smashrising | Suffocating Sunbeams [Open]

Entry tags:

ronnae 'mash belore ryllos (warcraft)

Suffocating Sunbeams [Open]

Who: Ronnae and whoever happen to be walking around the forest
What: Reflecting on the state of life
Where: Deep in the forest around the mansion
When: Late afternoon 7/20
Warnings: None at the moment but reflections could bring up explicit/harsh themes

The sounds of the cicadas at high pitch during the summer blaze brought a swarm of memories of simpler times to the half-orc as she ventured through the thick forest. Normally, even in scorching weather, the timid girl would be wearing a thick hood and baggy clothing but since she was by her lonesome and the heat had become unbearable she had taken off and packed up her normal wear in her backpack and now only donned her sleeveless undershirt and shorts as she continued on her trek.

She was used to hostile and dangerously hot environments but somehow it felt nice to be in a summer day and not feel threatened by impending doom or an opposing faction at war. No, the simplicity of the hike had her with a simple smile and wondering about how everyone at home was doing.

It was when she finally reached a clearing in the thicket that she stopped at the sight. Simple as it was, it seemed to have left her frozen in thought. A single sunbeam broke through the canopy and was weaving in and out as it struggled to illuminate the area. Her heart clenched and she clutched at her chest and wondered if her parents were safe. Sunbeam she could hear her father's warm yet reassuring voice and her mother's smile as they came home safely from yet another battle. How many had they gone through in all their years and all so they could be safe? Soon enough, when she was older she joined as well and had a whole new appreciation for all the sacrifices they had to endure for a moment's peace in Azeroth...

Even with all her turmoil and inner demons caused by the scars of her life experiences, she still yearned to live, for a life of peace and for a united Azeroth and still... He she was, trying to make light of where she was an whether she'd ever break through to home again and help bring light to the darkness... Much like the thin sunbeam in the suffocating thicket.

Even so such a small beam brought such clarity... Will she ever be able to have such an impact?

Ronnae sighed and shook her head, taking to the clearing and setting up nearby some small shrubs and what could have been a fairy circle and brought out a canteen and some snacks. She'd pause here for the day and once she was done having some time to herself she'd go back and continue doing what she could for the now. But at the moment? She was in the past and wishing for a future.

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There was a faint smell on the air where Ronnae finally chose to make camp. The smell of meat... Vegetables... Was it a stew? Whatever it was, it smelled delicious. But where was it coming from? Perhaps beyond the trees nearby... Was someone there?

That was definitely unexpected as it hit her senses. She was fairly certain she had been alert enough to have noticed anything in the area especially something like strong smells, though she had also been caught in her thoughts for a long while. She let her guard down but didn't think much of it. Maybe it was one of the kids or the other students having a cookout somewhere or something.

Which honestly would be good considering people needed to be in good spirits. She should leave them be... but maybe she'll check on them a bit later just in case.

When Ronnae finally opted to investigate the wafting scent, she would find something that might have been more at home in Azeroth than in the woods outside a mansion on a floating island. There was a tall, muscular, burly Tauren sitting on a log, stirring a pot of stew over a small controlled fire. Judging by his outfit and accessories, he was a druid. But how did he get here?

He looked up when he heard enough of a rustling to alert him to Ronnae's presence. His face was worn, but pleasant, and he smiled at her. "I hadn't expected to see one such as yourself here," he told her. "Come and join me if you wish. I should have plenty of stew for us both."

An immediate response was to reach for her gun hidden behind her when she noticed someone she wasn't familiar with, but considering it turned out to be a Tauren of all things, she relaxed some. Only some since even Tauren had their dark sheep...

"A Tauren... here?" she questioned a bit cautious but still managing to be polite. "I... Sorry, it's definitely not what I expected... And I don't intend to be rude but... how did you arrive here?"

"If I'm honest," he said, "I'm not sure. I was sleeping outdoors on a quest, just recuperating after a long hike. But when I woke up, the forest was completely different. I've been here for several days now."

"But perhaps I'm here for a purpose. Who can say?" He smiled. "I am Ujarak Wildtrail. What is your name, young lady?"

"That... ironically not unusual for Azeroth actually..." She couldn't count the amount of times their party had just been randomly swished away to other locations due to magic, chaos, or some other means.

She relaxed just a tad more, hands on her hips now and she sighed. "Who knows... I know why I got dragged here, not quite sure about you though." And in the commotion of the encounter, she had forgotten her manners which made her face redden some as she quickly bowed her head slightly in response. "Ronnae, Ronnae 'Mash Belore Ryllos. And yourself?"

"Perhaps that is what I'm here to discover," he replied. "A purpose for being here."

He laughed. "My name is Ujarak Wildtrail, madam. If I may say, your name is as lovely as yourself. Would you care to join me for a meal? I am wondering just what brings you out this far today."

That was... an incredibly refined Tauren... Not that in the majority of cases they weren't kind. Tauren were just as known for their kindness and politeness as they were known for their incredible mastery of the hunt and their strong connections with nature. But this one in particular seemed to be also traveled and had more city-like manners.

It took Ronnae a moment of thought before pulling out her hoodie from her bag, for comfort, and put it on, half way zipped up before taking a seat nearby yet not too close.

"Thanks, I... I d-don't want to intrude on your meal, I have my own, but I won't deny you company." she offered as she looked around thoughtfully. "I was just out for a stroll really. Trying to clear my mind."

"It's hardly an intrusion," Ujarak told her, reaching into the bag he had with him to produce a second bowl, into which he ladled a helping of the stew he had been cooking. "I would welcome the company. I haven't seen anyone else in several days," he added as he offered her the bowl. You seem to have much on your mind, little one," he said. "I wouldn't mind listening to your troubles if it would help to share them."

Ronnae politely took the bowl and stared into its contents thoughtfully. It could very well still be a trap and she was sure that, had he the right intentions, wouldn't blame her for being cautious. So with care, she dropped a small orb smaller than a pebble onto the bowl and waited a few seconds.

When there was no reaction, she smiled and bowed appreciatively. "Thank you kindly Wildtrail." His offer to listen however wasn't all taken and she shook her head. "These are things... That aren't easily said to trusted people, so I... I h-hope you understand in my refusal to share." she stated as politely as she could even though she shook a bit sheepishly.

Looking up though, she hoped to change the subject, "You've been here for a while? Wandering the forest I guess?"

He didn't begrudge her at all, although her was far more pleased when she was ready to enjoy the meal he prepared. "You're most welcome," he replied. "It's all right, I understand. It's a private matter, and hardly my place to pry."

He nodded. "I am a druid, so truthfully I feel most at home in nature. I've explored the island, but mostly kept to myself. It's a curious place, filled with curious people. Though until now I had thought I was the only person from Azeroth here. It's... comforting to see you, I'm sure you understand."

Ronnae took small sips and bites from the meal, nodding in tune to his words in understanding.

"I could tell you were a druid right away," she said proud of herself. It did well to know your opponents and allies when arriving in a new battlefield all of a sudden and be able to feel out their abilities.

"I... I do. Having a piece from ones home, whatever form it takes... It can be really reassuring." she noted as she looked away.

"I've explored most of it, still lots I don't understand... But most of the non-natives of this place stay in that mansion over yonder past the thick forest. I'm sure you can find lodging there... They're always looking for more people." Considering just how many have been lost before, and during the transition and even now while being here.

"Very observant of you," he chuckled, helping himself to a bowl of stew of his own.

"I saw the mansion," Ujarak told her with a nod. "I'm typically most comfortable out in nature, though. Perhaps I will see if there's any space for me there in time, but for now there's so much to see out here... Wouldn't you agree?"

With a nod Ronnae understood and she had already figured that'd be his most probable answer all things considered, but it was still polite to ask.

"I suppose this island is shrouded in mystery as it is so I'm sure there's still lots more to discover and figure out. If you do manage to find anything from the nature spirits, would you let us know?" Every bit of information was always useful.

"That I will," he told her. "There is much to explore in this strange new world. It feels so different from Azeroth, and yet there is so much that is familiar... Nature is a constant no matter the world, it seems."

"Is it?" she wondered about that. With all the weird happenings and the odd mixture of technology, magic and whatever else was at work, she did wonder what the natural spirits and forces had to say about this world... whatever that was.

"What do you feel, if you don't mind me asking?" she was genuinely curious... He might not have been a shaman, but druids had their own unique ways to commune with spirits as well.

Ujarak took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He could feel it even now, all around them. In the grass, the dirt, the tree branches, even the breeze that caused them to sway gently, leaves rustling. It was life. It was ever present. "Mmm... I feel life all around us," he told her. "It's in everything. I can feel the plants around us, the land supporting us, the air, and even you. We are all connected. And yet... It's limited. Beyond the length of the island, I sense... nothing. It's as if our world is nothing more than this one island, even though there are other islands beyond. Try as I might, I cannot reach out to them..."

Ronnae listened and nodded, "Pretty much what I figured you'd say." she smiled. It wasn't a dismissal of his abilities and that much was clear in her tone of appreciation. It was more about the familiarity she had with Druids due to family members and the Druids that were on her platoon.

"Thanks, that just confirms it. In order to get more information from the other island locations we'll have to devise a way to travel to them." Now she was more talking to herself than anything else and you could practically hear and see the gears working overdrive as she thought a thousand miles at once while brainstorming.

Ujarak watched her for a moment, carefully observing her as she thought hard. "I take it you're an engineer, hm?" he asked.

Blinking a few times as she came back to she cocked her head curiously, "Why yeah. I am... Haha I'm guessing it's a bit obvious then?" she smiled sheepishly.

Edited 2016-08-02 17:41 (UTC)

"Somewhat," he chuckled. "Just the way your eyes light up when faced with a problem, and seeing you think at a mile a minute to solve it. The look of a true problem solver. I find it endearing," he reassured her with a smile. "Definitely the look of an engineer."

Ronnae's face definitely reddened at the compliment and she looked away sheepishly. "O-oh ah... t-thanks." Quickly though she recovered cause engineer talk always made her be super proud of her trade.

"And yes I am! I'm actually a high learned engineer with all the licenses in Azeroth and even more specializations!" she beamed proudly.

"Quite impressive for one so young," he replied with a nod. "I'm used to engineers of that caliber being much older. You must be quite intelligent!"

Her face, while completely red, was beaming with pride.

"Thanks! I do love it very dearly so it's more than just a profession, it's a passion." She admitted cheerfully.

"As it should be," Ujarak agreed. "To be able to follow one's passion... There can be no greater calling. I'm glad you've succeeded in it," he told her with a smile.

"Thank you," she bowed her head respectfully. "I do appreciate the food, I should continue my trek." She motioned behind her before turning to him as she stood.

"And the offer still stands you know. If you'd like, you're more than welcome to live within and in the mansion grounds. I'm sure everyone would appreciate even more company, especially that of Tauren." She smiled a little.

"Can't say I've met many who don't appreciate the company of your kind." Alliance, Horde and otherwise alike.

He nodded, taking back the empty bowl. "You're welcome," he replied. "I wish you luck on your journey. And I hope to see you again very soon, my friend."

"Not like I have many places to go yet." she chuckled lightly and waved sheepishly.

"Safe travels," she smiled nostalgically at that since it was very common around Tauren to hear then wish as so to every traveler. And so she went back to traverse the forest.

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