Shasta

The only thing shining brighter than the pale orange-pink sunrise was its reflection in her eyes. Trotting down the road, pulling along a personal cart of baubles and trinkets, the brightly clad Skydancer looked, for all intents and purposes, to be a saleswoman of sorts, strutting into town with all sorts of treasures to behold, for a pretty penny of course.

Though the glint in her gaze betrayed her true intent, and her protective hold on the mobile hoard kept any scheming pickpockets from even daring to approach, though their claws ached with the need for ill-gained gold.

Eyes watched her from every corner, shimmering dully in the rising sun, an eerie orange haze of morning fog rolling in as if beckoned by the Skydancer's light, ringing steps. Ringing being produced by the countless glimmering star charms adorning her cloak and shawl, only serving to fuel the shopkeep illusion.

So illustrious and bright, the sound of bells bringing to mind a certain sleigh-riding figure of lore in the minds of the youth.

Entranced by the prospect of sharing in the riches, or perhaps just basking in the radiant glow seeming to shine from the stranger, dragons followed her, stepping in time with her trot, following her all the way to the village square.

They hardly noticed the light, humming tune beginning to drift through the air, lilting with the quietly howling wind in a fashion that, if not for the Skydancer's mysterious, independent aura, would seem almost flirtatious. Nonetheless, the melody was alluring, though in an inspiring way, more and more denizens flocking towards her in a flurry of feather, scale, and fur, crowding all around her.

"Come one, come all," her voice rang out, high above the song. Dragons craned their necks to see her, to stare into her strangely enchanting eyes.

There was no magic to it, no enchanting trance, just curiosity, a welcomed change to the dull monotony of their lives.

"Come one, come all," echoed the chorus, a parroting familiar whose whistles and shuffles, though wordless, brought to mind that haunting tune.

The Skydancer's robes clinked and flared as she threw her wings up with a flourish, gazing at the crowd.

"I bring a story and a song to all those who dare to listen. I request nothing but your eyes and ears as payment, though in the metaphorical sense, for those of superstition." Her tail flicked, and she managed to summon up a giggle to calm the clamoring of the crowd.

Her eyes, reflecting so clearly in the rising light, could not be identified in element. A green glint shone beyond the duller hues, but the crowd, so entranced by their own inquisitive nature, only saw the trickery of Shadow or perhaps an Arcane glow.

The Skydancer smiled lightly, her familiar's song rising as vines crept from her cart.

"There once was a land, so quiet and bland, that even thieves avoided this village to pillage. So monotone, yet heavy, with thoughts shared by many, the thoughts that their town needed flair."

A burst of actual magic billowed from her claws, her clothing and feathers ruffling. It swirled around the gathering, twirling around wings and other articles or aerodynamics, before returning to rest in its host's claw.

It glowed so brightly that everything else seemed dark in comparison, even the shadows crawling in to watch her show.

The Skydancer trilled heartily, throwing her head back and flapping her wings, ascending far above the villagers, her song mighty and powerful.

"One being stepped up, named Shasta, that's me. Sought to illuminate her village with glee. The elders, they shunned her, they told her to leave, and thus I came here, to open your eyes to see."

Bursts of energy rushed around her, and she landed, much closer to the crowd than before. Shrouded by her veils, her feet were a blur as she darted about, holding out a claw to any who'd accept.

"Come with me, come with me. I offer this free. No price, no dice, if you decline, I'll flee. Do not worry, do not fret, I mean no harm, you see."

Her eyes glowed eerily as she offered her hand. A tundra youth dared to step forth, urged by his friends. Their cheers rang out, blending with the song, and his senses dulled out, only focused on the magic twirling around Shasta.

She grinned widely, fangs glinting.

"Take my hand, join my dance, if only for a day. You'll see my way, you'll see how things sway..."

Her haunting lyrics struck a chord within him, and he took her hand, being yanked into the circle with a yelp.

His shadowy eyes flickered, before shifting in hue, and he stared up at the Skydancer, his soul anew. He winced, realizing he was thinking in rhyme, though his mind wandered, drifting in time...

Knowing she had him ensnared in her melody, Shasta quickened her pace, eyes glowing for all to see.

"Let your thoughts fade, let your mind wander, take a trip with me to far yonder!"

She winked, twirling about, watching her little apprentice dance and spin, wondering just where her magic would take him.

Others joined in, eager to dance and sing, and soon the village was alight, magic crackling from wings.

Light coalesced in the palm of Shasta's hand, and she cackled, though not with malice; there was more fun to be had.

"Who wants to travel with me? I can only pick one... Join me, my friends, for eternal fun!"

Her voice grew quieter, as did the humming of her familiar, its leaves drooping. Its vines snagged on the Tundra's leg, though he failed to notice, too focused on flying through the sky, his flight pattern looping. Leaves blossomed from his fur, branches growing from his horns. His mind was fading, though he'd been warned...

Shasta swayed in place, her eyes burning bright. She summoned up her magic with all of her might.

"Now, my friends, I must bid you farewell. I've selected my apprentice... wish him well, wish him well..."

Slowly, the crowd drifted away, disillusioned with her as the sky turned to day. The rhymes in their minds faded and broke, shattered by her eyes, which now glowed a faint orange...

The Tundra was gone, nothing more than a sad little plant. Though its form arched with magic; it was ready, it was lovely.

Shasta's old familiar, now tired and despaired, gave only a weak squeak as she placed it in the ground. It took root instantly, though, drinking in water and nutrients. She planted a motherly kiss on its leaves, patting its "head" one last time, a soft goodbye. It clung to her claws, almost whimpering and pleading, though she turned away to give her newest friend a greeting.

A dragon, so disoriented, had left an old pot, a lovely dish they'd likely been going to sell this morning. There was no one in sight; surely no one would miss it. The Skydancer smiled, her eyes glistening. She placed the former Tundra into the vessel.

It hummed a happy tune, satisfied with its fate.

"I saved you, little one. Your village was too boring. You can come with me until you grow weak. We shall sing together every morning."

And thus, Shasta continued the cycle, finding lost souls and giving them new purpose. She wasn't doing anything wrong; they chose this fate themselves, after all. Lost in the music, they fell right into her spell. They were happy enough to be here, though, a fact that brought joy to her heart.

With a smile and a hum, she returned to her cart.

By PrinceBirb08


By Iceryuu