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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Feb 23, 2021 16:47:34 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2021 16:47:34 GMT -7
November 2025 Being a druid, Ri made it a habit to go to the forests as often as possible. While the growth outside of Hy-Brasil had a serious lack of magical plants and animals, it still felt right. He did feel most connected up in the air, where he flew, but he still loved to rest against an old tree for a time. Ri had set up a number of wooden placks, a target painted on them. Some against the trees around him, others hanging from branches.
After resting for a time, the druid stood up, setting down a half emptied bottle of rum, Ri paced the small clearing for a bit. He was feeling the buzz of alcohol, Ri pulled out a small sharp object, quickly and aggressively throwing it at the target. Right in the middle. It was one way to get out some frustration. He had been wrongly banished. True, it happened many years ago, but he still felt the effects. His life had completely changed the moment his arm was branded. Not just banished form his home, but rejected by his kind, mentally wiped from the bloodline of his family. As many friends that he made, crew members, and so on, he was alone. Alienated from his own kind, from everything he knew. Throwing another, hitting right where he intended, the banished druid picked up the bottle, placing it to his lips, angling up, he let the amber liquid into his body.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Feb 28, 2021 14:05:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2021 14:05:30 GMT -7
No matter how much it hurt, Stan couldn't get back the things he'd lost. It had been bad enough when he'd lost his parents but it had stung even more so when one of his best friends had been banished for practising dark arts. Stan didn't believe it, but he was more than aware he didn't want to see it if Cashel had a bad side to him. He'd kept an eye out from a distance at first, mostly trying to catch news about druids that had gone to live outside the community, Cashel and any others. It was something he'd always done and it wasn't questioned. Of late that had changed and he'd been more active in searching for them and seeking them out. He missed Cashel more than any others, but he was wary of the stories. Cashel had clearly plead innocent and Stan wanted nothing more than to believe him. It just wasn't so simple, was it?
He sighed, knowing exactly how much people would disapprove knowing he was off to seek out a banished druid. One that had murdered his own kin for supposedly using dark magic. No evidence meant no proof and there was no other option. Cashel had been banished. Yet it didn't take Stan too long to find his friend, tossing knives at a target. Softly the man landed near his old friend, taking on human shape and feeling the familiar ache in his heart as he did so. "Cashel....." Stan said, hesitantly but kind in tone. "I'm sorry it took so long to reach out. How have you been?" It was the best he could do, even as his staff was at the ready in preparation of unexpected knifes or other projectiles headed his way. It was hard to predict how those that lost their way might act. That was part of what made Stan so sad to see any forced to leave. What would happen to them after they lose what they had? Did banishing them even work?
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Feb 28, 2021 16:18:56 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2021 16:18:56 GMT -7
Ri had been banished on the account of murdering his brother. While he felt completely justified in his action's no one bothered to listen. No one cared about they why, the fact was, he was found by the guardians with his hands covered in the older boys blood. Only claiming his innocence when asked, no one seemed to bother wondering what exactly had happened. He had stabbed the mans chest with a ritualistic dagger that he had gathered in their fight. If he closed his eyes, he could still see the life drain from his brothers eyes. At times, the image still haunted him.
His entire world had changed, Druids disposed him. He was shunned by those who didn't know him, and completely ignored by those who knew exactly what he did. He was completely alone, abandoned by his kin. Standing in the clearing, feeling the effects of alcohol, Ri swallowed more from the bottle, throwing a knife as he heard his name. He didn't have to see the small dagger fly through the air, hitting one of the hanging targets. Ri hadn't heard the name "Cashel" in so long. His eyes met Stan's, in utter shock. Stan had been his best friend back on the island. While his words seemed friendly, the man seemed hesitant. He was seen as a murderer, thee was no doubt about that. He stood, stiffening his body, He was marked, permanently. "Been fine." He said, not moving, but knowing where each throwing knife was on his person, Bearing in mind the more than half empty bottle in his hand.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 2, 2021 15:01:55 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 15:01:55 GMT -7
Well at least he didn't get a knife flung at him. Stan felt himself relax significantly, no matter how tense his old friend seemed to be. He hadn't come there looking for a fight or disagreement after all. They had once upon a time taken to the sky together and that wasn't something that Stan was likely to throw aside lightly. He wanted to believe Cashel was still a good person and always had been, despite the evidence. The problem was that he was expected to act a certain way. He closed some of the distance, but kept a respectful amount between himself and his friend. He still considered the other man a friend, no matter how complicated it had gotten.
Stan nodded briefly at the short description of his state of being. "I'm glad to hear that." And he was genuine, although his voice betrayed that he didn't fully believe it. "Cash...." He muttered, his tone betraying how utterly lost he was for a place to start. "I'm sorry. For everything that happened." It hadn't been in his hands, yet even if it had been he couldn't promise he'd have acted differently. He was pretty sure Cashel would know as much. "And for how long it took me to build up the courage to reach out. I should have done so sooner." It had been years, but Stan hadn't felt he could sooner. Even now he knew he was deemed wrong in his choices, but he didn't care quite as much. He was a leader of faith and he felt it his duty to ensure that all those that wanted to be connected to Gaia had that opportunity. Even those that had been cast out from their community could choose to still practise the faith, and who was he to withhold them from that? "If you want me to leave I will, but I'm extending my apology along with my support. I might not be able to do everything you wish or need, but as a friend I feel I owe you at least this much."
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 2, 2021 16:13:00 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 2, 2021 16:13:00 GMT -7
Ri wasn't the biggest fan of druids now a days, but that was only because every one he came across lately simply hated him. No explanation, all they had to do was look at the magically burned mark on his left forearm. Then they would know that he had been banished for some reason. The council didn't banish lightly, so whatever he was banished for, he had done. But it gave him some comfort to see his old friends body relax, and move towards him. Stan still kept his distance though, and Ri couldn't blame him. Ri allowed his muscles to relax, if only just. He was still at an advantage. The other man had his staff out, and Ri had a bottle of Rum in one hand, and his other hand was quite empty.
The man just stood their, not sure how truthful the other druid man was being, his words seemed comforting, but his voice didn't seem sure. As Stan continued to speak, Ri softened. It did seem like the man, though not fully knowing why he was banished, felt bad about it. Even saying that he wanted to speak to Ri. "You don't have to talk to me, I'm banished, remember." There was venom in his voice, but his body was calm. He was bitter about what had happened to him, and not by any fault of any druid who avoided him. He was erased from his family tree, forgotten by his own flesh and blood for his actions. Why should he expect anything different, even from a friend.
His last words were an apology, and wanting to help him. Ri coughed at this. Help? He was kicked off the island with next to nothing. All he had was his wand, staff, ocarina, and a small hand made travel bag with a few momentous from home. He had wondered the streets, looking for work, anything, but was turned out at every corner. While he was still upset about this, he showed what he concerned to be a great sign of trust. He turned his back on the other man, moving to the targets and forcing out the two small blades that he had thrown. Putting them away he turned back. "I've made myself a new life, no thanks to any of you." It was hard to hold back, though Ri was a man of few words, some things just had to be said. His words weren't meant for Stan alone, it was aimed at all druid kind. "I'm a murderer. Remember?" He said, bringing the amber liquid to his lips, and taking a hearty drink.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 7, 2021 4:44:21 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2021 4:44:21 GMT -7
The anger his old friend felt and exuded was easy to understand. It made sense, even to Stan, because nobody had been there for him of his people. He'd been cut off from his home and family with nobody to turn to or trust. Stan felt guilty about not being there for his friend, but he also knew he couldn't always walk the paths he desired in this life. He had choices to make and during the time Cashel had gotten banished those choices had been quite clear. He was to stay on Hy-brasil and continue his lessons from Gaia. Their paths were destined not to overlap for quite some time and Cashel was to find his own path. Stan looked down, saddened by the anger and venom in the voice of his old friend. "I'm aware." He stated simply, knowing he had no obligation to talk to Cashel and was probably even expected not to. It hadn't stopped him from seeking the man out, nor would it stop him from engaging in conversation.
Stan sighed slightly at the sting of the words that the other druid uttered. They hurt, even if they were completely justified. "I never really did manage to accept that." He said simply. He had never managed to see Cash as a murderer. "I just don't remember you that way, nor am I fully capable of seeing you as such. I imagine a murderer would take delight and pride in their actions. I can't imagine you to do so." He paused momentarily and looked Cash straight in the eyes, his entire posture calm, as well as his voice. "Or at least not the man I grew up and flew with." He added in such a calm and collected tone that it was obvious that he didn't match Cashel fully to the events that had taken place in the way they were told amongst the druids themselves. There was more to it, or he suspected so at least. He sighed and leaned his staff against a tree as he looked at the knives lodged in the target hung from it, carefully plucking one out and looking at it. "I've come in hopes to rebuild our friendship, now that I've finally managed to gain my own clarity on the matter. The choice I leave with you, since you've been deprived of choices from our kind in the past. Reconnecting to even one of us should truly be your choice, not that of mine or any other druid."
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 7, 2021 16:09:33 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2021 16:09:33 GMT -7
It was no secret that Ri was still upset, and even bitter about what had happened. No one cared to learn the details. The fact remained, he had killed his brother. Most druids, now, avoided him. Many wouldn't even look him in the eye. Did he lash out more than he should? Yes, but he felt justified. No one understood what he was going through.
Stan said that he hadn't accepted Ri as a murderer, and the banished druid softened a bit. It felt good that his old friend still, in some part, believed in him. He had never "pleaded guilty" but in their eyes he didn't have to. The blood was still quite literally on his hands when they made their ruling, not bothering to hear his side. What they saw was enough. Ri wasn't a man of words. He didn't talk much. He did believe in actions speaking loudly, but judgement required a clear mind and all the details.
Staying fairly silent he was surprised at Stan's words. His friend was doing what most druids would be appalled of. The man was reaching out, wanting to reconnect with him. "I'm not the same person you once knew." It was easy to see that. His body covered in tattoos, none from before his banishment. He walked up to the man, whom had discarded his staff to the side. Finally getting face to face with the man, he stuck out his hand as a sign of friendship. Perhaps some grounded connection to his old life was what he needed. Or perhaps his action would end up killing him.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 13, 2021 4:51:38 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 4:51:38 GMT -7
Cashel clearly wasn't the same person he'd once known, that was obvious to Stan. It simply wasn't enough to stop him from wanting to see what kind of person he'd become. To Stan, the most important thing a druid had was their connection to Gaia, the earthmother. If they were ever to forsake that he wasn't exactly the time to forgive or forget. If they were to turn to a path of pollution and industry they were lost far beyond the path of murder. There was balance and sometimes death was part of that. A lot of the druids were softer than in the old days and while Stan certainly was against human sacrifice her felt that death wasn't always the worst availble path. It was perhaps a strange path but nature was full of predators and some were vicious and cruel. Killer whales? Not creatures he personally liked despite his druidic roots. They killed for the sake of fun at times, using cruel and ineffective means to end their prey and not always for the sake of sustaining themselves. He believed in his heart that Cashel was not like that. Whatever had happened had reasons behind it that nobody had felt inclined to find out. For that he felt he had to pay pennance. He hadn't asked before either.
"I know." Stan simply said as she seated himself, slowly more and more at ease around his old friend. "I didn't come here thinking I'd find the boy that left the island. I came to see what kind of man he became." Stan simply explained himself with a faint smile. "And if you will, to offer you to pray together, if you still wish to be connected to Gaia as you once were." All druids, in Stan's mind at least, were connected to Gaia. Perhaps the banished ones would opt to forsake that bond but Stan wouldn't have become High Priest if he'd have accepted a banishment as such that easily. He believed that everybody was welcome to Gaia as long as they were willing to live a life in balance and harmony with nature. Were one was born didn't matter, nor the paths they walked. All that mattered was their commitment and the actions they took in name of Gaia. As long as nobody killed others in her name he saw no reason they couldn't be worthy followers of Gaia and live on her soil as one of her blessed creatures. But then again, he could be a bit of a zealot at times.
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 13, 2021 19:22:27 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2021 19:22:27 GMT -7
Stan had accepted him, better or worse. A lot had changed Ri, many he wouldn't be telling his old friend. But he was happy that he still had a friend. It gave him connection. He felt, if only slightly, less lost than he had before. The druid mentioned wanting to see what kind of man Ri had become. Well. He was a pirate. But they would take baby steps. At least he was still apart of nature, more one with the sky like he always seemed to be before.
The man felt more at ease, and so did Ri. He slipped out a throwing dagger from it's hidden space, and threw it at another target, hitting right in the middle. He had always been talented with knives. "Perhaps we take things slow." He said turning back to his friend. He offered his friend the mostly empty bottle.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 14, 2021 2:07:38 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2021 2:07:38 GMT -7
Stan nodded as Cashel suggested taking it slow, accepting the bottle from him without a word and taking a drink. It was no more than polite to do so, not to mention that Stan was somewhat curious what Cashel had with him in terms of liquor. He tasted the amber liqueid and felt the burn of alcohol on it. Stan wasn't against alcohol or mushrooms at all, but he was rather impressed that the man could throw so well when he had been drinking. The habit didn't sit particularly well with Stan, but he opted not to comment. Perhaps it was needed for him to deal with things or function in his new life. He didn't know a lot about mainlander culture, although it helped that he didn't see any obvious signs of technology insanity on his old friend. He wasn't sure how he would have felt about that.
"Slow it is. Set the pace, and I'll listen to what you are willing to share." Stan said calmly, a small smile on his lips as he offered the bottle back to his friend. They could take things slow, especially now that they seemed to have a tentative truce in terms of exchange of words. Cashel didn't seem too keen on attacking him for his lack of action in the past and Stan was not about to judge him for doing what he had to in order to survive without his people. All he really cared about on that point was that his friend hadn't given in to the ways of pollution like so many mainlander wizards seemed to have done. Natural sourcing was still far better than simple and easy. He hoped wizards would have known that, but his hopes so far had fallen short.
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 17, 2021 16:11:05 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2021 16:11:05 GMT -7
Constellation took the bottle from Ri, and a little smile twitched on his lips. The druid had never been one for much talking or expressions. He dealt mostly with actions and micro expressions. Ri did feel the affects of alcohol, but he was an excellent shot. Since being banished, he lived in a balance of drunken or near drunkeness for most of the time. Because of that, he had learned rather quickly to function on the ship and to act when needed too. The one thing he was confident he couldn't do when he was waisted, was fly. Though he was far from that. Between recreationally drinking, and making his own alcohol, he had built up a tolerance, and cold hold his liquor much better than most.
Stan verbally agreed to going slow, saying that Ri could set the pace. Taking the bottle back, Ri took another little swig. Shaking the bottle, this was a good place to start. "I make my own now." Not whiskey, but alcohol. he was sure his friend would understand, at least a little. He wasn't one to give long wordy explanations. "You can try sometime," He shrugged "You probably wouldn't like it" He wouldn't tell the man that he sold the mushroom laced substance to the masses, but he would be interested on another druids impression on it.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Mar 21, 2021 5:43:25 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2021 5:43:25 GMT -7
Constellation wasn't much of a drinker. He could drink but mostly did so in terms of celebrations and as parts of rituals. He didn't have a very low tolerance but her certainly couldn't compete with a heavy drinker. He was more for tea, which he did often lace with mushrooms to aid in his meditation and prayers. His life was one devoted to Gaia to almost extremes, although many often did consider him to be a bit of a zealot. Yet not all favoured his choices as some longed for the older traditions and the ways that had involved wickers with living sacrifices. While nature was at times unforgiving, Stan saw little reason to be cruel. Nature often kept balance and barely any animal killed just for the sake of killing, that was something relatively unique to humans and other supposedly intelligent forms of life. Naturally there were dark creatures out there, but those were never quite natural. No, nature sought balance.
Stan smiled slightly as Cashel said he probably wouldn't like the concoction that Cash brewed by himself. He shrugged slightly then. "We both know I tend to favour tea for the average day." He simply said as a manner of agreeing with the other man. It was good to see they both seemed to understand each other relatively well. Stan had missed Cashel, partially because of their understanding that they didn't need to waste their breath saying things they both understood to be true. "I have a cabin in Ireland where I go to when I need some time alone. Feel free to visit if you wish." It was implicated that meant even when Stan himself was not around. His animals would recognise Cashel as a druid and not seek to harm him or flee from him. He also doubted that Cashel was lost enough to seek harm to his companions, all of whom had black coats or scales. It was part of Stan's peculiarities, a love for black animals above all others. In older days they had been seen as aligned with Gaia herself, which was part of why he was so keen on the creatures many seemed to distrust now. Especially black cats felt that keenly, the poor things.
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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Apr 7, 2021 16:47:18 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2021 16:47:18 GMT -7
Ri had always been surrounded by the making of alcohol. His mothers family was the soul of the wine making on Hy-Brasil. He helped with the process from harvesting the grapes, stomping, and containing. All the way to drinking. Though, after his banishment was when he really picked up the bottle, Preferring to be in a constant state of near drunkeness. He had found that it was easier to cope with what life had dealt him. After the past years, he had cultivated a talent for heavy drinking. He was able to drink most of the crew under the table, and then some. A tolerance like that helped when playing with new blends of moonshine.
Knowing that his old friend wasn't a drinker, not in the since that Ri was, he didn't bother offering the man a try, at any time. It was confirmed when the man mentioned preferring tea. Ri nodded in agreement. Moving to dethatch some throwing knives from the laid out wooden targets when Stan mentioned a cabin that he had off the island. Looking at the man Ri gave a small smile. It only proved what he had said earlier. It convinced him more of the mans true intention to keep a connection. Inviting a banished druid to his home away from the island was something that very few druids would do lightly. "Thanks Stan." Finally saying his friends name. All signs of animosity had diminished.
@constellation
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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May 7, 2021 17:22:10 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2021 17:22:10 GMT -7
The ice and cold seemed to finally vanish from the conversation and Stan smiled, glad that he seemed to be able to restablish a connection with his old friend. He nodded briefly and looked at the knives, nothing his accuracy as well as the amount of liquor the man seemed to have consumed, although it didn't really show a lot. He chuckled slightly as he looked at his friend. "I can clearly see your eagle eye as lost none of it's potency." He joked easily, even if his words spoke to the truth of the aim his friend still had. "Nor do I think there are many that can rivel your ability to hold your own in a drinking contest. I have to say I'm very impressed, considering I believe I would personally neither be able to stand, nor throw with such accuracy sober." He said in his normal but slightly peculiar speech pattern. He'd always been a little peculiar, born on the even of disaster but somehow managing to avoid it. He had an odd amount of luck, even if it wasn't so much that it seemed almost like a feature.
His face betrayed some concern as he looked at his friend. "One day I hope we can talk about what happened that day. I never bothered to inquire about the details before, but if you ever want to share I'm ready to truly listen without judgement now. It's been far too long coming, but I feel I can do so now." Had he tried sooner he was certain he would have had his judgement at the ready. It seemed highly unlikely he'd have been able to look through the situation from an uncoloured lens before this moment. Even now he knew he'd have to work on keeping his mind clear from prior tales. He'd leave the when up to Cashel of course, as the man owed him absolutely nothing. He'd been banished and Stan hadn't been there for him then. Perhaps if he had been, things might have been different. Yet Stan suspected the main difference would be that they both might have been banished, his story unheard and Stan powerless to change anything. Perhaps he could look into anything if Cashel wanted him to, but he needed to make sure they could both fully trust one another first, and such a thing would take time.
@cashel
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last online May 11, 2024 8:47:41 GMT -7
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May 15, 2021 13:43:38 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on May 15, 2021 13:43:38 GMT -7
The more the talked, the more animosity and time seemed to melt away. They were old friends after all. It seemed as though Stan didn't mind the banishment as much as most druids did. He was positive that his parents would no longer acknowledge the fact that they had three sons. The druid observed Ri's skill, probably noting how empty the bottle was as well. Ri's corner of his lip twitched up. His alcohol tolerance had honestly raised since his banishment. Clearly his near constant state of almost drunk over the time had assisted in this, but he wouldn't bore his old friend with that fact. He didn't have much to his life, just work and drinking. And honestly, he could manage fine doing most of his work with some buzz. "I'd pay to see someone who could." Ri solemnly said. It was true, he could drink most under the table, even before banishment he had always had a higher tolerance for substances.
Ri's expression darkened once again as Stan mentioned the incident that had turned his life upside-down. Throwing another knife, the small dagger hit hard and loud, sinking deeper into the center of the target. "There's no point." He softly muttered, mostly to himself. After all, what good would it do? In his arm burned the druid symbol cursing him to a life of banishment. He could never return home, so what was the point? He had been alienated from his entire world, and had nothing. He also knew, that what he was doing now, according to Druids, was also wrong, but he had to survive, and that was what he did.
@constellation
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