to, but it also makes her nervous. Hendrik is a serious, veteran warrior--a captain. Her memories of her father are hazy, but they feel like Hendrik feels.

And part of Barbara finds this to be kind of silly, because Hendrik is from a completely different world, so why should she care about his opinion more than she cares about anyone else's?]

Sometimes. Mountain lake, have fish. But, Barbara fish from land.

[She doesn't quite catch the joking tone and she's being a little bit literal-minded here, but.]

[Hendrik nods ponderously; despite the faint joke to his question, there is good information to work with in Barbara's answer. He takes out his phone to again reference the request.]

The requester mentions these creatures only operate at night. We are already at a disadvantage without sound; should it be possible, we will want to lure these creatures to the surface.

[He doesn't think it needs to be emphasized how awful it would be trying to fight underwater with minimal lighting.]

Do you have any magic at your disposal?

Elemental magic. Lightning. Hurt water beasts.

[At least that's how it works in Luxendarc. But even if isn't the Achilles' heel here as it is at home, it should still do a good job at making them hurt.]

Lure creatures... need bait. [hmm...] Fish, seaweed?

Lightning sounds like an excellent option against these creatures.

[Well. As long as they aren't wet and standing right next to them when the magic flies.]

I have green magic. I should be able to coax the underwater plants into wrapping around the creatures so we can pull them closer to shore.

[That still doesn't answer the question about bait...]

They are flesh-eaters, so we could use fish or an animal carcass. ...Or ourselves.

[He's not fond of that last option, but he has to put it out there.]

[Barbara doesn't look very approving of that last suggestion. Under certain circumstances, she has absolutely no problem with striding full-force into a situation that she knows will result in her being hurt. But that is reserved for particular individuals, and as much as she genuinely wants to help the naga, she doesn't know them well enough for that.]

Fish better. Ask Naga, maybe give. [They are, after all, here at the village's behest, and living underwater.] Green magic good. Quick.

Ah, I did not think about recruiting the villagers' aid with that. It is a fine thought.

[He considers the water before looking at Barbara. He appreciates her seriousness with the unknown risks of these creatures. It at least isn't dark out yet, so...]

The one who gave you the potion could not be far off yet. We can ask for their assistance for fish and work from there. Will you take that task?

[His eyes return to the water.]

I will check the shore for a section with suitable plant life. We should return to this spot before sunset to prepare.

[Barbara nods, and then, with that plan established, turns to go and talk to the naga about giving them some fish. Fortunately, they're quite willing to hand over some of the day's catch if it will help them deal with the nudibranch problem.

Barbara returns at the appointed time with a decent-sized basket of it.]

Naga give fish.

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May (dragon)flowers

FOR LIGHTNING

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Training Grounds

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Nudibranching Out!

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