The feeling of death hung in the air like a heavy fog. However one would never guess that the innocent old woman moving though the woods was the source of this feeling. No one ever guessed that she was nothing more then an innocent old woman. And that was exactly what she wanted them to think. She wanted them to trust her and not fear her. That way she could see the look of betrayal on their faces when she stabbed them in the back.
She smiled to herself as she moved her frail looking body through the woods. It was about mid day and she figured that she was currently alone right now. It was okay with her at the moment. She looked around with her black eyes. It was these eyes that told others that she was pure evil. She took a ragged breath. Always she was carrying some terrible sickness. She knew this was why most who met her died. And she loved coming to them as the took their las feeble breaths. It was an amazing feeling to her.
As sound near her made her frown. Someone or something was here with her. She figured that it was some hunter who was looking for game. She grinned. Who ever it was was about to meet a terrible end. So she turned around and made her way slowly towards the sound that she had just heard.
Alder Had been wandering for a while looking for food. Quickly he Jumped tree to tree hoping to find a deer or elk. They never Look up for predators, with bow in hand he Fidgeted his mask. Damn thing is starting to chafe again. He Said out loud. Hell he didn't care about the noise he was making there wasn't a single soul in these woods,or thats what he thought until he could see a shadow coming out of the fog towards the tree he was in. He took a talisman from his Leg and restored his rusty bow. With a flash of magic it looked brand new. He then took aim at the silhouette
Antalla just slowly made her way towards the odd sound. She soon realized that what she heard was a voice. A male voice at that. She wondered who was in her woods. She took a ragged breath as she looked around. She did not see anyone here. So she decided to play like she was just some feeble old woman walking through the woods. " I don't know where you are friend but I mean you no harm." She said. He voice was soft and sweet. A contradiction to her true intentions.
Alder Lowered the Drawn bow to see the silhouette clearer. As he stood up he accidentally He let his hand off of the Draw string firing a Arrow in this Now little old ladies direction. Shiiitt! he let out as the arrow left his bow. He Threw out a protective ward on himself should he get a nun finger in his chest Then climbed down. You still breathing Old hag?
The old woman frowned when the arrow when flying at her. It hit her in her stomach. She frowned seeing blood coming from the wound. Though she felt no pain she still fell to her knees. She made a sound as if she was in pain. She looked up as she saw the young male coming out of the tree. She wondered if he attacked her on purpose. Well if he did he would find that she did not die that easy. " I'm hurt ..... but can breathe. " She told him. He breaths were rasping as she spoke. The closer he would get the more likely it would be that he would feel the feeling of death in the air.
Alder Jogged over to the woman and knelt down. The Fog seemed to Get darker the closer he got to her.Fuck, Listen hag Im gonna pull that out on three Alright? He then counted and pulled it out.Alright just keep breathing and you should be fine. He said as he reached to his shoulder to pull another Rune From his Deck, he then layed it on her wound which was spilling..... not human looking blood. Alright leave that paper on the hole on in your stomach and you should be fine. He said as he took a few steps back. What the fuck is a old woman wandering around at a time like this, You a forest witch or somthin He asked he put the bloody arrow back into his quiver.
She made sure not to let the man see her eyes. She wanted to keep up the kindly old woman demeanor. " I understand." She told him after he spoke. She gave a yelp as he pulled out the arrow. Indeed her blood was as black as night. And it was downright deadly if any got into someone bloodstream. " I will don't worry." She said to him. Her raspy breaths still came the same as they had before. The way they always came out.
She watched him with interest as he put what looked like paper over her wound. Most magic effected her like it effected humans. But nothing cured the sickness she carried with her. " I think I owe you a thank you. As for why I'm here it's simple. This is my home. I'm not a witch though. Just an old woman who lives in the woods." She told him . She was not going to tell this man what she was. There was no point on that just yet.
" Why are you here? " She asked softly. She figured that if he asked her something she could ask him the same question right back.
Im Trying to hunt he said as he crossed his arms. But why is an old woman Living in the woods presumably by herself? He asked again As he looked her over. "Seems she has been a while without bathing So she wasnt a new Addison she must have some way of braving the wilds" Alder thought to himself
She nodded as he spoke. It seemed he wanted to know why she was here. She gave a soft shivering sigh as she thought a couple of seconds. She then gave a small smile. " I have lived in the woods a long time. It's where I was born was in the woods. I'm not good with crowds. " She explained. It was only a slight truth. She really didn't like crowds unless she wanted to kill entire villages. She really perfured to kill her victims one by one. It was more fun that way.
Alder Shook his head as he listened. Well if you where born here could you point me in the direction of Some wildlife? He asked
The woman kind of glanced up at the man when he asked his question. She then allowed him to get a good look at her dark soulless eyes. Eyes that had the look of pure evil to them. She then started to laugh. " My dear in this forest it is you who is the prey." She stated with a grin. The act was over. She was now going to hurt this odd man. Of course she was not afraid of him. Death always spared those like her.
Alder watched as looked up at him and made her comment. He stood there with a blank look on his face.His face came to life as he struck a retaliation So you are a witch! He exclaimed You know any magic by chance? Seemingly careless of her Malicious intent, he then Grabbed one of his decks and started looking through it for a blank Talisman
Antalla was kind of confused when she saw his reaction. That was definitely very strange. He did not seem very afraid at all. She kind of stared at him for a few seconds. She had never had someone react like that at all. " Well you are partly right. I cast spells that cause sickness and death. I'm not a witch though. I am a spirit" She stated to him. She was actually getting curious now. She wondered if this man could be used as a pawn rather then a victim.
Alder found a blank one. How much would you charge for lessons? He asked as he cracked a smile. If you are not interested in money i could teach you a trick of my own he said as Flashed a black piece of paper
Antalla blinked when he asked his question. He wanted her to teach him her magic? That was strange. However she could probably teach him if he wanted. After all it was not like he could hurt her with her own magic. And she might find a use for him in the meantime. " I won't charge you to teach you. It will be my pleasure." She said to him softly. Of course at his ending statement she only grinned. Other magic could be useful indeed. " What kind of trick?" She questioned now. She was actually kind of curious.
Alder grinned as she asked. im sure its a pain in the ass when people you are "Defending yourself" against run out of your cast range. He Then pulled a Paper from one of his decks and stuck it on a arrow as the red rune glowed. Well watch this. He Then Fired it and Snapped his fingers as he said Vermilion Fire! The sky lit up as the arrow Exploded in flames. Remote casting. he said as he turned to her. I also got some motion sensing ones He then Flourished as he took out all of his cards and spit them up in between his fingers. Think you could use that?
Antalla was listening as the man was speaking now. Then as he demonstrated his magic she was indeed impressed. She then kind of smirked at him. Indeed she could use this man . He could prove to be a very valuable asset. Of course she would have to ensure that he would not try to kill her or something like that. Because if he tried she would have to go and kill him first . She didn't want to have to do that yet.
" thats very impressive. And yes indeed it could be very useful." She told him with a nod. " in order for me to teach you my spells ill need to be in my true form." She told him. She then slowly started to change . Long claws grew from fingers and long leathery wing came from her back. Lastly a long tail came from behind her with a blade on its tip.
She grinned a fang filled smile. She knew that she was scary in this form. But she figured he needed to see just what he was dealing with before they made any solid deals.
Alder Just watched with amazement He had never seen Any Spirits before , he then reached out and grabbed one of her claws and Shook it. Name is Alder, Alder Coldren Pleasure to make you acquaintance He then let go of her claw. May i have the pleasure of knowing who will be instructing me?
She watched him as he looked at her. She got the feeling that he was not afraid of her. That was a good thing though she supposed. When he touched her she grinned a bit. If she so chose that could have been his time touching anyone. She could have given him some horrible desease . But she didn't do that . " It's nice to meet you too. My name is antalla. Just plain antalla. " She told him with a smile. Her tail wrapped around her leg as she spoke. " So what would you like to learn first?" She asked him now.
Hmmmm Alder said as he Put his finger on his chin. What type of magic are you adept in? He asked as he noticed her tail nearing his leg, He decided not to do anything. Im proficient in all schools of magic, Not a master by any means but with enough time i can learn whatever you throw at me He said proudly
The tail seemed to just seemed to move against his leg going up it slightly. It was not really something she did on purpose. She seemed to notice that she was doing that and smirked. " Im sorry it moves on its own when I thinking." She mumbled . She moved it away from him . She didn't want to come across as creepy. Even though she really was a creep.
" Well I can spread desease and sickness mostly . I have spell that prevent myself from getting sick. I also have one that lets you live forever." She stated with a nod. " So you know a bit of everything? That pretty impressive. Especially since you seem to be so young. " She said with a smile.
Why thank you He said with a dumb smile on his face. I would be Interested in your sickness spells He asked as he thought for a moment I imagine you are not teaching me for free, What would you like in return miss Antalla? He asked as more Fog started to move in.
Antalla just smiled. She figured that he would pick that one. Now she could tell him that she wanted him to do her bidding. Or she could get anouther form of payment. But what? Time to see what he was willing to pay. " Tell me alder what would you be willing to do for such power as payment? " She asked with a grin. Of course she knew most would do about anything. But how far would this boy be willing to go?She moved her tail back and forth as she spoke. She wondered what he was willing to do for such power.
What would i be willing to do?He asked himself. Im not going lie your magic sounds very useful. I dont see you having a need for gold. He then reached into his quiver and pulled out the black bloody arrow. However you might find it difficult to rid yourself of any pests you have, I could help "alleviate" you of any pests you might have. He said as he touched the Black blood, smuging in between his gloved fingers.
Antalla blinked when he told her what he was willing to do." Indeed it is very interesting" she told him now. She the looked at with the same smile. It was funny what people would do for a good price . " I do find it hard to get rid of the pests. if that's what you are willing to do then you have yourself a deal then. " She told him with a smile now.
Glad to hear it He said as he put the arrow away. After all Alder was only human, He was not above killing to get what he wanted. I imagine you want me to use what you teach me in the Dealing with the pests? He said as he crossed his arms. Also should we head back to your abode? He asked as he took off his mask.
She curled her tail near herself as she listened to him now. She looked around as the fog seemed to close in tighter. She was used to this happening around her. She was sure he would learn to get used to it as well. " Indeed that would give you practice to refine the skills you learn. " She said with a nod. She the heard what he said next. " Yes we should probably make our way there when you are ready." She told him. She looked at his face with interest as he removed his mask now.
Alder shook his head and felt the air hit his face. I am ready. Let us depart at once. Faintly Alder could hear people not too far away. "some people must have just wandered in" He thought to himself.
(Continue at Antalla's house or a demonstration of her power on the nearby humans?)
(( we can do a demonstration of her powers if you want to))
Antalla just smirked a bit as she watched him. She was about to respond to him when she heard a sound. Someone was in her forest. Maybe it was time for a demonstration now. She looked to the boy and smiled. " I think someone else is here. Want to see how my magic works ?" She asked him now with an evil grin on her face.
Alder simply nodded as he put his mask back on. He then took out his bow once again and hopped into a tree. Lead the way. He wanted to get a good view of what was to come.
She looked at him as he put his main on and got into the tree. She stood up slowly being at she had been on her knees for a bit. Now at her full height he might not that she was taller then she she looked. She moves towards the sound of the humans who were near them. The fog followed her as she moved. Once she was close to the humans she grinned. This was going to be fun.
He moved to where they where camped following Antalla, Seemed to be a group of five Two swordsmen, one archer and two clerics. They where Setting up camp despite the fog in the woods yelling at them to leave. Alder moved to a high tree branch waiting for her to start her assault. He had his bow drawn with the Arrow he shot her with arrowhead still black as pitch. Ready and waiting Miss Antalla. He whispered to her as he noticed the Smile on her face "so this is what she does for fun" he Thought to himself
She grinned and nodded at his words . " Okay " she told him with a nod. She then whispered her spell the strange words whispering though the trees. The fog turned darker and thicker as it inches closer to the travelers. With it was a horrible sickness. If the fog touched any of the travelers they would feel the effects of the terrible sickness she was conjuring now.
Alder watched as the Fog thickened below him,It was growing and creeping towards them. It was starting to darken in color, he sat on the edge of the tree branch he was on to as it kept up on the female cleric with them.
As the fog got closer to the traveler she would find that she felt ill. Very very ill. And she would start to cough. If the others got close they too would feel the same effects. It wasn't the fastest acting magic but it was very effective. And what made it worse was the fact that there was no cure for this sickness. and no magic would effect it either.
Alder took note of the slow effects. While it was slow the female cleric was now hacking up a storm. The others moved over to her to see what was going on with her. They too would now be Infected. One by one they dropped gasping for air as their organs failed them. In the span of about thirty seconds they where all dead.
Antalla only smiled as she watched the travelers die. She then smiled moving her tail back and forth. Kind of like a dog did when it was happy. She then looked back up at the boy in the tree. " And that is how deadly my magic can be. " She told him with an evil grin. In case he had not noticed by now he was dealing with a sick minded being.
He shook his head. Lets start right away He wanted to master this As quickly as he could, If he succeeded it would be a boon in his travels. Shall we retire to your abode now? He said as he Followed Antalla Through the trees
She looked up at him with a ranged smile. She was happy that he seemed so eager to begin. " I agree with that. Yes let's go to my home now." She said. As they made there way to her home the fog gathered around them again. Her home was not far from here. It was actually more like a shelter of rock then an actual house. But one did not need much where they were undead .
Alder took note of the shelter and took a seat in it. What kind of exercise will we be running first
? Alder asked He Desperately wanted to start
Antalla noted how eagar he was to start learning. To her that was not really a bad thing. Though it was a bit new for her. Though really anyone who wanted to learn her magic struck her as strange. " first I need to know how good your focus is. Because if you lose your concentration with this magic you could end up causing a huge outbreak." She said to him. She was also getting out her spell book as she was speaking. She would need that in a moment.
Alder shook his head. I can be focused if you need me to be. He also noted her Wording with outbreak, She was evil and did enjoy killing, but she knew the dangers of overdoing it and he respected that.
Antalla nodded. She knew well that it was not wise to kill everyone around you. Some creatures were useful to her. And she did like having victims around to torture. " Well the first thing that I will show you is the one spell that will prevent you from getting any sickness you unleash. However I'll tell you that it makes you feel very strange at first. " She told him.
She then brought the book over to him. It was written in a very odd language. She held the book out to him. " All you need to do is read this out loud if you can. It's the best way that this spell works." She passed and looked at him.
Alder nodded and took as she gave it to him. He then started peering at the old speak the book was written in. He then spoke Iant knowledge forbidden e' seorsa tul a a' amin! He spoke as started to feel a migraine. He set the book down and took a seat. He was getting swirls and felt like vomiting, and ever so briefly lost his vision Is this supposed to happen? he said as his muscles felt like they were on fire
Antalla listened as he spoke the words. Then she noted that he started the effects of the spell. She had warned him that it made one feel bad. She watched him with interest. " I'm sorry. I didn't think about the effects being worse on humans." She told him. " I could help ease the side effects if you need me to" she told him now. She wasn't wanting him to get sick here.
Alder held out his hand in protest No its Fine. He did not want to appear weak in front of his teacher. Sweat was pouring down his face as he felt his muscles heat up. His vision started to return as he stood up. He looked up at antalla, as he did he now wore a completely different face. He looked determined Gritting his teeth as he regained balance. Its starting to get better. He said as he now was on two feet
Antalla watched the man as he spoke . It seemed that he was a resilent human. That was very good to note. " Okay that is very good. Anouther good thing is that you'll only have to cast this spell once. So now you'll never get sick . Unless you remove the spell." She told him with a slight grin. Of course she would tell him more once he got better. They would also need some targets soon. To test his magic out on.
He now had all of his balance back. Im ready for the next one. He said to antalla with newfound conviction in his voice.
Antalla was happy to know that he was better now. She picked up the book flipping through the pages. " This will summon the fog that brings for the spells. Be sure not to mess up on the words. Other wise you will have a whole new problem to deal with." She told him holding out the book to him as she pointed out the spell to him.
Alder took the spell book into his arms once again and the words came to him more clearly now. Oh hisie en' engwar ar' hisie en' gor tul a a' amin! He could feel his hairs stand up behind him. He could now see his fog come in. It was colorless unlike his mentors. I see, So the fog is the base of the spell, then you add the pestilence. He said as he turned to her
Antalla smiled as she watched him cast his spell. She was glad to see that he did not mess up. " yes thats exactly right. And it will darken as you get better with your magic. The darker it is the stronger you are." She told him with a smile." Now are you ready to try and cast anouther spell.?" She asked him now.
With a wave of his hand Alder Dispelled the fog around him. Ready as ill ever be. He said to antalla with a smirk on his face.
(sorry about the wait)
(( It's alright I don't mind))
Antalla grinned now. Though there was one problem now. They needed a victim. " Well the only problem is that you need something to target. " She stated with a frown. She wondered how he felt about killing someone innocent himself. Though he did offer to get rid of pests as he called them.
We could wait Until someone else is foolish Enough to Wander into the woods or seek prey Ourselves He said to her. He Did not care if he had to kill innocent people to master this art. To him they where stepping stones nothing more and nothing less
She looked at alder when he made his statement. Now that was some commitment he had. Most would never go for hurting innocent people. But here she had someone who was willing to do that. That was very interesting to her. " Well if we go hunting for victims we will need to be careful to find one that's not in a huge crowd. If one person lives that's infected you will have a huge outbreak going on. And that would be bad cause there would not be anyone left to torment in the future." She told him. That was the reason she only killed a few here and there. She liked always having someone to kill latter.
Alder shook his head in agreement. Roger. He then walked out of the abode and waited on antalla.
Antalla made her way out of her home behind the man. She then whispered her transformation spell and turned back in to the old woman from before. " Then let's go" she told him with a smile.