Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

A weeks ride... This was not a journey Rikke was ready for quite yet, but the moment Phobe uttered the words 'None that go oppose him ever return.' was the same moment a subtle spark ignited in the heroines eyes! "I see..." the rogue uttered albeit it was likely clear to both girls that the warning hardly disuaded the girl.

Though Annas very sharp reaction caught Rikkes eye especially, though the girl was in no position or standing to push her on the subject. If she wished to share something... she would do it in private "But~" Rikke would stretch lazily "For now, a bit of rest sounds heavenly." she'd smile and turn to Iriana "Anyone wanna help me get her into a proper bed?"

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

The girls looked at Irianna a look of concentration on their faces. Anna was too small for the job and Rikke was not strong enough on her own to help the muscular woman much of anywhere if she was dead weight. Phobe... wouldn't fit up the stairs to the rooms. Looking to Anna the girls smiled. "I guess we can show the Dea our secret now." Anna nodded and got up with both of them leading Rikke out the same door that Marcus had entered in with Phobe earlier.

Once outside Rikke saw three horses in the pasture. One came up to Anna immediately for attention and the other two where the horses from the wagon. The horse that came up to Anna was petite for a horse just as Anna was petite for a human. Petting the smaller horse Anna quickly took off her shoes, socks and underwear right in front of Rikke. Mounting the horse Anna leaned against its neck and whispered in its ear. For a moment Rikke watched as the two figures seemed to merge into a single woman/female centaur. Much to her surprise Phobe was doing it in reverse, unmerging with her horse self. After a stunned moment of silence, Phobe dismounted naked from the waist down and looked up to Phobe. "Ill close down the inn you head on home for tonight Anna. The girl nodded before making her way to the fence and letting herself out. Watching her go Phobe spoke again. "And that Dea is our secret. Come lets get your friend to bed."

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Secret? Rikke turned head as very quickly her retreat to her room was put on full-stop! "Sure!" she'd grin widely and eagerly follow the girls outside! Would it be some sort of secret entrance? An ancient wonderful statue? Rikke kept a bright smile throughout up to Phobe saying "This will be far enough."

The rogues heart racing she'd bite down on her lower lip in anticipation... only for Anna to begin to strip?! Rikke blinked as very quickly the petite girl would lose most of her clothes and even grip her panties, before slipping them off non-chalantly!

A blush crossed Rikkes face, as her eyes widened further her heart even almost skipping a beat... Yet the blush was not due to the surprise nudity, but moreso due to what sort of 'Secrets' crossed the pervy girls mind! Infact, her eyes would subtly dart down--- only for a horse to come near Anna, appearing somehow similar to her? "Eh?"

Right infront of Rikkes eyes Anna seemed to briefly glow, only to shift to become a centauress as well! All the while Phobe seemed to seperate from her own beast! "Wow... B-but... how?" the girl blinked as she'd approach and if allowed reach out to feel Annas lower beastial body. The rather amazing sight thankfully dispersing Rikkes blush helping her hide just how pervy-minded she was!

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Phobe petted her beast half while Rikke stroked Anna's flank seeing for herself if what she saw was real. When it didn't vanish like some strange vision Rikke turned her head to ask Phobe her questions. "Its magic unigue to our tribe. It allows us to walk the human world without danger. As for the why its lost to time. Some say its a blessing from our old god to others saying it was a safty magic during the wars. Eitherway its been lost in too much myth and legend for anyone alive now to say for sure. Heading back in Phobe picked up Irianna in her arms. Even in her human form she was muscular easily a match for Irianna for tone and fitness though she lost out in the chest department to RIkke's friend. Turning to Rikke she waited for the rogue to lead them on.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Incredible." Rikke leaned out with a bright smile "So... out of curiousity, how does it feel? To shift to a centaur?" the girl looked to the two "And don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." she'd wink to the duo. This was certainly quite the unexpected secret and revealed the purpose of the horses the rogue saw...

Still this flipped what the girl thought of the village entirely! "This is unique to the locals here?" she'd ask as they'd head back to the inn, hearing out whatever Phobe or Anna shared with her--- before realizing something!

"Hey... So~ Out of curiousity. How do centaurs perceive maybe... giving someone a ride on their back?" Rikke asked sheepishly, rubbing the back of her own neck as she asked quite clearly showing interest at such a prospect! Afterall, if not now... who knows when she'd get another chance to ride a centaur! Especially since they had a fair walk back to the inn!

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Its hard to say without feeling it yourself. Anna said straightening out her dress. Phobe nodded in agreement. "Aye its hard to explain.. its like reunited with a part of yourself, or letting go when you take on the human form." Listening to her other questions the girls snickered lightly. "As far as we know we are the only Centaur's who can do such things. As for riding well, that is up to the centaur in question. Though our more wild kin are vehemently against it."

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke looked with a sparkle in her eyes... only for it to be extinguished. That's what they all say!.. Robbed of her unique pony ride, the rogue would head on back to the inn on boring foot. only to likely find Irie exactly as they left her "Lets get her to bed." Rikke snickered looking to the duo, infact a bit of rest sounded fantastic to her as well!

Afterall, the girl had managed a ruin crawl, battle, catch a caravan and save some people all in one day! That realization alone seemed to very quickly spur her body to remind her of its exhaustion! "I could use a bit of rest as well." she'd smile sheepishly.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Exhausted Rikke found rooms for both her and Irianna. With a little help from human form Phobe the girls got her to bed and resting. With that Phobe bade her farewell. This let Rikke rest in the modest but comfy room. It wasn't well appointed but good enough for a traveler. Her dreams were her own till morning as the gentle light of dawn broke threw a window. Down below the noises of a few people talking.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Aye~ See you in the morning." Rikke would motion her farewells to the girls, before closing the door and exhaling deeply... Phew... what a day! A modest comfy room was just perfect for what the rogue needed, as she'd slip off her rather limited clothing already, before finally falling onto the bed "Phaaa~" the girl smiled as a rush of joy coarsed through her body... She certainly did a lot of good today.

Still, she already had her next target 'Lord Jericho' Rikke grinned confidently as she'd think of all the potential plans to foil the clearly overly rich bastard! Yet... before all that, the girl would likely have to return back to Emilia afterall, if she was going to head out to such a trip perhaps the seeming demigoddess could tell her more about her target... and provide the reward for her cult dismantling!

Seemed there'd be another day of traveling and preparation tommorow, before the rogue could set out on her next potentially big adventure! The rogue would nod to herself and smile, as she relaxed..... another subtly thought trailing her off sleep - she still didn't get to actually ride a centaur!... one way or a whole 'nother.

It would be echoes of some people talking downstairs coupled with the morning light that stirred the rogue awake, the beauty lazily sitting and stetching out with a yawn... Phew~ There was certainly nothing quite a good nights rest! She'd beam a smile to herself, before washing up with the water provided and once again slipping on her rather torn shirt.... That would be another thing she'll need to remember to do - pick up her armor and new clothes!

Still whatever the case may be, as she was getting dressed the rogue would peek outside to see who it was talking, before heading downstairs to the main inn area. Perhaps even first checking up on Ilie to see how her night went!

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Stepping out of the room and giving a quick peak Rikke didn't seem to notice anyone in her immediate area. Though with the door open she did hear that most of the commotion was coming from downstairs. It seemed the refugees where discussing when they should leave.

Leaving that for now Rikke checked on Irianna. Opening the door she found the girl still in bed tossing weakly in her sleep. It seemed her arm had healed during the night with only a dark bruise hinting at the trauma that occurred. Doing what she would Rikke headed down only to be greeted by the mass of people looking to her for advice. It seemed having saved them from a bad fate made her defacto leader of the small band. Voices called out around her, though one stood out. Turning to it a olderman muttered about how the Centaur where making them stay in this stuffy in against their will, and how they wouldn't let them leave.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke would gently smile seeing Irie still asleep... no doubt every minute of the slumber was precious for the girl, it was best to let her rest while she arranged their upcoming trip next! With her smile lingering the girl would soon enough head onwards and downstairs where it seemed most of the previous captives were and already all of them busy as well as keen to capitalise on their newfound freedom... yet...

One of the captives, an older looking man spoke out as the centaurs were keeping them in-place of their stuffy rooms, his call out seemingly painting the centaurs as yet another group who'd rob them from freedom.... This though seemingly cut right at the girls nerve and heart, as she'd approach the man with sharp eye "None of us are in any position to question the centaur actions. They've provided us with safety, shelter, food and healing, even if they didn't have to... Yet you spit in the face of their good will?" ...the rogue was not happy at the words, at all!

"Go then, leave your stuffy room and head out into the wilderness. Injured unarmed. If you've such an ungrateful and closed heart, then go out to the wilderness as see it stop beating shortly after." Rikke looked to him, before taking a breath and turning away addressing everyone "I know it can be hard to trust people after what happened and I know most of you perhaps want to see your home or loved ones as soon as possible, but blindly rushing to a decision will only throw the chance given to you away. I'll speak with the centaurs, perhaps we can arrange travel in several smaller groups or as I said this merchant checkpoint is to have a visitor soon. A caravan with actual guards or horses would be a far safer bet than treading through the wilderness barefoot and unarmed."

Rikke would finish her words "But you're all free men and women now. You can do as you please... just don't mistake selfless care from others to chain of servitude ever again. Nor expect to abuse or indulge it for long." seemed the girl would need to speak to the centaurs either way, as she had presented a true issue just now - the freed people were indeed just a large target for the wilderness, slavers or raiders.... If they were going to leave, she'd need to think of something!

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

The old man turned away in shame his embarrassment coloring his face, after making her opinion known. Still as she finished up one of the scouts from before pulled her aside. "Ms. Rikke I know that old codger is a bit harsh but he is right about one thing. The centaur's will no let us leave the inn. The door are barred. Only that little slip of a girl serving drinks is the only one that has come or gone."

Rikke's eyes where drawn to Anna filling mugs and passing plates to hungry people. For a moment their eyes met her overly large irises marking her centaur heritage in human form. It seemed that she wanted to speak with Rikke but her tasks in the inn kept her quite busy. When she finally got a moment she would approach Rikke and whisper. "The towns folk are trying to get things taken care of they don't want the human's too know our secret Dea

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"We all still owe them our lives. Give them the benefit of the doubt, there's a good reason why they'd do such a thing." Rikke would still side with the centaurs on this "I'll talk to them, don't worry." she'd nod and would head over to do just that once Anna finished hanging out the last few plates.

"So~ Whats happening?" Rikke would smile to Anna in a clearly friendly manner, curious to see what spurred the lockdown "Well... how is that related with them unable to exit the inn?" the girl blinked... the secret was their ability to detach their beastial side from the human side, as well as merge them back together. So what was happening outside that could reveal this?

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

"Last night was a festival night. Thats why we had scouts out to make sure we where not disturbed. You know how people get during festivals. Most are still sleeping off there drink. The elder is having a few go around and stir the villagers so they can be in form for our... umm guests." Patting Rikke's hand she looked to the crowd and spoke up. "Ill go check to see if the elder will let you out know okay?" With that Anna slipped out of the main door, leaving Rikke to the murmur of the crowd.

After awhile Anna returned and nodded to Rikke so she could share the news with everyone. No sooner had Rikke given the word then the people left for some fresh air. Still what they found surprised them. All around centaur's of every color walked the streets with a few even children running wild laughing. Every single one wore simple cloths a few even draping blankets over their backs to ward off the slight chill in the air. Rikke herself spotted the elder walking towards them his ceremonial garb replaced with a simple shirt.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke would smile to Anna and nod, there was no real reason to keep this a secret... Seemed the community had been secretive for so long, they had incidentally incited the light unrest among the ex-slaves! "Hey!" she'd approach the group with a bright smile "So~ Turns out they just had a sacred ritual outside and it's just about ending. They didn't let us out so we'd accidentally not disturb it... and it being all secret and stuffs." she'd shrug cutely "So sit tight, we should respect their traditions right?"

Hopefully the information would calm everyone down and perhaps mend some wounds the girl may have opened up with her rather harsh statements before!

Still no sooner that the rogue had calmed everyone down the doors finally opened up to reveal just subtle hints of what clearly joyous ceremony took place here! Rikkes eyes wide and her smile even wider the girl looked around at the finally lively location, before meeting the Eldars gaze as he approached them spurring the rogue to run up closer to him "Thank you again, Elder. Your people are far too kind to us." she'd lightly bow to him.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

The elder smiled at Rikke. "Think nothing of it young Dea. It is our pleasure. Still we have matters to discuss about your friend and the rest of these fine people." Smiling he took Rikke's hand. "Do an old man a kindness and walk aways with me child."

If Rikke took it she would find the hand wrinkly and warm, with touch callouses from hard work and age. Once out of ear shot of the other villagers he spoke a kindness in his voice. "I've sent a few of our scouts to fetch a friend of ours to escort the human's to a nearby town. As for your friend.. well once she is rested you too should head out." His voice dipped in sadness while he spoke of Irianna. "When I spoke with her last night I could tell she was trying to be a good person, but her condition as you know is permanent. At least as far as my skill in such thing can determine. The runes and magic ointment on her keeps the evil at bay but it weaken's her greatly. If she kept such treatments up it would kill her eventually. While she could live happily with us it would be a slow death, and no one should suffer such. Her best hope is to fight her nature and be good despite the darkness inside her." The old man stopped a moment seeming rather weary for a moment. "But I know there is hope out there Dea. Have you heard they story of the shadowheart?" If Rikke said yes the old man would simply tell her that as she knows even the darkest heart can no light. If Rikke said no then he would go into an explanation relating the story.

"It was said that a young woman held nothing but darkness in her heart. That her mere presence could bring death or ruin to those around her. Plants died in her presence living creatures grew sick. Some say she took delight in her effects and others say she grieved at each loss driving her further into despair. Needless to say for many years she existed this way wallowing darkness craving the light only to be denied it. Then one day the Goddess of spring came to her by happenstance and threw trials and tribulations the duo managed to give the shadow heart light. The tale becomes unclear after this however. Some say she ascended to god hood, while others think she remained to live out the rest of her life. A few even think she went looking for the Goddess of Spring as she went missing after their journey.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke would ofcourse answer she never heard of the tale and listened with absolute curiousity. For some reason, the tale certainly rang all too familiar, perhaps a story she had heard once before... although this familiarity did seem all too closer to her heart "Oh... This is not the first time I hear of this Goddess." it was a little strange that growing or on her adventures earlier she had never encountered any real significant mention of the diety.

Then again the girl was in all too unfamiliar lands! Who knows what the local mythos was like! "Well I trust Irie, I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't stray from the path." the girl would wink slyly and all too happily to the elder, before noting the subtle festivities all around and especially a group dancing in a jolly circle! With the girls eyes clearly locked on the even, if the elder allowed it she'd thank him with a hug, before rushing off to join the festivities and dances! Afterall, they had plenty of time to sparebefore these scouts returned!

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

After much dancing and celebrating the rogue drew close to the inn. The refugees she had rescued seemed to have moved about enjoying the festival among the villagers. Heading in to check on Irianna Rikke heard a not to subtle thunk and a cry from outside the inn. She could of course go check out as her mind seemed to drift to the sound of the cry. It seemed rather passionate. On the other hand Irianna probably would like some company as she had been treated much like a plague victim by the refugees.

 

[Ubberific]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke giggled happily as she'd leave the circle to take a breather, only for gaze to linger towards the inn... Irie! Surely the girl woke up by now and judging by the elders words, it was likely time to cut-off the druidic magic! Even if the others may see her with a subtle frown, it didn't mean she couldn't atleast enjoy the wonderful air of the festivities!

The girl would head onwards, as she'd reach the small flight of stairs leading to the inn--- only for a curious series of sounds to catch her attention, almost making the girl straighten out then and there! Rikke blinked as she'd look around, her ears subtly perked as she could've sworn it came from nearby just around the inns back? Albeit checking up on Irie was her priority a few moments ago, a small detour would hardly delay her for long!

Ever-curious Rikke would head to investigate the sound first! Maybe someone fell off somewhere and got injured!... albeit Rikke could swear the cry rang far different? Her movements subtle and silent, the girl would inch her way closer to the source and attempt to see what happened.

 

[ranger]

Re: Chapter 5 Home is where the Heart is (Ubberific) GMed by ranger

Rikke chose to let Iranna rest a bit longer. After all the girl was hardly in danger just yet. On the other hand who knew what happened behind the inn. Some one could be getting hurt. Reaching the corner of the inn. She peaked around only to have her eyes widen as Marcus mounted Anna. The two where naked their cloths laying on a nearby fence. Anna herself was pressed against the inn wall a simple crown of flowers adorning her head. Her face was a testament to ecstasy. Behind her was Marcus his equine body resting on Anna's his massive tool barely visble to Rikke as he mated her. His human half was covered in sweat which glistened on his skin in the early morning light. His head was adorned with a flower crown as well.