Warm light fell across her face, the red filled her sight. Nera's eyelids fluttered open. She was looking up at the wooden boards of a ceiling. So that man had been lying. In a panic she looked at her right arm, then breathed out in relief. While the burns were still there, the arm ring had not been set back onto her arm. She slowly rose, looking around. She spotted Inmreari, the cat girl and the uh fairy? She breathed out in relief, she had been saved then. With her worries sated, she begun to notice her physical state. Her head still hurt, some of the dizziness from earlier had dissipated. There was a sharp ache in her hand. She brought the hand up to peer at the injury. The bleeding at stopped, but there was some gunk along the edges of the cut from the toxin. She wiggled her fingers experimentally, the pain traveled up her arm, but at least she hadn't slit the nerves. Velar. The image of him rose to her mind. He was walking down an animal trail in the nearby woods. So he had escaped, she smiled faintly. Nera rose to her feet.

"It appears that I owe you once again, Mister Inmreari," she said, bowing in gratitude. Straightening, she took a couple steps towards him before noticing the weariness in his eyes. "Oh goddess, this is my fault. Why don't you sit down for a bit." She frowned with concern, then hauled the man to one of the beds in the room. It was then she noticed the man who had attacked her. "What are you planning to do with him."

"Lady Nera?" Startled out of his thoughts, Inmreari rubbed his eyes as he heed her words and sat down on a wooden chair that Geral had brought in earlier. His best friend was nowhere in sight, as an irritated Inariea had sent the swordsman out for the horse that he was supposed to bring in. "We will decide later, after he wakes up."

Watching Nera's expression, he felt the need to elaborate, and so he did. "He had suffered under Elkasna too, perhaps no less than you did. I removed arm ring on him, but I have no idea how deep an influence Elkasna have on him. But for now, you and him will be safe from her and Celin if you stay here."

(OOC: Oh, I forgot to put this in my bio. 'Another resulting effect is that he no longer has feeling in the afflicted arm/chest area. It's also extremely cold to the touch.' *throws a fat cat at sydra*)

He could make out the visage of a young woman with her arms wrapped tightly around her knees, staring over the edge of the cliff into an infinite darkness that reached up menacingly from below, while the skies above embodied absolute calm. She was whispering almost inaudibly to herself in that tongue. The language Phaen knew she could only attain fluency in after visiting that horrible place. The notion reminded him of what he'd just done. Was he there again?

Phaen knew his resistance to the poison wasn't absolute, but he was sure to have harbored enough resilience to defy death. Even so, it seemed death was becoming.

His vision centered on the female, her white robe circumventing her figure in violent waves of velvet folds that settled as if in a struggle against the pillow of sand underneath. The woman's hair was a homely brown, cascading down the robe and mingling with the fabric unnaturally, creating an appearance of the hair being woven into his sister's clothing.

His sister's clothing? Phaen could only faintly remember what she looked like -- she raised him until her death when he was eight. Yet, he could somehow ascertain that this was her, as though it was an innate knowledge.

"Y...Yoika?" There was an apparent trembling in the projection of his voice. She made no movement to acknowledge his presence. Phaen edged forward, apprehension tugging at his curiosity. Determination drove him closer and closer; he could almost touch her now. Phaen's progression was halted by the piercing words that were surely aimed toward the assassin.

"Vel'bol inbal dos doera?" The voice was far from soothing. Anger and disappointment penetrated the ghoulish tones as she spoke. Phaen looked down at the accusation, closing his eyes in thought. 'What have I become? What does she mean by that? She's the one who killed herself.. who left me alone. How dare her claim-' Phaen opened his eyes and began to conjure a venomous reply when he noticed that he was now in a small room.

"Elkasna?" He noticed that his leather armor was removed, despite the traps that were meticulously placed within it. As well, his shirt was lying beside him. Phaen instinctively reached for the handle of his blades, but both eluded him. Was he back at her grandeur residence once again?

Phaen attempted to sit up in his bed and was struck by a wave of nausea. "Ugh..." He forced himself to rise in light of the way the entire room seemed to move and distort around him. There were people sitting near and now seemed to be looking his way. Phaen recognized Nera and the wizard that ruined the course of his mission. There was also some sort of feline girl there who was eyeing him disapprovingly and a fairy who seemed no less excited to see him. He noticed then that the band no longer wound around his upper arm and was replaced by a dark scar. "Where am I and why did you help me?"

[OOC: I eh... checked back and discovered that I screwed up the timeline. ^^; We're supposed to be on Day Two, since Nera's killing of the mages happened that morning, but I connected to it while the rest of us were supposedly on Day One evening.

So I'm thinking, let's push the part where Inariea and my chars went to market to Day Two morning, and it should make more sense now, with some minor editting here and there. Except I don't know where to place Kalani's meeting with Acacia. What do you guys think?]


"Oh, you're awake. Good good, about time." Inmreari lifted his head drowsily from where he had leaned against the wall after Inariea shook him awake, making him the only one who was not watching the assassin. He had taken advantage of the wait to have a nap after his brief chat with Nera, and had drifted into deep sleep despite the tension in the room.

Yawning, the magician rubbed at his eyes before blinking to focus on both the questions and the person who asked them, "You're in an inn, and I didn't help you for your benefit. Nera tells me that Elkasna can use the arm ring to track you, and we don't want that to happen."

Another yawn stopped him from speaking further and he took the chance to glance around the room. "Oh, it's nearly mealtime. Where's Geral? And the kids? They shouldn't be out..."

"Fera woke up, so I told Geral to take them out to get some fresh air." Inariea said, even though her eyes never left the assassin. "Don't worry, Geral with a sword is untouchable. The kids will be fine."

"Alright, if you say so." Inmreari massaged his forehead with his palm then fixed his emerald eyes on the man he brought back. "Back to you, mister. We know who brought you to this town... but why? Elkasna obviously didn't want Nera back... is Celin behind all this?"

[OOC: Oh, by the way, like I told kurai... Elkasna is a woman who has a son whose around forty years old. ^^;; She's no young lass.]

(OOC: I'll be fine with whatever conclusion you reach.)

Phaen brought his hands to his face as a shield; not only were the glares beginning to bother him, but the way in which the surroundings seemed to ripple and pulsate only multiplied the nauseating side-effects. He hadn't even come to the realization that an inquiry was presented until moments afterward. His response was somewhat forced. "Elkasna has more than a fleeting interest in the young lady I was sent to attain. I overhear the sorceress speak of her often, actually." Phaen removes his hands to glance over at Nera. She really would have killed herself in order to prevent once again being captive. He looked down to the staggered planks below. "If it's any consolation, I've never had such strong inhibitions about going through with a mission. I..." Phaen stopped himself from going any farther and continued with the explanation. He felt that was the least he could do in return for his liberation.

"Not only does Celin pay well, but Elkasna was particularily engaged in the casting that Nera recently ruined. She must have had something more than monetary reasons for Nera to remain under Celin's supervision, otherwise she wouldn't have sent me -- and with such haste. I was asleep when one of her servants woke me up with their usual compassion. Elkasna only took the time to show me a picture and cast a ward specific to Nera."

As the negative results of his poison dissipated, Phaen became more conscious of the fact that his upper body wasn't concealed. He recalled the shirt that lay beside him and immediately clothed himself. That way everything was covered, except for the translucent monotone of his hand. "It's not a good idea to stay here. I know this sounds absolutely ridiculous, but..." Phaen forced himself to look at Nera. It was her that he thought would hold the strongest opposition. "I'd like to come with you. My only loyalty to that witch was the ring that bound me to her control."

OOC: so distracted today.. That sounds fine Seluna.

Nera sighed and slanted a glance at Inmreari. The man was the dangerous sort and she sincerely doubted he had received training from Elkasna or one of her servants. Which meant he probably served in some sort of similar position before Elkasna got her claws into him. Judging by his methods of attack, he was an assassin. She shook her head slightly. She wasn't much different from him really, how could she judge him?

"Well, I can see you have no fondness for Elkasna. We all have a common enemy at the moment. I suppose more people we have, the better," she said, looking at Inmreari for his opinion, then continued.
"I think it might be wise if you could tell us about whatever you know about Elkasna, particularly her recent doings. It does seem like she is up to something unusual. I'll share what little knowledge I have as well, however, I do think we should get out of this town as soon as possible. I'd hate to think what would happen if we got trapped here," she said, frowning down at the folds of her stolen dress, it had probably belonged to a woman that had been pregnant several times, far too thick in the waist. She checked her boot for her dagger. It was still there. Sighing, she sat down on the edge of the bed, opening and closing her injured hand. She should be able to wield a weapon with it. Nera leaned forward to pick up her cloak and Velar's dagger. The cloak she set on the bed, the dagger she set on her lap, running a finger along the sheath. She hoped this man was worthy of what trust she put in him.

"By the way, what should I call you," she said, turning to look over at the assassin, appraisingly.

(OOC: it's because of ffxii! nyar!)

Inwardly, Phaen smiled at how brilliantly the plan he conspired entirely in the few moments allowed by Imnreari's threat played out. It wasn't his normal procedure to act on a simple whim, but to think out seperate methods of execution before making any moves. That almost always granted Phaen an upper hand in any situation. Mental agility and cunning are what seperate an assassin from that of other rogues, however.

"You may call me Phaen," he answered. Phaen didn't usually talk this much, since he rarely had anyone to converse with. Even when the occassion presented itself he wasn't the best at doing so.

Regardless of the success of his blueprints for emancipation, Phaen knew that he had nowhere else to go. Failure in a kill never satisfies a client, for it often leaves them vulnerable to retaliation. Since knowledge of Phaen, and others like him, is maintained primarily through individuals that were previously clients or work as informants, word spreads fast. And it's always tainted beyond recognition. This doesn't necessarily constitute a career change, but Phaen knows it's not something he wants to deal with at the moment. He's beleagured enough after finally achieving freedom.

'The choice is made then. Allies are in order,' he thinks to himself. "I thank you for your generousity, Miss Nera, and for my freedom, Mage. I can promise you've a solid ally in myself. But, promises are empty without deeds. So, should we get going?" Phaen stood and walked over to his armor, going about the memorized steps of setting traps, tightening straps and ensuring everything was in place. He looked around to the others in the room. "I'll be needing my weapons, if you want me to help."

Acacia took in the assassin’s words, looking out a window casually, head slightly tilted and finger to his chin, while his other hand rested on the dirty windowsill. He wondered how sincere the man’s words were, and he questioned the naivety of these people. They could so easily be betrayed. Did they realize this? They had no idea who this man was. They had no idea who Acacia was. In fact, Acacia had never been allowed into this mission at all. Not technically.

Acacia rubbed his arms absently, the dull ache ever-present. The pain was not only in his arms, but across his back and torso and down his legs. Though it was dull now, he knew it would blossom later. But he was prolonging that moment with a good deal of his will.



(I was unsure of what to do, so I didn't do anything story-progression wise...)

[OOC: Erm... Ember, I set it that Kalani (and Kit, most likely) are with Geral and Fera, since I used the word 'kids'. That's for more plot movement, actually, but if you don't want that, I can edit my previous post.

So does it settle that we're on Day Two, around afternoon?]

"I have a name, it's Inmreari. Stop calling me 'mage'." Another yawn escaped his mouth before Inmreari rolled his eyes at himself and fixed those narrowed green orbs on the assassin. "Your weapons are on the floor, under the bed. I think Geral will be fine with you following us until Elkasna won't be able to track you, but we have some business that does not have to do with Elkasna which we would prefer if you're not involved in."

The same sharp gaze was then redirected towards Acacia. "You too, blossom fairy. Initially I thought you were just a friend of Kalani's, but I see that you have intentions of following us around, for whatever reasons. I should warn you, that we are going to do may place you in great deal of danger, so I would suggest against doing that."

"And it's the same for you, Lady Nera." Lastly, Inmreari turned to look apologetically at the pale-haired woman. "It is too dangerous for you to stay with us for our entire journey, but I'll feel better if we can accompany you until you're safely out of this town, at the very least."

[OOC: I figure that this is more logical. o.o Hope it doesn't foil up too many plans. ]

(OOC: Sorry. I editted it. I never know where my people are... It's confusing...)

Acacia stared at the mage for a moment. Could he read minds as well?

“You think I’m afraid of a little danger?” Acacia asked, smiling his innocent I’m-made-of sunshine smile as he swirled a pattern into the dust on the windowsill. He was, frankly, a little hurt that they would think him so weak. Weaker than the assassin, apparently, who seemed not to recall him. But if pressed, he wouldn’t stay. That’d be too suspicious, and he had several jobs ahead of him before he was killed prematurely. It wasn’t as if he had much longer, anyway. He had to guard his time preciously.

Actually, Acacia thought the man was using the danger bit as an out for Acacia. The mage probably noticed there was something odd about Acacia the moment he’d used his magic. If he was any good mage, which Acacia was sure he WAS, then he had probably sensed the curse threaded in his magic. And Acacia had told himself he wouldn’t use magic in front of mages. But he’d never been any good at keeping promises.

OOC: it works for me Sel. ^-^ should we get to them leaving?

IC:
Nera nodded at Inmreari with a slight smile. It was unusual for people to come to this town without any reason. She had figured that the business with Geral and the child had to be something unusual, particularly since Celin had some interest in it. That part worried her, but it was none of her business if they wanted to keep to themselves.

"I maybe be able to find shelter with a friend," she said softly, her eyes trailing to the window. Nera had no ability to cast teleportation magic, that being so, Celin found it necessary to travel through other methods. Once, he wanted to go to the city of Sileta through the quickest means. Unfortunately the city was on the other side of the mountain range. There was a passage through the ranges, but the passage belonged to the mountain folk, who didn't like strangers. Celin had had force her way. With no other choice, the mountain folk had allowed them to pass escorted by their own guards and a guide. Nera had made friends with the guide. At the end of the journey the old guide had invited Nera to visit her if when she freed of Celin. She had been not much more than a child back then and still hopeful that she might be released from her slavery.

"Although, I don't know if they would allow anybody else to shelter with them, they are a suspicious lot," she said, twisting her lips into a frown. It would provide a safe place for her to rest and regain her strength, but she had no idea what to do about the others.

(OOC: I really don't have any plans at this point. I'm just wingin' it. Anything you like is fine with me.)

A nod of approval was Phaen's response to the ultimatum sternly offered by Inmreari. It was uncharacteristic of most to allow the executor of an attempted kidnapping to result in an acquired traveller, for any period of time. Phaen would be sure to keep his weapons close and wits about him during his presence in their ventures - he was still wary of whether or not reverberations for his prior affiliation would be enacted.

All speculation and paranoia aside, it might be nice to indulge in the experience of genuine company. It hadn't been something he'd done since his sister's suicide. The image of his recent dream session flashed in his head. Phaen reached under the bed, not even holding his observation of the room as he grabbed his weapons, his thoughts too centered on whether or not it was more than a dream. 'Why have it now?,' he contemplated as the sword and dagger were eased into their respective resting places.

Phaen pushed the thoughts away. Now was not the time. "As you wish," came his reply to Inmreari. He walked slowly to the door and turned to examine Acacia intently, words directed at the wizard, however. "I'd like to go check the exits prior to leaving. I'm trained for these things. My guess is that you don't want me going alone, but I only need about five minutes."

(OOC: Just assume he leaves if you allow it. I don't guess you'd allow someone who just tried to kidnap Nera to leave ungaurded. Nyar!)

Inmreari shrugged when Acacia asked, too sweetly. It was not as if he had doubts about the fairy's abilities. He did not manage to watch the whole fight earlier, but he saw enough to know that the fairy can handle himself under normal circumstances, even some extreme ones.

But that was not the case if Acacia decided to stay with them throughout. They were up against the Tower of Babel, and only the gods themselves know how interested they would be in a blossom fairy, even if their main target was Fera. And then, there was Elkasna, with her unnatural love for experimenting, especially on people. No, it would certainly be better if the fairy stayed away from them.

Nera and Phaen were another matter. Even though Elkasna and Celin would most likely be in pursue for both of them, as long as they were out of the sorceress and the noble's reach, they would be fine. And because of their connection back to Elkasna and Celin, it would be better if they were kept entirely out of the matter regarding Fera. Even though Inmreari extended his trust to Nera, he also knew how cunning Elkasna could be, and he was not going to just count on his luck. At least they seem to understand and agreed to cooperate.

He sighed tiredly, and relaxed back against the wall he had leaned on, exchanging a look with Inariea. His sister's student understood immediately, and volunteered herself to accompany Phaen, leaving him to his thoughts and peace.

[OOC: Gah... I'll get into the Geral and Fera side later. Oh yeah, I'll be in control of Inariea for now as Yume is having her exam period is too busy to roleplay.]

*Editted the first line a little. I have a tendency to not complete the 'replace' process. >.>*

Phaen didn't wait for Inariea to join him, instead departing once he saw she would follow. The hallway was completely empty, but Phaen still moved with intent inspection. There was a window on the way down the steps which he did well to avoid as he entered inconspicuously into the main room below. There weren't many visitors to the Fox and Hound at this time of the day and the few that were there didn't portray themselves in any inappropriate or otherwise suspect manner. Everyone seemed to move with normalcy.

His search continued with the restrooms and soon he had scanned the entire interior of the building. He finally felt it necessary to break the silence between he and the girl. "So, Inariea, that's a wonderful costume you have." Phaen offered her a wry grin and exited the inn, beginning his search of the overall premises. To others it appeared as though he were merely taking a stroll, under his hood, however, his eyes were constantly darting about.

The rogue turned around the side of the inn and proceeded to further examine the area until a shuffle was projected from a nearby shadow. One arm shot to his dagger, the other to his rear to clench Inariea's forearm - forcing her to stop. A moment passed, until a black cat strode from the darkness, looked directly at them, then turned away with disinterest. Phaen looked back to Inariea and sighed, "It seems to be safe."

Acacia looked at Inmreari, studying his face. He couldn’t figure out what the man might know. Better to be safe than sorry though.

“Does that mean you’re telling me to shoo?” Acacia asked, giving his best sad pout, with the puppy-dog eyes. People liked puppy-dog eyes. They were hard to resist. He didn’t wait for an answer though. He could tell there was SOMETHING holding them back from keeping him in their company, and he wasn’t about to press his luck. He always seemed to draw the short end of THAT straw.

“It’s okay,” Acacia conceded, before Inmreari could form an answer to his lips. He began putting his cloak back on dramatically, as he was apt to do, with a swirl of fabric. “I can see when I’m not wanted.”

His petulant manner belied his true intentions, of course. He had other things to do now. When he’d been looking out the window, he’d seen Firefly’s signal; a firefly at the window who had winked out its light three times, one short, two long. He was wasting time here. There was no more information to farm. As of yet.

“Maybe I’ll see you later,” Acacia suggested, hesitating at the door for a moment. And then he left, without even a proper good-bye.


(OOC: You did want him to leave, yes? I have a bit of an idea percolating, so it's okay ^^)

Geral could not help but think that Kalani and Kit were good for Fera, as the quarter-demon led the child from stall to stall with the young fox in tow, introducing Fera to everyday things enthusiastically. For once, Fera was like a normal boy and he would look that part if he removed the cloak, but the bright shade of his hair was too obvious for their benefit.

Content to let the two young ones flit about like a pair of butterflies while he stayed behind them and watched with a vigilant eye, Geral was about to propose that they include the blacksmith as part of their shopping destinations when somebody suddenly tapped his shoulder. In his surprise, he nearly drew his sword and attacked the person, but when he caught sight of a familiar face grinning at him, he almost dropped his sword.

Recovering quickly from his shock, a frown crossed his face as he turned to his memory to place a name to the brunette with laughing turquoise eyes and freckles across his nose. "Rudric? Rudric Lirwood?"

"That's me alright!" Rudric gave Geral's arm a friendly smack as he laughed. "Gods bless, Geral! I didn't think you would be alive, captured by those magicians and all."

"I didn't think so too." Geral's eyes darkened momentarily before he smiled back. "What brings you out here? I thought you were permanently posted to Luseren?"

"Your information is horribly outdated. Duchess kicked the bucket two years ago, when she got into a fight with her old dragon mate, and I was charged with tracking him down. Last I heard, he was in the vicinity, so while I was heading here, they told me to give Inmreari a message. He's with you, no?"

Listening to Rudric speak of things that was once a part of his life, Geral felt a long-lost warmth silently slipped into the cracks of his battered heart. Even seeing Inmreari and Inariea could not remind him of how things were when he was part of the Guild, running about chasing foul-tempered dragons and protecting those who harmed none. It almost brought tears to his eyes. Almost.

"You almost missed us, we were just about to leave town. Inmreari's in the inn, I'll bring you there once I get... Fera? Kalani?"

[OOC: Fera and Kalani either strayed away or was led away. ^^; Well, Rudric is an NPC, he will provide a few shortcuts for the plot so that they won't be doing a LOTR type journey. ^^;]

Nera paced to the window, lightly resting her fingers on the sill. Geral, the child, and Kalani were still missing. She hoped they were okay. Her black cloak lay on the bed, she crossed the room to pin it on.

"I think I'll give up on the blending in tactic," she said smiling at Inmreari. Velar's dagger was tucked into her belt. "I guess, while they at still out I'll tell you about the spell. I was sent to help Lord Makense with a spell. Once I had a look at the spell I understand why Celin sent me there. He didn't want to endanger himself. The spell required multiple mages. You see, it involved a large amount of destructive power, but the spell would condense all that power into a small object. This object once used by unwitting victim would release it," she said pensively, staring down at her hands.

"It would have had a large impact on the surrounding area, particularly if my magic was combined with it. No life would take root for many years after. Needless to say, if something went wrong with the casting it could prove dangerous for us as well. I didn't want such a weapon in Celin's hands. I didn't know where he would use or how many lives would perish. So I interrupted the spell during the casting, at the point that would the minimal amount of damage. All the mages involved died."

The young woman sat down heavily on the bed, looking outside once again. She ran her fingers down the hilt of Velar's dagger, then peered up melancholically at Inmreari.

"Hearing now that Elkasna is involved with this in some way, I really do wonder what their intentions are. Initially I thought it was going to be used on an rival's land..."

OOC: didn't know what to post XD

Green eyes narrowing so far that they could barely be seen through eyelashes, Inariea all but snatched her hand out of the assassin's grip. When Phaen turned to give her a look, she returned him a friendly smile that did not quite reach her eyes. "So, are we done yet?"

Privately, even though she understood why he and Nera could not leave yet, she did not like it. More people meant she had to keep her mind on more things. Kalani was already a handful, though he listened to Geral and Inmreari. Nera was alright, and she could probably help out with things. But then there was that fairy, and this man who used to kill for a living.

No, she did not like the situation at all and there was nothing she could do about it.

---

"Lord Lihen Celin is every bit the unpleasant man the rumours make him out to be then. Such a vile spell... what do they think magic is for?" Inmreari's grip on his staff tightened so much that his knuckles were white. The way his jaw was set made it clear that the magician was furious, and his tone revealed his struggle to hide his agitation. "Why would they do such a thing? To devoid an area entirely of life...

"Lady Nera... what do you mean by 'if your magic was combined with it'?"

[OOC: I'm not sure what I want happening to Fera and Kalani, so Ember, if you have an idea, please do post. ^^;]

(OOC: Hurray! Posts are fun to read!)

Phaen wasn't satisfied with the short sweep of the direct surroundings. He knew that it'd take more than a few meager moments to sufficiently survey the entire town; an hour or so, perhaps. There are numerous ways for someone who excels at melding with the environment to disguise themselves just far enough away to provide both an avenue through which to supervise their target and dependable cover. You always possess at least one pivotal disadvantage when you are prey who cannot locate it's predator. At least they were aware that they were targets, although that didn't permit any less danger.

Time didn't allow an expansive search, so the it seemed to the assassin that he would be forced to sustain constant vigilance during their exit. "As done as we can be, considering our situation," Phaen whispered as he produced a frown. "Make a slight mess of your hair and clothing. We don't want to make it too obvious." He was speaking as he unbuckled a few of his leather straps on his armor and left them hanging, which he would buckle as he left the confines of the alley. "I'm going back to the room. Oh, and leave a few seconds after me. Look more suspicious than you should."

Nera clasped her hands in her lap, staring down at them. Her hands were soft and tapered with the exception of some callus' from swordplay work. Nera had never done a day of physical labor in her life due to her unusual circumstances.

"The reason Elkasna took an interest in the daughter of common farmers," she paused, her words slow. A small ironic smile crossed her face. "Well, if you think that is perversion of magic, what I can do is heresy." Nera looked about the room searching. A spider had hung its web in the corner. She fed her magic through the black focus stones attached to the earrings in her pocket. A small black orb appeared next to the spider. The darkness shifted murkily on the surface of the orb in a sludgy oil like manner. When the orb touched the spider's leg, the creature appeared to turn slightly gray. When the orb moved away, dissolving into the air, the spider crumbed into dust.

"I was born with a type of magic that absorbs life. The more vitality a life has, the more magic it requires for me to absorb it. Now, that spell, normally would just blow up the area with my magic it would leech away the life from the land. Normally, it might take a year for the land to recover, but would. With mine in there as well, it would at least take several years. However, I am not certain since I have never cast a spell as large as that. The mages aiding the spell casting might have been able to handle a black lash of elemental magic," she said, her hands tightening. "But with mine, they died." She removed one of the earrings from her pockets and tossed it to Inmreari. The black onyx orb caught the light as he caught it. "This is a focus stone for my particular type of magic. I lost my normal focus stone, which I can use for elemental and my own type."

OOC: XD Listening to "Lucretia's smile" as I write, ah tragic music.

Down the alley Kalani went chasing the troublesome young fox pup. Not far behind, Fera had come with him. Kit had gone chasing after a small black cat, yipping as he loped after it. He would have told Fera he didn’t have to come with him to chase down the fox; he did this sort of thing all the time. But somehow that seemed mean, and he liked the kid. He didn’t mind his company. And he obviously wanted to help. So why bother?

They had gone down the long alley Kit had raced into, but the alley merged into the backs of other alleys, and it was hard to tell where Kit had gone.

“Kit?” Kalani looked around. “Kit, where are you?!”

He heard a yip from further down the alley, where it finally came to a dead end. When Kalani and Fera arrived, however, Kit did not have the cat cornered. Instead, a young man with blue eyes and tousled black hair stood before them, holding Kit under his arm as Kalani did so often. Kit yipped again, straining to get out of the young man’s arms.

“Let go of Kit!” Kalani cried, taking a threatening step forward and sweeping out his stell Bo in the same movement.

“My, my. So impetuous,” the young man smiled at Kalani, and his brilliant blue eyes looks as if they, too, were smiling. Much like that of the small black cat that jumped from behind a pile of boxes and wrapped itself around the young man’s neck.

Kalani narrowed his eyes. “What’s going on here?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll give the fox back. Fellis brought him to me. How was I to know he had a… master already?” The young man swept a hand through the air carelessly as he spoke, eyes half-closed. He seemed to be assessing Kalani, but even more worrisome, he was looking past Kalani, at Fera.

The black-haired young man set the fox down. Kit rushed to Kalani’s side, snarling as he turned to face the youth who’d grabbed him. The hair on his neck rose. Kalani put a calming hand on Kit, but his eye slowly found Fera.

“Let’s go,” he said quietly to him.

(OOC: Acacia, Ferrin, and Firefly are from the same organization. Like I said, I have an idea percolating... That I'll get into whenever the time seems right. ^^ Since this is semi-free-form and we don't have all that many RPers, I thought I could take the liberty of making a few characters for the organization... I was thinking maybe Phaen had worked with them at some point, but he seems to have been Elkasna's slave, so I'll have to figure out a reason why Acacia knows him... ^^;; I don't mind if anyone else has characters in the organization... They're a watch-and-see what happens sort, taking action when the higher-ups find it most beneficial to them, and they aren't originally from the same land/continent as the others... )

Here are Ferrin's and Firefly's bios... (Hopefully these are the last for me to post up, though Ferrin can be an NPC if you like):
Name: Ferrin Reynard
Hair: Black, tousled, usually falling across his eyes
Eyes: Dark Blue
Skin tone: Normal
Height: 5’7”
Build: Skinny
Age: 18
Race: Human

Physical Description: He is clearly a mage, with his dark blue robes and cat familiar, Fellis. The sleeves of his robes are embroidered with silver thread, as is the hem. He wears sandals on his otherwise bare feet, that tie up to his knees. He wears several sashes across his waist, in varying colors of blue and tied at the left in a hard knot. His robes usually hang loose around his neck and chest, revealing a large tooth on a string around his neck. Above his left nipple is a strange insignia that looks somewhat like an eye with a flickering flame inside it. An inscription in an ancient language is bannered over the eye. He wears a circlet across his forehead.

Personality: A bit lazy and a lot selfish, Ferrin is somewhat of a gambler and isn’t always doing what he’s supposed to be doing, which gets him in a lot of trouble with the organization. Like Acacia, he tends to keep his serious side well-hidden. He falls asleep in weird places. With the help of Fellis, he can get a lot of useful information he otherwise couldn’t have. Ferrin’s stealth abilities leave a lot to be desired, as he is rather clumsy.

History: The only of the three who isn’t concerned about a short lifespan, Ferrin was born and raised in a mage’s home. Not the most powerful mage, Ferrin doggedly kept to his studies. His father is the founder of the organization, which perhaps, is the only reason Ferrin was allowed in at all…

**********************************

Name: Firefly
Hair: Dark Violet, longer in front, gradually shorter in back
Eyes: Silver, long lashes
Skin tone: Fair
Height: 5’3”
Build: Slender
Age: 19
Race: Half-Celestian, Half-Human

Physical Description: Firefly is, at first glance, a wispy twig of a man. But he has a will and inner strength that defies his frail looks. He usually wears a heavy black cloak to hide the frailty of his body. Underneath the cloak, he wears a long-sleeved robe/tunic over puffed pants that end just above the ankle. His boots curl slightly up at the ends and are made of golden brown leather. The single sash around his waist is tied tightly in a bow at the back, hanging down to the backs of his knees elegantly.

Personality: He mostly seems to keep to himself, though he doesn’t mind company. He is a quick learner and very skilled at memorization and reading lips. His temper is very mild, and he’s generally a sweet, gentle person who adores animals.

History: Just as Acacia, Firefly also has a short life predicted. His mother prayed for a child, though she was barren, and one day, a Celestian came in the night to deliver what she wanted so badly. At first, she thought it was nothing but a dream, but as she grew larger in her pregnancy, it was apparent that it was not. However, even though given a golden chance at life, Firefly was actually born dead, but was revived by the mid-wife. His mother loved him and coddled him, but when Firefly was a small boy of three, she died of an unknown illness.

Firefly was adopted by Ferrin’s parents, where he mastered many magical arts in a short period of time, both due to his origins, and his desperate attempt to do as much as he could in life. For, as a half-celestian in a sin-stained world, Firefly’s energy was continually depleted, and it formed into what Ferrin’s father called a purity drain. Many of his magical experiments centered on Firefly, due to the nature of his birth, and he was trying to invent a way to reverse the effects on Firefly. As each year passes, Firefly seems to grow smaller and thinner rather than larger, and he can feel himself slipping away.

"I have never heard of anyone being born with such magic naturally..." Inmreari frowned as he examined the earring set with Onyx, then added hastily. "Not that I'm doubting your words. It's just that... I have never heard of something like that happening before. Which is odd, because such an occurence is likely to become a big deal.

"Now that I understand why Elkasna is interested in you, I'm glad I got you out of their control." Inmreari gave her a sincere, though tired, smile as he handed the focus stone back. "If you ever need any help, all you have to do is ask."

If Nera wanted to speak at that moment, she did not have the chance to as Phaen entered the room, reported that it was safe, and sat down on the bed without another word. Moments later, a disgruntled Inariea followed in and raised an eyebrow after glancing through the room.

"Geral's not back yet?"

[OOC: Sorry if the post seem a little rushed. I don't know what else our characters can do in their situation without making life a bit too exciting. ^^; Ember, who is Ferrin telling to 'Let's go'? And oh, I have added the two new profiles to the site. ^^]

(OOC: The "let's go" was Kalani directing it at Fera... ^^;; )

Phaen wasn't the most versed in interpreting body language, but he knew enough to decipher his entrance as being the catalyst for a conversation's murder. Normally, he would have left the two to their dialogue. Among other reasons, he wasn't particularily fond of venturing too far by himself and he doubted they would allow that in the first place. This town was foreign to him and, although he wouldn't conciously acknowledge the fact, his request of someone to accompany the search wasn't solely for the benefit of trust. He was afraid.

The entire time that he was outside it felt like someone was watching him with more than idle interest. It was such a distinct feeling, yet he felt like it was all around. There was no way to find it's location and whether or not it was more than simple anxiety. Phaen attempted to mask his nervousness as he answered Nera's question. "He wasn't with us. We shouldn't be here."

He then stood up impatiently and walked to look out the window to see that it would be getting dark soon. Vibrant colors performed an elaborate dance across clouds, like outstretched fingers of the sun which fought with desperate futility to retain it's control over the horizon. It was a violent, yet remarkable scene that Phaen tore his eyes from to stare down at the slowly diminishing crowd below.

There was a face that stared back at him from within the commoners that went about their day. One that none seemed to notice, but the assassin. It was the distorted, mangled face of his ghastly sister. Phaen stared back at her in amazement and turned to glance at the people in the room with him, expecting an explanation. When he looked back she was gone. "We shouldn't be here," He repeated.

(OOC: Phaen has the craziiiiies! I hope I got the time of day right. ^^; I looked back, but couldn't find any reference. Fireflies come out at dusk though.)

Fera nodded, even though his eyes never left Ferrin until he followed Kalani out of alley. He pulled his cloak around himself tighter, trying to get rid of the feeling that the man could see through him. It made his heart pound faster, and he felt uncomfortable.

"Fera!" He looked up to see Geral's frantic blue eyes and when the older man's arm reached for his shoulders, he could feel his caretaker's worry through the fine tremors in those hands. Impulsively, he pushed himself forward and wrapped his arms around Geral, leaning his head against a broad shoulder. "What happened? Is anything wrong?"

Fera breathed in deeply, the familiar scent calming him down and he murmured. "No. Kit chased a cat and there was a strange person, that's all."

Geral knew that there was something more about the strange person, but he knew that it would be useless to push Fera to elaborate. Maybe he could get his answers from Kalani later, as the quarter-demon and his young fox both seemed uneasy about something.

"You went and got a child, Geral?" Rudric's teasing voice popped up from behind and startled him as he had almost forgotten about the other in his panic. Twice in a day, he nearly drew his sword on another if not for Fera conveniently blocking his way.

Carrying Fera as he stood up, for the boy refused to let go, he turned towards the man and rolled his eyes. "Heavens strike me down if I did, Rudric. This is Fera, and the lad with a fox is Kalani. Fera has something he needs to do, and we are accompanying him."

"Right right, I understand that you want to keep all that juicy details to yourself and will cut off my nose if I ask anymore." Rudric raised his arms and gestured comically, grinning as he saw the apology in Geral's eyes. "Come on, let me deliver my message to Inmreari, and I can be on my way. I won't be able to catch up with Earl Grey at this rate."

"Whatever you say."

The trip back to the inn was uneventful, given what had happened to them ever since Geral and Fera entered the town. However, when they got back to the inn and spotted the assassin awake and sitting on the bed with his weapons on his person, Geral frowned. "I take it that he will not harm us."

"Until we get out of Elkasna's reach, he and Lady Nera will be coming with us." Inmreari said in a grim voice, then when he caught sight of Rudric, his face brightened. "Rudric! What are you doing here? You caught Earl Grey yet?"

"Unfortunately, no. That old bastard knows that I'm stalking him and flies all over the damn place." The brunette sighed, then grinned when he saw a girl. "We met again, Inariea. I see that Inmri's sister haven't got rid of those ears for you."

Inariea smiled. "Last I checked, she has no intentions to."

"Well, it does fit you and all." Rudric's wide smile was definitely impish, before his expression turned serious as he swept the room's occupants with a glance. "I come with a message for Inmreari, and I hope you don't mind if I borrow him for a little while."

[OOC: Okay, there's no need to respond to Rudric. Rudric will leave right after he tells Inmreari something regarding the Fury, which is why he requests to do it in private. Then we'll all leave the town before anything else happens. ^^;]

(OOC: Hehe. Earl Grey. Like the tea.)

Firefly sat in the tavern, wearing the dark hood of his cloak around his shoulders. His dark violet hair; almost black in certain lights; fell in perfect, straight curtains on either side of his face, steadily longer in the front, and shorter in the back; the longer hair in the front reaching an inch or so past his chin. His slanted silver eyes slowly turned toward Acacia without even turning his face as Acacia took a seat beside him.

“So, how’s it going on your end?” The silver eyes slid back to the mug in his hands.

“Oh, same old, same old. I’ve learned a few interesting things though.”

“Care to share them with me? Or is now…” his eyes flicked back to Acacia before resting on his mug again. “A bad time?”

“Now is a bad time. I’ll tell you later. When we’re alone.”

The bartender looked up from the glass he was wiping, eyes glinting suspiciously. He frowned. The last thing he wanted was trouble, and he signaled discreetly to the bouncer before any was started. Sensing the man lurking behind him, Acacia looked up and smiled guilelessly.

“I’ll leave in juuust a second, Mister.” Acacia leaned in and whispered something in Firefly’s ear before getting up and leaving the tavern. His hand, resting on Firefly’s shoulder, slowly withdrew as he went. He gave Firefly a knowing look as he left.

Firefly stared down into the depths of his mug. The three of them were to meet up, secretly of course. Firefly briefly wondered if Ferrin would show up late—again. He closed his eyes and sighed. This job wasn’t something he was looking forward to.

Firefly stood up and left his money on the counter.

Nera smiled when the group came in. Even if they weren't leaving quite yet, then at least they had everyone here so they could escape. Rudric took Inmreari to the side to discuss something with him in whispers. She continued to watch Phaen with concern. The man was acting strange. She hoped he wasn't insane.

"You should try to relax a little. Being on an emotional high is wearying," she said softly to the man. She still didn't trust him completely, but the way he acting now was making her nervous. Noting Kalani and Fera, she smiled.

"Did you two enjoy the market?"

OOC: Leaving it up to you Seluna as to when they leave the town.

Kalani smiled at Nera. “Oh, yeah. It was pretty fun. They have a lot of different stalls, and shops and things. Interesting things to look at in some places, but prices to high for me…”

He didn’t say that the market was usually a hostile place for him; because he’d genuinely had fun with Fera. He’d never had people he could call friends, and wasn’t quick to say these people were, but he was glad of a happy moment with them, nonetheless. He also didn’t say anything about that weird kid, because he didn’t want to worry people unnecessarily. Maybe it was all in Kalani’s head that he was a suspicious character. But there was something about the whole place that was making him uneasy lately, and he didn’t like it.

Looking over at the new guy, Mr. Assassin Phaen, he saw that he too, looked a little off. Kalani didn’t know whether to be suspicious of him or not. After all, assassins got paid to kill people… But it seemed everyone was on edge here now.

He was glad he wasn’t the only one.

(OOC: I was leaving it to her as well. ^^; After all, Kalani's not exactly in a leadership position)

Phaen's discontent dissipated rather quickly and he found himself once again graced by calm. He obviously was seeing illusions, probably due to unrelenting stress or side-effects still withstanding from the poison.

He doubted Nera's statement was directed at any other individual occupying the quarters. Phaen glanced over his shoulder at the woman, his expression providing no blatant reply. She was telling him to relax and he wasn't sure what it was that she was referring to - he felt entirely composed. Phaen then noticed that there were now several more who had entered the room. He found it unsettling that he hadn't noticed none of them doing so.

Phaen took account each of them now that he was aware of their presence. He measured them all on the same attributes that were reserved for attaining as adequate of a presumption one could solely from appearance and demeanor. After taking note of things, Phaen moved to take a seat on the bed. Nera had a larger circle of protection than Elkasna told him before his depature.

That made him wonder the purpose of so many in this party. There was an undertone here that seemed to permeate beyond an escaped slave.

(OOC: Seluna runs this bitch!)

ooc!: Hi hi! Seluna said I could join ^-^ blood sacrifice was necessary but no worries! So here is my quick bio and first post! weee!

Name: Darah
Age: 17
Race: half-elf
Skin: A golden tan
Hair: an azure blue shade in reaches down to her waist where it is clipped with a golden band
Eyes: they are a dark navy blue, and are slightly slanted, hinting at her Sylvan heritage
Height: 5’5

Build: As a dancer her build is tall and slim. Her whole body seems elongated, giving her an elegant appearance.

Attire: She wears a dancer’s garb, silken fabric draping around her body and clinging tightly to her chest in a v-cut. Her dress is cinched at the waist by a golden belt, and it hangs to her ankles but is slit up to her mid-thigh to reveal her long legs and a golden garter. She also wears golden sandals, Grecian in style that have golden straps crisscrossing up to just below her knees.

Brief history: Darah has been working as a dancer in the xenophobic desert city of Umberlee's Dune for two years now. Little is known about her past prior to this. Because of her heritage she is often regarded as a mutt, and would likely never find work if not for her lovely features. She is a rather popular dancer yet her blood keeps her from making any real money or earning much respect, as such it is necessary for her to rely heavily upon her charms to find decent employment.


ic:

The caravan bumped along the path jostling about its inhabitants. Darah let out a yelp as she was unceremoniously thrown from her seat. Grumbling she climbed back onto the bench as she not so silently cursed the incompetence of the driver. The pasha whom she worked for was still asleep and that was at least one thing to be thankful for, the last thing she needed was to endure his lewd comments with a perky smile. She leaned her head against the tarp that covered the wagon and sighed. She didn’t like this, any of it, this employer, this job, the incompetent driver, not to mention how impossibly far they were from the desert. It wasn’t good to be so far from the desert, there was always the chance the pasha would deny her the return trip and out here in the small towns and villages there wasn’t any work for dancers. She really didn’t understand why one would even require a dancer on the road; the very idea was ridiculous. Unless there was something else the pasha had in mind, Darah had a sinking feeling that she knew just what. No matter, a dagger to his throat would remedy that problem, just return home with the caravan and tell the authorities they we’re attacked by bandits.

“Almost there!” The driver called and Darah moved to stand behind him. She gasped at the sight of the forest, deciduous and coniferous trees all around, the likes of which she had not seen since she was small. She inhaled deeply, the air was heavy with the sweet scent of cedar and she relished it. A gentle breeze caressed her cheek and she sighed, oh how different it was from the harsh winds of the desert. Those winds oft carried sand, sand that assaulted her eyes and delicate skin. And the sun, its rays warmed her now rather than beating down harshly as they did in the desert. Perhaps this trip would not be so terrible afterall.

(ooc: I guess that was kinda vague, just wanted to introduce her first, no worries her purpose will become clear later on!)

When Inmreari stepped back into the room, his brows were furrowed and face troubled. Rudric's expression was similarly heavy with thoughts, but he shook it away as he stopped at the doorway and bid everyone else a good trip before he left.

"There's a little shift in our destination. We'll need to reach Sileta as soon as possible." The magician finally announced quietly. He exchanged a look with Geral, who frowned immediatley, before he turned towards Nera, his green eyes sincere. "Will you be willing to guide us, Lady Nera?"

[OOC: Sydra, can you move the party on from here? ^^;]

Nera folded her hands together and closed her eyes. In her mind she brought up a map, examining it. She choose quickest route, though it did have some disadvantages. One of them being how to convince the mountain folk to let strangers pass through their home. Opening her eyes, she nodded Inmreari.

"I should be able to trace my way back there, as long as I find the markers. The real problem is that the mountain folk don't like strangers. However, at least while we are negotiating, Elkasna will not be able to scry us out. The huge amount of stone over us will block out outside magical perceptions. I suppose we are leaving now?"


Nera picked her way through the forest, hopping over a protruding root from a giant tree. The light dappled across the forest bottom, highlighting the earthy debris. She paced forward, every now and then resting a hand on a tree. Tracing an invisible path was a pain. She could only tell which way she should go touching the marker trees which would tell her the correct direction in which to travel. She tossed a look over her shoulder where the rest of the group followed.

"I don't mean to pry, but I will have to know the reason why we are traveling to Sileta. The mountain folk will not be convinced if I show up asking for passage without knowing the intentions of the people I bring with me," she said apologetically. "Sorry. I honestly do not want to get into something that isn't any of my business, but the other routes take much longer."


OOC: I wasn't sure how to rp the escape from the city, if somebody else wants to review it inside a post, I'm fine with that. XD
Welcome pixelvixen.
My posts may remain sort for a while. My partner for a project dropped the class and I now have to work on it alone, so my workload has increased significantly.

Fera did not know what to think about travelling with so many people and was trying his best to stick with Geral or Kalani. Before he escaped from the Tower, it was usually a bad idea when there were many people around him. And even now, he was not all that comfortable around others.

Inmreari and Inariea were fine, as he could tell that they were helping Geral share the heavy burden that he had not choice but to place on him. However, Nera was another case. Even knowing that she was no longer working under Lihen Celin did not help lower his guard against her, and the same went for Phaen, who totally creeped him out.

It was a good thing that the assassin chose to stay at the back of the group while Nera took the front, leaving him mostly with Kalani and Kit as Geral was deep in conversation with Inmreari and Inariea. In fact, they were so absorbed in their little world that Fera had to tug at Inmreari's clothing when the sorceress asked her question.

Inmreari pondered for a long moment, his long fingers rubbing each side of his chin. "Well, it is counted as guild business, I suppose. This mountain is the Ragshard Mountain, aye? Some of our own used to stay up here to study dragon lairs. The people will understand if you tell them we're on an urgent Scarlet Dragon Guild quest, and that we need to get to Sileta."

[OOC: By the way, they most likely had their lunch before they left. Inmreari, for one, wouldn't budge from the town if they hadn't. So that makes the time in the RP now to be afternoon, like 3pm or so.

*Added* I forgot to do the part where they slip out of the town without alerting Celin or something. Can somebody cover it please, or I'll find some way to do it in my next post? And don't worry about short posts, Sydra. Your project is more important, isn't it?]

As they traveled, Kalani found himself mostly walking beside Fera, since he wasn’t really on the friendliest terms with the others. He also couldn’t help feeling highly suspicious of Acacia’s disappearance, which nobody had pointed out to him. The guy was extremely suspicious as it was, Kalani worried what sort of ill he (probably) had in store for them.

Looking around, Kalani pointed out a weird looking animal to Fera with a chuckle. “What the heck IS that thing?!” Kalani had never seen much outside the place he was raised, so he was in awe. Kit yipped at it, but he stayed close to Kalani and Fera, which took the edge off of what he probably thought was bravery in his little fox skull.

(OOC: Short, I know, but I wanted everyone to know I was alive)

Nera guided the group to a clearing. The woods were at their backs and in front of them a sheer edge of rock, the foot of a mountain. She strode forward placing her hands on the cool stone. The group of people behind her watched as she felt her way around it.

"I know the switch is somewhere around here," she murmured to herself as she continued to prod. A great groan and a screech announced her success. A slab of rock slide back then sideways revealing a dark entrance into the mountain. She walked toward it, a faint smile on features. "This leads to the outer chamber, an area welcome to guest both welcome or unwelcome. Getting into the inner chambers requires the mountain folks approval. The wardings protecting it are pretty strong, probably stronger than the last time I was here. Inmreari, do you have the ability to create light orbs? It's a bit dark."

She ducked into the entrance.

The passage way to the outer chamber was narrow and claustrophobic, but the outer chamber itself was a huge structure. She had heard that when the mountain was forming a bubble of air had gotten trapped and the outer chamber was the result. The ceiling was a good 200 ft above their heads, the width a little less. Across the space was the great door. The mountain folk had carved into the stone of the door, the real marvel was the wardings set into it, which were definitely stronger than the last time. She strode to the door and placed both hands on it. The wards tingled against her fingers.

"Please offer my regards to the grandmother Illsa, tell her the child Nera has come to visit and requests passage," she whispered to the stone, it would carry her message. She walked back to rejoin the others.

"We might as well make ourselves comfortable while we wait."

[OOC: Just to head off any confusion, I'm responding to Ember's post first.]

"That's a wild boar." A small smile lit up Fera's face, as he found Kit and Kalani's reaction to the animal extremely familiar. After all, he had all but meshed his entire body against Geral's when he saw one for the first time. "Geral says it is like a pig in the wild, but much fiercer. They don't like to be alarmed."

Kalani picked up the growling young fox, "Well, if Kit here keeps doing that, it would be. "

Fera shook his head, the smile widening a little. "I don't think it noticed us. See, there it goes. It is just passing by."

"Too bad it is. If it came our way, our dinner may be settled, aye?" Apparently there was a pause in the adults' conversation, as Inmreari grinned boyishly at where the wild boar disappeared. "Remember that time when we saw this huge wild boar, Geral?"

Inariea rolled her eyes, "Can't you stop thinking about food for a second? You'll eat away all the money we have."

"Yes yes mother."

Laughing at the dirty look the feline girl shot at the magician, Geral intercepted the conversation neatly. "We were going after Lady Luck, if I remember correctly. She was throwing a tantrum and burning forests, and we had to stop her, but we ended up running away from her and that gigantic wild boar."

"Good old days." Inmreari chuckled. "Back then, I didn't know that I was powerful enough to shield us from dragon fire. And you always complained about how hot their flames heat up your sword."

The blond swordsman stuck his tongue out in an immature way. "Well you had it easy. Next time, you hold the sword and face the dragon while I stay out of range, and see how you like it."

"I'm a magician for a reason. You have no magical ability, none whatsoever, despite your high resistence to it." Inmreari shook his head then aimed his gaze on a different target with a smile. "Kalani here on the other hand... I have promised to teach you magic, haven't I?"

Kalani did not have the chance to respond as the scenery changed and Nera headed towards the wall of rock and started touching various parts of it. The reasons behind her action was made clear when a piece of rock slide away to reveal an opening.

"Light orbs? Give me a moment, aye?" Inmreari lifted his left palm up to his face level and whispered the fluid words of the incantation. Within moments, a light much like that of a firefly slowly winked into existence, and steadily grew brighter as the chant continued. Only when it grew bright enough to fully illuminate the area then did he stop.

"Amazing." After persuading the horse through the passage way and into the outer chamber, Inariea said as she looked around. The others were silent, taking in the scene in their own way. Until the assistant of Syia commented in a matter-of-fact manner. "Well, at least if we are denied entry, we can always camp out here."

[OOC: Ember, it's time to give Kalani lesson on magic. XD]

Phaen was quiet the entire trip. While the others held discussion, he focused his attention on the veil of woods that encompassed the party. Every shadow has the capacity to serve as cover for an assailant. This conjured due anxiety within Phaen, and he spent each passing moment meticulously scanning for any sign of trouble.

It felt like they'd been walking forever when Nera finally noted the entrance to a mountain cave. Phaen followed the group apprehensively, making a point to stay out of the illumination provided by the glowing sphere. He knew it was far easier to be ambushed in darkness when you make your presence obvious. As a result of living primarily after the sun had set, surroundings were much more visible to him, anyway.

Phaen sat with his back facing his recently acquired travelling companions and removed the weapons from his side. They were placed across his lap as he proceeded to look around him, trained eyes piercing the enveloping black.

Darah let a growl as she splashed the water in frustration. She had been attempting to wash the bloodstains out of her clothing but more and more it seemed like a fruitless endeavor. She slumped down on the riverbank, burying her face in her hands, rehashing the past days event in her mind.

They had arrived at a grand estate some hours before. They were to stay with some Lord who was a friend of Pasha Brega. However something had happened, an accident of some sort and the Lord was unable to see them. Brega had then decided they would continue north where he knew another Lord of some repute, but the road was long and Brega had hinted at his loneliness more than once. When he had began doing more than just hint she had placed a steel blade between his ribs. The driver had also been removed, naturally. However the fool had managed to release the horses before then, leaving Darah with two corpses and no transportation. Now as if to add insult to injury she had managed to get herself lost, just splendid. She got up and began walking again. ‘Might as well find some shelter’ Darah thought bitterly as she kicked a rock. "AARRGGGHHH!!!" She gasped grabbing her bruised toe; sandals were not built for hiking. Darah stomped off, her earlier enchantment with the forest completely forgotten. She glanced up noticing smoke in the distance and began making her way towards it; perhaps things were beginning to look up.

“Whoa!” Kalani exclaimed when he finally got his voice back. “How’d you do that?!”

He knew he was over-excitable as something as small as what they called a ‘light orb’ but he couldn’t help it. It was exciting to him, who had seen very little magic done, and usually only to cause damage, such as the wind that the woman, Nera had used to stop the thief. Not that he would have minded learning something like that.

“Does that mean you’re really going to teach me magic, then?” Kalani asked. He couldn’t take his eyes off the light orb, though Kit was whining to please let him down now. Kalani finally shook his head from the light and let the fox down, where he promptly began trotting around the perimeter of the area and sniffing at all the un familiar scents and taking in the unfamiliar sights.

She settled herself on a rocky protuberance, arranging her skirt so she wouldn't show anything. Noting the assassin had once again isolated himself and was peering in to the darkness, she turn slightly to address him in a gentle voice.

"You know, the mountain folk would not attack us here and Elkasna can not sense us here either. All that may be out there is bats, speaking of which...Inmreari, you might taste some unusual cuisine here." Her voice lightened as she grinned at the magician. She smiled watching Kalani's excitement over magic. Her own learning had been somewhat rougher, it was nice to see someone else learning magic in a nurturing manner.



After some 2 hours of waiting, the great door opened with much clanging as the gears rotated and slowly pushed the heavy stone outward. Nera stood up quickly, brushing the dirt from her skirt. Two males walked out dressed in lightweight black leather with curved swords at their hips. The mountain folk were on the short side and lithe. They were much stronger than they looked. Working out ore from their rich mother, they could forge some of the best swords and metal work around. These, they traded for food stuffs, cloth, and other things they could manufacture themselves. Though most of their foods were provided by their mountain home, other foods were enjoyed as a luxury. So it was likely that Nera and the rest of their group would be eating the standard fare of bats, mice, mushrooms, and other fungi.

A young woman dressed in the same manner of the men strode eyeing there group, she move aside when a thin pale hand was laid on her shoulder. The woman frowned with concern as a wrinkled woman with graying black-hair but the vigor of a much young woman walked forward to meet them. Nera smiled and curtsied to older woman respectfully.

"I am glad to see you again Grandmother." Illsa reached up and patted Nera's cheek kindly.

"It is good to see you again little one, though you are taller than me now." The old woman peer at her with warm eyes, though it was hard to tell with the mountain folk. Their iris were black and so one could not tell where their pupils were. "Do not see that human lord with you."

"The people freed me from his service. I am most grateful to them. They wish use your mountain pass to reach Sileta," she nodded at Inmreari "They have a mission for the Scarlet Dragon Guild to accomplish." Illsa looked them over keenly. The woman of the mountain folk had some unusual magics. She remembers the sensation when the woman had looked her over as a child, an odd buzzing sensation around the temples. She could see the change of expression's when Illsa subjected each person to scrutiny.

"I will have to discuss this with the elders. Meanwhile-" She snapped an order in the her native language. The young woman, frowned at the newcomers, then resentfully slunk off. "Child, you will come with me." Nera nodded at the older woman, then made an apologetic grimace over her shoulder to the group. "We are not entirely inhospitable, I've arranged for food and drink to be send down." With that said Illsa strode off, Nera following behind her. She felt the wards pulls at her as she entered the doorway but she made it through. As the walked down a narrow hallway with slit walls made for ambushes, a pair of men walk by laden by large tray of steaming food and containers.

"You knew we were coming."

"Indeed."

"The earth may move slowly but she speaks quite freely." The old woman grinned at Nera, who sighed.

now the question is... is Nera going to do something or is he or she going to just stand around while this goes on...

[OOC: BHKB, I don't even understand what you're trying to ask. You may want to read the Rules and the FAQ topic before you post further. Everyone else, again, I'm going to go from Ember's post to Sydra's. ^^;]

"If you don't mind having me as your teacher, yes." Inmreari's smile was warm. There were no lacking to people who were interested in learning magic, but to have one with as much potential as Kalani was rare. He genuinely wanted to know how far the quarter-demon could go despite all odds. "Let me warn you though, it's my first time teaching, so things may be tougher for you."

Kalani's positive and enthusiastic response was as expected, and Inmreari beckoned for the younger man to sit closer to him. Geral watched with a grin of his own as his friend launched into a soft but tedious explanation about the basics of magic. He had heard an elaborated version of that once, when he accidentally pissed the magician off, and it had lasted for hours.

Fera however, was content to stroke the fur of the young fox in his lap, as he rest against a rock with his eyes closed. He did not share Kalani's enthusiasm for magic, having experienced the unpleasant aspects of it. Besides, the Fury had warned him against using magic unless it was an emergency, so he was intend to keep away from it, even though he would often tap into it unknowingly.

It turned out that Kalani was a quick learner as when they have nearly waited for two fully hours, he let a delighted cry as a small flame like a candelight floated between his outstretched palms, flickering unstably. It blinked out of existence in a few moments, but the proud smiles on both teacher and student's faces stayed.

"I knew you will be good but I didn't expect you to tap into your source this fast. But you still need to practise more so that the connection will be more stable." Inmreari beamed. He opened his mouth to continue but was cut off when there was a loud rumbling as the warded door rolled open and the mountain folks finally made their appearance. "Good timing, my stomach was starting to grumble."

"You sure the sound from earlier wasn't from your stomach?"

Inmreari rolled his eyes and aimed a good-natured punch at Geral's shoulder, before gesturing for him and the others to keep his voice down. There was a tense awkward moment when the eldest of the locals fixed her sharp eyes on each of them, her unique magic doing its work.

Inmreari and Inariea both rubbed at their temples and frowned, while Geral's eyes narrowed sharply as his hands unconsciously reached for Fera, whose eyes were equally unfriendly and holding an orange glow. The red-haired child's grip on Kit tightened enough that the fox started whining, and snapped Fera out of his hostile state of mind.

It did not help them at all when Nera left with the locals, but the situation immediately brightened up when two men came down with food. Especially Inmreari, whose face started resembling a bonfire. A hungry one, at that. "Now I understand what Nera was saying about exotic food."

[OOC: Should there be any like... primary element attribute for magic?]

Phaen answered Nera's comment with a sigh and figured she was probably right. He knew that he'd feel uncomfortable not only in a situation where ambush was much more likely, but also within the group of adventurers. Nonetheless, Phaen moved to sit in close proximity to the others. He just happened to pick a spot that was closest to Fera and Kit. As uninviting as it was, these were those that he would accompany throughout whichever sojourn they chose. Phaen knew it would be better if he got used to it.

His dagger and short sword now resting by his side, Phaen spectated as the wizard and quarter-demon exchanged both banter and instruction. The two seemed content enough. Inmreari wasn't an excellent teacher, but he held a flamboyant passion for the arcane. Kalani's interest was more than passing. Although the young man seemingly knew very little about the art, there was fascination and desire in his expression. Before long Kalani even mustered a flickering, vaguely existant flame after only two hours of training.

Phaen produced a faint grin at the sight, which was primarily obscured by the shadow of his hood. Another magic user.

About that time was when the locals arrived. Phaen didn't find them overly intimidating, but he could feel the elder's piercing gaze as she examined the ex-assassin. 'You don't want to know what's in here,' he said more to himself than her. He could have swore he heard a response, albeit too inaudible to make out.

The woman left with Nera in tow, causing Phaen to wonder whether they were brought to a place where she had allies capable of removing them all. His fingers found the hilt of his dagger which he caressed soothingly.

Nourishment sounded appealing to Phaen, even considering the notion of poising.

OOC: Hmm, I'm not really sure. It's up to you, guys.

IC:

"If they had decided already why did they need to see me," Nera spoke wearily. The old woman beside her smiled once again.

"They wished to confirm their opinions. I do not understand why my assessment is not enough either, but the council has always been difficult. Which is why when I had notice of your coming, I started working on them."

"Well, at least the issue is resolved for now. I should go back and tell the others."

"Child, wait a moment, they have eaten, you have not. Join me at my home for a meal." Unwilling to upset her friend, she went with the old woman.


~

The great doors had remained opened after the guards who brought the food left. So when Nera entered the outer cavern she arrived silently. Phaen noticed since he seemed nervous. Nera's appearance was different from when she left. Her silver hair had been cut to just below her jaw line resulting in making her eyes look larger. The blue, ill-fitting dress had been replaced as well. A dark, close-fitting green tunic with ties up the sides was over black pants made of the same leather as the guards uniforms. The bottom most of the ties had been left undone to make it easier for her to walk since the tunic reached mid thigh. Her old cloak was replace with black cloak of oiled leather. A leather belt wrapped around her hips. At her throat, a small clear crystal was nestled.

"We have been given the right to pass through. Though it is requested we disarm, we'll get our weapons back when we exit their mountains. Our guide will meet us in the morning. For now we can stay in the guest quarters. If you could just hand over your weapons to the guards here as you enter," she said with a light smile, her gaze falling on Phaen. The man would doubt feel uncomfortable yielding his weapons. Maybe there was something she could say to make him feel at easy.


OOC: Should I make their traveling through the mountains just one post? then say it has been a day or two or something?

[OOC: Sorry for the late reply. It is hard to multi-task when having one hell of a tummyache.]

"Ack... and I was hoping to find some free time to brush up my swordwork. I figure it'll be all rusty after such a long time without practice." Geral sighed as his free hand went to pat his sword. "I just hope that after I get it back, I can get some practise before we get into any sticky situation. Until then... we'll have to rely on Inmri. And honestly speaking, that makes me worried."

"Considering how many times I saved you from being cooked, I'll say that my magic is adequate." Inmreari tossed a well-aimed pebble at Geral's head, resulting in a loud cry of pain, which he ignored in favour of turning to Nera with a smile. "Thanks for negotiating for us. Being here seems to be good for you, you look much better than before."

Geral grinned slyly as he rubbed the spot where the stone impacted. "You mean she's looks prettier now, don't you? Inmri? Come on, admit it."

"N-nonsense." The magician suddenly blushed and stood up abruptly, nearly falling over in his rush. He ducked his face and cleared his throat as he helped the giggling Inariea up. "I'm tired, let's all get some rest."

"Sure sure." The swordsman said in a careless manner, and helped the amused redheaded boy to stand. "Come on, Fera. Let's leave the silly mage alone for now."

[OOC: Short, but I need to sleep now. My chars will be fine with disarming. Regarding the question... I think unless there's going to be an event in the mountains, you can make them travel through the mountain in one post.]

OOC: pressed for time as I am at the moment, this will be fairly short


Nera chuckled lightly at the friendly jousting between the two men. The hair cut had been part of a trade for the focus crystal, she had no idea what use her hair would be to them. She didn't mind the shortened of hair, it would be easier to take care of. Though her head did feel strangely light. Nera had already disarmed and lead the rest of the group through after they had removed their weapons as well.
The guest house was carved into the stone walls. The mountain folk mastery of carving was clearly apparent with the abstract lines curving around the structure. Inside the beds' frames were iron and molded in the same manner as the building. Nera and Inariea share a room, leaving the rest to decided who shared with whom. Baths had been prepared and were gratefully received. A second meal was served later in the night.

At sun up, though not that the group could tell, they were waken up by the woman identified by Nera as Illsa. The older woman told them to prepare for travel. Their breakfast arrived soon after.

To Nera's disappointment Illsa was not their guide this time, instead the surly young woman they had seen before guided them. Guards carrying their yielded weapons appeared with her. The trek along the underground mountain pass took a couple days. The guards also carried food, which they shared out when they stopped for meals or for the night, however to the bigger eaters the meals was scarcely satisfying. Finally they arrived at the outer cavern.

The guards deposited their weapons on the ground. Nera turned and bowed first to their guide then to their guards.

"You have our utmost thanks." The guards bowed back, but the young woman simply shrugged then turned on her heel and strode back into the passage. The guards followed. The great door rumbled as it slammed shut. She could hear the locks catching and felt the magic ward congeal heavily around it. Nera knelt with the other to grab up her two sheathed daggers. She slipped one back into her boot and other she attached to her belt.

"I suggest we get down to the valley floor before the sunlight fades." Nera strode to the exit of the cavern. Framed by sunlight she peered across the valley. The valley composed of grassland, grazing the land were horses and cattle, animals that belonged to the people of Sileta. Sprawled across one of the largest hills was Sileta. "Fera, Kalani, you can see the city from here. Sileta is ruled by their merchant guild. Trading with the mountain folk has made the city rich. Money matters little to the mountain folk, they just want food stuff, textiles, and other useful things. So the merchants make quite a profit from selling the mountain folk's weapons, stone work, and other goods. Since the city collects all types of people, you don't have to worry about people staring."


When everyone was prepared, they made way down to the valley via the twisting narrow path that lead down the mountain. There was a couple falls on the unstable gravel paths, but only bruises. The sun was slipping behind the horizon when they reached the bottom.

"We can just follow the road to the city. We should be able to get in even if it is dark." The city was still a good couple miles in front of them. Lights were already being lite within the city. They hiked up the hill towards the city.

After some quick discussion with the guards at the entrance, they were permitted entrance. Sileta was a graceful city. The mountain folk stone decorated some of the buildings, the streets were wide and cobbled instead of dirt. The wealth of the city was clear, at least in this part. Like all cities there were poorer districts as well. Nera stood to one side, allowing the others to pass her.

Kalani had never been in such a large civilized place before. He’d never before seen stones that paved the road. It was the strangest looking thing he could remember seeing, other than that “wild boar” he’d seen earlier. The name alone of the creature made it sound fearsome. But this place…

Kit was looking down at the stones under his paws with trepidation. Kalani would have laughed at the look on the little creature’s face, but he, too, probably had a look somewhat like it on his own face. Slightly embarrassing as though that was, he still had to ask what was on his mind.

“Is this place…friendly?” Kalani asked. “It almost looks too clean and orderly… Like a military establishment or something…”

Yes, he wanted to learn more magic. What he had learned earlier had only made him want to learn even more. A nagging voice inside him wondered if putting himself in constant danger was worth learning more. Of course, though… The answer was “yes.” Kalani had already been told about danger and he hadn’t cared.

Probably once he got used to the way other civilized places looked, the nervousness would disappear…

~*~

Somewhere high in a cold mountain region… Acacia stood with is newly acquired fur cloak around his ears, trying to block out the chill.

“Is he trying to kill us?” he asked, rubbing his arms with the mittens on his hands. He and Firefly weren’t built for this kind of weather. Well, Acacia wasn’t. Firefly seemed oblivious to the cold as he stood motionless beside a snow-covered tree, hood of his cloak at his shoulders and his hair blowing around his serene face. His arms were crossed and his gaze was somewhere Acacia couldn’t see, far-off in his own complicated thoughts.

Ferrin sat in the snow-covered tree, one leg hanging down carelessly; the other pulled up to his chin, Fellis sat on a branch a little higher up in the tree.

“Well,” Ferrin smirked. “At least it’s not me who’s late.”

“For once.” Acacia volleyed back, not even bothering to look up at the clumsy mage in the tree.

“Please… Not this argument again.” Firefly’s calm voice interjected.

Ferrin shielded his eyes and looked out around the landscape for the fifteenth time. “Hey! I see something… A few yards off…”

“Is it him?” Acacia asked with interest.

“I dunno,” Ferrin said, tone annoyed. “It’s hard to see in this stupid blizzard.”

Firefly made a sign with his left hand, and the small insect that was his namesake sparked into being. Firefly said one word in an archaic language and the firefly made its flight to the newcomer.

(OOC: 2nd Paragraph = Cue Ember. I love my Pixelvixen! Hi Sydra!)

Rest didn't welcome Phaen the night before. He found Yoika returned to watch over him from across the room that he shared with Inmreari. She just stood in silence, that grotesque stare condemning him every instance he would open his eyes. Phaen was too scared to move from his bed, even wake Inmreari. In the morning his sister was gone, but the night before was entirely devoid of sleep. As a result, his eyes were bloodshot and sat on a buttress of dark bags in his cheeks.

Phaen was grateful for his weapons to once again be in his possession. He previously expressed his intense lack of desire to part with them, but eventually gave in to the demands of disarming. Although Phaen retained some fighting ability in unarmed combat, it was comparatively weak in contrast to that of his swordplay.

The sight of Sileta wasn't something alien to Phaen. He had contributed to a handful of secretive political battles via the aid of his blade. That was years ago, before Elkasna determined how he would conduct business. Phaen thought it unlikely that anyone would recognize him. He didn't acknowledge the dangerous fact that this is where he first came in contact with that organization that spectated events with discreet criticism. If their influence still radiated this far then it was likely they'd notice his presence. He didn't think they'd make a move while he was surrounded by so many powerful potential allies, and he used that in an attempt to ease his worries.

Kalani's voice was dripping with anxiety when he asked of the state of safety that Sileta offered. Phaen's voice projected more than normally in response. "Every individual has the power to serve you mortality, demon. The amount of control you actually have over your own life is almost non-existant. Even those who seem friendly." He removed the shadowing mantle of his cloak, ensuring his grim expression wasn't lost on Kalani. "You'd do well to remember that and conduct yourself accordingly."

Suddenly there was a flashing bug in his face, that of which he promtly, and quicky, squished between his hands. It was almost instinct on how fast it happened and was then when he could make out shadows in front of him, a good few ways in front of him. People? out here? in this weather? he thought to himself as he huddled his cloak closer to himself, his wings hung downward to his side mainly and his ears were pressed against his hair as much as he could get them to be. Taking a deep breath, he walked on, towards the people.

Seta, though very uncommon to see, is an Arc. A race that has cat-like ears and bird type wings, and his, were both dark brown. Seta's hair is also brown, only a lighter color with a few specks of black, it's somewhatly long, but pulled back into a loose pony tail and most of his bangs and hair around them hang loosely about his face. He is wearing a heavy dark brown cloak to help keep the cold away. Underneath he has a long sleeved green shirt tucked into his black pants which in turn are tucked into brown leather boots.

He walked a few more feet to make out three people and hoped to everything that they weren't theives or bandits. "H-hello." he said and pushed his thin rimmed glasses up his nose to better cover his forest green eyes. "Nice weather?"

Kalani stared at the assassin in surprise-- at first. But his surprise quickly became anger as he narrowed his one good eye. “What are you trying to say? Is that some kind of threat?”

Kit, sensing the anger, was immediately at his side, fur bristling. Kalani hadn’t liked the idea of traveling alongside an assassin as it was… Now the guy had the gall to threaten him? Or was it some kind of warning? Kalani hadn’t thought of that, but he could see why he would have to be careful. People didn’t like things that were different, and his race would hardly seem like anything the people here would embrace. Not any more than they had back home.

~*~

“Who the hell are you?!” Ferrin cried, pointing rudely down at the newcomer. “You aren’t who we came here for!”

Firefly looked at him steadily, not even blinking. Acacia tilted his head to the side and circled the man, as he was apt to do. “I wouldn’t call this weather nice,” he said conversationally.

“Yeah, since you were just whining about dying out here,” Ferrin reminded him, petting Fellis as she came down from her branch to join him on his. Firefly remained silent, his silver eyes fixed on the newcomer. He’d crushed his bug. He wasn’t particularly happy about it, especially since he’d been using the creature to scry on the stranger when it suffered its untimely death.