Thread: Adventure Horizon~{KayLove&GrinningGentlman}

The sound of drums and panpipes could be heard throughout the grassy hills, an enchantingly beautiful sound as it was filled with peaceful and celebratory notes. The songs that were sung clinging along to the music in perfect harmony. Bonfires were lit next to the Crystaline River, people dancing, drinking, all in thanks to their lively hood. Nox was a gorgeous little village located next to the grand river and before the rolling hills of the west, known for harvesting the flower that the town was named after, Noxentine. The purple flower was not only beautiful but contained many healing properties in its roots and leaves. And this spring was bound to be a prosperous one. Their bounty to be sent across the continent to magistrates, medicine men, healers, and anyone who desired the flower to brighten their home or health. Unknown to the innocent villagers who drank the night away with carefree love for life. A creature watched from the shadows, her golden green eyes sparkling in the faded light of the grand bonfire, a booted foot tapping to the music, and a small smile playing on the edges of her lips as she watched the women attempt to catch the eyes on the man they desired. So young, innocent, and in love. She enjoyed this night, and over the years had chosen to come back again and again each year to see the laughter and love that these people showed. She even cared for them all in her own way, often watching the children grow each year, fall in love, and have children of their own. Her love for the village was something that lasted the ages as she traveled and saw so much darkness in the heart of man, she returned only to find the kind people of the remote village of Nox to be what kept her hopeful for the souls of mankind. Guardian? Chimed a soft lithe voice, one of a woman, as she slowly walked away from the town and into the small woods to the south right before the river dropped into a gargantuan waterfall that could be heard from miles away , Lovely Guardian? Athena straightened from her resting position against a grand oak tree, the familiar voice causing the fire haired gargoyle to push back her hood and gracefully slip from the thick branch of the old oak tree. Her feet left imprints as she took several steps toward the blonde, barely a woman, but a beauty none the less even as the scars upon her face and eyes gave a sheen in the moonlight filtering through the tree branches. Like every other year little one, I am here, and like every other year I shall tell you th- That I should not be out here, there could be unfriendly creatures lurking in the shadows. The human giggled after she cut off the gargoyles speech. The girls name was Kianna, she had been born without the ability of sight and when she was only a babe she got stuck in her home that had caught fire. Athena had been the one to save her life, taking her from the flaming building and straight to the river to cool her wounds. They had soaked the injured child in milk of Noxintine and it had healed her wounds enough for her to live. Ever since then everyone thought she was a blessed one, one with connections to the Old Gods. That she was flavored and could see what no one else could. But she was simply a girl, a girl with the purest heart Athena had ever seen. Athena gave a smile and took several more steps toward the human as she outstretched her hand, But you never learn. She took the girls soft hand in her own calloused one. I have something for you Guardian. The hand in which resided behind her back came forward and she held out a beautiful crown of flowers, wild flowers of all shapes and colors created a beautiful circlet. Here, let me crown you. Kianna couldn't see the utter look of shock upon her features mixed with love and happiness. The human gave her hand a squeeze before letting go and reached out with both hands to crown the horned creature. Athena guided her hands and bent her knees to allow the woman to reach the top of her head. She stood and Kianna, as if she could see, smiled brightly, You're beautiful. No my child, you are. Her voice was soft and could have been carried away by the wind but she knew the human heard. Now, Athena's shoulders straightened and she gave a soft laugh, only to cover the fact that tears had gathered in her eyes Thank you for the gift, but it's late and you must get back, they will be wondering where you are. She gave the girl a soft touch on the cheek with her fingers and backed away into the forest. She watched as the human smiled proudly and slowly walked back to the celebration. Well that was.... Unexpected... Said the gargoyle to her own reflection, touching a small red flower at her temple gently almost lovingly, a small tight smile on her face. Athena had only headed back home once the last fire had been put out, the humans going to bed for the night was late and the moon was bright. 'Home' for the time being was simply an old abandoned temple built by the worshippers of the forgotten gods of long ago. Before even Athena had walked the Earth. It's rectangular base, delicately carved alter and ancient white marble columns were the only remnants of the once revered holy place. The towns people thought the place was haunted and would never cross to the west side of the river, at least no where near the ancient place. Unknown to Athena she was the reason why it was thought to be haunted as she would appear there for several nights and then disappear without a trace. But then again it kept them from the place in which she slumbered. The creature that looked back at her from the waters wore the delicate crown atop her head proudly, her long braid had come loose in the gentle winds and caused strands to frame her etched features. Using the will of her inner magic she threw a pebble into the reflection and stood. She knew she only had a couple hours before the sun rose so she would take the time to bathe in the cool waters. She removed the crown first, along with her amulet, letting them both hang on the thin branch of a dead tree. Her armor unhooked from around her waist easily enough, the gauntlets around her wrists, her swords from her back. Her leather boots joining the pile before she tugged her shirt off as well as slipped out of her pants. They all laid in a messy bunch upon a stone along the side of the Crystaline River. Naked and calm she let her fingertips trace the scars of scripture wired from hip to anckle in elegant lettering. Athena walked into the water, unbraiding her red hair and let it drape down her back in soft waves. She only walked until she was neck deep in the water, allowing the gentle flow the the inlet wash the dirt from her body. She took a deep breath and submerged herself under the water, letting herself sink to the bottom where she rested, only rising to the surface to breath again. She found serenity in the waters, peace even from her own mind. Liked looking up at the moon and imagining it was the sun. All she had to do was swim to the surface and night would turn to day with every inch that she swam towards the surface. She had been down there watching the fish swim around this stone still creature for what seemed like ages. And in fact it had been. The familiar tingle in the back of her mind suddenly returned and she gasped under the chilled waters, bubbled rising before her eyes as she looked up to the surface only to see the lightening of the night sky. Her walk to the shore was rushed, waves being made by her legs, and curses coming form her lips in all different languages. She got dressed quickly, just in time to feel her wings begin to force their way from her very being. They were gorgeous golden wings, but no matter how beautiful it still hurt as they unfolded from her spine and returned to their rightful position behind her, as if revenge for keeping them cadged for so long. By the Gods... She hissed in pain as the sun began to rise and her heartbeat began to slow, she only just reached the steps of the temple and onto the platformed entrance and turned to see the weak golden rays of sunlight come over the horizon. The pain seemed worth it to resist, 'just a moment longer, only a moment,' she thought to herself but there was a jabbing pain into her chest that caused her to gasp and her knees crippled below her into the familiar kneeling position. Her legs now stone as the rays touched the earth, her hand drawing one of her swords from its sheath, slowly as her elbows locked into place and she stabbed the tip into the ancient marble making a scraping dent into the stone. Her hands rested upon the hilt of the sword, stone as well, her head bowed, hair down her back and eyes closing. Her wings formed an elegant arch behind her, every single golden feather turning one by one... No one would have ever known... That this statue was anything but the stone it was... The only evidence of a creatures existence was the forgotten necklace glittering in the morning sunlight, petals of the crown falling sadly into the crystal waters below.