#vinarei

In response to a post from here

Gerald read over the letter early Sunday morning. He had not heard from Vinarei for a few days now, never mind Atticus and Kota. He opened the letter, the small smile on his face dropping as he read through the lines. His cousin...dead? The letter read on and on about Atticus’ feelings on the matter. Gerald’s fists clenched around the sides in anger. “How did she die? How did she -die!?-”

Logged by Captain Vinarei Brooks - August 3, Morning

A successful night, if one could call it that. We’re living, so there’s that.  We made camp late last night, taking setting up a shelter beneath one of the ridiculously large roots of one of several trees that make up the landscape. I’ve never seen trees this big. If there is one thing I can say about this island, it’s that it’s beautiful.

Upon arrival, the fog seemed to thin out along the shore, allowing us to see with relative ease as we made our way inland. Along what I assume to be the South side of the island was a large temple, and I feel our earlier suspicions were correct. Judging by the architecture of the temple, we’re somewhere along the coast of Pandaria, but not the main continent itself. We couldn’t enter the structure, but without question it was either built by, or used by the Mogu. 

Weapons were scattered about out front, and judging by the massive doors, it was clear someone (or several someones) were trying to enter. Aside from the weapons, there’s no sign of other humanoids here, Pandaren or human alike. We’ve both seen and heard animals, but nothing out of the ordinary. And while we know they are watching, there’s still that feeling of something more… sinister lurking about within the shadows.

Our plan had been to stick to the treeline and walk along the outside of the lake that we came across, but Atticus and I were both taken by the gorgeous waterlilies that were present. They were a hue of orange I’d never seen before, and so bright that they all but lit up the darkened area around them.

They were deadly as much as they were beautiful. Though I’m sure Atticus will go into further detail with his findings, I will note that they are used to attract prey for the hideous, disgusting -thing- that lurks in the center of the lake. If it weren’t for Ralphaldo, Atticus and I would have been dinner.

I only caught a glimpse of the creature, but it looked similar to a massive sized tunnel worm, with a thorned, tooth-filled maw. I could see row after row before we sprinted towards the treeline. Thankfully, it couldn’t leave the water. 

Still, Atticus was able to grab a sample of the lily before the creature arrived, and will be taking it home with us to study.

Our plan today is to move further inland, seeking assistance in some fashion, though I’m not counting on it. It’s too... quiet. 

Vinarei. Verlai?

I’ve always been a hunter

Nothing on my tail

But there was something in you

I knew

Could make that change

To capture a predator

You can’t remain the prey

You have to become an equal

In every way

So look in the mirror

and tell me, who do you see?

Is it still you?

or is it me?

Become the beast

We don’t have to hide

Do I terrify you

Her arm lifted to wipe the sweat from her brow as she stood in the center of the room, gaze slowly sweeping from one point to another to make sure she hadn't missed anything. She didn't know, nor did she ask, what business took place here before she'd signed the lease, but the blood on the desk, and that on the floor, were clues to what had taken place prior to its abandonment. The price had been a good one, and Vin would have been a fool to pass up such an opportunity. 

Not only had she spent the last two days cleaning the office on both the upper and floor levels, but just this morning she'd had the furniture that had once been located in her office at Booty Bay relocated to this prime location in Stormwind. She wasn't a fan of this city, no, but this was a necessary evil. They were in need of more business, of more contracts, and this allowed for an easy way of getting a hold of them. The location was prime, set along the outer ring of the Mage Quarter, just off to the side of the bridge that crossed over the canal; easily scene by anyone passing by.

The old furniture that once decorated the office had been removed and replaced with the hand-crafted, aged oak pieces that she'd had specifically made for her years ago when she'd first opened business. The large desk took up the back portion of the room, along with two bookcases that adorned the left wall, already filled with various tomes, relics, potions and the like, able to be used by her employees as needed. A sideboard had been placed along the front wall to the right of the entryway, but this was done more for those who worked for her and was well stocked with various beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and snacks. Upstairs in the private office, however, she'd only added the basics; a small desk, and an armoire for emergency purposes. 

It was simple. Basic. It would do the job just fine. 

Satisfied with the work she'd done, the broom was set aside and Vinarei made her way outside to take a look at the office. The porch was clean, bare aside from a few planters, and up above was a sign that read 'Ivory Sail Acquisitions'.  A sense of pride swept through her, cause her lips to curve into a smile as her hands lifted to rest at her hips. She hadn't yet told Kota, nor anyone else in the company, of her plans, but preferred to keep it a surprise. Would they even care? She had no idea. 

Still.... The woman was pleased. 

Ivory Sail Acquisitions was officially open for business, taking any and all contracts and business opportunities.

replied to your

photo

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“Discuss” is her way of trying to make it seem...

What is the point of this? Yeah, you’re talking shit ablut the people who are posting and make fun of trp/mrp profiles, but you’re still showcasing that original profile that was insulted in the first place. Doesn’t that sort of make you just as bad?

Two reasons:

1) The original holder of the profile then has proof they need to report the post and group to Facebook to have the images of their profile taken down. Without that, they have no proof unless they manage to get approved to join the group, and the group has been more careful with who they let in since this blog became a thing.

We can get them direct links to the post or image in question if they don’t get into the group or don’t want to join it and have the members know their real name.

2) We don’t think there’s anything wrong with the profiles posted to that group anyway, so there’s no reason to hide them. There is no reason for the person whose profile it is to be embarrassed by their character, and they do have a right to know if/when someone is talking shit about them behind their back.

If your next question is, “But, why do you block out the names of the people posting in Failzeroth, then?” It’s twofold: We’ve had images removed by Tumblr for privacy reasons before if we don’t and, since Facebook generally requires people use their real legal name, it opens people who post in the group up to being doxxed by people who are even bigger assholes.

It wasn’t often that Vin found her way up North, back into the wasteland that was her birthplace. She was tempted to stop, to go through those ruins, no matter how dangerous it would be…. But no. She remained focus, and forced herself to continue on that beaten path that wound its way through a luscious landscape full of thick, green grass, tall trees, and rolling hill, past Southshore and deep into the heart of Hillsbrad.

There was only one destination in mind, one item to procure, and Vinarei had no doubt that it would be absolutely perfect for the intended receiver. Sure, it was a bit unorthodox, but so was Atticus, and she adored that about the young acolyte.

It had been years since she’d been inside the home that belonged to her mother’s friend, part of her unsure if the woman was still around, still creating these things of beauty that Vin had not seen elsewhere in all of her travels. But as she wound the dirt path and saw the small house nestled against the forest’s edge, a smile graced her features, and she pulled the horse to a stop before dismounting.

The house could only be described as ‘charming.’ Red in color, it sat against a backdrop that made the colors pop. Even now, it was decorated for the coming holiday, and it brought such joy to Vinarei. The greenhouse that stood just off to the side was similarly decorated, with twinkling lights and garland strung in a haphazard fashion that just screamed ‘inviting.’

Upon knocking on the door, the woman was met with a warm, welcoming hug, not to mention the cookies and tea that had been prepared prior to her arrival. How Samantha knew she’d be coming, Vin didn’t know, nor did she ask. Small talk was had, nearly an hour spent on catching up on the highs and lows that had come to pass quite recently, before they got to the heart of the matter.

Vin was here for a very special item, one she knew she could find nowhere else. Samantha led her out to the greenhouse, and Vin was very much like a child on Winter’s Veil morning. She all but beamed as she stepped into the humid room, hazel eyes darting about at the various ‘experiments’ that Samantha had to offer. Each was precious to the herbalist, but for the right amount, she’d part with one here and there.

It was a magical garden, this special place that was tucked away with so very few visitors. Samantha had been bringing these plants to life for years now, and treated them with so much care that it was a wonder to Vin that the woman could even part with them. It was loud, to say the least. The sounds of singing, humming, or conversation taking place both in Common, and, to her at least, Gibberish, filled the air. The sweet scent of flowers and the earthy scent of soil assaulted her nostrils, and she loved it. Vin used to spend hours here as a child when her father would bring the family home for weeks at a time, tending to the various plants, and watching as Samantha brought such beings to life.

“I’ll be inside when you’re ready, dear.” Samantha’s words were quiet, but joyfully spoken, a smile on the woman’s face as she headed back to the house to prepare another cup of tea and wait for Vinarei to make her decision.

So caught up in the wonderment of it all, Vin didn’t respond, but instead walked further into the greenhouse. Her hand was out, fingers sliding gently over the offered vines, petals, leaves, and the like. Questions were asked, responses given, though she understood very few of them. The colors astounded her; such rich hues of indigos, blues, pinks, and yellows, to name only a few.

What would she choose? How would she choose?

It wasn’t until she’d been about to turn back and make her way back towards the front to one of the  greenhouse towards the others that had originally caught her eye when she saw the most bold yellow petals peeking out from around a green halo of leaves, what could only be describe as ‘freckles’ dotting it’s sweet face. Though small in size, this particular specimen seemed to not seek the attention from the woman, but instead looked through the glass of the greenhouse and peered at the rolling hills just outside. Unlike the others, it was quiet.

Vin got to her knees, elbows resting on the planter as she, too, looked out towards the hills, and as she asked several of those she met in the city, she did here as well. “What are we looking at?”

She was met with a rustle of vibrant green leaves, and a ‘hmph’ in return. It garnered a smile from the woman, and she couldn’t help but be drawn to this particular being.

“I know what you want,” she continued. “You want to be out there, don’t you? To not be cooped up here with the rest, but to see what lies beyond those hills. Curiosity and adventure go hand in hand, you know.” Vinarei looked at the sunflower, and could already tell she got the small one’s attention. Rounded, perfect eyes darted to Vinarei for the briefest of moments before averting its gaze and looking outside again in silence.

Getting to her feet, Vinarei let out a sigh. “But, maybe I’m wrong….” She began to walk away, when she heard the quietest of voices break through that sea of humming, chatter, and singing. If she hadn’t been expecting it, she would have missed it entirely.

“Adventure…?”

She was quick to change, to make herself a little more presentable, before heading out towards the deck. As she stepped out, the chill in the air was welcomed, and she wondered how far North they'd traveled over night; the crew's direction had been only to get far from Stormwind before the 'questioning' began.

Vinarei caught sight of Atti, the youth peering wistfully out towards the sea, and for once she was hesitant about approaching. She hadn't yet asked him how he was doing, how he was dealing with Kota's death, but even now she couldn't bring herself to speak the questions she had. It wasn't time, and in truth, she didn't trust herself not to break down in front of him. She had to be strong, if not for herself, then at least put on the facade of strength for Atti.

Even when it felt like there were no tears left inside, they quickly rose to the surface to remind her differently, and she blinked them away before approaching to stand beside him. She didnt look at him, knowing her eyes were red and would give away not only her night lost to grief, but her morning as well. Instead of focusing on what was lost, she focused on who was to be found, and the means by which they were to do so. She fed in that anger and rage that swiftly rose to the surface, allowing it to be her focal point.

"I wasn't sure you'd be up this early. It's time to get started."

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