Third Vine

[woodsiequeen]

[She received a letter. It contained nothing but a symbol:



She was insulted. How dare they flaunt their power, using this most revered symbol? It mocked her, reminding her that she was a failure and a prisoner. She stewed about it the entire day, until night fell and she prepared for bed. She sighed, realizing that she had fallen into a pattern once again. Humans did so love their routines, and she followed them to keep up her charade, but just like before, she found herself doing things subconsciously; going through the motions. Only this time, there was nothing tying her to true self. She had no power, she had no one close to her, and she didn't have the reassurance that she was working towards a goal. Was this her punishment? To slowly forget who she was and the higher purpose she served, and resolve herself to a life of conformity and patterns?

She thought about this as she stood in front of the mirror in the washroom as she did every night (another routine...). Just like before, she gazed at her reflection intently, trying to summon up even an inkling of her power, and just like before she expected to be disappointed. But this time the pattern was broken. Her eyes went wide as she watched herself change; as her soft skin became smooth, green bark. She could hardly believe it, but for the first time in weeks she saw herself as herself, and not that wretched human shell.

Viktoria wanted to scream. She wanted to run through the town and sing the praises of the Woodsie Lord for giving her this precious gift. But as she knew it was a gift, she also knew she could not be so careless with it. There was no one who needed to know of her powers, and therefore they would remain a secret... for now. She was well-versed in keeping her true self a secret. She slowly, almost sadly, reverted to her human disguise and crawled into bed... but she did not sleep. No, she waited until she was certain enough hours had passed, then slipped out of the room, and out of the house entirely.

Silently, she made her way to the park. It was artificial, like everything else in this horrid town, but it was the only place that felt fitting for a prayer of thanks to the Trickster. As she approached the small pond, she unbuttoned her nightgown and let it fall away from her, and as she knelt by the water she called the change again. It was such a wonderful sensation to feel the moonlight on her skin and the water absorbed through her fingertips again. She couldn't remain here; she would have to return before dawn so not to arouse suspicion, but she could linger just a little longer...]

((OOC: So hey, nightowls. Who wants to talk to the naked green babe in the park?))

Comments

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Viktoria raised an eyebrow at that last remark.]

Oh, but your majesty, I am not much of a fighter. I just don't know what I would do against your enemies!

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[Wart is growing impatient. Why can't people think on their own how to do what's asked of him instead of expecting him to give them answers?]

That's for you to figure out!

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

Your forgiveness, your highness. May I have the names of your enemies, so that I may create a plan?

[Of course, she had exactly zero intention of doing anything this frogbeast demanded of her, she just wanted the information.]

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[Wart was about to open his mouth, but stopped. He knows what the two look like, but doesn't know their names. Perhaps a physical description will do instead]

I do not know their names - Ribbit. But one is a boy with black hair who can shoot beams out of his hands. He failed at making an opening to Westport when the road disappeared.

The other is a blonde who lives at 335 Brady Lane.

[Not the best description, but eh... what can you do?]

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

I will learn what I can, your highness.

[As for what she would do, well, he would just have to find out.]

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[He is willing to wait for now. As long as they are taken care of before the invasion, that's what matters. Still, he have a question in mind that needs an answer. Surely she can provide him with one]

Who are you? I never seen you around here before - Ribbit.

[Trespasser or not, he would need to know the names of his helpers]

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[She laughs a little at that. Truthfully, they've never met before, but no one has seen Viktoria like this before tonight, and it was unlikely anyone would again for a while.]

With all due respect, I see no reason why a lowly servant's name would be important to a king. But if you insist, I am called Viktoria.

[She saw no harm in letting the frogbest know her name, for now at least.]

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[He nods his head silently. He loves it when someone actually knows their place and gives him the respect he deserves. If only all of Mayfield would do the same...]

Your name is important, because you are hereby my bodyguard. Protecting me from the boy and Viking girl is good, but protecting me from all of Mayfield is better - Ribbit!

And if you cannot do so through fighting, you will do so with your looks! Human men cannot resist a woman's charm - Ribbit!

[Do you regret telling your name now?]

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[Well. She could work with this. She had the upper hand still- would this frogbeast be smart enough to identify her in human form? She doubted it.]

Of course, your highness. You are truly wise and clever.

[She actually kind of wanted to throttle him for the comment about her "charm". How repulsive. But, who knew? Maybe she could get something out of this.]

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

[Victoria used EGO BOOST. Wart's EGO had increased!]

Ccrrooaakk! The Great Wart is always wise and clever!

[plantenough.livejournal.com]

[It's SUPER EFFECTIVE!]

Of course, your majesty. If I may, I shall take my leave now. There is much work to be done.

[Actually she was getting kinda tired of buttering up the frogbeast, but whatev.]

[veggiephobe.livejournal.com]

Very well - Ribbit. Do not disappoint me.