The Ballad of the Bygone Drifters - The Tranquil

╔═════════ The TRANQUIL - Chapter ONE ═════════╗

831 Words

“You know,” sighed Mari, almost dreamily, “After that run in with the Brutes I'm almost glad to be surrounded by the ailing.” 

Otho nodded sagely as he tenderly licked the open wound on his foreleg. “This rest is much needed.”

Cailu smiled, a soft yet almost smug expression, “My order was of course well thought out - visiting the Tranquil was almost a guarantee after a run in with the Brutes.”

Grizz scoffed, pacing between the group, “I only wish I had the option to paint the walls with Zarod’s likeness.” She huffed, still riled up from the group's adrenaline filled detour.

Mari let her gaze wander as Cailu explained to Grizz how long in no uncertain terms was she to kill the leader of the Brutes, and how it was in fact extremely unconducive to their goal of befriending the Haedians. 

The domain of the Tranquil was exactly that, a peaceful grove sequestered away from the main thoroughfares of the caverns. Plush green moss crawled up the walls, reaching towards the ceiling. Trailing ferns and vines found themselves growing from tiny cracks that would normally be unable to support life. A babbling brook lazed its way through the centre of the clearing, where young Haedians lapped at its fresh waters and bathed their weary muscles.

Mari blinked up at the ceiling - expecting to see the morning sun - but was instead greeted by cool blue crystals bathing the room in a dawn-like light. 

For a moment she basked in the soft light, listening to Grizz and Cailu argue their points, one more heated than the other. 

“Come Sapling,” Mari said as she rose, stretching her legs in an almost cat-like stance. “We shall put ourselves to use.” She padded over to a small group of Haedians with Otho limping at her heels.

She bowed her head in greeting, the Haedian she approached mirroring her actions. “Greetings winged one, I am Margrave of the surface dwellers, you may call me Mari.” She nudged her nose in the direction of the other Haedians laid about the cavern floor, “Can we provide assistance to your ailing?”

The Haedian smiled, “Greetings Mark. I am Systra, any assistance is greatly accepted.” She gestured to her wards, a group of seven groaning Haedians curled up on the ground, each with a variety of ailments. “My kin are sick, plagued by painful lesions and itchy scales. Don't worry,” she added quickly as she saw Otho’s expression of concern, “They're not infectious - their wounds are crusted and old, but still need cleaning.”

Otho relaxed visibly as Mari nodded, “We can help to soothe their sores.”

Systra smiled and from the folds of her gown plucked a small container, she paused - noting the Vayrons lack of opposable thumbs - and unscrewed the top. “Here, this tincture will both soothe and heal. It stings however, so be wary of flying claws.”

She placed the pot on a patch of blankets, as central as she could achieve in relation to the sick Haedians. Mari needed no further prompting as she dipped her paw in the ointment, coating her pads with the soft jelly. With an awkward three-legged hop she made her way over to the smallest Haedian, a child who whimpered away, tucked underneath his mother's wing.

She whispered a gentle greeting, a promise and a smile. Young as it was this child was almost the same size as her, which assuredly helped him feel more at ease. With gentle, precise movements she gently coated the wound in the ointment. The child tensed as the gel touched open wounds, nuzzling into his mother's side. She gently returned her child's touch, a wordless reassurance.

She smiled as the child relaxed, allowing her gaze to wander over to her companions. Cailu was introducing Grizz to another of the Haedian nurses; which Mari could only help but smile at as he awkwardly took the puller’s paw in greeting, nearly unbalancing her despite only moving her in what was comparatively a tiny motion for him.

Otho was laid down with two of the Haedians in the original group, opting for a show and tell approach as he dabbed his own wound with the ointment. The Haedians tentatively copied his actions, wincing in unison. She watched as he showed them how to expertly tie a bandage without using their hands, chuckling as they attempted to clumsily copy his actions.

“Um, thank you wingless one.” Mari turned back to the child she was aiding, his small angular face peering up at her from tucked paws, “It hurts… but now it feels a lot better.” He cocked his head slightly, almost to gain a better view of his new nurse, “Can you… tell me a story?” He received a sharp elbow in the side from his mother, punctuated with a glare which soon turned apologetic.

Mari smiled, “It's no worries, I am always happy to tell a story.” She laid down, tucking her paws under her body, “Once upon a time…”

╔═════════ The TRANQUIL - Chapter TWO ═════════╗

807 Words

Otho settled down to sit beside Systra as the pair listened to Mari telling her story to her captive audience. “Your partner has a way with words.” Commented the Haedian softly, “She had her own children?”

Otho blushed, “Ah! No, at least not yet.” He dipped his head shyly, “Though she would certainly be a good mother.”

Systra nodded in agreement, completely unaware of the embarrassment she had caused. “Flightless one you and your kin have been of great help today,” she peered down at the fluffy puller beside her, “You are injured yourself, and tired.” She gently traced his bandage with her claw, “I recognise the smell of the Brutes on you all. I think you are deserving of respite.”

She rose and gestured Otho to follow her with a flick of her speared tail, “Come, I have a gift to share.” 

Otho quickly spun around, an action that caught both Mari and Grizz’s attention. Grizz padded over as Mari bid farewell to her newfound friends. Systra graciously waited for the three to reunite before slinking off into the greenery.

The group emerged into a new, smaller cave, one adorned from floor to ceiling in foliage. At the base of each flower was a gleaming crystal -in blues, purples pinks and yellows - a veritable rainbow of colours cascading across the room.

The three Vayrons found their steps catching as they were embraced with pastel colours. Mari spared a glance towards the high strung Grizz, who seemed to finally relax in the warm light.

“This,” Systra said, “Is our healing cave.” She swept her arm around the room in a grand gesture, “The crystals are limited, but powerful. Not something that we use lightly.” She looked pointedly a trbe group, “Something that we share only with our most trusted allies.”

She gently place a hand on each or the Vayrons heads, one by one encouraging them to sit.  “Flightless Mari will be the first to try.” She plucked a pink crystal from the wall, and helped the puller to gently cradle it in her paws. “Feel its strength.”

Mari sat back on her haunches, carefully balancing the crystal in her paws. The glass felt warm to the touch, with a low thrum that permeated her bones. It didn't feel painful per-se, nor unpleasant. Rather it felt overwhelming, like a thousand needles were trying to break through her mind.

“Relax.” Started Systra, “Let the crystal lead you.” 

It was… difficult to relax. Especially with three pairs of eyes staring her down, two curious, one concerned. She took a deep breath and repositioned herself, closing her eyes and letting her mind drift.

The tiny needles poking away at her consciousness gave way to soft wool, pillows of cotton candy and fresh fallen snow. She let loose the breath that she didn't realise she'd been holding and opened her eyes a crack.

Systra smiled down at her, “Now that you feel it, your companion may approach.” Otho carefully removed the bandage wrapped around his foreleg and presented his injured limb.

Very warily Mari moved the crystal closer, until it barely touched the open wound. Otho winced, and then nearly lost his footing as Systra placed a hand between his shoulder blades.

“Relax.” Otho shot a pointed glare at the Haedian before turning to meet Grizz’s gaze. She sat behind Mari’s shoulder, snickering away at his reaction. Otho stuck out his tongue and sat down, sighing and closing his eyes.

“Gentle please, Mare.”

Once again Mari touched the crystal to the limb, and exhaled. Otho's wound throbbed as a strange warmth filled his bones. He had to scrutinise his own limb to confirm it hadn't been submerged in warm water. 

He blinked and leaned closer as muscle and skin knitted themselves together before his very eyes. The fibres knitted an intricate carpet of flesh, leaving behind a chunky keloid scar.

“Wow,” breathed Otho, “It speeds up my body’s natural healing.”

Systra beamed with pride, “It does! And flightless Mari has befriended the crystals, extremely fast I might add. Do all you flightless have such a penchant for magic?”

“Vayrons,” Grizz interjected, “And yes, we do. Each Reosean has an innate ability to harness their own magic abilities.” 

She approached her partners and leaned her side against Mari’s, letting the crystals energy wash over her. She let out a groan of relief as her body fully relaxed, letting herself slump to the floor. “It heals wounds and tired muscles, these crystals are truly magical.”

“You didn't even need to touch the crystal for that one.” Mused Mari.

“No,” agreed Grizz, “You are a conduit and a fantastic one at that.”

Mari smiled, she was not a healer by nature, in fact her own magic was the polar opposite to these crystals, draining life rather than repairing it. It felt… good to heal.

╔═════════ The TRANQUIL - Chapter THREE ═════════╗

810 Words

Systra smiled - warm, almost pitiful expression. “Flightless friends, you have shown us much kindness in our time of need. You have soothed my kin and our hearts.”  She bowed her head, “Please, would you accompany me to meet our clan leader?”

The Vayrons shared an apprehensive look. After their recent meeting with the Brutes leader Zarod, they were understandably wary of any meeting with the clan leaders. Systra however, caught their shared look and immediately tried her best to assuage their concerns.

“Our leader, Pyrri, is the epitome of our values. She is tranquil and wise. She will not harm you.”

Mari spared one more glance to her companions and nodded, this was the whole point of this exercise after all. Systra beamed and returned to all fours, gracefully squeezing past the pullers like a fish slicing through the water. The trio followed, sticking as close to each other as possible.

As they emerged into the main sanctum, they locked eyes with Cailu who gave them a reassuring nod and a toothy grin. 

Systra led the group into an offset, a huge cave, one big enough to fit tens of Haedians abreast. The walls were adorned in glowing crystals, to the point where there was barely enough room between them to place a paw. These crystals did not have the same vibrant glow of the healing crystals, instead barely lighting their path with a low glimmer. Even in the grey rock wall the glow sought out tiny pockets of clear glass that caused a soft cascade of light to illuminate the floor.

In the centre of the room sat a Haedian - fur of grey and pink - barely moving. The three Vayrons stopped just short of Systra, who bowed her head. Here she stood unmoving for several seconds, before she lifted her head and made her way to leave. 

Mari went to open her mouth to question the Haedian, when Grizz gently stepped on her paw. She turned back to face Pyrri who was now watching them intently.

“Hello flightless ones. Would you care to join my meditation?” Mari nodded and took the lead once again, sitting down and nudging Grizz and Otho to copy her. 

The three Reoseans sat, an air of awkwardness and unsurety enveloping them all. Their flanks touched, with the two fluffy pullers sat either side of Mari in a practised manoeuvre - one intended to keep the short-furred Vayron warm in the cold plans of Roenden. 

This closeness didn’t go unnoticed by Pyrri, who responded with the slightest smirk. Despite her clans attempt to reassure them, the quadrupeds still held themselves like a group of fawns ready to take flight.

“Relax,” purred Pyrri, “Open your minds.”

Mari sat back on her haunches, closing her eyes as Grizz and Otho followed her lead with unease. The short-furred Vayron let out the breath she had subconsciously been holding as she allowed the Haedian into her mind.

At first it was simply a feeling, like a subtle nudge gnawing away at the edge of her subconscious. Her conscious thought however, was not best pleased with this intrusion, chanting a chorus of, “No, no, no, bad, out, leave, GO!” She shook her head as a soft, secondary voice swam around her mind space, “Try and visualise. It’s easier to let go that way.”

Mari let out another shaky breath; her consciousness was now blaring at the trespasser, trying its best to oust her from this sacred palace. 

“Visualise, relax, breathe.” It took her a second to realise that this voice wasn’t festering in her mind, no this one was outside of her, gently chanting away beside her, a comforting and familiar murmur as Grizz and Otho battled against the same unseen force.

She inhaled, exhaled, visualising thick metal doors bound by latches, padlocks and chains. The door, despite being thick and impenetrable, was transparent. Behind it stood Pyrri, gently running her hand across the cold metal surface. In her mind Mari felt tiny, and she urged this sprite forward with the intention of unlocking the door. 

She barely had to touch the mechanism for it to start turning, each click echoed around her, sending a cascade of colour flooding past her. Each wave pushed her back, and she had to force herself forward, wading through the lake of colour that was spilling around her paws.

“Visualise, relax,” beside her, an echo of her partners surfaced from the water, gasping for air as the water flowed down their fur, “Breathe!” they croaked in alarm as Pyrri stood before her, having breached the mental gates Mari had erected.

“Open your eyes.” A deluge of colours flooded her mind as her eyes snapped open, she panted, her whole body shaking as Otho and Grizz peered at her with concern. Pyrri was standing barely a few inches away from the group now, smiling in amusement.