30 min read
Well Met
July 25, 2017
◈ WHO: Xiu & Ryder (Rapidashtrainer & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Mid afternoon on July 25, 2017
◈ WHERE: Wooded clearing near Oakdale
◈ WEATHER: Sunny and warm.
◈ WHEN: Mid afternoon on July 25, 2017
◈ WHERE: Wooded clearing near Oakdale
◈ WEATHER: Sunny and warm.
Xiu took in his surroundings, making sure that he was absolutely alone in this wooded clearing far off the typical jogging route of the forest reserve. No one, living or undead was within sight. That was good. This was something that he needed to do in private. Without any prying eyes.
It was time to train.
The last time Xiu had held his sword was back when he still a Sigel and ever since he grew, acclimatizing to his new form had taken priority. Now though, it was time to test his skill.
Unsheathing his blade, Xiu did a few experimental cuts and thrusts. Everything felt fine. Better than fine actually. With growth came the exhilarating boost in speed and strength. Always a welcomed boon. The Valsaros then made several rapid lunges forward before jumping back, his focus centered around fighting off an imaginary enemy.
So far so good. Initially, the valsaros had been worried that the transition from floating to being grounded would impair his movements but so far, his legs were doing what was expected of them. Spotting a log, Xiu made a running leap over it…
Only to splash into a large mud puddle on the other side.
It was time to train.
The last time Xiu had held his sword was back when he still a Sigel and ever since he grew, acclimatizing to his new form had taken priority. Now though, it was time to test his skill.
Unsheathing his blade, Xiu did a few experimental cuts and thrusts. Everything felt fine. Better than fine actually. With growth came the exhilarating boost in speed and strength. Always a welcomed boon. The Valsaros then made several rapid lunges forward before jumping back, his focus centered around fighting off an imaginary enemy.
So far so good. Initially, the valsaros had been worried that the transition from floating to being grounded would impair his movements but so far, his legs were doing what was expected of them. Spotting a log, Xiu made a running leap over it…
Only to splash into a large mud puddle on the other side.
Reuben was gone, and now, so was the toadstool. Being on the outskirts of the city was always worth it in that sense. Ryder did enjoy the peace and quiet the forest gave him every now and again. It wasn’t typical, but especially after a rain of sorts, the frei loved to go out and feast on rotting, wet wood as well as practice his magic. He was equipped with a few mushrooms, his crystal ball, and of course, his spellbook.
The frei found the perfect area. Somewhat discreet and rather open, for a good magical practicing session. He opened his tome and, using the magic that his aunt Calista had taught him, he made the book float in place. He just needed a nice, open and quiet area to really focus his mind and allow his imagination to flow freely.
Ryder started by taking a mushroom from his pocket. With his enchanting hands, he molded the mushroom into a shield. With another, he molded it into a flimsy toadstool sword. He imagined himself as a warrior in a faraway land, protecting a castle from invaders. Swinging his toadstool sword a few times he giggled. Placing the two pieces down he then took out his crystal ball. Touching it caused the shattered inner crystals to swirl, opening a rift into the frei’s mind and causing images to appear. He kept glancing at his floating spellbook to make sure his notes were correct, and then the castle from his imagination appeared within the orb. This was the castle he was to save from the intruders. After a bit of building the inside of the castle within his mind and showing it off in the orb, he felt the pang of hunger.
It was at this time, the frei decided it was time to take a break and find some food. After some mild searching, the frei came across a log to feast upon. But in the distance through some trees, there was a man. “Wow, a real warrior,” the frei muttered to himself quietly, taking a bite of the log. It was like a show. He was impressed and instantly imagined the man as his warrior in the story he was just fabricating. Ryder watched as he jumped, thrusted, and swung his sword every which direction. It was almost whimsical to watch, the man’s clothing swaying with his every move. He was a true warrior, Ryder could tell. The frei just watched from a distance as he feasted upon his log.
The frei found the perfect area. Somewhat discreet and rather open, for a good magical practicing session. He opened his tome and, using the magic that his aunt Calista had taught him, he made the book float in place. He just needed a nice, open and quiet area to really focus his mind and allow his imagination to flow freely.
Ryder started by taking a mushroom from his pocket. With his enchanting hands, he molded the mushroom into a shield. With another, he molded it into a flimsy toadstool sword. He imagined himself as a warrior in a faraway land, protecting a castle from invaders. Swinging his toadstool sword a few times he giggled. Placing the two pieces down he then took out his crystal ball. Touching it caused the shattered inner crystals to swirl, opening a rift into the frei’s mind and causing images to appear. He kept glancing at his floating spellbook to make sure his notes were correct, and then the castle from his imagination appeared within the orb. This was the castle he was to save from the intruders. After a bit of building the inside of the castle within his mind and showing it off in the orb, he felt the pang of hunger.
It was at this time, the frei decided it was time to take a break and find some food. After some mild searching, the frei came across a log to feast upon. But in the distance through some trees, there was a man. “Wow, a real warrior,” the frei muttered to himself quietly, taking a bite of the log. It was like a show. He was impressed and instantly imagined the man as his warrior in the story he was just fabricating. Ryder watched as he jumped, thrusted, and swung his sword every which direction. It was almost whimsical to watch, the man’s clothing swaying with his every move. He was a true warrior, Ryder could tell. The frei just watched from a distance as he feasted upon his log.
Stepping out of the mud puddle and grimacing at the mess it made, Xiu took a stance once again. There was still time before he was expected at home and he had promised himself a thorough workout today. Taking a deep breath, Xiu cleared his mind and once again put himself through the paces of his training. Everything was going rather well until, doing a half turn, his mind chanced upon a lone figure watching from a distance.
Xiu immediately stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face the watcher. Then beamed. It was a fellow raevan! He could tell from the glowing rune beneath the frei’s body.
“Hello there!” the Valsaros called out as he sheathed his sword and made his way towards the sitting frei. “Sorry, I did not quite notice you sitting there. Were you here long?”
“My name’s Xiu, what’s yours?”
Xiu immediately stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face the watcher. Then beamed. It was a fellow raevan! He could tell from the glowing rune beneath the frei’s body.
“Hello there!” the Valsaros called out as he sheathed his sword and made his way towards the sitting frei. “Sorry, I did not quite notice you sitting there. Were you here long?”
“My name’s Xiu, what’s yours?”
Ryder watched the scene unfold as if it was an out of body experience. He heard the man speak, but his body tensed. He floated there, stiff, cheeks flushing. He wasn’t sure what to do or what to say, but he did know that this man was making his way towards him. At least he seemed kind? Maybe?
Finally, as the man introduced himself, the toadstool found his voice. “I’m...Ryder. S-sorry! I didn’t mean to make you stop. I wasn’t here too long at all. I was actually practicing my magic and stopped to eat and rest a minute.”
This was one of the first times he hadn’t been stared at or given a strange glance by a human...or demon...or whatever race this man was. “You looked amazing, though. Like a warrior.”
Finally, as the man introduced himself, the toadstool found his voice. “I’m...Ryder. S-sorry! I didn’t mean to make you stop. I wasn’t here too long at all. I was actually practicing my magic and stopped to eat and rest a minute.”
This was one of the first times he hadn’t been stared at or given a strange glance by a human...or demon...or whatever race this man was. “You looked amazing, though. Like a warrior.”
“Nice to meet you Ryder,” said Xiu pleasantly and with apparent ease. He had not met this particular frei before but Ryder seemed like an intelligent lad. And practising magic at this level too! Xiu recalled that most of his freihood had been pretty unremarkable. Apart from an innate ability to detect malevolence, Xiu had been relatively….non-magical. But if Ryder was already able to perform magic…
The Valsaros was silent for a moment. Would it be...dangerous? Was Ryder able to fully grasp his skill? Xiu hadn’t been able to handle his first bloodlust and from what he knew, Lazarus came close to blowing the Lab up with his powers.
But nothing seemed to be on the brink of total chaos so that was probably a good thing.
When Ryder commented on his form though, Xiu gave an embarrassed laugh. “Gosh...how much of that did you see? I mean...I did not think that anyone would be around this far out in the woods,”
“But about that magic of yours, err..what kind of magic were you practising? If you don’t mind me asking?”
The Valsaros was silent for a moment. Would it be...dangerous? Was Ryder able to fully grasp his skill? Xiu hadn’t been able to handle his first bloodlust and from what he knew, Lazarus came close to blowing the Lab up with his powers.
But nothing seemed to be on the brink of total chaos so that was probably a good thing.
When Ryder commented on his form though, Xiu gave an embarrassed laugh. “Gosh...how much of that did you see? I mean...I did not think that anyone would be around this far out in the woods,”
“But about that magic of yours, err..what kind of magic were you practising? If you don’t mind me asking?”
Ryder listened to the man speak, and gave an awkward nod and smirk when he stated he didn’t think anyone would be out this far. “Well, I just live down the trail a ways. My house is just before you get out of the forest completely.”
Thinking back on what he was practicing, it was his imagination magic. His casting. His powers were coming real. He could show the man what he was practicing, that was the best thought. “Want to see?” the frei questioned with a smile.
Ryder floated back a bit to put some space between him and the valsaros. He put his book down on the ground and took a deep breath. He figured, if he was going to show off a power, it would be one power he had a grasp for. He closed his eyes and imagined himself with large, bull-esque horns. Suddenly, the horns began to manifest themselves upon his head, stemming out from his skull as if they were real.
Thinking back on what he was practicing, it was his imagination magic. His casting. His powers were coming real. He could show the man what he was practicing, that was the best thought. “Want to see?” the frei questioned with a smile.
Ryder floated back a bit to put some space between him and the valsaros. He put his book down on the ground and took a deep breath. He figured, if he was going to show off a power, it would be one power he had a grasp for. He closed his eyes and imagined himself with large, bull-esque horns. Suddenly, the horns began to manifest themselves upon his head, stemming out from his skull as if they were real.
Ryder opened his eyes slowly and looked at Xiu. “Are they there?” he questioned, moving his hands up to feel. Yes, yes they were. “They’re real to me, I can feel them,” the toadstool began, “But if you try to touch them, you won’t be able to, I guess. You can try if you want,” he said, floating closer to the valsaros.
“I can also create imaginary friends. I was able to do that right off the bat. Like it was an extension of myself,” he said, waving a hand outward. Beyond that outstretched hand, a tall, lanky woman began to manifest in the background. She had long arms down to her knees and long legs, a tiny torso, a rather wonky face, all sewn up in a very gaudy dress. “This is Al-”
“-ice, nice to meet you,” the woman took over the sentence. It was as if the two voices came together at the exact right moment so the sentence was seamless. She took a few large, awkward steps closer to the two to reveal that she was much taller than even Ryder (and he floats at 6’1”). A creepy smile plastered on her face.
Ryder looked up at her and smiled, turning his attention back to Xiu, he spoke, “I have other things I can do, too, but I’m not nearly that good at them yet. But I practice each and every day so that I can make sure I’m getting better.”
“I can also create imaginary friends. I was able to do that right off the bat. Like it was an extension of myself,” he said, waving a hand outward. Beyond that outstretched hand, a tall, lanky woman began to manifest in the background. She had long arms down to her knees and long legs, a tiny torso, a rather wonky face, all sewn up in a very gaudy dress. “This is Al-”
“-ice, nice to meet you,” the woman took over the sentence. It was as if the two voices came together at the exact right moment so the sentence was seamless. She took a few large, awkward steps closer to the two to reveal that she was much taller than even Ryder (and he floats at 6’1”). A creepy smile plastered on her face.
Ryder looked up at her and smiled, turning his attention back to Xiu, he spoke, “I have other things I can do, too, but I’m not nearly that good at them yet. But I practice each and every day so that I can make sure I’m getting better.”
Xiu watched, mouth slightly agape as horns capable of challenging Lazarus’s own set began to sprout out of Ryder’s head. The frei had called this magic. Was it similar to Cesc’s ability to manifest items made out of light at will?
The Valsaros was just about to question Ryder on the solidity of his horns when the raevan supplied the answer himself. Turns out it was something like a mirage to others but to the frei it question, it felt real.
“Fascinating,” was all the Valsaros could murmur when he passed his fingers through those solid looking horns. It felt slightly surreal but then again, stranger things have-
A being was now being manifested out of Ryder’s imagination and Xiu had to tilt his head back in order to take in her full height. With proportions and a smile that was slightly unnerving, Xiu unconsciously took several steps back when Alice was fully formed. Standing beside her summoner, Alice appeared impressive, creepy and intimidating.
It was fortunate that she was not a physical manifestation.
“That’s some imagination,” admitted Xiu as his eyes flickered between Ryder and Alice. “And you are quite the diligent Raevan,”
Now that introductions were over, Xiu once again took several tentative steps towards Alice and tried to touch her hand. As Ryder had promised, his hand merely passed through the giantess.
“I guess you love reading fantasy books then?” asked Xiu and this time the Valsaros was grinning. “I wished I had such a cool skill as yours back when I was a frei. All those worlds, characters and monsters…”
The Valsaros was just about to question Ryder on the solidity of his horns when the raevan supplied the answer himself. Turns out it was something like a mirage to others but to the frei it question, it felt real.
“Fascinating,” was all the Valsaros could murmur when he passed his fingers through those solid looking horns. It felt slightly surreal but then again, stranger things have-
A being was now being manifested out of Ryder’s imagination and Xiu had to tilt his head back in order to take in her full height. With proportions and a smile that was slightly unnerving, Xiu unconsciously took several steps back when Alice was fully formed. Standing beside her summoner, Alice appeared impressive, creepy and intimidating.
It was fortunate that she was not a physical manifestation.
“That’s some imagination,” admitted Xiu as his eyes flickered between Ryder and Alice. “And you are quite the diligent Raevan,”
Now that introductions were over, Xiu once again took several tentative steps towards Alice and tried to touch her hand. As Ryder had promised, his hand merely passed through the giantess.
“I guess you love reading fantasy books then?” asked Xiu and this time the Valsaros was grinning. “I wished I had such a cool skill as yours back when I was a frei. All those worlds, characters and monsters…”
Ryder nodded, looking up at his imaginary friend. It was a wonderful power to have, especially right out of the gate. Alice was the first friend he had ever made. Magic, was by far his favorite pastime.
When the valsaros suggested that he was a raevan, the frei’s face scrunched. “You know what I am?” Ryder questioned. It sort of made sense then, that this man wasn’t either curious as to why he was a floating half body. “I’m actually fashioned from imagination. Visible Imagination to be exact,” he said, smiling.
Now Ryder felt comfortable, this man knew what he was and was complimenting his powers and had a love for fantasy books!? The toadstool couldn’t get enough!
“Yes! I do love reading fantasy! That’s my favorite genre! Is it yours, too?!” the excitement on the frei’s face was quite apparent. Whenever books were brought up, it turned the awkward frei into a giddy child.
“You’re a raevan, too!?” the frei backed up. He’d met a couple sigel, but never a valsaros! “But you have legs! How did that happen!? When can I get legs!?” the questions just poured out of the frei’s mouth.
Directly behind him, however, Alice loomed with the same plastered smile and wide eyes staring down at Xiu. It was as if her goal in life was to make people uncomfortable.
When the valsaros suggested that he was a raevan, the frei’s face scrunched. “You know what I am?” Ryder questioned. It sort of made sense then, that this man wasn’t either curious as to why he was a floating half body. “I’m actually fashioned from imagination. Visible Imagination to be exact,” he said, smiling.
Now Ryder felt comfortable, this man knew what he was and was complimenting his powers and had a love for fantasy books!? The toadstool couldn’t get enough!
“Yes! I do love reading fantasy! That’s my favorite genre! Is it yours, too?!” the excitement on the frei’s face was quite apparent. Whenever books were brought up, it turned the awkward frei into a giddy child.
“You’re a raevan, too!?” the frei backed up. He’d met a couple sigel, but never a valsaros! “But you have legs! How did that happen!? When can I get legs!?” the questions just poured out of the frei’s mouth.
Directly behind him, however, Alice loomed with the same plastered smile and wide eyes staring down at Xiu. It was as if her goal in life was to make people uncomfortable.
Visible imagination huh? So that would explain Ryder’s powers. Grinning Xiu nodded. “Yeah, I love reading historical and mythical fantasies. Not so much sci-fi. I used to read books like The Legend of King Arthur, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Greek mythologies… you get the idea,” said Xiu with a chuckle. Glancing up at Alice from time to time but not feeling as unnerved as he initially did anymore, Xiu nodded affirmative.
“Yes, I am a Raevan too. So I am really glad when I meet another of my kind,”
At the mention of legs, Xiu laughed. “I got mine at the start of the year,” said Xiu as he wiggled his right foot. “It takes some time getting used to them but yeah… the question of when it happens vary from one raevan to the next. Some raevans grow faster than others. Umm...but when it does come, well… ,”
Xiu hesitated a little. From experience, it would seem that the catalyst for growth was never a walk in the park but then again, Xiu did not want to scare Ryder unnecessarily. For all he knew, a smooth transition was possible as well. “I am sure that you will find the strength to get through it,” said Xiu, ending it on a rather weak note, it would seem.
The Valsaros became thoughtful once more. “So Ryder, exactly how many of these imaginary friends can you come up with? What about imaginary...monsters? Are you able to imagine them up too? I mean if it isn’t something you are comfortable with, you can tell me and I’d stop,” said Xiu although there was a certain train of thought forming in his mind.
“Yes, I am a Raevan too. So I am really glad when I meet another of my kind,”
At the mention of legs, Xiu laughed. “I got mine at the start of the year,” said Xiu as he wiggled his right foot. “It takes some time getting used to them but yeah… the question of when it happens vary from one raevan to the next. Some raevans grow faster than others. Umm...but when it does come, well… ,”
Xiu hesitated a little. From experience, it would seem that the catalyst for growth was never a walk in the park but then again, Xiu did not want to scare Ryder unnecessarily. For all he knew, a smooth transition was possible as well. “I am sure that you will find the strength to get through it,” said Xiu, ending it on a rather weak note, it would seem.
The Valsaros became thoughtful once more. “So Ryder, exactly how many of these imaginary friends can you come up with? What about imaginary...monsters? Are you able to imagine them up too? I mean if it isn’t something you are comfortable with, you can tell me and I’d stop,” said Xiu although there was a certain train of thought forming in his mind.
Ryder’s eyes widened at all the many books Xiu was listing off. He had read the Lord of the Rings and Narnia, but he decided to mentally jot down the names of the others for the future. He always had a mental note of different books people talked about; especially ones involving things he enjoyed; stories of the old days. It was always fascinating for him.
“That’s awesome! So now I know, one day I’ll get legs,” Ryder said with a bright smile growing on his face. He already liked this Xiu man-raevan-guy. Even when Xiu was ominous about what happens when you receive your legs; the frei was definitely in for a surprise either way. That was actually one of the first things he’d hoped for when he was first brought home. Legs. The one thing he really lacked.
As the valsaros began to ask him questions about his powers, it was interesting. Out of all the many imaginary friends he had made, none of them lasted; except for Alice. The question brought many ideas to his head, however. “I can come up with whatever I wish, really. The imagination is the limit! I’ve been practicing as much as I can with multiple muses and multiple costumes at once. It just gets tiring after a while because I feel like they’re constantly sucking away my energy. Luckily my guardian has a pretty good imagination and I just eat his,” the toadstool stated, not really thinking about how it sounded before he said it. “I am always comfortable with my imaginings. I can tell them what to do; so monsters, dragons, and things of that nature don’t really scare me; in fact, they fascinate me.”
Then, Ryder sort of picked up on the valsaros thought. “Do you want me to send monsters your way!? We can practice together; your sword and my magic!” he exclaimed excitedly.
“That’s awesome! So now I know, one day I’ll get legs,” Ryder said with a bright smile growing on his face. He already liked this Xiu man-raevan-guy. Even when Xiu was ominous about what happens when you receive your legs; the frei was definitely in for a surprise either way. That was actually one of the first things he’d hoped for when he was first brought home. Legs. The one thing he really lacked.
As the valsaros began to ask him questions about his powers, it was interesting. Out of all the many imaginary friends he had made, none of them lasted; except for Alice. The question brought many ideas to his head, however. “I can come up with whatever I wish, really. The imagination is the limit! I’ve been practicing as much as I can with multiple muses and multiple costumes at once. It just gets tiring after a while because I feel like they’re constantly sucking away my energy. Luckily my guardian has a pretty good imagination and I just eat his,” the toadstool stated, not really thinking about how it sounded before he said it. “I am always comfortable with my imaginings. I can tell them what to do; so monsters, dragons, and things of that nature don’t really scare me; in fact, they fascinate me.”
Then, Ryder sort of picked up on the valsaros thought. “Do you want me to send monsters your way!? We can practice together; your sword and my magic!” he exclaimed excitedly.
“You did not tell me that you have a knack for reading people’s mind too!” laughed the Valsaros before nodding in affirmative. “I could do with some real time practice and it seems like you’d be able to work on your skills as well. A win-win. Kinda. But you have got to let me know when you are tired, alright?”
“And I mean it,” said Xiu, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “I would hate to have to explain to your guardian if you overexert yourself. And I do not know if it is possible to eat too much of a person’s imagination or what the consequences are ,” said Xiu as he gave Ryder a grave look.
“I used to feed off people’s innocence. It surrounds them like an aura of sorts and shields them from negativity but when too much of it has been taken away, it makes them vulnerable to attacks,” said Xiu. “I had to learn that the hard way,”
“So, you will stop before it comes to that, yes?”
“And I mean it,” said Xiu, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “I would hate to have to explain to your guardian if you overexert yourself. And I do not know if it is possible to eat too much of a person’s imagination or what the consequences are ,” said Xiu as he gave Ryder a grave look.
“I used to feed off people’s innocence. It surrounds them like an aura of sorts and shields them from negativity but when too much of it has been taken away, it makes them vulnerable to attacks,” said Xiu. “I had to learn that the hard way,”
“So, you will stop before it comes to that, yes?”
Ryder nodded excitedly as the valsaros spoke. The two practicing together would be a great bonus for both! But then, the fellow raevan followed up with a very grave and serious tone. Ryder's excitement dropped a bit as he realized the seriousness of a raevan’s feeding.
Having gone through a bout of unconsciousness due to his using too much energy in the past, he knew what it felt like. Ryder decided to explain. “I have passed out in the past by using my powers too much. I felt very weak until I was able to eat something,” he began, face down turned. “But I'll be fine.”
As the boy listened to Xiu talk about feeding off of innocence, he realized the danger he could put whoever's imagination he fed upon. To be honest, the frei wasn't even sure what the repercussions were of feeding too much. Taking the advice from the valsaros was almost necessary. Never feed too much on any one person, and always take breaks between practicing to ensure he didn't get too tired.
Ryder smiled and nodded in agreement. “I promise to stop if I get too tired. Thank you for caring. Shall we begin the training?” Ryder asked curiously. His excitement began to return and he couldn't wait to start casting.
Having gone through a bout of unconsciousness due to his using too much energy in the past, he knew what it felt like. Ryder decided to explain. “I have passed out in the past by using my powers too much. I felt very weak until I was able to eat something,” he began, face down turned. “But I'll be fine.”
As the boy listened to Xiu talk about feeding off of innocence, he realized the danger he could put whoever's imagination he fed upon. To be honest, the frei wasn't even sure what the repercussions were of feeding too much. Taking the advice from the valsaros was almost necessary. Never feed too much on any one person, and always take breaks between practicing to ensure he didn't get too tired.
Ryder smiled and nodded in agreement. “I promise to stop if I get too tired. Thank you for caring. Shall we begin the training?” Ryder asked curiously. His excitement began to return and he couldn't wait to start casting.
Now that the cautionary pep talk was over, Xiu could see that the young frei was raring to go. And why shouldn’t he? The Valsaros himself was feeling pretty excited about the prospect of training together. What with Ryder’s imagination and his sword skills.
Taking several steps back to give Ryder a wide berth, Xiu then unsheathed his sword and stood at attention. “Whenever you are ready, Ryder,” the valsaros said with a thumbs up.
Briefly Xiu wondered what kind of monster would his first imaginary opponent be.
Taking several steps back to give Ryder a wide berth, Xiu then unsheathed his sword and stood at attention. “Whenever you are ready, Ryder,” the valsaros said with a thumbs up.
Briefly Xiu wondered what kind of monster would his first imaginary opponent be.
Ryder smirked and cast away both the horns on his head and Alice herself. They dematerialized before him as the Frei floated out into the clearing.
Ryder took a deep breath and concentrated fully. He threw his hands up into the air. His freckles began to glow as his hands began to manifest a red aura about them.
Between the frei and the valsaros, a large ogre began to appear out of thin air. It stood at least seven feet tall and had a large club in his hand. When he was finished manifesting, the monstrosity let out a large roar before glaring at Xiu.
“Your move, warrior,” the frei stated with a smile. He was fine as long as it was just one large manifestation at a time. Bringing Alice back at the same time or having manifested fake armor on himself or the valsaros would be a bit too much for the toadstool at this point. But the ball was now in the swordsman’s court.
Ryder took a deep breath and concentrated fully. He threw his hands up into the air. His freckles began to glow as his hands began to manifest a red aura about them.
Between the frei and the valsaros, a large ogre began to appear out of thin air. It stood at least seven feet tall and had a large club in his hand. When he was finished manifesting, the monstrosity let out a large roar before glaring at Xiu.
“Your move, warrior,” the frei stated with a smile. He was fine as long as it was just one large manifestation at a time. Bringing Alice back at the same time or having manifested fake armor on himself or the valsaros would be a bit too much for the toadstool at this point. But the ball was now in the swordsman’s court.
Despite knowing that Alice was nothing more than Ryder’s imagination, Xiu found himself releasing a sigh of relief when Alice began to disappear. Apparently Alice had creeped the Valsaros more than he cared to admit.
Watching a raevan utilizing their powers was always fascinating and Xiu watched Ryder closely as the frei summoned what he deemed as a worthy foe. Within minutes the imposing figure of an ogre (complete with a club!) appeared and gave a terrifying roar.
That was all the cue that Xiu needed and the Valsaros immediately leapt forward. He had to be fast, faster that what the enemy would expect. Faster than what the enemy could react. In a split second the Valsaros had already closed the gap between him and the ogre and in less than a heartbeat the point of Xiu’s sword was thrust up beneath the sternum and into where the orge’s heart would be had it been real.
Watching a raevan utilizing their powers was always fascinating and Xiu watched Ryder closely as the frei summoned what he deemed as a worthy foe. Within minutes the imposing figure of an ogre (complete with a club!) appeared and gave a terrifying roar.
That was all the cue that Xiu needed and the Valsaros immediately leapt forward. He had to be fast, faster that what the enemy would expect. Faster than what the enemy could react. In a split second the Valsaros had already closed the gap between him and the ogre and in less than a heartbeat the point of Xiu’s sword was thrust up beneath the sternum and into where the orge’s heart would be had it been real.
As the valsaros leapt, Ryder watched and waited, controlling his imaginary monster to react accordingly (and as best he could). It was only a matter of mere seconds before the valsaros had already “killed” his ogre.
As the ogre was stabbed, it roared out in pain before disintegrating into thin air. Ryder's hands stopped glowing as did his freckles and he smiled. “Wow, that was so quick! It's hard to react as quick as you do!” The frei chuckled.
“How about a second?” He asked curiously. The toadstool wasn't feeling super tired just yet. He figured he had one more monster in him before he quit.
The frei gave a mischievous smirk before holding his hands out to his sides and calling upon his imagination magic. His freckles glowed and his hands red aura returned once more. Before him, a muscled man shaped monster with the head of a dog (much like that of Anubis) materialized. He held a large axe and huffed before swinging it at his target, the valsaros.
As the ogre was stabbed, it roared out in pain before disintegrating into thin air. Ryder's hands stopped glowing as did his freckles and he smiled. “Wow, that was so quick! It's hard to react as quick as you do!” The frei chuckled.
“How about a second?” He asked curiously. The toadstool wasn't feeling super tired just yet. He figured he had one more monster in him before he quit.
The frei gave a mischievous smirk before holding his hands out to his sides and calling upon his imagination magic. His freckles glowed and his hands red aura returned once more. Before him, a muscled man shaped monster with the head of a dog (much like that of Anubis) materialized. He held a large axe and huffed before swinging it at his target, the valsaros.
Having leapt back after stabbing the ogre, Xiu watched as the creature roared in pain before it disintegrated into nothingness. Say what you will, but Ryder had a pretty good imagination going on in his head. The roar had sounded very realistic and it was only the ease with which the blade had passed through the creature that gave the ogre’s true nature away.
As soon as the last of the ogre disappeared, Ryder was already summoning his next opponent and this time it was evident that Ryder meant to have the first move.
As the battle axe came crashing down towards him, Xiu instinctively dodged to right. The beast would require several moments to recover from the momentum of such a massive strike. That would leave its flank open for an attack. With a deft flick of his wrist, the Valsaros lunged forward.
As soon as the last of the ogre disappeared, Ryder was already summoning his next opponent and this time it was evident that Ryder meant to have the first move.
As the battle axe came crashing down towards him, Xiu instinctively dodged to right. The beast would require several moments to recover from the momentum of such a massive strike. That would leave its flank open for an attack. With a deft flick of his wrist, the Valsaros lunged forward.
The axe of this muse went straight through the ground. As it did, Ryder watched as Xiu lunged forward for an attack of his own.
Ryder smirked as he watched. Xiu lunged forward and Ryder decided to have a little extra fun. A hole dematerialized out of the Anubis right where Xiu’s sword would have hit. The muse then looked down at his foe and from his position, swung the axe straight back up towards the valsaros.
Meanwhile, Ryder's hands were moving as though his hands were the muse. They moved in sync. Sure, he could create the imagination and let it have free will to an extent and do whatever it wished, but it was fun when the toadstool was able to control them as well.
“This is great fun, Xiu! I'm glad we were able to do this,” he called from his small spot in the field with a smile. He hadn't ever had this much fun, and getting to practice his own control over these imaginings would empower him. It was definitely a win-win.
Ryder smirked as he watched. Xiu lunged forward and Ryder decided to have a little extra fun. A hole dematerialized out of the Anubis right where Xiu’s sword would have hit. The muse then looked down at his foe and from his position, swung the axe straight back up towards the valsaros.
Meanwhile, Ryder's hands were moving as though his hands were the muse. They moved in sync. Sure, he could create the imagination and let it have free will to an extent and do whatever it wished, but it was fun when the toadstool was able to control them as well.
“This is great fun, Xiu! I'm glad we were able to do this,” he called from his small spot in the field with a smile. He hadn't ever had this much fun, and getting to practice his own control over these imaginings would empower him. It was definitely a win-win.
Expecting another one hit knock out, Xiu was surprised when the Anubis’s flesh disappeared leaving a gaping hole where the sword would have struck. Instinctively the raevan dodged left and not a moment too soon as the huge axe the creature was carrying swung past. Even if it had been an imagination and that it could not physically hurt him, Xiu could feel his heart racing from the close shave.
Taking several leaps back out of the Anubis’s range of attack, Xiu gave Ryder a glance. It would appear that the Frei was controlling his imaginary fiend. Xiu grinned. This was interesting.
“Let’s see how fast your reflexes are, Ryder!” said Xiu as he prepared himself for another attack from the hulking creature. Judging from the previous counter-attack though, it was pretty good and Xiu was not about to take chances. Running straight forward as though planning to meet the creature head on, the Valsaros sidestepped at the last instance and gave a swift thrust with his sword at the creature’s side.
Taking several leaps back out of the Anubis’s range of attack, Xiu gave Ryder a glance. It would appear that the Frei was controlling his imaginary fiend. Xiu grinned. This was interesting.
“Let’s see how fast your reflexes are, Ryder!” said Xiu as he prepared himself for another attack from the hulking creature. Judging from the previous counter-attack though, it was pretty good and Xiu was not about to take chances. Running straight forward as though planning to meet the creature head on, the Valsaros sidestepped at the last instance and gave a swift thrust with his sword at the creature’s side.
Ryder smirked as the axe hit the ground and Xiu was able to dodge the attack. He was honestly just as shocked. Watching Xiu jump and dodge really made him feel as though this training session was the real deal. He couldn't wait to hopefully, one day, continue the sessions and become an even better mage in compared to how great a warrior Xiu was already.
As Xiu called out to Ryder, the frei’s attention narrowed on where the sword was. But at the last minute when the valsaros leapt to the side and stuck his sword right into his imaginary friend, it was too late to do anything. With a quick chuckle, Ryder had the Anubis-like character swing his axe upward as he fell to the ground on his opposite side.
“You are really quick!” The frei called to his newfound friend. He was shocked at Xiu’s dexterity. But it was at this point that the frei began to feel the hit of his powers. He floated to the ground, sleepy. “Wow, that was really great, but I'm a bit tired now,” he said with a smirk as Anubis dissipated into thin air.
As Xiu called out to Ryder, the frei’s attention narrowed on where the sword was. But at the last minute when the valsaros leapt to the side and stuck his sword right into his imaginary friend, it was too late to do anything. With a quick chuckle, Ryder had the Anubis-like character swing his axe upward as he fell to the ground on his opposite side.
“You are really quick!” The frei called to his newfound friend. He was shocked at Xiu’s dexterity. But it was at this point that the frei began to feel the hit of his powers. He floated to the ground, sleepy. “Wow, that was really great, but I'm a bit tired now,” he said with a smirk as Anubis dissipated into thin air.
“Are you alright?” exclaimed Xiu looking alarmed as Ryder floated sleepily to the ground. Instantly the Valsaros felt guilty. He had pushed the frei too hard. It was already impressive enough with the summoning of Alice, the horns and the ogre. Ignoring the dissipating Anubis, Xiu ran over to his new friend. “How are you feeling? Do you need something to drink? I’m really sorry I got carried away! Is your guardian nearby?”
With panic settling comfortably in and worry coming up from behind, Xiu glanced about the empty space amongst the trees as though hoping to spot a cottage from which Ryder came from. “I can carry you home if you’d tell me where it is,” said Xiu as he used Ryder’s book as a makeshift fan for the frei.
With panic settling comfortably in and worry coming up from behind, Xiu glanced about the empty space amongst the trees as though hoping to spot a cottage from which Ryder came from. “I can carry you home if you’d tell me where it is,” said Xiu as he used Ryder’s book as a makeshift fan for the frei.
Ryder simply chuckled. He hadn't ever been treated like this before. There had been times in the past where his powers got the best of him and he took it to the extreme, though this was nothing in comparison. He knew the difference, and he now knew when enough was enough. “Thank you for your concern. I'm just a little woozy. I'll be perfectly fine if I just eat some wet bark,” he said with a reassuring smile.
It was in that moment, however, that Ryder first felt a true friendship form with another raevan. He had met others in the past, but just by the way this man acted, his concern, real or fake, was a kind gesture that the frei admired. Ryder seemed to open up rather quickly with this man, much more so than he had with anyone else. Maybe it was his charm? Or his experience as a warrior? Who really knew? However, Ryder did know one thing; that if he had any say in it, Xiu would be his friend and training partner for a lifetime.
Returning to the valsaros’ question after a moment of silence, the frei spoke once more. “My guardian isn't here. He left for the day. But I do live not more than a mile out of the forest that way,” he said as he pointed in the direction of his home. He didn't expect the valsaros to actually carry him home, especially with the frei’s skin the way it was. The last thing the frei needed was to get his newfound friend into trouble by making him hallucinate or, even worse, get utterly sick. His skin’s poison was always so random and depended upon the person more than anything. Ryder wasn't willing to take that chance. Not again.
It was in that moment, however, that Ryder first felt a true friendship form with another raevan. He had met others in the past, but just by the way this man acted, his concern, real or fake, was a kind gesture that the frei admired. Ryder seemed to open up rather quickly with this man, much more so than he had with anyone else. Maybe it was his charm? Or his experience as a warrior? Who really knew? However, Ryder did know one thing; that if he had any say in it, Xiu would be his friend and training partner for a lifetime.
Returning to the valsaros’ question after a moment of silence, the frei spoke once more. “My guardian isn't here. He left for the day. But I do live not more than a mile out of the forest that way,” he said as he pointed in the direction of his home. He didn't expect the valsaros to actually carry him home, especially with the frei’s skin the way it was. The last thing the frei needed was to get his newfound friend into trouble by making him hallucinate or, even worse, get utterly sick. His skin’s poison was always so random and depended upon the person more than anything. Ryder wasn't willing to take that chance. Not again.
When Ryder next spoke, Xiu felt a sense of relief. “I’m glad,” said Xiu as he sat down next to the frei on the damp grass. Then glancing at the nearby log that Ryder had been sitting on not too long ago, Xiu reached over and broke a piece of it off. The interior of the fallen tree was spongy and looked almost like sawdust. There were several scuttling bugs on it which Xiu duly dusted gingerly away before holding it out to Ryder. “So this is your food source then? Interesting. Mine used to be “innocence”,” said Xiu with a chuckle.
At the mention of Ryder’s home being not more than a mile away, Xiu nodded. “Alright. We will see about getting you home safely once you have rested a bit,”
Truth be told, the Valsaros was rather glad that Ryder’s guardian was away for the day as it would be an awkward moment indeed to explain to Ryder’s guardian how his or her frei came to be that way.
“We will take it slower next time,” promised the Valsaros as he glanced at his newfound friend. “You were pretty good with the second monster. Where did you learn moves like that?”
At the mention of Ryder’s home being not more than a mile away, Xiu nodded. “Alright. We will see about getting you home safely once you have rested a bit,”
Truth be told, the Valsaros was rather glad that Ryder’s guardian was away for the day as it would be an awkward moment indeed to explain to Ryder’s guardian how his or her frei came to be that way.
“We will take it slower next time,” promised the Valsaros as he glanced at his newfound friend. “You were pretty good with the second monster. Where did you learn moves like that?”
Ryder held his hand out for the bark and bit down on it softly. Ah, how good that felt. The taste was absolutely perfect. “Thank you,” he said at first, pausing to take another bite. “It's one of my sources. My main source, which I just found, is one's imagination. If someone is dreaming, daydreaming, or just heavily into thought on one particular subject, I can sense it and eat it should I choose to.” The frei took yet another bite, finishing off the first chunk.
Ryder nodded as he laid down at looked up at the sky. It was mid afternoon by the time they had finished their practice. The sky felt so peaceful and the clouds that hung low floated by with such grace.
After a few moments, when Xiu spoke again, Ryder chuckled and sat back up. “Actually, creating imaginings came as a natural instinct since the day I was born. When I first met my guardian, Alice was already with me, reading to me. She's the only imagining that truly stuck around. She's got a personality of her own, but most imaginings I create, like these monsters, don't. They're just in the forefront of my mind and appear when I want and how I want. I choose not to control Alice’s actions, and because of that, she stays with me. I guess that's the best way to explain it.”
Ryder nodded as he laid down at looked up at the sky. It was mid afternoon by the time they had finished their practice. The sky felt so peaceful and the clouds that hung low floated by with such grace.
After a few moments, when Xiu spoke again, Ryder chuckled and sat back up. “Actually, creating imaginings came as a natural instinct since the day I was born. When I first met my guardian, Alice was already with me, reading to me. She's the only imagining that truly stuck around. She's got a personality of her own, but most imaginings I create, like these monsters, don't. They're just in the forefront of my mind and appear when I want and how I want. I choose not to control Alice’s actions, and because of that, she stays with me. I guess that's the best way to explain it.”
“Alice sounds like a real imaginary friend,” said Xiu with a chuckle. “I bet many kids would be pretty jealous about not having one just like her,”
A few more tranquil moments passed before the Valsaros next spoke. “I don’t suppose you’d like a book on mythical animals? I think I may have one sitting around at home. I could bring it over for you the next time we meet. How do you feel now? Think you could manage it back home?”
While he had enjoyed his time spent with Ryder, Xiu was still concerned over the Frei’s health and did not want to overexert him. Despite the forest’s cool shade, the heat of the midday sun was starting to make itself known. Besides, he had promised his guardian to be home for the afternoon shift.
A few more tranquil moments passed before the Valsaros next spoke. “I don’t suppose you’d like a book on mythical animals? I think I may have one sitting around at home. I could bring it over for you the next time we meet. How do you feel now? Think you could manage it back home?”
While he had enjoyed his time spent with Ryder, Xiu was still concerned over the Frei’s health and did not want to overexert him. Despite the forest’s cool shade, the heat of the midday sun was starting to make itself known. Besides, he had promised his guardian to be home for the afternoon shift.
Ryder smiled and nodded. “Alice is definitely my best imaginary friend,” he said with a chuckle. Thinking on the next words that Xiu had said, the toadstool shrugged. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. She’s pretty awesome, huh?” It gave the frei a sense of happiness knowing that Xiu, this older raevan, said that others may be jealous, wishing they had the power to make imaginary people, which, if he hadn’t had the power to do so, he’d be pretty jealous of himself.
After a few moments, the frei floated up and stretched. When Xiu next spoke, Ryder’s jaw dropped. “Yeah!? A book on mythical creatures would be great! If you wouldn’t mind, my little personal library is growing ever-so-slightly! Once I’m finished reading it, though, I’ll be sure to give it back. And yes, I feel much better, thank you for being so kind,” the frei said before floating over to grab his belongings. He fumbled with his book a bit at first, but once secure, all was well.
“I guess this is farewell? It was a pleasure practicing with you, Xiu. I look forward to our next meeting!” With that, the frei began to float off through the forest towards his house.
After a few moments, the frei floated up and stretched. When Xiu next spoke, Ryder’s jaw dropped. “Yeah!? A book on mythical creatures would be great! If you wouldn’t mind, my little personal library is growing ever-so-slightly! Once I’m finished reading it, though, I’ll be sure to give it back. And yes, I feel much better, thank you for being so kind,” the frei said before floating over to grab his belongings. He fumbled with his book a bit at first, but once secure, all was well.
“I guess this is farewell? It was a pleasure practicing with you, Xiu. I look forward to our next meeting!” With that, the frei began to float off through the forest towards his house.