RP:The Not So Wicked Witch
Synopsis: One a cold winter's evening, Nasada meets a kind and charitable witch.
Characters: Nasada, Artia, Xzavior
Location: Along the Vibrance / Artia's Ranch
Date: Jan. 16th, 2016
Nasada pushed onward. She was cold. Freezing. Tired. No sense of direction. She just had to keep pushing. She would find refuge soon- she had to. Her tattered robes fluttered in the wind, strands of inky black hair fluttering from beneath the large shadowy hood that lay draped upon her crown. Tighter she pulled her robes, soon coming to a halt. She needed a moment's rest. Her toes, barren and dirt covered, cracked as they flexed, each digit burning from the icy touch of winter. She stood there in silence, taking a quick look around to gather her bearings.
Artia can be seen in dress with length is at top of her knees, with a more casual stitch, not fitting tight nor does it hide the hourglass shape . The hips are tighter, showing off her wide hips. Also, to help give more of a distinction between the top and bottom part. The dress glows, pulsating between a golden light and the blue dots that cover it, each fading on and off in tandem, in waves down the length of the dress. It is mesmerizing to watch for some. A belt made from brown leather with a trilobite buckle, the belt made from dark brown leather. On her feet are matching brown leather, heeled ankle boots making Artia a height of five foot nine. Her cyan eyes were on the river until something ahead caught her attention, her aura read right off something didn't fit. Her body her magic sensed the dark arts within, somewhere deep. The clothes..this poor female, Artia didn't care if she was wicked but she was determined to feed her. Even cloth her, from looks of it a bath. Moving up to the female closer, her voice smooth as silk and sweet as honey escaped between her ruby plump lips. "Hello..are you okay?" She saw the condition her feet were in, and she cringed. Her heart broke at how this female was dressed and kept.
Nasada 's attention first found that peculiar garb that shone of its own volition. Never had she seen such a thing! The first thought that came to mind was enchanted. Magical. "Are you.... a fairy?" were the first words that were blurted out. Without giving the woman much time to answer, Nasada addressed the question posed. "I'm lost." Although the other seemed to be of a peaceful nature, Nasada took one short step backward as a measure of precaution.
Artia smiler gently, offering her her own hand. "No, I am Larket's Apothecary. You are in Larket, how old are you?" She would remove the cloak from around her form that was transparent against her attire, but once removed it turned a navy. Laying it against the female's form, "Come with me, let me feed you and get you cleaned up. Even dressed if you allow me, please let me help you." She tilts her head, "Even put boots on your feet, please. Let me help you. I am good I promise." Well I'm good now, before I'd probably wanted to attack you...
Nasada became apprehensive at first. She tensed, instinct to pull away. It wasn't Artia's fault, really. Most strangers were met with some sort of mistrust. Softly she spoke, a chill on her voice. "L-Larket?" She paused to think if the name were familiar. It wasn't. "I am twent- no.. twenty two. I think. I'm not sure h-how long I've been here." She shivered. "it's so cold. If... if you could just help me get warm, I would be on my way."
Artia nods and slowly lead her to her home, "No you just won't be on your way. You are need of a warm bed and house. You can stay with me tonight, I can give you work if you wish. I can even give you a roof over your head if you allow me. Now come please." Artia lead them through the Enchanted forest and soon arrived at a large ranch home. Opening the door she lead the female into her living room and offering her a spot infront of the fireplace.
Nasada didn't really speak during the journey, she was trying to save as much energy as she could just to power her legs. Stepping into the ranch, the young woman didn't have time to observe her surroundings, instead making a straight line for the crackling fire. She dropped like a tonne of bricks onto her knees, hands reaching out for the dancing flame. The warmth hit her frozen face like a wave, eyes watering from the change in temperatures. "Blessed be..." she mumbled.
Artia 's hands grasped at her own chest, seeing the way she reacted to the fire. Rushing off to the kitchen she brought in a tray full of food and different types of drinks from water to juice to ciders. Sitting the tray down beside her, "What is your name honey?" Did I give her my name? I think so, "Are you homeless?" She than moved to give her space, "OR do you want to wash up and get clean clothes on before you eat?"
Nasada was greedy. Or rather, was just a little too eager to get something inside her. Without any sort of manners, the young girl began to shovel food into her face- uncaring of what were on the tray. She didn't have a picky bone when it game to something to eat. Her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, water sloshed into her gullet soon after to help break things down. She were fairly parched. Suddenly, realizing her uncouth behavior, she turned to Artia and offered a half-smile. "I... you could say that I am, I guess. I live in a cave... with a.. dragon. But it is so cold in there. There is no bed nor bath. I must stink..." she admitted, curling her nose at the thought. She really couldn't smell much lately.
Artia smiled, offering her a hand. "Come, you will work under me. You can be my runner and do the linens at the sick bay for me. Every week I will pay you two hundred gold for now, okay?" You can sleep in the spare beds at the sick bay, every Friday I cook a large buffet for my friends and workers. I also clothe my workers too. My books are open to read at anytime time. But if my front door is locked, I ask for you to knock first. My girlfriend and I might be...undecent at the moment. She stays the night here occasionally, there is a naga that lives here too. He won't harm you he is my apprentice, unless you prefer being an apprentice then linen lady." She moved to the foyer, pushing on the wall as the door opened to her room, walking her to the hot spring. "Get in, I can leave you alone to bathe." Moving to her chest she dug out a crimson velvet gown and a pair of black leather boots. "These look to fit you. When you come out, I'll brush your hair and braid it."
Nasada 's eyes narrowed. Who was this woman? Work? Buffet? What was going on? "I, m'am, really. I am unsure if I can take such a job.. we jsut met.. I hardly know you. I... I appreciate the help, but..." Then the most marvelous thing happened! She saw the bath. How long had it been since she been in a hot bath? 6 months? A year? "I ...I don't know what to say." She didn't even hesitate to begin to disrobe, the thought of the hot water against flesh a luxury she had wanted for some time. Pausing, she glanced down upon the scar that were burned atop of her breast- a cruel reminder of all that she had lost. Her back to Artia, she climbed into the spring, words addressing hear earlier question.. "I... don't believe I caught your name. My friends... I.. most call me Nasada."
Artia shook her head, "And you need help. I am helping you, so take it. We can become friends as we go, so you want apprentice or linen girl? I won't take no for an answer you need this. Deep down you know this." Artia couldn't help but to chuckle at how the female charged for the bath, moving over she hands her a bar of rose scented soap. "Just say yes.." Seeing the scar she frowned, she must've had a rough past too. "Artia, it is nice to meet you Nasada..but..I must say there is a name in a book I have that talks about a demon like male named Nasada do you happen to be related?" To help the female feel better she pulled up her sleeves revealing the many scars from burns to blades. "I have scars all over me, myself. I even have a brand too.." She slipped out of the dress, leaving her slip on as she turned to show the tattoo of a willow tree with a symbol for all the elements apparent. "My aunt raised me to murder and kill those that opposed her. I left three years ago and now I am what I am. It's why I want to help you," She turns, "You remind me of myself when I first came to thesee lands." Artia gave you 300 gold.
Nasada was pretty dirty. Her soles were nearly black! Hair unkempt, sat like a ratty bird's nest atop her head, dull and lifeless, split ends running rampant. Slowly she sunk into the bath, a deep sigh of relief expelled as the hot water soothed her aching skin. "Well... I appreciate it very much..." he first fofered, taking the soap in hand. She inhaled its scent and smiled. Civilization at last! "The scarring and branding were noted, empathy and sadness then expressed. "I am sorry to hear of such.. but.. it is nice to see that it has turned your cause noble." Not quite certain as to whether or not to accept the job offer, the youthful woman turned instead to Artia's other inquiry. "Demons... exist? I always thought they were just tales told to scare bad little girls and boys... " She furrowed her brows, "Then again... I met my first snake-human the other day... A .. Naga?" Nasada slipped under the water, black tendrils of hair floating atop the water, slowly beginning to soak. "But no, I don't believe there is any relation. I come from an isolated little town. All human. My..." she paused, unsure whether to even be truthful. She fought those feelings and admitted, "Well. Nasada is a nickname... My family called named me Raevyn. I just.. took the moniker after my accident. I'm not sure where I heard it. Maybe in a book."
Artia grinned seeing all the dirty and grime wash from the female. Underneath that was a beautiful young lady. "I also can read auras, anytime your emotion changes I can see it. It's a fun gift to being a druidic witch like myself. No more suffering for you Raevyn, if okay for me to call you that. Or do you prefer Nasada? " She kneeled down and sat on her knees, dark strawberry blonde waves moved to cascade down her back, "Feel good? I don't have many female friends, so I hope I'm doing this right?" She chuckles. "If from a book, I know the book."
Nasada ran her hands through he hair, using her nails to break apart some of the knots. it was already starting to feel so much better. Sitting up, one ebon brow perked up as she asked, "Druidic witch? You're a witch? You... you practice the arcane arts?!" She was a little excited. "Maybe... maybe... if I do work for you.. you could teach me some things? I..." She smiled, the pale dead hue of her gaze met Artia's. "I am a practitioner, myself. Well. I was... before I left my village. I learn very well and maybe, I don't know... I wish to learn once more." She bit her lip looking hopeful. This could actually be her break! "Raevyn is fine, really. I don't have -any- friends, so this is... very welcome. You are very kind."
Artia smiled widely at the way Raevyn wen about herself, "No I don't do arcane, I do natural magics. I command the air anything elemental flora or fauna. But yes I can teach you all I know. Looks like you are my second apprentice than. I will need to add you a room to this house possibly unless you save up very well to make yourself your own home like I did." She waved her hand along the water, it responded by splashing a small wave against her arm. "Xzavior is my other appreciate, He is a naga the one that lives here while his own home is being built. I have a spare room for you, Desparrow been busy in Cenril he rarely uses it. Xzavior uses ice and Frost magic I been teaching him how to use to heal and make anything from potions elixir to posions if needed. But for now I need to go to sleep, enjoy the bath and clothes. Xzavior should be home soon, feel free to talk ND become friends with him. You can trust him, he is my best friend. My sister usually comes here too, she looks like me dony worry. Or her boyfriend comes by for food I've cooked, he is a huge male and nice too. Everyone eye that comes s nice too."
Nasada nodded in understanding, almost lost for words. Digging down deep, she finally spoke. "Thank you, Artia. THis is truly the most kind thing anyone has done for me in a very long time. I promise that I will work hard, and I will repay you as soon as I am able. Sleep well and I look forward to speaking with you more when you've woken."
Artia went and dropped a bag full of coins on the clean dress and shoes. "For your first week to help you get items you need."
Some time later.
Xzavior made his way into the home and went straight into the living room. With a wyvern hatchling perched on his tail he had to lightly shake her off before sitting on the couch and instantly sinking into it with a sigh of relief as he splayed his arms out, the wyvern leaped into his lap but didn't rest, instead she looked towards the one new face she had yet to see in this house or anywhere for that matter. Xzavior had failed to notice anyone in the house other then knowing Artia was probably up in her bedroom sleeping at the moment, he would have followed right away but he still felt awake enough to do something.
Nasada entered shortly after, a red robe pulled tightly around her pallid, frail frame. Her inky black hair was soaked and hung lazily over her shoulders; obviously, from appearance, she had just gotten out of a bath. In one hand, the young woman held a brush, the other reaching up to grab a chunk of wet locks when suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she spied movement. "Oh by the gods!' she spat out, somewhat alarmed. After all- she were the stranger here. "I.. I'm sorry. I- Artia brought me here. I don't mean to intrude.." she offered the male and his companion.
Nasada looked at Xzavior.
Xzavior looked at Nasada.
Xzavior jumped in surprise causing Leifa to yelp in turn. Looking over to see who disrupted the calm he lifted a hand, "If Artia brought you here, everything is fine. I was the last to enter this house so it's me who would be intruding." He quickly looked her over giving a slight frown noting how thin she looked. Quickly wiping it away he offered her a smile before saying, "But if we are to be acquainted I think being dry seems more comfortable," Leifa just tilted her head curiously at the newcomer and gave a small warble not moving from where she was on Xzavior's lap.
Nasada relaxed a little a slight smile formed upon her lips. With a bit of force the brush began to tear at the knots in her hair- something that needed to be done for quite some time. Of course, this would expose a small black tattoo on the right side of her neck. As she got a better look at the man, she remarked, "You are Artia's apprentice? She.. spoke highly of you. So, it is nice to meet you." As the brush pulled at the root, she winced, soon after to offer a name. "I am... well.. you may call me Raevyn."
Xzavior only looked at the tattoo once not giving it much of a thought thinking it only just another piece of art. When she mentioned having been mentioned he grinned a bit awkwardly, "Yea, I've been her apprentice for a while now. My name's Xzavior if Artia hasn't said, and this little girl here is Leifa. And it's a pleasure meeting you." As she brushed through her hair then continued getting snagged he furrowed his brows slightly, "But I've yet to know why you are here. But guessing on how you were told about my apprenticeship it will involve me seeing you a bit more often, right?" Shishi said OOC, "Yo"
Nasada nodded in confirmation. "Ah yes, I am certain you will." Finally, after a few minutes of tugging and pulling, those long black locks were once more clean and straightened- well as straightened as she could get them with a brush. Setting the instrument down upon a shelf, Nasada slowly made her way over toward a couch closest to the windows. She sat in the corner, lifting her legs to be in a half seated, leaning position. "I am here because Artia is a very gentle and kind person. I hope... I have been in this mysterious land for about a year I think. I... was stuck in some horrid land filled with spiders and sorrowful trees. I mostly lived on... rats." Her nose wrinkled. It wasn't pleasant, but basic survival never is. "I.. met a large dragon who took me under his wing soon after. He gave me shelter in his cave, but... well.. a cave is just no place for a young woman, you know? I have been exploring a little. Looking for a place to rest. I did find a village.... Ke-lay? The tavern owner there was very polite. However, I got lost in the forest and wound up near a river not far from here. I was freezing... Artia found me and brought me here. Food... bath.. shelter." She smiled softly, it was a pure, genuine smile. "So. Here I am. At least until I can find my own way." Those deathly pale blues turned toward Xzavior, "I promise not to intrude too much." Curious, Nasada asked, "And if you don't mind... what is... Leifa. I have never seen a creature like that before."
Xzavior listened to her story and after she was finished he nodded and gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, Artia is probably the most kind hearted person I know. And as far as I can remember the place you described was called Vailkrin. I've never been there myself, seeing no point in doing so." Pausing for a moment as Leifa tilted her head and flapped her wings as if trying to tell her that way. "Leifa is an ice wyvern. She found me one night while I was camping in Frostmaw and she hasn't left me since. But don't worry about intruding too much. I'm usually gone at the sick bay or off on a trip out of Larket." He looked down to pet Leifa for a moment before looking back up and staring at Nasada with his smoke grey eyes. "If you don't mind me asking, something that is bothering me is you've been here in Hollow longer than I, if you know anything about nagas and their history, I was awoken a little under two months ago. Yet it seems that I know more about these places then you. Did something happen, or at least think happened?"
Nasada stared in amazement at Leifa. "Oh wow..." she mumbled. A real live wyvern? She had read about them, the same way she had read about dragons. Neither did she would ever think she would bare witness to. Then again, never did she ever think that she would be off in a far away land with creatures like Naga! "Vailkrin? Frostmaw?" the young woman repeated. "I really must find a book of geography." His latter-most inquiry caught her off guard. Nasada's head fell upon the armrest, hair draped over, gaze locked onto nothingness as she tried best to answer the man-beast. "I know nothing of the Naga, truthfully. You... are the second i have ever laid eyes upon. I had no idea your kind existed until but a week ago." A casual glance was afforded, the sight still something that she had to get used to. "Truthfully I am not from these regions. I was exiled from my village. Marked a heretic. It was upon chance that i stumbled into a cave to escape the rain. In the middle of the night something called to me from the back of the cave, so I entered deeper- only to come out the other side... That is when I found myself in this... Vailkrin as you call it. I tried to go back, but the cavern had changed. The way I traveled was simply gone." She frowned. Not that it mattered much, it wasn't like she could magically go home. "So, for most of a year I have been stuck in an abandoned tower. Too afraid of the arachnids that were hunting me. I only managed to escape because I heard -him- calling to me. The dragon."
When she once more looked to Xzavior, she quietly chuckled to herself. it seemed that the half-man, half-snake must have had quite a day, because he had seemingly drifted off to sleep. Thinking that the same may be beneficial, Nasada rests her head against the arm of the couch, her eyes falling shut as she basks in the serenity of the new home.