Welcome to Adventu, your final fantasy rp haven. adventu focuses on both canon and original characters from different worlds and timelines that have all been pulled to the world of zephon: a familiar final fantasy-styled land where all adventurers will fight, explore, and make new personal connections.
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year 5, quarter 3
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She had never felt a wood so disturbed in her life. The magic here was angry, lonely, and hung like a veil of death. It was uneasy and full of unrest, much like an insomniac that reluctantly thrashed in their sleep in the middle of the night. The white mist here felt insurmountable as it made the trees seem thinner and darker. Soon the trees felt like nothing more like tall, twisted sticks coming out of the ground. And between them, quick fleeting shadows could be seen out of the corner of her eyes. Childish echoes giggled and seemed to come from all sides. [break][break]
Bah. [break][break]
The shadows seemed to follow her, but she was unperturbed. “Go bother someone else.” She huffed at them. If the entities here thought they could bother her, they would be hard pressed to make her shy away. She tapped her staff along the ground and the light from its crystal eye hummed. It would at least illuminate her way and guide her through the woods. And if something dared to crawl out at her, it would be met with a sharp and severe slap. Either by her staff or her magic. [break][break]
She huffed a complaint at the dark shadows that started to take humanoid shapes. They leaned out from the trees as if to shyly peek at her. They were met with a retort. “If you want to be USEFUL, then pick me some herbs or point in the direction of the nearest pond.” She glared at them from over her shoulder, never looking at them directly. She knew better than to do that. Giving them full attention only made them stronger. There was finally a wind and she felt herself being pushed in a direction. She supposed this was their ‘pointing’. “Finally. This is the most helpful you’ve been all day.” She huffed at them as the wind directed her to a pond full of frogs. She placed an arm behind her back. She squinted along the bank of the pond. It was soft, but the frogs were getting harder to spot.
[attr="class","ayab-lyrics"]be as you've always been
[attr="class","ayab-tagged"]for @blacksuit5
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[attr="class","ayab-text"] The forest felt so very, very cold. It reminded her of when she had hosted the First's version of Shiva within her very skin. An unstable, unpredictable will of light and ice coalescing into something beyond her control and understanding. Ryne still shuddered inwardly when she recalled how close she had come to harming Cassie and Alex. If Gaia had not been there, then she may have heralded in the second Flood to usher in the First's end. But right now Ryne was reminding herself that she was here for a reason! And that reason was the one who was the true Master Matoya venturing into this forest. Had the older woman sensed her presence yet? Was she finally becoming better at mastering the arts of a ninja as Thancred had taught her? [break][break]
As much as Ryne wanted to believe so, she was just sure Matoya was more focused on the forest than any sneaking skill on Ryne's part. That thought wilted her self-confidence a little, but she cheered herself up with the idea of practicing her skills on Alex. Perhaps she would even be able to sneak up on him and scare him? The thought cheered her more than it should, but she was quite sure Alex would survive a brief fright! For now, she silently followed after Matoya with a barely contained feeling of curiosity. Was she searching for a new place to dwell? She knew the other woman preferred to be on her own from what Y'shtola had told her and from Alex's grumbled words as well. [break][break]
Was Matoyta searching for something in particular? Ingredients for a potion? Sightseeing? Hiding behind the wide trunk of a tree, she watches as the shadows of the forest began to coalesce into shapeless beings. Spirits from beyond the grave? Ryne watched with widened, blue eyes as Matoya barked at them without any hint of fear or trepidation. She admired such traits quite highly! It had her wishing she had such faith in herself. But such things happened over time and she knew she was a different girl from the one she had been before. Blinking owlishly, Ryne realized that she really should stop trailing after Matoya like the rest of the shadows in this forest. [break][break]
"Master Matoya? Did you need help looking for something?" A soft, quiet inquiry carried upon the stagnant air of this forest. Her fingers curled into the bark of the tree she hid behind as she peered at Master Matoya with pupilless, blue eyes.
“I do, my dear.” She gave a stern eye from under her hat for a moment, followed by a scolding. “You should know better than try to scare your elderly.” The girl nearly seemed like a nymph in the ghostly forest. Matoya wondered when she would come out. Though, in truth, the old woman did not know how long she was being followed. The forest seemed to mess with some of her senses and wanted to disorient a person within its confines. It was a sinister place indeed. How had she gotten this far unscathed? [break][break] “I needed to pass through this forest.” She harrumphed softly, clearing her throat. It took a lot out of her vocals to fuss and complain at the spirits. Why were they so active? Shouldn’t they move on to somewhere? She gave a frown. “However, while I am here, I did want to obtain some servants.” She lifted her staff and pointed to the water. The bank was soft and muddy, full of sickly wet grass. But there they animals were. The toads hopped in and out of the pond. Some caught flies and ate them contentedly. Others seemed to bathe in whatever patches of sun the forest allowed. Did the pond just bubble? Who knew what toiled beneath its surface. It would take effort for Matoya to capture them. [break][break] “Could you help me capture some fine specimens?” Then, she folded an arm behind her aching back. She turned back fully to the girl. “And pardon me, child. Do I know you? I was brought to this new place in my sleep. I think it took some memories with it.” Or they slipped away in her dreams. It was clear the girl knew her beyond just the tales that were spun about finding old Matoya for her knowledge.
[attr="class","ayab-lyrics"]be as you've always been
[attr="class","ayab-tagged"]for @blacksuit5
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[attr="class","ayab-text"] Ryne felt herself become flustered the moment those stern words escaped Matoya. Her cheeks flushed a vibrant pink as she stumbled over what to say for herself in defense. Well, there really was not much she could say since she had been the one following Master Matoya like a ghost. "I-I'm sorry! I was not attempting to scare you in the least, nor was it ever my intention to do so, I promise!" Clasping her hands together, she bowed her head and took the chastising as she should. Sometimes it felt like she would continue to bumble along after her elders as she tried her best to keep up with them. One day she would be more confident in herself than she was now! [break][break]
Playing with her fingers, she listened with rapt attention as Master Matoya spoke of her need for servants. Oh, would they be like the brooms Y'shtola had enchanted to keep her chambers clean back in the Rak'tika Greatwood? She began to walk forward to close the distance between herself and Master Matoya as she looked down into the muddy pond and the various toads that seemed to be basking in the muddy banks. Was she going to enchant the toads to become her new servants for this world? Y'shtola had spoken of the familiars her Master had kept at her side in her isolation and it seemed that this time would be no different. [break][break]
"I would be more than happy to aid you, Master Matoya!" Her lips curled into a soft smile as she regarded the older woman. Catching toads had not been her expectation of how this day would go, but it certainly sounded easier than slaying Sin Eaters or trying to argue with Gaia about lipsticks. Ryne was not too surprised that Matoya had little idea of who she was, since they had never met before now. All she knew was that Alex was trying to help her out after she had blown apart his front door. That poor shop really did need some tender loving care before it fell apart altogether. [break][break]
"You don't know me personally, but I know of you from Y'shtola. Perhaps you know me as Minfilia of the First, but I was given the name Ryne after Minfilia merged with my soul completely. I came here not too long ago myself and happened to find Alex by luck. He's been looking over me since until I gain my own footing in this new world." There was still so much she could explain, but she did not know how much Matoya knew about her. Or perhaps did not know at all. But she doubted Y'shtola would have kept much from her former mentor about her journey in the First and about her existence. Ryne soon turned her attention towards the toads as she began her fumbling attempts to capture some of them for whatever Matoya had in mind for them. [break][break]
They were very slippery and it did not take long for mud to stick to the leather of her open-toed boots and to her hands. Ryne huffed and managed to grab hold of a rather large one as she held it's squirming form towards Matoya to inspect. [break][break]
Notes: Ryne is just happy to help! Even by catching toads!
Matoya kept a stern eye on Ryne while she fumbled through her apology. Best the girl learn a little respect for old Matoya sooner rather than later! And it seemed she was rather receptive to the learning. Matoya’s wrinkled eyes twinkled under her hat and a hint of a smile touched her sagging cheeks. “All is well now. Seems you are one of the few with manners.” The words held authority, but they held a hint of gentle teasing in them. [break][break] She watched as Ryne crossed her way over to the muddy water to assist her. “Thank you, dear child. I appreciate the assistance. Hop to it.” Matoya was much more gentle when people were polite and courteous with her. She made a gesture for her to get on with it, then. They had to be done much before night fall, lest the shades of the wood creep in on them. [break][break] “Shtola?” She always shortened her apprentices name. It softened her and she said dreamily, “I suppose she would talk about me. She’s always been pert with me. How is she?” Though she listened to Ryne’s explanation. She did have a similar appearance to Minfilia. No wonder she felt so familiar to her. “But if she merged with your soul that would mean she no longer exists...” A touch of sadness seemed to hold onto her voice. Both could not reside at the same time. “I suppose that was her choice. And it also means you are her inheritor.” There were always sacrifices to be made, and these were choices made by those at the time. Though, Matoya scrutinized her interestedly. [break][break] Though at the mention of Alex, she frowned. “You should be careful with that one.” She warned humorously. “What is he doing allowing you so far out here alone?” He sure had his quirks, but she knew there was good in him. Even if he liked to be fixated in his mirror to stare at his new outfits. [break][break] Matoya found a large rock to rest herself upon as Ryne quickly set to work. It seemed her first attempt was a success. She crossed to where old Matoya sat and Matoya inspected it with a critical eye. After a long minute, she gave a grunt and a nod of approval. “Set it here, my girl. And bring me another. Just as large and healthy, if you can.” She tapped the butt of her staff on the ground. A complex glowing sigil appeared on the very spot it was tapped. [break][break] Purple light and carving circles and crosses spiraled into the sigil. The very essence of magic itself seemed to pull itself from the ground. Matoya had to hope the evil in the forest would not bother to attempt to taint it.
[attr="class","ayab-lyrics"]be as you've always been
[attr="class","ayab-tagged"]for @blacksuit5
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[attr="class","ayab-text"] Her beaming smile towards Master Matoya spoke of the warmth she felt from that brief sign of approval. There was a keen need to seek out the approval of those older than herself. Ryne often craved after the approving words of those she respected and cared for to make her feel like she was doing the right thing. At this point, she did know that she did not require the approval of everyone around. The only thing she needed was her own approval in the choices she had made, but it was a difficult yearning to shake. Most of her life had been spent in isolation within a gilded cage. Even now she still struggled against the old habits she had developed to cope with her abusive and lonely environment. [break][break]
"I always endeavor to respect those wiser than myself," she admitted with another shy smile. Well, she respected those that meant her and the ones she cared for well, anyway. There was a gentle teasing to Master Matoya that warmed her heart quite quickly. The stories Y'shtola had shared with her were quite true and she could see for herself how much Y'shtola respected her elderly mentor. The two of them also seemed to share a similar sense of humor and dry wit as well. That thought had her giggling to herself as she quickly hid her amused smile behind her hand. [break][break]
"I last saw her when Alex and Cassie brought the crystals harboring their souls back to the Source. She seemed quite well and eager to return home and continue the duties that had been left behind there. But I have no doubt Y'shtola will still seek a way to return to the First at some point. The Night's Blessed admired her leadership and wisdom very much. As I do myself." Her eyes were alight with the sheer admiration she held for the 'Master Matoya' of the First. Y'shtola was a woman filled with wisdom and the experience to back up such a trait. There was such an unyielding and honest quality to her that did not bend at the first inconvenience. No, Y'shtola had always endeavored to face the truth no matter how harsh it could be. [break][break]
"Minfilia gave me a choice. She would have continued on in my stead if that had been my wish. But I wished to continue on and do what I must to save the First and myself. I owe her so much and I will do my best to honor her legacy and to live up to the ideals she held." Ryne placed her hand over her heart as the smile on her lips tinged with a brief hint of sorrow. Oh, she owed so very much to the kindness Minfilia had shown to her during their brief, first meeting. For all of her life, she would endeavor to prove herself worthy of Minfilia's legacy and the love she had given to her friends and to all of the Source and the First. "O-oh, well, I didn't quite tell him I was venturing this far. I did leave him a note, though! And Thancred trained me quite thoroughly in defending myself and I was trained before that even!" [break][break]
Even Ran'jit had made sure she was quite able to defend herself in the physical sense. But such morose thoughts were cast aside as she happily set the first toad aside for Matoya. Ryne watched the magic cast with an awed gaze. Magic was not something she had been trained in extensively, and she could admit to herself that she was very interested in learning. Her innate abilities as the Oracle of Light left her predisposed for such things. At least, that was what she believed. As soon as Matoya had asked her to catch another, she had set off in doing just that. Ryne was adept enough at catching the toads and handing them over to the elderly woman to cast her magicks upon. "W-would I be forward in asking if you would be amenable to showing me how to cast such magic? I always admired how adept Urianger and Y'shtola were in their prospective fields! Urianger seemed to be such a capable Astrologian and Y'shtola wielded the art of thaumaturgy so well! And I recall Cassandra having access to the Black Mage soul stone of the Source! She seemed to wield it with such caution and respect towards the art." Her eyes were wide with admiration as she recalled the two Scions and the second Warrior of Light that stood beside Alex.
It was rare of someone to smile in Matoya’s presence when she had tasked them to do one of her chores. Most would grovel and complain that the task was too dull or too difficult. Or that her inventions were trying to kill them. Tough love, she always said. How else would they learn? Nothing in life came easily or free. If they wanted something, they had to work for it. [break][break] So, when the young Ryne beamed. Matoya couldn’t help but give a small smile from under the brim of her hat. That’s what she wanted to see - the sense of accomplishment after the laboring. “That attitude will get you far.” Respect. That’s really what anyone wanted. “And what of those not wiser than yourself? You still respect them too, hm?” [break][break]
She listened to Ryne’s explanation of history and only seemed to nod once. Some of it she understood. Some it seemed her memory was still quite fuzzy. She quietly fell into silence as she absorbed the information and processed it. It would do well to honor Minfilia. Matoya seemed to find herself approving of the girl. It was truly a rare thing indeed. So much so, that Matoya barked out a laugh about her leaving a note to tell Alex where she went. “A note, eh? Yes. I suppose that makes him finding out you came to the Headstone Forest less nerve wracking.” Then again, she never did like asking permission. She much rather just do what she thought best. Did not even bother with the apology later. “Well, it seems you are well prepared for a fight then. These woods, however, may have dangers that cannot be resolved with fists. Just be wary where you step. I’ll help with the rest.” [break][break]
Despite her love of solitude and letting others figure out things on their own, leaving a child in the haunted woods was something she could abide by. She already lost the one girl who was captivated by the ghosts. [break][break]
She took to work once the girl set the first toad on the magic sigil. The purple light sparked and sputtered. The toad suddenly seemed unhappy. It jumped frantically, and it hit the boundaries of the magic seal. Then, as if a passiveness took over. It just sat there, staring up at Matoya. The intelligence had been sparked. Matoya met its eyes and with another two raps of her staff, she effortlessly pulled magic out of the ground. [break][break]
She purified it through the crystal eye. She tossed the inky darkness of it back into the ground beneath her feet, where it slithered away in shadowy tendrils. She only kept the refined aether. Though, she found it was taking much effort to keep the aether pure here. The forest’s evil ran deep here and she was starting to become irritable with it. [break][break]
She took the crystal of her staff and touched it gently upon the creature’s head. There was a blinding flash! Then, the magic dissipated and there stood, no longer a toad, but a sentient poroggo. It stood about 3 feet tall, like a humanoid toad. It croaked and looked at its hands. [break][break]
But Matoya did not address it just yet. Instead, she found the starry eyed Ryne mesmerized by it. She appreciated the forwardness. “I could show you. But not here. This kind of magic in this location is far too dangerous.” She risked it only because it seemed more aid would be needed. “If I showed you, what would you do with the newfound skill?”
[attr="class","ayab-lyrics"]be as you've always been
[attr="class","ayab-tagged"]for @blacksuit5
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[attr="class","ayab-text"] The smile from Matoya was not expected, but Ryne was quite happy to see it all the same. It gave her the same warming sensation that it always did when she had done something right. She recalled those early days when she had been so eager to earn Thancred's approval and the rewards of affection she gained from him, whether it was a smile or a pat upon her head. She knew she was no longer a child and did not need to seek out the approval of her elders so much. In some ways, it was better to be more dependent on herself and to look within for her own self-approval and confidence. But that did not mean it was too harmful to be happy about making another happy or enjoying some praise for saying and doing the right thing. [break][break]
No doubt Gaia would be frowning and shaking her head at her for her strong desire to please others. Ryne simply enjoyed helping others at the end of the day. Being able to do something was her greatest desire and she took so much pride at feeling accomplished even over the smallest endeavors: even catching toads for a wayward mage. "Well, I believe that would depend upon the person. I'm not someone that would claim to be especially wise, but I think anyone that has an open mind and a willingness to listen deserve respect. But respect needs to be earned and not so easily given at the end of the day." [break][break]
Ryne did wonder how Alex had reacted after finding her note. Possibly a reaction torn between worry and sheer exasperation at her antics. The Warrior did know she could take care of herself for the most part. "He means well and I know he worries. And, well, I seem to have a penchant for wandering off when I shouldn't, but I think I'm old enough to make my own choices. Besides, I should be back before he worries about me too much. If I leave him alone for too long, he'll spend all of his gil on ridiculous outfits." She was already anticipating returning to the shop and seeing Alex in a brand new outfit. And he wondered why his free company seemed to be doing so poorly. He did not have the gil to pay anyone for their work or for supplies for missions! [break][break]
"Yes, there is a darkness that creeps within this forest. A restlessness that speaks of a dark, bloodied history and spirits that long to be freed from their entrapment." Perhaps it was her calling as the Oracle that allowed her to sense such things. It almost reminded her of Il Mheg in a sense. While the pixies were mostly playful, they were those of the fae folk that had darker, sinister intentions for those mortals that entered their realm unprepared. She wondered if the spirits here were like the Fuath in their desire to drown those that step into their waters. Ryne had no desire to be tempted forward into an unknown path that would very likely result in her death or becoming hopelessly lost in these woods forever. [break][break]
Her blue eyes were wide with her fascination and awe as she took in the transformation of the toad. Where there had only once been a simple creature now stood a being with intelligence in its eyes. The magic Matoya wielded seemed so effortless, but Ryne realized it was from years of practice and dedication. The darkness that had been pulled from the ground was purified and only the refined aether of it remained. Ryne could manipulate light-aligned aether as she wished, but she did not know if she was capable of refining dark-aligned magic. At least not with her current capabilities. The rest of the transformation went without a hitch as the toad now stood tall before them with its own hands and sheer confusion on its face. [break][break]
"I would appreciate that very much, Master Matoya," Ryne replied with a polite bow of her head. At the question, she tilted her head to the side before an amused smile played on her lips as she giggled, "I think I would ask these beings to help Alex rebuild his shop. The place is still an utter mess, and he could certainly use the extra help. But they seem quite handy to have around to keep things in order if you're busy with other matters. I remember Y'shtola enchanted brooms to keep her chambers clean, but there were still books everywhere." [break][break]
Note: This whole interaction is so wholesome and I love it.
She smiled and gave a hearty laugh at Ryne’s words on who is deserving respect.. “Wisely said child. You shall be a great sage one day.” So many young people these days seem to open up way too easily. Then they are shocked when they get hurt. There was no more slowly opening up or sharing anymore. “You remember your words well. But remember, not everyone with an open mind and willingness may be your friend. Use a little caution.” [break][break] “Ah yes. He likes to strut around as a peacock instead of putting all that energy into that shed of his.” She harrumphed at the thought. Honestly, the child should start acting more responsible for his age. He whined about it being run down. But if he put more energy, effort, and a little defense into it… “I’ll make sure you get back to him then. Seems like you are HIS parent after all.” Seems like he needed a CHILD to make sure he stayed on track with his finances. Maybe it would be better to let him run himself into the ground. [break][break] Matoya only nodded when Ryne pointed out the restlessness of the dark forest. Good. She understood then. It would not do to linger too long here. Too many evil intentions in the spirit housed here. The whole place needed a big sweep of purification magic. Even old Matoya could not manage that on her own. [break][break] And yet, Ryne’s intentions were pure. “To help keep shop, eh?” Matoya chuckled. “Yes they are very good at that once they are trained.” She smiled at the new Poroggo. It ribbited then went to the treeline to look for something amongst the brush. “And I taught Shtola how to enchant brooms. It's a little harder since they have no brain to build upon. Did you find another toad yet?"
[attr="class","ayab-lyrics"]be as you've always been
[attr="class","ayab-tagged"]for @blacksuit5
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[attr="class","ayab-text"] Ryne could not help herself as her very being seemed to vibrate with the praise and hearty laugh she had earned from Matoya. Y'shtola had mentioned her mentor fondly, but that she could be a very taciturn woman to please. It was reassuring to Ryne to know that she was wiser than she had been a few years ago when Thancred had freed her. So very much of her time had been spent doing her best to keep up with him and make him proud--to prove to herself that she could be useful to others. And over time she had learned that the only person she really had to make proud and happy was herself in the long run. Her friends and mentors had taught her so much and she loved knowing she had made them proud with her growth, but she needed to be happy with herself, too. [break][break]
The unexpected description of Alex had her bursting into a fit of giggles as she covered her mouth with her hand. A peacock? Yes, those Far Eastern birds that Cassie had once mentioned to her! Bright, colorful birds that showed off their brilliant plumage whenever they could. "He has become quite focused on finding the culprit behind the ruin of his shop, unfortunately. I understand why he wishes to pursue it, but I do agree his energies would be better focused on rebuilding and then finding out who did it." Her giggles began to subside as she bit back a tired sigh at Matoya's very apt words even as she bit her bottom lip to deny. Alex was doing his best! But sometimes she did feel like the more responsible one of the two when he got too obsessed with something. [break][break]
"O-oh! You don't have to trouble yourself on my part, but I would be very grateful for your company back all the same," Ryne replied with a soft smile as she clasped her hands together over her chest. It would be remiss of her to deny such a forthright offer, and she would very much like to learn more about Matoya and what she was willing to share. Thancred had trained her in more martial arts, but she could admit to herself that her knowledge of magic was not too great. Nothing beyond what she knew how to do as the Oracle. Ryne wished to be a little more selfish with what she would like for a change! [break][break]
Ryne nodded her head eagerly as she looked back to the Poroggo once more. Of course, she would do her best to treat them kindly, too! They were beings given sentience through magic, but she did feel a little guilty for catching them just to help her 'keep shop.' There was just far too much for her to clean up by herself, and Alex was hopeless whenever it came to domestic chores. It was a wonder he had even managed to keep a shop in the first place. "R-right, of course!" In her thrall of Matoya's explanations she had forgotten to catch another toad! A determined expression crossed her features as she soon ventured into the muddy waters to catch another toad. Biting her bottom lip in concentration, she took a few measured moments to find another large toad before pouncing on it. Mud splattered onto her boots and the hem of her dress but she held out the toad towards Matoya with a bright smile.[break][break]
