Anatomy of Every Breath - Galeor
Anatomy of Every Breath
Galeor
A breath of fresh air when you first step out during a storm. Thunder blaring, lightning striking; most flinch in fear, others see the beauty behind it all. You take in the air, smell the ozone and the fresh rain, the earthy mud that churns on the ground. But then, out of the corner of your eye, you see it. Wind. You see the strands of invisibility, swirling in the air. And then a bolt of lightning strikes, and you see a glowing blue pearl, listing unevenly on the wind.
A Galeor is living magic, condensed into a solid ball—not unlike a Memoriette— resembling the very beginnings of a Storm Elemental. If one survives long enough, maybe a century or two, they may just become one of their vaunted elders who rule high in the sky. Many also theorize that Galeors come from Storm Elementals. During particularly heavy storms, when magic is wild, and lightning strikes, it could very well form a Galeor. Though that is just a theory, and I believe them to be more natural, created solely by nature.
There is not much to describe of a Galeor besides their pearls, or cores. They vary in shape and size, while also being surrounded by different winds or clouds. Many are invisible gusts of wind, as I gave in the earlier example. Others are often wrapped in clouds, most white, some light gray, and some even stormy black. That vast majority are harmless, as gentle as the clouds in our skies. Yet if you ever see a darker-colored one, it is best to steer clear. One or two can be a bit of a handful for D-Rankers, but a good team can handle one. The issue is that during particularly bad storms… well… steer clear and keep your eyes peeled.
Galeor Physiology
Core: Starting at the top is usually the best option for this section of my studies. However, similar to a Draughtner or Sand Mole, a Galeor does not have a head. The closest we arrive at would be its core as a replacement. The core of a Galeor is generally called a Core or Pearl. The name is interchangeable and is used for many other creatures created in similar ways. See the Elementals section for more information. The core can be made of many different materials, most commonly a small, clear pearl composed of pure, condensed natural magic. Oftentimes, it can also be a small clump of rock or similar material, or even a chunk of metal ore. The ore is generally linked with the more dangerous, darker variants. The core is the only part that can be damaged by physical means, and merely chipping it can cause the creature to be destroyed. Oftentimes, however, a strong enough magical burst is enough to break it as well, which is also generally the preferred way of dealing with larger groups of the creatures. Just be sure to stay away from any lightning-based attacks, and try to keep the wind magic to a minimum.
Aura: Instead of chests or limbs, Galeor have an aura of magic around them that makes up their “body”. This can take many different forms, from strands of invisible winds to puffy white pillows; some even turn into dangerous, sparking storm clouds. Most Galeor float on the wind and can be seen by many even in the fairest weather, if they have a good eye. During the spring and summer, the puffy variants can be found floating through, as well, balls of cotton from the size of a person’s head to room-filling clouds that sway in the breeze. Darker storm clouds can form during even the lightest of rain, and once the sky darkens, lightning is known to spread through them with ease, so always be careful. The darker clouds can also be more aggressive, moving towards living beings, though the reason is unknown. They can also rain themselves, and on the rare occasions when they form during sunny weather, they can be seen sprinkling over cities and towns, potentially ruining someone’s day.
Summary: For the most part, Galeor’s are insignificant in the grand scheme of adventuring, though their cores can be sold for quite a hefty sum to Alchemists and specialty buyers, especially the clearer pearls made of pure magic. They are hard to capture, of course, especially without breaking or chipping the core, but many adventurers can be seen hunting in the rain for quick cash. During Renoma’s yearly rain festival, they even have competitions among those of B rank and lower (to make it fair) that last the entire week as the rain refills their lake. Still, in large groups, Galeor’s can be quite dangerous, so a fresh Adventurer should always be on the lookout.
Rank: D
Physical Strength: 0/10
Magical Strength: 4/10
Rate of Attack: 5/10
Movement Speed: 3/10
Types of Attack: Magic Only
Evaluation: Watch for large groups or formations.
The rain beat down heavily from thick, pitch-black, angry clouds crowding the sky. Lumin turned his head, watching the collected water spill from his wide-brimmed hat.
“Put an arrow through my heart already…” Kila groaned from beside him, rolling onto her side under the cramped eavesdrop of someone’s house.
“Put it there yourself,” Lumin muttered, rolling his eyes, weariness creeping into his throat. It had already rained for three days straight, no end in sight, and of course, their Inn had kicked them out. “Dragging mud in my ass…”
“Mmm.” His partner groaned in protest in the cold.
“Suck it up.”
“Bite me.”
“You wis—” Thunder crashed from close by, and he jerked as Kila leaped like a cat into the air, falling into the water pooling on the muddy grounds.
“Ach!” She hissed and sputtered, quickly climbing back onto the wooden porch, safe under the eavesdrop once more. Her furred ears fluttered, shaking away the excess moisture, and Lumin had to laugh at the woman’s misfortune.
“That’s what you get for hogging the dry spots.” Lopsided as always, Lumin grinned at the girl.
“This is your fault,” She bit back at him. “I told you we shouldn’t stop in this town. But nooooo!”
A shrug was his first answer. “It seemed like a good idea at the time. How was I supposed to know they’d be so hostile to adventurers?”
“The glares, maybe? The outrageous pricing? The—”
“Alright, you’ve made your point.” They had arrived five days ago, 2 before the rain had begun. And of course—“I didn’t realize they’d then blame us for the rain.”
She scoffed and didn’t answer, squeezing back against the wall, body heating up rapidly to dry herself, a muttered chant repeating as a whisper from her lips.
Lumin sank back, letting out a misty breath as he reflected on the small country and town they were currently stuck in. They had just left their previous guild after the whole Ezekiel and Butcher debacle, and were now stuck roaming, looking for a new guild to call “home”. He should have known not to travel further west. He shivered as the cold began to sink into his bones.
“Hey!” A warm voice called out, chipping at the ice pressing in. “You two look bored!”
A young man approached, hair a fiery red that stood out in the dreary rain. “Of course we aren’t! We’re having the time of our lives!” Lumin threw a hand up, his usual grin splitting his lips apart. His eyes narrowed, not on the man per se, but on the umbrella of water floating over his dry form. “Seems you are as well?”
“About to be!” He strode toward them, confidant in his stride. He threw a leg up, stepping onto the porch in front of Lumin, two beads of sapphire glancing over him, yet raking over Kila's form. “Stuck in town, are we?”
“Enjoying the scenery.” He spoke bluntly, eyeing the man.
“Hmm… don’t see many beastkin this far north… or west…” the man muttered.
Kila tensed, and Lumin began to stand, his eyes narrowing to slits.
The stranger threw his hands up in surrender, “But not why I came over.” The man trailed off, “Anyhow… I came to see if you, fine, fellow adventurers would like to make some money?”
Kila stayed tense as Lumin rose to his full, lanky height, staring down at the red head. “And what would that entail?”
A low, keening whine left Kila, more akin to a growl as the man smiled at them. “Calm yourselves, please. I’m a C-Rank from a country to the south. My friends and I were traveling when we got caught up in this… unfortunate storm. I’m Cait, Cait Lorenze.”
“Hn.” Was Lumin ‘s only response.
“Look.” The man held his hands up in mock surrender, his warm smile never leaving his face. “I’m just here to talk. It's fairly obvious you’re both in the same predicament we are.”
“And that is?”
“No rooms at obviously empty inns, or charging for an arm and a leg. Probably already broken just trying to eat. All that fun stuff.”
“What’s it to you?’ Kila hissed.
“My friends and I are going to make some money. We’re only C’s, though, and I’m sure both of you are as well.”
“We’re not going to rob or sack the town if that’s what—”
“No, no, no. Perish the thought.” Cait laughed, waving a hand. “No. It’s storming out. Beautiful weather for hunting. For making some quick coin.”
“You make it sound easy. Besides, nothing's easier to hunt in a storm like this—”
“Galeor’s are.”
Lumin grimaced. “You mean a Storm Elemental? I thought those were rare. Plus, aren’t they dangerous? Like B-Rank dangerous?”
“Ha! You think—no, a Galeor is just a small core, covered in clouds and wind, sometimes with rainwater stuck inside, or lightning flashing off it.”
“Is that not a Storm Elemental?”
Cait shivered, “No. If it were, this city wouldn’t be standing right now. A Galeor is a much—much—lesser version. Storm Elementals usually live high in the clouds, from what I’ve heard, and if one ever descends, it takes more than a few A-Rankers to take down. All I’ve ever heard of are stories. Galeor’s, on the other hand, float on the winds of the storms, living off static for the most part, I think.”
Lumin frowned at the description. He had never bothered to read up on the things and wasn’t quite sure what to believe. “Then you all should be fine on your own.”
Cait’s warmth faltered for a moment. “Are you sure? Their cores sell for quite a lot and—”
“Wouldn’t help us with our situation now, would it? No one in this town would buy anything touched by magic, and we’d only tire ourselves out fighting whatever they are.”
“There’s barely any fighting to be had. You spin them with a bit of wind magic, maybe freeze them with ice, and then keep them secured and out of open air. There’s—”
“Sorry. We’re not interested.”
The man sighed, “Alright. Alright, I won’t twist your arms. Figured the more the merrier.” The man stood for a moment longer, waiting, before finally turning and walking away. Lumin couldn’t help but stare after him, suspicious as well as concerned.
“We did need the money…” Kila’s voice was a soft whisper as Lumin sat down.
“We probably wouldn’t see any until we hit the next town anyway.” He huffed back.
“Right…” she trailed off, going back to hugging the corner of the porch.
He let loose a long breath, but finally shut his eyes, praying for the rain to go away.
“It’s getting worse…” Lumin muttered. He stared up at the supposedly morning sky, but all he could see was the dark, brooding clouds that continued to weep. Flashes of lightning sparked about, all over the town. Many in the same place. Especially in the woods to the south
“My mom always said if it strikes more than twice, it’s an ill omen.”
“Your mom also used to say bathing more than once a week was an ill omen.”
“Hn.”
The grunt brought a twitch back to his face as he turned away from the crying sky: four days now, four days of non-stop rain and thunder. Maybe there was an Elemental somewhere up in the clouds.
Earlier that day, he had seen the redhead again, Cait, and watched the man and his rounded up party journey into the nearby woods on a hunt. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that Lightning seemed to explode from the sky as well as the ground in that direction.
“The magic smells thick…”
“Right…” His skin was getting prickly. “Maybe we could investigate.” Lumin heard a soft thrum from behind and turned, seeing Kila plucking her bow’s string.
She had an odd look on her face, almost lost in a trance. “Ill omens are nothing to ignore…”
He let loose a huff and stood, “Alrighty then, let’s mosey.”
She was on her feet in a second, slinging her quiver over her hip, and bow over her shoulder, her slitted eyes reflecting what little light fell from the heavens. “Ready and rearing to go, captain!”
He pulled his long coat over his shoulder and double checked his sword and its sheath on his hip, tugging them securely. He shook the excess rain from his wide hat and grinned at her. “Let’s go see if a rescuing needs to be done, hm?”
“My feet roll… on and on… down the hills off Maneron…” Lumin whistled as he walked through the forest, alone for now. The sounds of thunder echo off the trees around him. “My feet roll… on and on…” The smell of ozone filled his nose as he finally broke to a clearing, “down the hills…”
“Gah!” He watched a man, coated in metal, get slammed by a bolt of lightning from a floating ball of blackened sky—one of dozens flittering quickly through the area.
“Of Maneron…” He spotted the redhead, swinging two daggers, wreaths of flames dancing across the open air, evaporating the dreary rain. “Were you part of a troupe in your old life?” He couldn’t help but jest; his voice boomed across the field.
“You!?” The man barely had time to reply before he was dodging another angry cloud.
“Sorry for being late to the party!” Lumin drew his sword, flames burning near white as they roared into the air. The sound of glass shattering filled the air as several of the Galeor’s imploded on themselves, clouds bursting into water.
“Thanks!” Cait laughed, his warmth filling the air. Thanks to Lumin, he was able to get back to his feet, twirling his daggers.
Lumin dropped his sword low, then swung it high as a sheet of icy wind blanketed the area. Several of the Galeor’s plummeted, some shattering, some remaining intact. “I thought this was supposed to be a walk in the park!?”
Cait scowled as the redhead danced around the area, his chakram’s burning red as he swung them around. “I thought the other adventurers I rounded up would be useful!”
“Useful? Aren’t they your team?”
The redhead vanished from view and reappeared in front of Lumin, a burst of flames erupting from the ground. He hopped from foot to foot and shrugged. “A little white lie. I generally fly solo. I just picked them up from the surrounding area. Plenty of people are trying to hide from the rain.”
Lightning flashed down at the swordsman, and he used his sword like a lightning rod, gathering and then dispersing the searing light into the ground. “Ah, pawns, I see.”
“Well, two stronger-looking Adventurers had caught my eye, but I got turned down.”
“Who was that?”
A dead panned look was sent Lumin’s way before the redhead rolled his eyes, and he was off once more, Galeor’s practically raining from the sky toward them. “Just try not to damage too many cores! Our efforts should at least be paid for!
“Icey Caress…” Ice spread from the tip of Lumin’s broadsword, touching a single drop of rain first, then spreading like a wildfire, crystallizing the very air. “…Gale's Breath!” It was like dragon’s breath had erupted from the tip of his sword, white and frozen in time.
Solid chunks of Galeor plummeted from the sky.
And then- PLINK!
PLINK!
PLINK!
Arrows flew through the air, shattering pearls and knocking the other cores from the air.
“Now that’s what I’m talking about, nice to see a Spellsword who knows what he’s doing!” Cait slapped his hands together, not to be outdone. “Flames of the Divine! Roaring Burst!” A pillar arose around him, twisting and morphing into a tornado of pure flame, red hot and singing with rage.
Lumin noted the man’s chant, “From the far south, are you?!” He laughed as he dodged another bolt of lightning from one of the dozens of Galeor still flitting above. “Here’s one I picked up from a gentleman from there! Ashe’s Call! Burning Fierce! Divine Eruption!” The tip of his sword burned a white-hot flame before he rammed it into the ground.
“Watch the cores!”
A rain of arrows fell from the sky, knocking out several of the Galeor’s, shattering more than a few.
“Oi-“ Cait was cut off as the earth in front of him erupted, burning a hole through the very sky. “…Damn…”
“Like it?”
Cait scowled, “Bah, I’d show you up with a bit of Lightning magic if it were anything other than Galeor’s!” He shouted in faux anger.
“Then show me after!” Lumin grinned, eyes glued upward, counting the remaining Galeor. “Still a lot left!”
“Only a few dozen!” the redhead shrugged as he dove for the ground.
Lips pursed, Lumin rubbed his chin, “Hn… Hey! You're quite speedy!”
Cait paused, his chanted spell trailing off as flames waned from his weapon. He looked toward Lumin, a question in his eyes.
“Get the others out of the area for me! I’ve got a few spells that have more area! That last eruption spell could have been a lot bigger!”
“Right!” The man dashed behind Lumin and began muttering chant after chant. Electricity danced across his limbs, wind whipping around his armor and skin. “Hold off on any big explosions ‘til I give the all clear!”
“Icey Caress!” He cut himself off and rolled as several of the Galeor flew low, lightning dancing across their dark, angry forms. He grit his teeth as they repeatedly tried to ram into him.
“Kila!” He roared loudly, hoping his voice could be heard. A tempest blew through the tree tops, whipping the Galeor’s into a frenzy and sending them high into the sky. “Thanks!” He shouted with a laugh.
“Quite the teammate!” Cait whisked by. “Just a few left!”
Nodding, Lumin thrust his sword up, white winds whipping down his arm, and coiling at the hilt of his sword. “Icey Caress!” The rest of the chant was lost to the roaring winds, and a creature of pure white leaped from his blade, fangs gnashing as it threatened to swallow the sky whole.
Two bolts slammed into his chest, and Lumin nearly dropped his sword as his vision darkened, choking on his own breath. He caught himself, slamming a foot into the wet ground and locking his knee. The ice from his last spell twinkled, but quickly dissipated as his mind swam.
“Oi! Spellsword! Can you hear me!?” Cait’s voice was a whisper among the raging storm and roar of his fluttering heart.
He tried to form words, but his tongue was heavy in his mouth.
“I got them!” Cait seemed to understand.
“Earthen… Embrace!” He forgot the rest of the chant as his tongue slurred around his mouth. He pictured what he wanted in his mind as he swung his weapon, gouging the ground beneath himself. The world stuttered before the earth below surged upward, clawing into the sky. A half sphere formed in front of him, curving above his head and blocking out the rainy sky.
Lumin dug a hand into his pocket, wrapping his fingers around a frozen stone. He ripped it out, his fingers already purpling at its touch, before he threw it high into the sky. An Arrow slammed into it, and it spun before falling back down toward Lumin. He swung his sword, the fog clearing from his mind, and it shattered into a thousand pieces of snow and ice. “Icey Caress! Rend, Fenrir’s Dominion!” The icy mixture became a blizzard around his weapon as his magic warred with the Wild Magic of the Ice Fragment. A beating heart pulsed along the blade as he swung it down, coating his surroundings in the wintry mix. The Galeors crowded above him, drawn to the Wild Magic, acting like a swirling vortex above him. Then Lumin thrust his blade straight above. The ice flew with the weapon, taking the form of a prancing wolf as it swallowed the storm whole, clamping down its mighty jaws over the Galeor horde. The creations of magic tried to fight back, flashing bolts of lightning that quickly dissipated into the enhanced magic of the wolf, and finally, like fresh snow falling, the cores of the Galeor began to drift down, lower and lower until they gently rested upon the grass of the forest’s clearing. A few remained, though they began to climb higher and higher into the stormy sky, drifting apart until they vanished into the rain’s darkness.
Lumin breathed a sigh of relief as his knee hit the now frozen slush below him. “Holy shi-“ Cait skidded to a halt nearby, only to be interrupted as someone burst through the foliage of the clearing.
“Lumin!” Kila cried as she slammed into her comrade, her bow slung over her back. She threw her arms over him, glomping onto his back and refusing to let go as he tried to shove her off. Her tail thrashed about, ears pulled back. “Lumin!”
“I’m fine, you daft woman! Let go of me!”
“Lumin!” She cried once more, snuggling into the man’s back.
Cait, meanwhile, couldn’t help but laugh loudly at his predicament, his chest shaking as he threw his head back. Lumin turned to scold the redhead, only to freeze as the man’s small cap fell from his head, revealing two pointed red-furred ears.
“Ah… you uh, dropped your hat.” He could only mutter and look away. The redhead quickly snatched it from the ground, throwing it back on and clearing his throat as Kila leaned forward in curiosity, tail flicking now.
“Ooooo…” she leaned further, giving Lumin enough space for the Spellsword to throw her off, into the cold slush below.
“And stay off, you brat!”
She hissed, scrambling to stand.
Before Cait could say anything, Lumin froze, followed quickly by the other two. Weapons were drawn once more, and Kila looked about ready to leap back into the tree line.
“They’re quick!” Cait couldn’t help but quip as what seemed to be five people descended upon their location. One second seemed to pass before the group seemed to clear the entire forest before bursting onto the scene.
Lumin nearly choked on his breath as he recognized one of the men at the front. He quickly looked away, pulling his hat over his eyes.
“Everyone alright!” the voice was low and gruff, sending shivers down their spine.
“Easy now, easy now…” another man said, looking around the group, slowly lowering his own weapon, a staff made of stone and crystal. “We saw the clouds descending… was there an Elemental?”
The words were a lifeline as Cait seemed to jump forward, “No, no. thankfully not!” He laughed, thankfully stepping forward and taking enough attention for Kila to hide behind Lumin. “Just a quite large amount of Galeor!”
“Galeor? They caused all that?”
“Look at the ground.” A woman with purple hair muttered, and sure enough, they saw the dozens or so frozen cores of the Galeor littering the ground.
Another woman whistled slowly, “Wow, that’s a pretty penny. Never seen so many kept intact.”
“Aye. That wolf we saw was worthy of B-Rank back home… well, if you could cast it several times. though…” The first man trailed off and began walking through the slush, stopping just short of Lumin and completely ignoring Cait. He repeated the words, “…Only if it can be cast multiple times back to back. Have you gotten better yet, Lucky?”
“Lucky?” Cait whispered.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about…” Lumin whispered, pulling his hat over his eyes.
With a sigh, the man stepped back, “Alrighty then. Maybe one day you will.”
“Wait, is that Lucky?” One of the girls stepped forward, a bit of suspicion and no small amount of anger in her voice, causing Lumin to wince and Kila to whine into the back of his duster.
“No, just some strangers it seems.” The man took a few more steps back and muttered, “Quite the show, though, taking on that many Galeor and leaving so many cores intact. If… anyone present is interested in a Guild… Cali’s Roost is looking for skilled adventurers. Both new and old.”
“Right…” Of course, they would be, what with half the Guild leaving due to the damaged Fawn.
“Hn… Alright… good job protecting the nearby town at least. Don’t forget to collect the cores before you leave. The clearer the better, though I’m sure you all know that.”
“Thanks for the advice.” Was all Lumin muttered.
With that, the group departed, the purple-haired woman throwing one last look at Lumin before they left.
Lumin sighed, the events of the day suddenly catching up to him as his bones grew heavy. Thankfully, it seemed Nikolai was smiling down on him, as the sky, finally, after days of rain, began to part, revealing the sun once more.
“Sorry, I couldn’t fire more shots; I only had three small windows between all the branches to fire from," Kila murmured, rubbing an arm in disappointment.
"You’re fine, Kila.” He whispered, eyes beginning to droop.
“You really shot through the tree line?” Cait whistled. “Hell of a shot. I figured you were up somewhere higher.”
“No, I couldn’t find a better place without getting too close.”
“Right! I for one couldn’t do too many of my…” The voices began to trail off as Lumin felt his body begin to slacken. He needed a nap… and fast.
It had taken about a day to sort through all of the leftover cores, dividing them between everyone. The ones who were knocked out only received two or three each, and only because Lumin insisted, seeing as they were at least injured. The majority of the course went to Lumin and Kila, who preened over the beautiful money makers. And the rest went to Cait, who grinned widely at the score.
“We’re rich!” He couldn’t help but laugh in glee.
Lumin rolled his eyes at the redhead and turned away quickly to hide the small smile on his lips. He threw the hefty bag of cores over his shoulder with a grunt and opened his mouth to ask Kila a question.
“What’re your plans?” Cait, however, interrupted him.
“Plans?” Lumin asked, searching Cait’s face through narrowed eyes.
“Where are you headed next? What city, or Guild?” The redhead pressed. “It’s certainly not back to Cali’s Roost.”
Lumin grimaced at the reminder. “Ah… North? Toward Grave’s March?” Maybe. He hadn’t talked to Kila yet, but judging by her own grimace, he figured that was off the table. “We’ll find something soon.”
“Why don’t you both come join my Guild? I was only passing through here on a job, so—”
“If it's Renoma, I’ll have to pass.” Lumin interrupted. He had heard Ezekiel had taken the Guild Leader position there, and he’d be damned if her ever saw that man again.
“No, don’t worry. Little further south than that.”
Lumin frowned, trying to think, but Kila beat him to it, “Where the meteor landed?”
“Aye, that’s the one.” Cait said, “You don’t have to worry too much about the green rabbits or anything; there’s a whole separate division of B’s and A’s that are tasked with watching the surrounding waters and caves.”
“I don’t know...”
“Oh, come off it, Lumin! We’re the best Guild around!”
“I thought that was Renoma?”
The man dropped, “At least you didn’t say Franctium…” He jumped back up, clapping his hands. “But hey! Celis is a fantastic city, filled with great food. Especially plenty of fish and muscles! Might not have the variety coastal cities have, like Franctium. But we certainly do well with what we have. How about it?”
Celis wasn’t considered in the top five guilds, but it was certainly up there at least… “And you’re from there?”
“Aye! A C-Rank myself! Of course, I know half the Guild at this point, too, so you can be sure I can find someone who’d take the cores for a good price, too. Even if you don’t want to join the Guild or form a party with me, you could always stop by, just to be safe.
“Hn…”
“The Guild Leader is a Beastkin, you know.”
Lumin rolled his eyes as Kila’s eyes lit up. “Fine, lead the way.”
“You won’t regret it!”