You're an explorer– at least, you were. Unfortunately, the ship you were taking across the ocean was caught in a storm and sank. You wake up on the beach of a tropical island– alone. While exploring and searching for other people, you find a large, old stone wall surrounding the middle of the island. There's no door and absolutely no way to climb the wall. While looking for a way to get past the wall, you run across a cave half-hidden by bushes, filled with crumbling, life-sized statues. At the very back, you find a very well-preserved statue of a man. Written on the pedestal of the statue is a name. You whisper the name which, much to your surprise, releases the person trapped inside the statue. As it turns out, he know what lies behind the wall. You set out to explore the world, but it seems like you're going to find more than you bargained for.
Rules and Stuff:
- Please be active! And please, minimal one-liners.
- Ask before you join!
- If you have any questions, please ask away!
- This will be fantasy-ish, so magic is allowed.
- As for technology, think around the 18th Century.
This looks really interesting, May I?
Would it be alright with you if we only put up descriptions of our characters instead of a full character sheet, just to add to the mystery?
Awesome. I'll try and get up a description as quickly as I can!
I'd say early to mid twenties, probably.
Ra'eon: Rounded chin, cheekbones, slightly upturned nose. A sprinkle of freckles on the bridge of his nose. He's lean and doesn't appear strong but is. He has light, warm brown skin. His eyes are bright green and he has wavy shoulder-length black hair. He's 5'2" tall and usually has a soft smile on his face. He appears to be around 25 years old. His typical outfit usually consists of a length of fabric wrapped around his waist and secured with a wooden pin.
Noah Everly Alice Thane, Age 22: Long chestnut hair pulled up into a respectable bun. As she has just been marooned on an Island she has ditched the majority of her wardrobe and is now in her combinations with her lightest skirt on. She wears a large belt around her wast with loops holding a variety of tools., she wears a pair of Brown suspenders that are currently helping to hold up her skirt. A leather satchel hangs at her side.
( I'm assuming she's from late 1800's England based off the technology guide line you put)
(Yep! She looks awesome! I'll get the starter up. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me!)
The island looked perfect. The sand was soft and white, and the turquoise water was crystal clear. It looked like a painting, really. Everything was pure and untouched, at least on the beach. The jungle beyond the sunny beach didn't invite visitors. There was a strange feeling in the shadowy air beyond the first trees. And there weren't any animals. One would think this sort of place would be full of life, but the only living creature was a small bird perching on the top of a fallen tree. Even this bird didn't seem to fit. There was something human about the way it looked around. A spark of intelligence too great for a mear bird glimmered in its eyes. This was no ordinary island.
Near the center of the island was a cave set into a large rock wall. It, just like the rest of the jungle, didn't look inviting. But unlike the jungle, there was a more friendly feeling coming from the cave. It wasn't coming from the crumbling statues lining the walls of the caves, though maybe it had long ago. In the back of the cave, lit by a beam of sunlight that found its way through the cracks in the rocks, was a perfectly preserved statue. It looked new and entirely realistic. The figure was reaching towards some invisible object, eyes opened wide. Joy mixed with just the slightest bit of horror colored the statue's features. The stone was warm, though whether it was from the sun or something more mystical was unclear. Placed at the foot of the statue was a small stone plaque with a word– or was it a name– carved onto it: Ra'eon.
Noah woke on the beach with a start. The pain she was now experiencing in her head was excruciating.
She couldn't recall a reason for this pain. She sat up slowly brushing the sand from her face, Sand, The events of the previous night hit her then. The violent storm, the gargantuan waves that smashed into her body throwing her over the side of the boat. Or, was it the storm that tossed her? The Crew wouldn't have, not over some silly superstition, right?
Regardless of the particulars, she was here now, the ship no where in sight, miraculously her satchel was still over her shoulder and ,upon inspection, the water proof casing around her notes seemed to have served it's purpose. She pulled a small journal from the bag and scribbled down a short note
June 10, 1877
My memories of yesterday are hazy, I do not recall the particulars of my being tossed over board, weather by my fellow explorers or the will of the sea is uncertain. My Fathers predictions seem to be correct, setting sail in the middle of storm season has proved a folly decision indeed. I will have to wait until evening to determine my current position, I appear to be stranded on an Island of some sort, There are few signs of life and a jungle begins further inland. There is no use waiting on the beach, I will explore further inland. -Noah Thane
She snapped the book shut and slipped both it and her pencil back into her bag. The hot Tropical sun compelled her to remove the heavy dress and petticoats, she kept her lightest petticoat on, even if this island were deserted she would have some sense of modesty and not allow her legs to be seen. she hung the discarded clothing on the first tree she came across, taking it with her would hardly be practical. She found her self at the mount of a cave of some sort, or possibly a ruin. Fascinated by her discovery she brought out her book and began scribbling note down as she walked, through it. It was only now that the presence had lifted that she realized the jungle had given her such unease. There appeared to be many statues at one point lining the walls of the cave, now only one stood, and it stood perfectly intact.
She excitedly began to sketch the image, and upon completing a crude rendering of it, noticed the plaque at the base of the statue. She moved her hand over the weathered stone reading aloud what it said, "Ra'eon? Do you suppose it's the fellows name? Or perhaps a word in some other language." She muttered to herself writing her thoughts down next to the drawing.
Although his body had been trapped in stone, Ra'eon's mind had not. But it wasn't the full consciousness of being awake. It was a half-dream state. Sometime in the first ten years, his mind had wandered away from his body and connected with a small bird. And thus he was able to stay alive and remain in this world. He always had the faint hope that someone would come to the island and set him free, but the spells placed around the area always seemed to point boats away. And yet… someone had finally appeared. He, through the bird's eyes, had seen someone wash up on the beach. Was it too much to hope that they would come free him? At first, it seemed like help wasn't going to come from that person. But she made her way into the jungle and found the cave. Ra'eon, though the bird, followed her until she ducked into the cave. Although he'd been enjoying the freedom being a bird allowed, he couldn't stay there when that woman might free him. Ra'eon's mind slipped away from the bird and settled back into his stone body. There, incased in rock, sounds were muffled. His thoughts moved slower and he couldn't hold onto them very long. This was a bad idea. He should leave. But before he could escape, his name sliced through the fog. It cleared away the clouds until he could see. Sensations returned to his fingers, the stone changing to warm skin. His hand dropped out of the air and the first breath of air he'd had in a long time raced into his lungs. Everything was sharp and clear– he couldn't belive how beautiful the stone and the sunlight could be! Ra'eon blinked and looked at the woman who'd set him free. He should thank her. But that could wait. He ran his fingers through his hair, marveling at how soft it was. A joyful laugh escaped his mouth and for a second, he forgot the reason he had been there in the first place. There was no room for anger or resentment in that moment.
Noah, who was previously engrossed in her writing's, jumped at hearing the sudden noise. Upon looking up and seeing that where there was previously a statue there was now a half naked man, she shrieked covering er eye's and backing out of the cave. She quickly realized that covering ones eye's and attempting movement in unfamiliar and rocky terrain was the quickest way to find your self flat on your back unable to breath.
She sat up coughing, the sudden impact prompting water she had inhaled to exit her lungs. In reality this was probably for the best as a few hours later she might have been an unfortunate case of second hand drowning. She must have been quite a sight, so indecently clothed and in such a retched state, the pain in her lungs and head quite overwhelmed her initial shock of seeing the man, he was all most forgotten in her pain.
Ra'eon snapped back to the present at the shout. The woman had covered her eyes and was backing out of the cave. Was there some sort of ghost behind him? Ra'eon turned to look behind him, but it was just the wall of the cave. Maybe him turning from stone to breathing flesh was what had scared her. He stepped onto the floor of the cave, his bare feet finding their way around pieces of stone. A glance to the side revealed where they had come from. Stone statues, just like he had been. These, too, had been people. But they hadn't been lucky enough to live through all those years. Ra'eon stopped and ran his fingers lightly down the face of the nearest statue. He would avenge them and make sure their sacrifice was not in vain. But first, he had to thank the woman who'd freed him.
She was on the ground and did not look very good. "Thank you for freeing me." He said, giving her a small smile and couching down beside her. "Are you alright?" He wasn't sure, but something told him this was the right language. He had a faint memory of her saying something else in the same language.
Noah, scrambled back, brandishing her pencil like a weapon, "I am no helpless maid for you to take pity on ." She declared, she seemed slightly recovered, though not yet well enough to stand on her own.
She knew that her situation was bad, terrible even. If this man were hostile she was done for if she had her full strength she might escape his clutches but with her present state being as it was, she had no chance of escape. It was a few moments before the realization that he had spoken hit her, the knowledge calmed her, slightly, not enough to ease her suspicions of this person nor calm her uneasiness.
"Sir, I don't know how much you know about other human beings, generally ones who are in good health do not empty half of the pacific from their lungs." She replied, her situation may be dire but it did nothing to tame her wit.
"Okay…" Ra'eon blinked. "I was only thanking you for freeing me from my prison." He wasn't quite sure why this woman was being so defensive: he didn't look at all threatinging– at least, he was pretty sure he didn't. "Well, of course I know that. You don't need any help, do you?" Ra'eon stood, fingers reaching for the pearl he'd always had hanging around his neck and coming up empty. Of course… it had been taken as well. He bit his lip and stared down at the woman for a few seconds. He was torn between helping her and going off to find the people who'd trapped him. She was definitely stuck here and it was probably his responsibility, as guardian of the island, to help her in whatever way he could. But… he also needed to take this island back. Well, maybe he could wait a little to see if she did need his assistance.
"Help? No I am perfectly fine, See I can.. Stand…Up," Noah breathed heavily pulling her self up off of the ground before bracing herself against the side of the cave breathing heavily. "See, Perfectly, Fine." She replied between gasps for air. She was familiar with stories of individuals who had troubles after a near drowning, but she would surly be fine within the next hour or two, no need to ask this strange individual for help/ She doubted he would be of any use if his out ward appearance were any hint.
She took a few drunken steps towards the exit, before giving up and remaining by the wall, "Alright I admit, I have no Idea where I am, I'm not sure how I got here. The last thing I really remember is being called above deck and then the cold of the ocean's waves." Noah admitted, she felt a relief as the words left her mouth. It had been on her mind sense waking up on the beach, just how did she survive that storm and end up on this island.
"People don't just survive storms like that, there were 9 meter waves out there I'm sure of it." She muttered , stuck as she was she couldn't aford to slight the first and only person she would most likely meet on this island, "Ra'eon, Is that your name?"
Ra'eon watched dubiously as the woman struggled to stand up. Nearly drowning seemed to dissagree with her. But if she insisted she didn't need any help, then he would believe her. Normally, he would be much more concerned about the well-being of others. Unfortunately– or maybe fortuently, since she didn't seem to want to have anything to do with him– he was a little too focused on finding those people. So much that he almost didn't notice when she started talking again. "Oh. You are on… an island." Ra'eon frowned. "An island. An island." For some reason, whenever he tried to say the island's name– which he knew– it got replaced by 'an island'. It must have been that cursed magic. "I don't really know how you could have gotten here either. There are things here that repel anyone from coming here." He tilted his head at the woman. She didn't look all that special, and yet here she was. Maybe it was because she was just one person, instead of a whole boat of people. Still… "Oh, yes. What's yours?" Ra'eon nodded, a friendly smile spreading across his face.
"Miss. Thane, Noah Thane." She replied resting her head on the cool stone, "And I gathered we were on an Island, I'm not Daft."
She thought for a moment confused by his mentioning that no one ever made it to this island, that was impossible, England knew the ocean's well, they were the strongest Navel force in all of Europe, surly there must have been some contact before now. The thought excited her however, to think, She, the Disappointment daughter of the Thane Family, was the first to discover an Island with ancient ruins on it. That would prove her family wrong indeed. Yet he knew English, the Navy must have made contact here.
"Has there really been no other contact on this island? Do you know of England? Europe, perhaps, the British?" She questioned.
"Well, it's nice to meet you… Miss Noah Thane." Ra'eon wasn't really sure which of those names was her first name. Maybe Miss, since that was the first thing she said. Or it might be Noah. It did seem like Noah was the name he should call her. "I was just trying to tell you the name of the island, but that magic won't let me say it," He said, crossing his arms. Why that was the case, Ra'eon had no idea. What harm would it be to let someone else know the name of an island? It wasn't as if it was going to hurt anyone. "No. That barrier made sure of it. And no one came before I was trapped either." Except for the people who trapped him, but they didn't count. "England?" Ra'eon ran the other words through his mind and came up blank. "No, I'm sorry. Who or what are they?"
"The Magic… Ok, Um," Noah sat down again, to ensure she didn't fall over once more, "Magic isn't real Ra'eon, there is something called Science and it explains all of this so called 'Magic' you have." She said carefully, not wanting to offend him to badly. She wanted to take the words back once she had said them.
Poisoning the mind of such a specimen as this. What fantastical tales had this Civilization dreamed up to explain the wind and sky. To have a primary source of information of this seemingly ruined culture. It was a prize to cherish, If she played her cards right there was no telling the things she could discover from him, the secrets of this Island and the way's of it's long gone inhabitants.
Still there was the matter of his knowing English and not knowing of England, this was curious indeed, "England is the country I came from, and it's where the language you speak now was born. You can understand my confusion of your knowing it with out the presence of our Navy near by."
"Ha! Magic isn't real? Then how do you explain me?" Ra'eon asked, raising an eyebrow at her. "Is there something that can explain me changing from stone to a living person?" He leaned against the wall and stared down at Noah. It was really funny that she didn't believe magic was real. After all, it was everywhere. In the plants, the water, in the dirt and stone under their feet. It was also what had trapped him in statue form for all those years, but he wasn't holding that against it. It was those people who did that to him, not the magic. And speaking of those people, he had to go find out what horrors they'd inflicted on his island. Ra'eon started towards the entrance of the cave, but Noah spoke again before he could leave. He'd forgotten about his question about England. "Oh. Well." How did he know this language? Ra'eon had just woken up and had that language on his tongue. "I don't know how I know it, but maybe I have some sort of gift for languages?" It might be a possibility, since he'd never encountered another language before that day. He would have to ask the magic at some point.
Noah, had forgotten about his mystical transformation, but surly there as some sort of explanation, She stood to fallow him, her balance somewhat regained, "There are injuries, Animals and foods that could possible paralyze a person.. yes that must be it, something on this island had you in a state of paralysis and it's been so long that over time you simply were covered in so much grime you only appeared to be stone." She nodded to her self, seemingly satisfied with her explanation, it was weak, but more believable than magic. As for his knowing English, there was a chance, however small that some form of contact had been made before his time, and as such was not in his memory.
Or Magic could be real and her survival and arrival on the Island was of a magical nature considering there had been no land near by when the storm arose and no known land masses for many miles. She entertained the thought for but a moment, it was ridiculous no matter how many threads connected when the Idea was given thought.
"Where are you headed Mr. Ra'eon, do you mind if I accompany you. "
"Nice guesses, but that wasn't what happened. I actually got turned into stone," Ra'eon laughed. All of Noah's theories were hilarious. All she had to do was accept the magic that flowed through the air itself and she wouldn't have to grasp at nothing. He stepped out of the cave, breathing in the forest air. It was wonderfully sweet after the damp cave smells. "You can just call me Ra'eon, Noah." He smiled at her, then closed his eyes. There should be something on the island that didn't belong– all he had to was find it. There was a slight disturbance nearer to the center of the island. It wasn't what he was looking for, but it was better than nothing. "You can come with me, but I should warn you– it might be dangerous." Ra'eon opened his eyes and looked over at her. "If you decide against it, the beach is the safest place on this island."
Noah Was taken aback by the familiar nature of using her first name, she recovered however. This was not England, the rules of it's society need not be applied here. Though she couldn't help but dissprove of his current wardrobe, one rouge branch and… Noah flushed a deep red as she shoock the thought from her mind, No that would be unacceptable.
"I do not wish to insult you by repeating my self but I am not a helpless dame, in need of protection Mr, Sorry, Ra'eon," She replied slowly, "But could we take a venture to the beach before we head inland, I left a few of my things there." She finished.
Ra'eon waited patiently as she thought about the options. Why she suddenly blushed so violently, though, he had no idea. "Well, of course. I simply wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting into," he explained, his brow furrowing slightly. Noah really wanted him to understand that she was not helpless– and he believed her. It was getting slightly annoying, however. "I suppose," Ra'eon shrugged. They weren't far away from the beach, so it wouldn't be too much of a detour. The disturbance he had felt didn't seem to be moving anywhere, either. He started towards the beach, quickly finding one of the old trails he used to take all the time. It was a little more faded than he was used to, but his feet knew the way.
Noah fallowed close behind, she was afraid she had insulted him with her latest comment, was it to much? He wasn't one of the men at home, he didn't attempt to hold her by the waste as if she would swoon and faint. Here they would not have gotten the message, he must have. She cursed herself internally, he was her only hope of surviving on this island, insulting him was foolish. The dirt under foot soon changed to soft powder sand.
It did not take long for her to locate her things, "I will just be a moment." She said as she took down her belongings, her dress she left behind, well suited for her destination in the cold temperatures, it was impractical in the warm tropical weather of this island, she hated to leave it, it was the only support her mother had shown for her journey, now she was leaving it behind. She sighed and replaced it on the tree branch, her Boots were dry enough to wear now, she returned them to her feet, the last thing she took was her coat. She held it in her hands for a moment trying to decide it it would be insulting to ask Ra'eon to tire it around his waste another layer just encase. She decided against in in the end folding up rightly and placing it in her satchel.
She rubbed the soft thick fabric if her Mothers dress between her fingers for a moment more before turning towards Ra'eon, "That's all, we can go. Do you know of any food sources, I have some tack, but not enough to last the both of us more than a day or two, I have a full canteen but who knows how long that will last in this heat." She stopped ,realizing she was rambling, "But I supose we can talk and walk." She finished after a pause.
Ra'eon couldn't help himself from running his fingers over leaves and the bark on the trees as he passed them. The dirt and sand under his feet felt amazing. He'd forgotten just how beautiful the jungle was, even if it had a slightly darker feel to it than usual. That was the fault of the people who'd trapped him, he was sure. This place wasn't supposed to be scary. At least the beach was just as he'd left it. Except for the stuff that he assumed were Noah's. "Take your time, Noah." Ra'eon dug his toes into the warm sand and sighed happily. This beach was perfect. He wandered to the water and waded in. Going swimming sounded like a dream, but he was only waiting for Noah to pick up whatever she needed. He only went in as deep as his shins in the end, unfortunately. Ra'eon took a deep breath of the ocean air and sighed happily. The peace and quiet was broken by Noah's words, though he wasn't too annoyed about that. "Okay!" He turned and waded out of the water. "Oh, probably. Most of the food was where the village was, and I don't know if that's taken over or anything, but I do know of some places where we can get coconuts or something," Ra'eon explained, walking towards the path that had taken them to the beach. It was leading them in the general direction of the disturbance, so they could follow it for the time being. "And I know several fresh-water springs where we can get water." He looked over at Noah. "We'll be fine." Unless, of course, they got killed by the people who'd trapped him. But he was optimistic that it wouldn't happen again.
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