Misty Mountain [OPEN]

Velan

"If so, I have a proposition for you..." Jev was closer now, he eyed her with desperate intent. She had no reason to not trust him. If he really wanted to harm her he would have done it by now. But his questioning of glamour made her uncomfortable. It's a power full magic even among mysticals. One Rare and too special to not be exploited.

She decided that just out of respect she would assist, but she wasn't going to be used as some weapon like another one of jev’s tools in his arsenal.
“Ok Jev, what do you have to offer ?”

Tenna

Tenna and the goblin used the cover of darkness and followed the stream. Along it they saw signs of elven life, great houses carved out of trees that achieved dizzying heights. Tenna wasn’t often scared but as a boy it had been told that elves don't sleep or eat, feel pain and are master craftsmen. The perfect creature for an army. They where isolated and have been traveling far along the river, They chose the night where all the creatures where likely in the bar. Someplace tenna would much rather be than with goblin who's main forms of communications involved his bodily functions.

in the moons haunting light they found the waterfall shrouding along a cliffs edge. The goblin smirked and unloosened the climbing rope “ok, here it is tenna. If my sources are correct their should be an entrance up that waterfall. Should be all the material we need to fight back” the goblin then took the rope and hooked it high above the waterfall.
“well it sounds like you know what your doing, let me know how it went” tenna was anticipating the goblin would comply, as he didn't fancy climbing almost 30 feet up wet, cold and sharp stones. “ACK ACK HA..” the goblin passed the rope. And sat on the floor legs crossed, whistling jovially

The climb was dangerous, ever slip was responded by the goblin coughing with laughter. Tennas lungs burned and shoulders ached from the sheer pressure of water battering him. As if it was growing with intensity ever step. Suddenly the rope began to uncoil, each thread untwining.

*crack* it snapped, tenna grabbed onto a rock, only loosing mere inches of his assent to what would hopefully be some kind of entrance. Then as if his own weight was too much for the cliff he felt the rocks shift and quake. The flowing of water started to turn into a mere trickle and before him was more than just the finest iron for weapons. But something far more powerful. Something he and everyone else may fear to use. But most of all the vampires may fear the most.

Penelope & Vi





The bar quickly died down soon after Layla left. Penelope felt restless, she want to plan and scheme now, but she knew she needed the information from Layla before she could. Her hand reached out to Vi as she turned to Atkin,


“I think Vi and I are going to head home for the night. Why don’t we meet back here early tomorrow morning to see what Layla’s found out from Vetagorn,” she suggested.


The walk from the bar to their small cozy home was littered with creatures panicking about the news. Pixies and Pegasus whispered to each other who they wanted to be chosen and contemplated hiding their families and leaving the mountain. Penelope hoped her could rally them all behind her idea, unfortunately she would have to reach deep down inside and be her most charismatic self to do so. She pushed open the tiny wooden door and Vi leapt past her, her little tail wagging happily to be home. The pair laid on the bed, Vi’s head resting on Penelope’s chest, and thought about the days ahead. Vi could sense Penelope’s uneasiness and gave her a small lick on the face in an attempt to comfort her.


Eventually the two found sleep before the sun shining through the window woke them. Penelope stretch and quickly made herself and Vi some breakfast before tossing on her jacket to leave. The morning was warm and the dew covered grass seemed too innocent to be following last night’s events. Penelope frustratingly kicked it off the grass in her front of her.


She turned to Vi for a distraction from her thoughts, “Wanna race to Layla’s?” she offered. Vi’s eye shined with excitement as she bound around Penelope, butt wriggling playfully. Penelope laughed as Vi raced off ahead of her, trying to get a head start. Penelope closed her eyes and took control of Vi’s mind. She looked around from her new perspective, Vi had gotten pretty far in the last few minutes. She turned her paws in the opposite direction of Layla’s and sprinted as far as she could, passing lush green trees, a small creek, and a meadow before letting the lynx stop and returning to her turn body. Sure maybe she was cheating, but as her Layla bar came into view it seemed like it was worth it.


No one else was there yet so Penelope took a seat in the grass outside. Vi broke through the tree line, legs pumping as fast as they could before the lynx realized she has lost the race. She sulked to the edge of the little clearing, as far away from Penelope as she could get but still be in eyesight, and plopped down in a huff. Penelope laughed at her pouty companion and waited for Layla’s return.

Atkin


“I think Vi and I are going to head home for the night. Why don’t we meet back here early tomorrow morning to see what Layla’s found out from Vetagorn,” Penelope suggested. Atkin shook his head in acknowledgment. He stood up on his two feet and waved them a goodnight. The night was crisp and cool. Atkin had a lot on his mind. He knew a goodnight's rest could help clear up some of his confusion.

Making his way higher up the mountain, he found his normal boulder he slept on. With great strength, he pounced onto the giant rock and sprawled out. The boulder beneath his fur was cold and sent a quick chill throughout his wolf-like body. Slowly, his eye lids fell closed and he drifted off into a deep sleep.

The sun shown over the distance, sending warm rays towards all the mysticals. Atkin breathed in the fresh air and yawned, waking and stretching his limbs. He had to meet Layla, Penelope and Vi at the bar. No one should be there since it was morning and the bar is only opened at night. Slowly, he rolled over on his belly and shook his fur coat. Rising to his four paws, he glanced at the view in front. The sun bathed the mountain and the forest below in a warm honey-coated color. He could hear the woodland creatures stiring to life as the new day presented itself.

Atkin hoped down from his rock and dug his claws in dirt beneath. He began his way towards the bar where he knew his friends would be waiting. When he arrived, he noticed not only was Penelope and Vi present, but also an elf and half witch/vampire. He smiled a friendly smile and advanced towards everyone.

"Good morning all!" he glanced around real quick, "No Layla?" Layla hadn't arrived yet. Maybe she had over slept.


Layla & Vetagorn



"I still want to ask my questions! And don't you ever make me black out, ever again!" she protested. Vet laughed lightly and advanced her way. Layla felt weak at the knees. Why does Vet have this effect on her? And why was he acting this way? 

Layla put out her hand, stopping Vet from getting any closer. He stood just arm's length from her. Slowly, his hands wrapped gently around her wrists, making them lower slightly. "Layla, I'm the last person you should be afraid of." Layla shook her head in disagreement. 

"Vet, we've hardly ever have had a conversation, and here I am, standing in a meadow with you while..." she stopped herself before admitting how she was feeling. What was she feeling excatly? Vetagorn smiled slightly, amused. Slowly he formed his hands around hers, gripping them gently. Layla starred with a soft expression. "Vet, I need you to be honest with what I'm about to ask of you." She paused and met his eyes with concern. "Why did Keres give the orders for the mountain to choose the sacrifice this year? Out of nowhere." She could feel a black hole of fear forming within her. The Vampires couldn't be planning anything twisted. They just couldn't be that terrible...

"Keres is trying to give the mountain a say and to prevent any struggle." He spoke softly, "She hopes by doing this, it will bring a little more peace to what is already a very hated night." Carefully, he used his finger tips to push back her curls from her eyes. "She's attempting to bring about change. For the good of the mountain." Layla could tell he spoke the truth. Feeling his gentle touch on her face helped melt the black hole within her.

"I believe you," she whispered. 

A soft breeze made it's way over to the two. Vetagorn released her hands and glanced towards the sun. "I'm going to have to get back to the mountain. I'm already pressing my luck by being away from the clan this long." He knew Keres had just had a stressful night. Even though she was with Devin, he knew she wouldn't be able to discuss further planning with him fully. She would need to consult her second. He looked back towards Layla, taking in her natural beauty. "Allow me to walk you back to your bar." Layla nodded in agreement. The two strolled through the forest until they made their way towards the edge where the mountain began. Just over head, Layla could make out her bar. And it appeared there were visitors there already.

"Hey guys," she spoke with tiredness. Vet stood back as she approached everyone. She glanced back and nodded towards him, as if saying thank you. Vet bowed his head slightly and smiled a crooked smile while meeting her eyes.

This is a good crowd to keep around. Keep your friends close, Layla. He spoke to her thoughts. She smiled back in acknowledgment and turned towards her friends. Vet exited the bar and made his way to the peak of the mountain. He knew Keres would be somewhere near, probably playing out the previous night's events. He took a seat on the ledge of the peak over looking the whole mountain where the original vampire meeting had taken place the other day.

Layla naturally took behind the bar, "Anyone want anything to help wake themselves up? I have a special organic recipe for a drink the will help with extra energy." She turned and chanted, "Luz pequeno e brillante (light small and bright)" towards the stack over debris under her cauldron. A small flame ignited and the cauldron bubbled to life. Facing her friends, she took in their expressions of concern and curiosity. That's when it hit her that Vet escorting her to her own bar after disappearing to find him the night before must come off as rather, promiscuous. She smiled awkwardly, "Now, before anyone says anything, it's not what you think!" Yeah right, they're probably super confused right now... Just like I am. She thought to herself. "I did get a chance to talk with him. From what I got out of everything, it seems as if Keres decision to have the mountain choose was a peace offering... In a way. But, with that being said, I don't believe the mysticals are taking it that way. I really do believe a lot of people will turn on each other." She turned and poured a few drinks for her friends. "I think we should all stay close to one another. I trust everyone present here. I think if we have each other's back, we'll be okay."

Jev


Jev sat next to his breakfast, pondering over the previous night. If Valen was willing to use her glamour on Vetagorn and Keres, the information she could gather would help him in his quest to protect Layla. The only downfall is, if Vet was to figure what she was up to, there would be nothing Jev could do. She would be at the wrath of Vetagorn. Jev scratched his head, frustrated with the thought. He leaned over and grabbed his roasted rabbit. The meat smelled delicious.

After breakfast, he wandered down towards the river. The sun beat down from above. Jev threw off his clothes and floated into the river. The water rushed against his hot skin, sending a cool sensation all over his body.

"This is just what I needed. It's so damn hot today!" he moaned. 


Layla & Atkin


"I have a request to make of both of you. I need someone to accompany me to the Vampires Lair. I need to speak with the vampires regarding the elven child that had escaped. I'm 99 percent sure that it was me, I would have been the correct age and although I can't remember it, I don't remember much from being that young. I need to be sure that it was me, because someone else took my place. And if that's the case, then I will need to be the sacrifice. It's not something I want to do, but I feel like this would be a choice that I would have to make..." Atkin leaned back shocked at her statement. He then looked at Layla who also looked confused. 

"Even if you were the child who was chosen, you should consider yourself lucky you got away!" Atkin started, "I don't think you should go and turn yourself in..." The thought of a friend being chosen sent sadness throughout his wolf body. Layla nodded in agreement.

"Evangeline, I think you should stay in hiding. I have a feeling about this Dando de Sangue. And it's not good." She paused and looked at both Atkin and Evangeline, "Okay, so I'm not going to lie. I've hired Jev as my bodyguard..." Atkin rolled his eyes at the sound of his name. Jev was an arrogant ass. Why she would choose him, he'll never know.

"Really Layla? Jev." He scoffed. "Well, Penelope, Vi and I have a deal. I'm offering her extra protection in exchange for something afterwards." He glanced at Penelope and Vi. 

Layla cut in, "Evangeline, I could ask Jev to extend his services. He's friends with Vetagorn." She looked sassy-like at Atkin, "That's the main reason why I asked him." Atkin chuckled softly. She looked back at her elf friend, "The only thing is, he comes with a price." 

"Of course he does! He's a prick, Layla." He threw paws up in the air and wandered over towards Penelope and Vi. He sat on his back paws and shook his fur in frustration. He looked up and Penelope and filled her in, "This years Dando de Sangue is going to be an interesting one at that." Layla rolled her eyes and met Evangeline.

"I have your back missy. Don't worry about it. I don't think you should give yourself up like that, but I understand needing answers. You and I should go talk to Jev and see if he can get us a meeting with Vetagorn himself. Then you can safely ask the questions you want." She smiled a friendly smile.

Atkin & Layla


“Look guys,” Penelope began, maybe with a little more attitude than necessary, ”I don’t mean to break up whatever is so much more important than planning how to avoid the potential bloodbath that’s coming up real soon, but we’ve got a vampire watching us from the edge of the woods.”

Atkin shot up on his four paws and growled a gut-wrenching growl. His ears folded all the way back as he locked onto the vampire in the distance. The creature was too far away to make out distinct features. Atkin saw Vi start off after the vampire. Not wanting her to be alone, he took off behind Vi. Layla's eyes widened as she processed what was going on. They were being spied on!

Atkin dug his claws into the fresh earth beneath him for more traction as he caught up to Vi. "I got your back little one!" he barked. 

"Who is that?" Layla asked the group. "Hopefully Atkin and Vi can corner him while we catch up!" She waved to the group to set off on foot towards their stalker. 

The werewolf and Lynx were fast and easily caught up to the vampire on two legs. Atkin bared his large canines and bent his back in a threatening way. No way was he going to run. He glanced over quickly and noticed Vi was just as threatening. Looking back towards the Cold One, he noticed something was off. Slowly coming to a stand still, he breathed in a couple of sniffs and realized who the vampire, or better yet, half vampire, half witch, was... 

"Devin? What are you doing here?" Atkin sat up confused. "It's okay Vi, Devin is part Witch."


Jev & Vetagorn


Jev strolled out of the river feeling refreshed. Bending over, he snatched his clothes up. He strapped his breast plate to his chest when he heard a stir from behind him. He paused and honed in on the noise. Smiling slightly, he snickered, "Hey Vet, how's it going?" Vetagorn emerged from the forest, hands in his coat pockets as he walked towards the edge of the river. He starred off down the water way and Jev could sense something was different. The wind softly brushed up against the vampire, sending his curls in a slow dance around his face. The sun glistened on top of the river, sending shimmers over the watery glass. Vet's expression was... peaceful? Jev starred at his friend, confused. Once more, he spoke up, "Hey, you okay?" Vetagorn slowly turned.

"I finally talked to her." His words were soft and passionate. Jev tilted his head confused.

"Who are you referring to?" Slowly, Jev advanced closer towards Vet. Matching his gaze, Vet smiled handsomely.

"Layla."

"Vetagorn, do you hear yourself? You sound..." Suddenly, Vetagorn ran up and grabbed Jev's shoulders and shook him with excitement.

"There was something there! I could feel it..." For once in a very long time, Vetagorn didn't feel trapped in a dark place. He felt as if he had found the light he had been missing all along. "You should have seen her this morning. She was breath-taking..." his voice carried off into the breeze.

Jev knew right then. His friend was in love. "Well, would you look at that? Someone got bite by a bug," he teased. Vet released his grip. His smile fell from his face.

"Watch yourself. We had a moment," he warned. Jev laughed softly and patted his friend's back.

"Vetagorn the Great falls for yet again, another witch!" he chanted.

Atkin & Layla


"Hi Atkin, I've been kicked out of the vampire clan. Keres and I are finished for good. She can't or won't get over Garrick's death and I can't deal with living up to his shadow every single day. It's too much. So I've come to live along the mystical creatures for now, if you will have me of course?" Atkin glanced back at his friends. He knew he couldn't make that kind of decision on his own. Layla nodded towards Atkin as in she was alright with whatever outcome the group decided. Atkin glanced at Penelope and Vi then back towards Devin.

"You being part Vampire makes us sort of... Hesitant. But in the mean time, I don't see why not? We could use all the help we could get." Atkin shrugged. He knew if Penelope or Vi disagreed with his wishy-woshy response, they would speak up. Layla came closer towards Devin, crossing her arms in a cautious way. She eyed him up and down.

"Devin, right? Tell me... You being Keres' ex and all, you must have some knowledge that could help us Mysticals out with Dando de Sangue." She could feel based off of his previous statement that he was still in love with his vampire ex. Was he capable of exposing information that could lead to a disruption in Keres' plan? "Come on, Devin... Anything you can think of will help." Atkin sat back on his hind legs. He knew what Layla was doing. As he listened to Layla question, he noticed Evangeline sneak away from the group and into the forest. The heat of today must be too much for her. Atkin knew that she had that pressuring question rolling deep in her mind. She hoped that Evangeline wouldn't do anything reckless and give herself up to the vampires.


Jev & Vetagorn


The two friends continued to joke and laugh as they strolled closer towards the mountain. Their previous conversation near the river had exposed Vetagorn for having feelings for Layla, the witch. Jev watched his friend as they walked towards the mountain. The sun was bright with hardly any breeze to cool the skin. 

"Sun too much for you yet?" Jev asked teasingly. Vet wiped the back of his neck a little uneasy.

"Now that you mention it, I do have a wicked sun burn already and could do for some shade." The two arrived at the beginning of the mountain, allowing Vetagorn to relax in the shadow of the gigantic rock. He slumped back on the hard wall, feeling the cooling relief on his back. "That was pushing it with the sun for me." 

Jev laughed, "You push your luck too much sometimes my friend." Jev wondered if now was the opportunity to get information from Vetagorn for Layla. Eyeing Vetagorn and noticing his relaxed demeanor, he took his chance. "Vet, what's going on man? I mean, with Dando de Sangue. Was that your idea to let the Mysticals choose this year?"

Vet leaned his head back at the sound of his friend's question. He sighed softly and spoke, "Jev, this isn't a question you would ever ask. And I take it you're not concerned for yourself when it comes to Dando de Sangue." A smile crawled it's way onto Vetagorn's face. My friend, you must be asking this question for someone else... Who are you asking for? Vet spoke to Jev's mind. Jev inhaled uneasy. He should've known it wouldn't be easy to gain answers from Vetagorn.

"My client's name doesn't concern you. I just need answers." 

Vetagorn's smile widened, barring his white teeth. "Right." If the name doesn't concern me Jev, then neither do your questions. And with that, he rolled off the wall and took one final glance at his friend before turning and walking off. 

"Fine! You stubborn ass! If you must know, I'll tell you. But I need answers as well." Jev was worried. If he revealed the name of his client, there would be the risk of Vetagorn exposing not only Jev for snooping, but Layla as well. Vetagorn stopped and slowly turned. His head tilted sideways and his eyes burned with curiosity. Jev came closer and spoke silently, "I need your word that no harm will come to her by me asking these questions." Vetagorn chuckled softly.

"Depends on who is asking Jev. Now, speak up. I want to know who is trying to snoop." Jev scratched the back of his head, knowing Layla will flip her can when she finds out.

"Layla," Jev said. "Layla wants to know."

Vetagorn's eyes widened with surprise.