Author: Mezereon, Posted: Fri Jun 8, 2018 7:59 AM, Post Subject: Forbidden Ground [P]

She had heard of this place from an offhand remark made by her former professor. The idea of an entire area contained within an alchemically powered barrier piqued her curiosity, and she was just as eager to see what was being held in. It was a long trek through the savanna, after arriving at Nisshoki days earlier. Liselotte had no idea what to expect, or whether she should be expecting anything at all. Arriving on her own and by foot, she regrettably had to leave her companions at home. Before embarking on her little trip, what information she gathered on her destination told her that it was no place for a picnic–dangerous for her and her pets. Not wanting them to be put at risk, she chose to take extra precautions herself. 

The edge of the barrier was clear as day, and the distinct shift in appearance and atmosphere was notable. On one side the grass was its usual dried flaxen brown, and on the other it bore stronger resemblance to the blanched tendrils of some alien fern stalks. The purple color was garishly unseemly, but who knew what else lay beyond? Properly outfitted and covered, her bow was notched and at the ready. Cautiously she entered. Goosebumps broke out over her skin as she had both feet on the other side. Everything here was bizarre, for lack of a better term. Things looked to be growing sideways, if that was what was really happening. The growth here was coiling and jutting out at odd angles with no particular rhyme or reason. It was all quite puzzling, so Liselotte decided to stay within sight of the barrier's border. Varaz was mysterious and largely unknown, yet she had no intention of losing her way in a place like this.

For once, she had planned this entire excursion privately. Professor Ryou had not heard a single peep about it from her, and that was how the alchemist wanted things. As much respect she held for the woman, the half-elf felt she was a tad reckless when it involved something novel and out of the ordinary. If the thought of getting lost in the twisting weald was worrying, then potentially losing the arcanist to its strangeness was downright terrifying. Just like with Basil and Marcasite, there were too many risks which she was unwilling to take. Better safe than sorry. 

Dutifully gathering some samples of the soil and local flora, the sound of voices drew her attention. There were three other figures now entering from another point on the barrier's edge, for reasons unknown. Perhaps it was out of the spirit of discovery or exploration? They didn't appear to be mercenaries, so she hailed their attention with a friendly tone. "Good afternoon! What brings you three here to the edge of the great unknown?"

Author: Nerine, Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2018 6:21 PM, Post Subject: Forbidden Ground [P]

The land where magic was wild and strange, even in ways beyond that of the enchanted Feeorin–Varaz. As an herbalist, she had always wondered what made this place so strange, even by Parvporan standards. What was it that caused the creatures within to change so drastically, and why? Parvpora was a place of wonders and dangers, each with its own set of oddities. But places such as Emiria and Varaz were completely sealed off. The former she understood was due to the fallen World Tree's blight, but Varaz was a mystery. At first she wasn't sure if she wanted to go. If she wanted someplace exotic and unfamiliar, Bakulaw would do just fine. But she had always wondered since her days in Iria's mage academy if the changes to the sealed area could be reversed. 

"We are currently approaching the eastern edge of the Haza Savanna. Our arrival at the determined destination will take place within approximately thirty minutes." The stern, matter-of-fact tone from Galatea broke her moment of reverie. The Clephysdra was flying her across the continent at the Steward's behest to drop her off just outside the barrier. For safety, Shiloh had sent along two members of her staff to assist her: Euripides and Galatea. The first was being sent to observe and document what they would discover inside, while the latter would be accompanying her as a bodyguard. Within a mile from the barrier's edge, the airship touched down and lowered the walkway for the three to descend. "Thank you for flying us over Erasmus." The scholar said to a man composed of molded alloy and plating. His features appeared close to a sculpted statue wrought from steel, in the shape of a man. His face bore a few moving parts, particularly the eyes and mouth. The rest of him was a metal frame with hammered metal plating covering a system of mechanisms which gave him movement. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Nerine. We will be here awaiting for your return. Be careful, and stay safe."

Waving as she left, she quickened her pace to keep up with a tall woman with dark hair and alabaster skin. Not too far behind was a metal golem made much more simply than the other automatons on board the airship, and he had a pack with some things inside. They stopped before the boundary of Varaz, and she was beginning to have second thoughts. "Are you absolutely sure you want to go in there?" Euripides' tinny, metallic voice projected sounding more than hesitant. Turning to the scouting unit, she did her best to smile. "Yes, but only for a little while. I wouldn't want to stray too far from the barrier's edge." Galatea was already beside the boundary, resting a hand on her hip. "Whenever you are ready, we'll disembark." Came the terse reply. Taking in a deep breath, Nerine mentally prepared herself. "Alright, let's go."