Undinevea Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 For some time, Ivan had experienced abnormal fevers that did not really have a set pattern on when it would occur. He would be in a state of similar to normal fevers, body heating up, easily sweating, coughing, body growing weak and all that however it happens much frequently to his dismay. Fortunately, it was not contagious so he was able to socialize properly with the people of his hometown although it was still troublesome and brought him quite an amount of pity. It had not happened as soon as he was born, only noticing the symptoms of it during his adolescence. Inevitably, he had began living a life as a nomad and went place to place in order to find a cure. A light of hope had shined on him upon hearing about the unique type of trees that can produce sap as an ingredient of an elixir. The said concoction could be used to cure any kind of illness, hoping his as well. Finally arriving at the town nearby a forest that was rumored that the certain trees was inhibiting the place, he was beaming from ear to ear however it was longer than it should have been with his illness. Although, he was afraid to blindly venture into the area since it was quite an unknown spot for them and would not prefer to take the risk. Having heard of someone who had experiences in the forest from the townsmen, he was quick to approach where the person should have live with the hopes of him accepting his somewhat selfish request. Taking a deep breath as he stood in front of the door, he began to knock and habitually bit his lip while waiting for an answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 14, 2016 Share Posted October 14, 2016 Mc Name: Salix Byloncia Species: Forest nymph Age: 1,206 Centuries had passed since Salix moved into his cottage. It had turned from a freshly made house to a decrepit old shack, half held up by the plants that had grown in the walls and ceiling. One could easily miss it because it was so overgrown on the outside. But the villagers knew where to find him. They knew that he could make the most beautiful coffins, and would ask for almost nothing in return. He could feed himself without being paid, he only wanted money for buying clothes and sometimes ingredients that he couldn't find in the woods. At some point he had leaned to tell when a person was growing close to death, which is why he was surprised by the knock on his door. People didn't usually come by unless there had been a death. Someone may be giving him a gift, or someone may have died in an accident. Salix set down the shirt he had been mending and hurried to the door, opening it quickly. "Hello..?" His brow furrowed slightly at the sight of a stranger. Travelers almost never came to visit despite the rumors of the healing tree, the last guest had been over 100 years ago. "Are you lost sir?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 14, 2016 Author Share Posted October 14, 2016 At the answer of the door, Ivan was slightly taken aback by the other's appearance. Unsure how to actually describe it, the only word that popped into his mind was certainly beautiful. He was aware that the one residing in this cottage was not human, hearing the fact from the townspeople and concluded that the creature would not be that scary if they were able to comverse with him normally. The face that the other made was much obvious, not really letting that pass as he displayed a warm smile to show friendliness as well as no hostility. "No. I would like to request your help." He slowly began in a polite manner, hoping the door would not suddenly close on him. "Would you please guide me to where I can find the healing tree sap?" He continued after a very short pause, having to find the right words in order to not seem to be too demanding. Although, he could not help but let a hint of desperation come out from his voice, wanting to be rid from his illness as soon as possible. He was sure that his body was slowly growing weak after having recovered from fevers, unsure how it will end up for him if he were to ignore about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 14, 2016 Share Posted October 14, 2016 The stranger's words made Salix sigh. The few people who came by asking about the tree sap were always difficult to deal with. What could he say? He didn't feel like he should have the power to decide if someone should be cured of their illness or not... But if he refused then he was deciding that they should die. How could he choose? "Please come in..." He stepped back, pulling the door open. The stranger definitely had the faint scent of death to him... Who knew how long he would survive without the sap. The nymph stepped into his home and walked over to his small wood stove. "Would you care for some tea Mr..?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 14, 2016 Author Share Posted October 14, 2016 Ivan was a bit disturbed by the sigh that the other had made, not really blaming him since it would be bothersome to help someone you do not really know that well. The feeling of relief was quick to fill him after he was being invited to enter, having high expectations that this creature was willing to help someone in need. The male entered the other's home with slight hesitance, hoping he had not bothered on whatever he was doing before. His eyes scanned the house he found himself in before snapping back to the person he was with at the offer of tea, nodding at him a bit too eagerly. "Arlens. Ivan Arlens."He mentioned with a slightly chipper voice with the thought of being a step closer to being cured, though he was not sure whether it was too good to be true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 14, 2016 Share Posted October 14, 2016 "Mr. Arlens, please go ahead and take a seat wherever you'd like" Salix put a kettle of water on the stove and lit the wood so it would heat up. He carefully mixed different herbs together and put them two mismatched mugs. The nymph stayed silent until the water had heated up and he filled the mugs. Then walked over to his small table with the mismatched chairs and sat down, setting the mugs down on the table. He lightly blew on his tea to cool it. After a few more moments he raised his gaze to the man. "Well... Would you mind telling me what brought you here? I can tell that you're ill... But I would like to hear your exact situation if possible" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 14, 2016 Author Share Posted October 14, 2016 Doing as he was told, Ivan took a seat over to the table that was accompanied with oddly picked-out chairs. The strange surrounding of his grabbed his attention once again, a bit as if he was already in a forest and was pretty much in awe with the decor. Before long, his eyes fell onto the beautiful creature and cannot help but stared at him while he was making tea. Once the person had turned around, he pretended to watch his feet while hearing footsteps approaching as the mugs were being placed on the table and right in front of him. Seeing the other taking a mug for himself, he nervously did the same. The question came to him quite expectedly, turning at the creature in a slightly sullen expression before explaining his predicament. "I've been having constant fevers." He slowly began, not trying to break eye contact as he searched for words. "The symptoms are the same like any normal fever however it's quite troublesome for me. If possible, I would love to find a cure for it." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 15, 2016 Share Posted October 15, 2016 "I see..." Salix calmly kept eye contact. "I can't help but feel that there is more to it. Many people have some sort of illness that causes them discomfort or gets in the way of their day to day life. But most people find some way to work around it" He took a small sip of the tea before continuing. "There is a reason that I don't just harvest these trees and sell or give away the elixir to whoever might want it. It would be wonderful if I could do that, it would cure all disease in the world. But due to the nature of the trees and the process of creating the elixir, that is completely impossible" He set the mug down, his gaze drilling into the man before him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 15, 2016 Author Share Posted October 15, 2016 Ivan idly rubbed his thumb at the brim of the mug, quietly listening to what the other has to say though he concluded that he was trying to refuse him. The look in his eyes made him uncomfortable, shifting around in his seat as if they can burn him if he looked at them anymore and returned his sight to the ground. "I... Well, I feel my body growing weaker day by day. I know that is not a good sign for me." He explained timidly, hoping this was not receiving any kind of pity, the main reason on why he was reluctant to reveal it. Realizing that it would much longer for him to find another way, Ivan grew desperate in the situation and was now slightly bowing to the creature. His pride did not really matter anymore, wanting to live longer than he can. "My travels only served to find myself the cure. Please, I beg of you. You're my only hope." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 17, 2016 Share Posted October 17, 2016 Salix finally broke eye contact, letting his gaze drop to his tea. "I can say for sure that you are dying..." He said softly. "I could tell the moment I saw you." The vines in his hair began to grow, turning red and curling around his antlers. "It can take up the three years for me to complete making the elixir." He sighed softly and closed his eyes, bowing his head slightly. "If this is truly what you want then I have no right to refuse you. You should stay here, or nearby, while you wait. That way I can make sure your health doesn't get any worse." This wasn't a situation he wanted to be in. Salix hated making this kind of choice, but he had to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 17, 2016 Author Share Posted October 17, 2016 Ivan raised an eyebrow at the creature upon hearing about his near-death situation, not really liking the revelation as he bit his bottom lip. His eyes widened at the vines in his hair, changing so sudenly as well when the other had mention about the duration that the elixir. The news of him having to stay with the creature was not that surprising though he was hesitant. Ivan had just met the creature and was not sure what he was capable of, only able to trust the townspeople's words of his kindness. "I... I..." He went quiet as he let a moment pass, figuring out that he had no other choice. "I understand." He murmured with a bit of disappointment, his frown aimed at his tea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 21, 2016 Share Posted October 21, 2016 "You're more than welcome to spend time with the townspeople and even stay with them, as long as you check in with me every couple days" Salix stood up as he spoke. He had noticed the man's reaction to his vines growing, but would wait until Ivan actually asked him directly. "Just give me a moment to prepare your room" He walked to one of the walls of his tiny cottage and touched one of the roots growing through the old wood. The nymph took a deep breath. As he breathed out the roots and plants in the wall began to move. With a loud creaking noise the wall pulled back enough to give space for another full room. Vines and trees grew into walls and a ceiling for the room, as well as furniture and a flat floor. Finally a new wall with a door replaced the one which moved away, so Ivan would have his own private room. Salix sat back down in his seat, waving away a bit of dust that had been knocked up. "There, you may decorate it as you'd like. Let me know if there's anything I can do to make you more comfortable." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 22, 2016 Author Share Posted October 22, 2016 To be honest, Ivan was very grateful that the creature had shown him this much hospitality though at the mention, he mysteriously did not feel the urge to live with the townspeople who he had about a week of interaction compared to the nymph. He was quiet when the other rose up, observing his next move which was very surprising as he saw a whole room form before his very eyes, not aware that the creature's home could be manipulated like that. "I haven't asked your name, have I." He murmured a bit shyly after snapping his eyes back to the person, blinking a few times. He took a sip of his tea as he bit his lip, trying very hard not to avert his sight from the person, unable to stop his thumb from making circles on his cup. "May I?" He added as if there was a chance that he would not answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 23, 2016 Share Posted October 23, 2016 "Ah, of course" Salix gave the man a gentle smile. "My name is Salix Byloncia. I'm sure that the villagers told you that I'm a forest nymph. I haven't had anyone live with me for very long. So I may not be the best host. Please tell me if there's anything I can do to make your stay easier." He dropped his gaze to his mug, the vines in his hair turning a pale green. "I apologize for how harsh I may have seemed earlier... It isn't easy to be forced to choose who lives and who dies." The nymph closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh. "I don't blame you if you wish to hold it against me. But I hope you can at least somewhat understand my position." Curing this man meant that he may not be able to help the next person who came to him. But how could he tell someone that they would have to die even if he could actually heal them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 23, 2016 Author Share Posted October 23, 2016 Ivan soon finished his tea had returned Salix's smile, nodding at the mention of him being a forest nymph as he heard about it several times from the townsmen that was quite shock on his appearance. Noticing the leaves in his hair returning back to green was something he had yet get used to, reminding himself it would be a requirement or a natural thing when he was going to live with him for about three years. The ill boy could somewhat understand his position at the explaination, unsure whether he had the right to even be malcontent with the creature since he had already agreed on helping him. "There's nothing for you to apologize for. I'm sure it was not an easy choice though I do feel grateful that you decided on helping me." After a while, he managed to ease himself and would love a change of topic. The first thing that came to mind was about his hair, curious on what it means. "If it's not too rude, may I ask why your vines turn colors?" He questioned with a slight tilt of his head, blinking innocently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 Salix managed to relax a bit when the human didn't show any ill will towards him. The question just made him smile more. "Ah, it's not rude at all. Unfortunately it's a bit difficult for me to explain properly. In the simplest terms it's just an expression of my feelings, the same as a smile or frown. It's just that it's not as straightforward as facial expressions. The type of plant, stage of growth, color, amount... All of that factors into what it expresses" As he spoke the vines grew small leaves. "Of course I can purposefully change what grows, like faking a smile. But I prefer not to do that sort of thing." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 28, 2016 Author Share Posted October 28, 2016 There was a clear display of amazement at Ivan's expression after the explaination, founding him to learn more about a forest nymph. The gape of his mouth was obvious yet did not really realize it himself, only moments after did he shook his head and then a bright smile plastered across his face. "That sounds so magical," he pointed out with excitement, growing curious to know more about Salix yet the burden of exhaustion suddenly hit him. Quickly finishing his tea, he stood up however did not walk away just yet. "I'm quite tired now may I go to bed now?" He questioned with the impression of needing the creature's peermission since it was basically another's home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 29, 2016 Share Posted October 29, 2016 "Of course, I'll have to go out. So if I'm not here when you wake up you can feel free to help yourself to any food you find. My door doesn't have a lock so you can go out if you'd like" Salix stood up and gathered up their teacups which he took to the sink. "Please tell me if they're anything you need. I mostly live off what I gather from the forest, but I do have some money which I can use to buy things" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 29, 2016 Author Share Posted October 29, 2016 There was obvious warmth at his heart as Ivan had been given great hsopitality by the creature, smiling brightly at the other. "Thank you very much, Mr. Byloncia." He made a polite bow as he returned to the makeshift room he saw before his very eyes, landing himself onto the bed. It did not take long for him to fall asleep, lightly snoring with how exhausting travelling was with his growing weak body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 29, 2016 Share Posted October 29, 2016 "Ah, please just call me Salix" The nymph said as Ivan walked away. He sighed softly, unsure if the man even heard him. Ivan had looked extremely exhausted. Salix pulled on his cloak and left the house. He sat down in a clearing a short distance from the house and closed his eyes. He would need to communicate with the forest itself to find the special trees and get permission to use them. It could be very difficult and time consuming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 29, 2016 Author Share Posted October 29, 2016 Ivan had unknowingly ignored Salix's words, his head growing to ache as he languidly walked to bed. After having woken up, his body felt more sore than relief. He could tell that it was one of his fever attacks as his breathing got heavier, grasping onto the sheets as his body was already covered in sweat. Always having to handle it alone, he did not think to call for anyone as he recalled the forest nymph mentioning on going out and was not sure whether he had returned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted October 31, 2016 Share Posted October 31, 2016 Salix was pulled from his conversation when a bird came flying to him, chirping about how the man in his house was in pain. He immediately jumped to his feet and ran back to the cottage. He burst in, slightly out of breath. "Mr. Arlens?" He called out, hurrying into the man's room. "What's wrong?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted October 31, 2016 Author Share Posted October 31, 2016 Ivan's eyes slowly glanced at the burst of the door, panting heavily as he could barely figure out he was. Once the creature had come closer did he could tell, especislly the worried expression clearly displayed on the person's face. There was a frown to know that he had made the other to be worried about him, adding to one of the reasons that he was reluctant to stay with him. "W-Water..." He managed as his body heat was rising, his chest heaving for breath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kotorichan Posted November 2, 2016 Share Posted November 2, 2016 "Of course" Salix sat down next to him, vines brought a mug of cold water as well as a wash cloth soaked in water. He gently helped Ivan sit up and held the mug to his lips. "Just try to drink... Is there anywhere specific it hurts?" The vines laid the cold cloth on the man's forehead. "You can close your eyes..." He sent vines to search the forest for the right herbs. It hurt Salix so much to see someone in so much pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Undinevea Posted November 2, 2016 Author Share Posted November 2, 2016 The ill young man was rather afraid at firdt with the approaching vines with the mug of what he hoped to be warm water, accepting it only after a few moments sincd he was growing desperate. All the while sitting up and holding onto the mug, he slowly parted his lips to accept the heated liquid for the comfort of his body. After several sips did he pushed the mug away, shaking his head slightly in response to Salix question. The cold cloth felt quite nice to the touch, relaxing as he gently let his eyes to shut though his hand reached out for Salix. "I-if you don't mind, would you stay with me?" He inquired softly as his gasps interrupted his words halfway, shifting a bit in bed. The forest nymph presence was somehow soothing, perhaps the reason was that he required companionship while being sick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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