A brief OOC note: This is the intro post, so it will be long, bear with me, and happy RPing all!

IC:
The cave was a generally dank place, illuminated by the glow of torches here and there. The miners worked away, slowly chipping at the rocks which quite possibly held Aura stones.

"I got one!" one of them cried gleefully.

Tealos' head turned towards hime to find a large glowing blue stone protruding from the rocks. "Excellent!" he called back, leaving the miner to his triumph and wandering further down into the mines.

Kaizer, his young apprentice followed, his handcrafted wooden spear in hand. "Hey, Tealos! Remind me again why we're even needed down here?" he asked.

"We're basically insurance. If anything goes wrong, they have a pair of warriors to help" Tealos replied as he descended a flight of stairs.

Kaizer stood and pondered for a moment. They were getting payed to wander around in a bunch of caves all day, chatting with the occasional miner, and stomping on any bugs. It wasn't a bad deal really.

"Kaizer!" Tealos voice came up the stairs, "get down here now!"

Kaizer did as he was told, racing down the stairs, to find his master, sword drawn, face to face with three huge grey wolves.

"What the-?" Kaizer managed to get out.

"Wolves" Tealos pointed out, "not just any though, these are wolves you should only find in the Knarl forest. Thats in undead territory!"

"Wait..." Kaizer stopped and thought, "how did they get this far east then!?"

"I don't know, but help me get rid of them!" Tealos urged.

Kaizer immediately realised that as the pair had been talking the wolves had ringed them into a semi-circle.

"Stop them getting up into the town!" Tealos said, "if they make it there then they could get all the way to Haven without being stopped!"

With that information, Kaizer and Tealos faced their opponents. Six large grey Knarl wolves. The first launched itself at Tealos, and was rewarded with a crunching sound as Tealos gauntlet caught it full in the snout, knocking it backwards into another one, prompting a fight to break out between the pair. Two others ran at Kaizer, who quickly dispatched them, slashing them both across the face with his spear blade. The last pair ran at Tealos, who blocked one with his gauntlet again, and cleaved the other clean in two with his longsword. He then brought his gauntlet down on the other wolves head, and killed it with a blow between the eyes. The pair that were fighting eventually stopped, only to have Kaizers spear impale the last survivor.

"Phew!" Tealos said, leaning on his sword, "first time I've been in a life threatening situation in a while!"

As he said this, another group of wolves prowled forwards, followed by another. In total there was another 30 wolves present.

"Dammit, we better be getting paid overtime for this" Tealos said, sword once again at the ready.

"You reckon we can take on all of them?" Kaizer asked.

"Not if they're smart, and these are Knarls, its what they're known for; size and smarts" Tealos replied, edging backwards.

"So then what are we gonna do, die valiantly protecting the town, because I'm not a fan of useless deaths" Kaizer said.

"Like your hometown?" Tealos asked, deliberately bringing back memories of the day 8 years ago, when Kaizer's hometown was ravaged by undead.

Kaizer went silent. He looked at the wolves. They had been with the raiders too. Packs of them, used as hunters to bring down people running away, or search for those hiding. Were it not for those, he might have had others who survived with him. The anger boiled inside him, until eventually he let out a rage filled yell, and threw himself into the pack, his spear swinging, mercilessly slaughtering a good 10 wolves. The rest stepped back for a second, before moving forward. Kaizer simply grinned, and used his spear to vault up into the air, thrusting down several times, killing another 3 wolves, before landing outside the group, spinning round and killing another 2 wolves as he did so. After that he came to his senses, and realised that he had just placed himself away from the door, which Tealos was now protecting alone. 15 wolves remained, 5 were closing in on Kaizer, while the other 10 moved for Tealos and the door.

"Tealos!" Kaizer yelled, but he could not get to him.

"Just get the damn wolves!" Tealos yelled back, swinging his sword, killing a wolf.

Kaizer nodded, and promptly leaped forwards, knocking 2 wolves aside with thrusts of his spear. The other 3 all jumped at him at the same time, so Kaizer whirled his spear around like a propeller, blocking all three wolves. He stabbed 2, before the last on leaped up in the air, over Kaizer, and away down the tunnels.

"Kaizer! after it! Don't worry about me, just stop it and find out how they got in!" Tealos yelled.

Kaizer nodded, and took off down the mineshaft following the wolf.

Tealos turned his attention back to the 7 remaining wolves.

"Hmmm, sevens a lucky number, but who's the lucky one, me or you?" he wondered aloud.

The wolves snarled and moved forward. Tealos, anticipating this, slammed his sword into a low stalactite, prompting more to fall, particularly on another 4 wolves. The other 3 wimpered and charge at Tealos, only to be met with sword, gauntlet and knee. The first fell, Tealos' sword having done its job well, the second fell back with a fractured skull, and the third was knocked aside, although it survived, it was a momentary victory, as Tealos' sword fell apon that too, killing it in an instant.

Kaizer in the meantime, had followed the wolf into an open cavern, where he had found a gigantic Aura stone, as tall as he was. The wolf lay dead at his feet, having been slain when it reached this dead end. Kaizer simply gazed on at this magnificent crystal, as it pulsated with a clear blue light.

Tealos arrived a few minutes later, to find Kaizer waiting.

"I think we're rich" he said.

Tealos simply nodded. "I think these caverns go all the way under the border, and I'd say they come out in the Knarl forest. That would be how the wolves got in" he theorized.

"So... we should block it?" Kaizer asked.

"No, we should go to Haven and tell the king" Tealos said, "get guards here, maybe even send squads through, we could get a surprise attack on them. The undead I mean."

Kaizer nodded. "So... Haven it is?" he asked.

"Yeah, we'll collect our paycheck, tell them to block off the lower levels for now, and make our way to Haven. While we're there we might as well compete in the black gale cup as well. I was planning to anyway, and with the money we've managed to save we can afford a few extra nights at an inn there" Tealos said.

The pair turned and exited the cavern, their plan set out, and the events that had just unfolded burning brightly in their minds...

Looking up to the sky, the sun gleamed down on the dirt road in Curth.

"Damn is it hot today?!" Said Raullin

Raullin had been walking for an hour or so looking for money or some rich person so he ca pick-pocket some. Today was not one of his lucky days, nor where any; down the road a few blocks was a few men who seemed bald, muscular, and probably dimwitted. Raullin smiled when he saw them, Easy prey, he thought.

There were five men, two sitting down next to a crate armwrestling on in, the other three cheering for one or the other. Raullin could here them from a far distance, and it seemed they where placing bets on who would win. Raullin approached them right when a bald man with a tattoo on his forehead won, slamming his apponents fist onto the table.

"Give me my money!" He barked.

The man was seated across from Raullin, his defeated opponent had his back to Raullin. The man forked over a sac of money, wich jiggled as the winner shook it; his buddy's laughed and cheered along with the victor.

"May I have a go at this game?" Raullin asked as if he knew nothing of the game.

"Ha! Look at you! Scarny arms, fragile body, and dressed dumb too. It would be easy money if I faced you!" The bald headed man said.

Raullin took the seat across from the bald man, "I'll bet twice as much as the man before you. Is that convincing enough?"

The bald headed man raised his right eyebrow, he looked towards his buddys who were standing to his left(Raullins right) and they nodded in approval. "Fine then," Bald said, "But lets see it first."

Raullin expected this, luckily he filled two of almost the same sized sacs, with rocks; giving it the same kind of 'jingle' as if it were filled with money, as well as the weight. "Here," Said Raullin smilling, placing the two heavey sacs onto the table, "I think I might be over twice as much. But that shouldn't be a problem, would it?"

The bald mans eyes widened at the sight of the 'money'. What a dope, he really thinks its money? Thought Raullin. The man placed his right elbow on the table, ready to play. His biceps were massive, as well as his forearms.

Raullin took off his hood, his dirty blonde hair flew down over his brow. He placed his arm on the table and concentrated for a moment, a few seconds later his arm started to twitch almost uncontrollably. When it stopped, he placed his arm upright, like his opponents, locking hands.

"GO!" Yelled the man. His face turned red within a few seconds of him pressing down, trying to overpower Raullin. Vains started to appear on his forehead, as well as sweat but only seconds had passed.

"Oh, did you say go?" Asked Raullin "In that case.." When Raullin finished his sentance he pushed his opponents massive arm down towards the table. Raullin won. The bald mans eyes' widened, unsure of what just happened; his buddy's shuffled their feet not knowing what to say. "I'll be taking m money, thankyou." Said Raullin, standing up and grabbing the sack of actual money from the bald mans friends hand. Tying the sac to his waiste inside his cloak, Raullin then took his two sacs of 'money' and dumped the rocks out onto the table; some falling to the ground.

"You tricked me!" Yelled the bald man at the sight of the fake money.

"So what? You lost anyway. Ha ha." Relpied Raullin, turning the other way and sprinting down the street towards the way he came. He could here the yells of the bald man wich was then followed by his goonies; their remarks about revenge and how they will find Raullin and kill him in his sleep. Although they didn't know Raullins real name, so they just reffered to him by 'cheater' and 'liar'.

Several minutes later, Raullin reached his 'home' and found Toldaen sitting outside on the steps of the front doorway playing a wooden flute. "You still have the old thing?" Raullin asked. Toldaen just looked at him while playing it, this meant 'Yes'. "Well, anyway. Heres my share of the rent." Said Raullin, throwing the sac of coins to Toldaen. The sac landed next to Toldaen, by his left foot. Toldaen looked at it, leaning over, still playing his flute. He was pretty good at it now, since having it ever since he can remember. Toldaen put the flute in his pocket, opened the sac and looked at its contents.

"You stole this, didn't you?" Asked Toldaen.

"Define 'stole" Relpied Raullin, smilling.

"Cant you ever act your age and just earn money like average adults?"

"No, Never! Whats life worth living if you have to enslave yourself for it?"

Toldaen ponderd over Raullins words while he stompped past him, entering the house.

"Don't slam the-" *Bang* ...Too late Toldaen thought with a sigh. It is a nice amount of money however. Toldaen brought out his flute again and started playing. He had been practising the same tune for over 10 years now. But it wasn't perfect yet.





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OOC: i tried givinga little insider towards Raullins magical abilites. I gave Toldaen a flute for later use, FyI, hes had it since a child and as far back as he can remember. The tune is for a hint later on, lastly Raullin act's like he was a teen for the purpose of his outspokenness, and a never-had childhood (hes not michael jackson....)

The mercenary guild of the city of Torath was teeming with mercenaries and unwashed man smell. Okay, maybe not teeming, but it was busier than usual. The small, old building was crowded and Terran was a little nauseated by the smell of all the… manliness around him. At least he could make Ug take regular baths.

There were a lot of jobs circulating around these days. Many were supposed to be covert, and a lot of mercenaries who weren’t meant for the job they signed up for were getting killed; getting way over their heads with jobs they had no experience for. Terran was up at the front desk, speaking to the guild leader, Kelig Hammer.

“I don’t know…” Terran negotiated, leaning into the cracked service counter. “I think we should be paid a little more for this particular job. Say, just 50 gold more would do.”

“Well, I say 50 gold extra is 50 gold too much,” Kelig informed him, leaning in almost threateningly. Kelig was a big man, standing at 6’7” and weighing in at about 200 pounds; all muscle. He sported a long, droopy black mustache and his beady black eyes; accentuated by huge, bushy black brows, could make grown men sweat in fear if he looked at you the wrong way. His head was smooth and devoid of hair, but it did feature a long, slightly zig-zagged scar a little left of center across his bare head and down across his left eye.

“Come on, Hammer,” Terran wheedled. He didn’t even blink at Kelig’s threatening posture. “Who else in this room knows a speck of magic?”

Kelig merely snorted, causing his impressive mustache to move forward, then flap down again. He moved, relaxing his back against the wall behind him and crossing his huge arms. “I will give you 25 gold extra and not a piece more.”

Terran hesitated, as though mulling it over. He even stroked his jaw thoughtfully. “All right,” he conceded, leaning forward once again. He had to stand on his tiptoes, though, diminishing any sort of effect he was trying to give off. “I’ll take it!”

Kelig rummaged in a small drawer hidden behind the counter and slapped down several coins. “Here’s the first payment. Now, get your ass out there and do me proud.”

Terran quickly swept the coins into a small leather pouch he kept for just this sort of thing. He tightened the string on it and tucked it away. “Yes sir!” He turned, making as if to leave the place, when Kelig stopped him.

“Where’s your partner?” Terran stopped and slowly turned around. Kelig was scanning the crowded room for the giant orc.

“He’s waiting outside, as per my request.”

“Wouldn’t you normally send him on in for the dirty work?”

Terran shrugged. Truth was, he knew he could weasel out a little extra from the guild leader. Any jobs that required the mastery of magic entitled him to that, in his opinion. There weren’t many like him in this city, though there were plenty of mages in the country itself. A lot of them were going off half-cocked, or all by their lonesome. Terran knew for a fact he’d be dead if it weren’t for his orc friend.

The guild leader watched him like a hawk, but Terran’s half-lidded eyes did little to reveal what he was thinking. Terran merely smiled lazily.

“Better be going now.” He sauntered out of the mercenary guild.

~*~

Outside the guild, Ug munched on a leg of lamb and watched the steady stream of men coming in and out of the guild building. There was an occasional female, but most were so ugly or scarred that it didn’t make much of a difference what their gender was; they were all the same in toughness and personality as their male counterparts. There were some who didn’t look like mercenaries. Ug saw one man that looked almost like a girl, and he was surprised to hear his companion call him a “he.” Ug was used to being confused though.

Ug yawned and tossed the remains of his morning meal into a trash barrel. Across the street, a woman screamed, causing people milling about in the streets to look over. The woman slammed open the door to her sweets shop and swung a broom wildly around at a tiny, darting black thing. Ug’s eyes widened.

“Necros!” he called out, in the deep orc voice that gave the impression of stupidity. Ug leapt down the steps of the guild building and waved a clawed green arm. People stared at him. Terran’s tiny bat familiar, Necros, soared over the heads of several yelling people who clutched their heads like they thought he would crap on their heads or claw their eyes out. Ug caught Necros. “There you are… We looked for you all morning…”

The guild door opened and Terran strolled over, a little skip to his step and a self-important smug on his face. “Let’s go, Ug. We have a job to do.” It was then he noticed the stares of the people around him. “What?” he asked, lowering his brows in irritation and lifting his chin. “Never seen a mage before?”

“Uh… I think they’re looking at…” Ug began. But, as usual, the Hundai mage kept talking.

“Hmph. What low class idiots you all are,” Terran informed them as he started down the steps. “Magic isn’t for bumpkins, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand it, much less use it. Magic is a refined art that takes intelligence and grace—“

As the arrogant mage rambled, a mercenary with stubble on his chin and a hat covering his eyes surreptitiously stuck out his foot. Terran, with his head held high in righteous indignation, didn’t see it and tripped over it, stumbling down the remaining two steps. He might have landed on his head if Ug hadn’t been there to quickly grab his arm and help him right himself. A good many of the townspeople watching laughed. Terran’s cheeks reddened and he scoffed haughtily as he dusted his robes off.

“I meant to do that!”

“I’m sure you did, Boss,” Ug told him, blinking his eyes innocently. Terran glared mildy at the orc, snatching Necros from his fist and stalking off. “We’re off to the Gerhard Tower. Let’s go. Now.”

Ug shuffled after him, chuckling slightly.

The mercenary with the hat and stubble lifted his hat slightly and his lips curved into a small knowing smile. Then he kicked off from where he leaned against the banister.



(OOC: My characters are in Vemcol... So I am not sure how I am going to meet up with the others... But I will certainly formulate something if I need to.)

Fayn walked out of the dank building weighing up the leather pouch in her cupped fist. She leant on the stone wall and opened the bag carefully. A grin crept onto her face at the sight of the coins which glinted as light seeped through the thick material and hit the metallic surface. It had been a while since she’d had a job. There used to be an abundance of jobs but most jobs, decent jobs at least, were now given to the mercenaries. But there were still some who didn’t want their business well known so hired select individuals. Fayn almost dropped the bag as a loud scream pierced the air. Her free hand instantly flew to the one of the daggers strapped to her belt. But she relaxed as she saw a woman aiming a broom at a flitting black bat.

“Necros!” A loud booming voice called. Fayn looked for the source and saw a large, brutish orc wander into the crowds. Most of the people had also turned to stare at the orc. She furrowed her brow, not many orcs came here and she wondered what business it had. But her question was answered as her gaze flicked to a small figure descending the steps of the Guild building. She gave a disgusted snort as she looked over his robes. Fayn wasn’t keen on mages, finding them arrogant but most of all annoying. The mage made his way over to the orc but stopped and looked over the still staring crowds.

“What?” He asked. “Never seen a mage before?”

Fayn heaved herself up off of the wall. She turned and began walking down a narrow alleyway between two tall, looming buildings. Laughter echoed down the corridor and Fayn looked back for a moment but then continued walking. Her mind began to wander and she patted the purse at her side and the comforting chinking sound made her walk a little faster. She wondered what she would spend her money on and her worn cape fluttered in the light breeze as if demanding attention. She knew she should probably buy necessities but it had been such a long time since she had slept in a bed. She couldn’t even remember the feel of a soft mattress. As soon as the thought entered her head she had decided. She made a sharp turn and headed in the direction of the nearest inn she knew of. Who knows, she thought, I may even find a job.

The few individuals who were at the inn turned their heads to inspect Fayn as she pushed open the heavy wooden door. She let the door slam behind her and she strode towards the bar. The broad inn keeper gave her a quick glance before leaning on the counter and smiling, revealing an incomplete set of yellowing teeth. Fayn recoiled slightly trying to keep her distance.

“What can I do for you?” He asked smoothing down the beard that hung lankly from his chin.

“I need a room.” Fayn replied glancing over the state of the building. It had gotten worse whilst she had been away. The once strong wooden beams were now crumbling and every now and then a splinter of wood would fall from the beam onto the chipping stone floor. She sighed. It would have to do. The inn keeper grunted and she turned back to face him. His green eyes glinted as she brought up the pouch to show proof that she could pay. He nodded and gestured his head for her to follow. She kept a few feet behind him.

He opened a door to reveal a curving staircase the first step creaked as he put his weight on it. She watched as the wood dipped. She waited until he had gone up halfway before jogging up the stairs after him in hopes they wouldn’t collapse. He stopped outside of a door a few steps down a straight passage way. Fayn opened the door and the inn keeper came in after her.

“Should have everything you need.” He said. "Just shout if you need anythin'" He then slipped out of the doorway. Fayn let her satchel fall from her shoulder and drop to the floor with a thud. She walked forward and sat on a corner of the bed. The mattress wasn’t as soft as she’d hoped; in fact she could feel the wooden slats poking through. She glanced to the side and got up. The flimsy material covering the window almost ripped as she pulled it to the side. The view was tiled rooftops that stretched on for miles with the occasional chimney sprouting grey smoke. The sun was still glaring brightly but her body ached for rest. Finally Fayn gave in. She tugged her waistcoat off and threw it on the floor whilst kicking off her boots. She flopped onto the bed inhaling the musty smell of the covers. She turned over staring at the ceiling. But it wasn’t long before her eyelids drooped so much that darkness over took her and her body relaxed instantly as she slept.

Terran was angry and embarrassed still, a few hours later, as the two walked out of the Gerhard Tower, armed with knowledge. They had been sent to Charles Gerhard for their in-depth instructions, and those were that they would be taking a 4-5 day’s journey to Halworth Mansion, deep inside the Vellnor Forest. Terran disliked the idea of going into the place with not so much knowledge. He was almost smelling a set-up.

Their job was to kill the leader of some strange organization that specialized in the making of monstrous creatures. Terran had never heard of it before, but Charles Gerhard had warned him that the organization was interested in any kind of monster (orcs, for example) and definitely liked the idea of extracting magic and infusing it into these monsters they created. Set-up, anyone?

Plus, when Terran had requested more information on this so-called organization, Charles Gerhard couldn’t give him any helpful information. He claimed there was little known about it. So why was he being sent to destroy it? Charles Gerhard knew more than he was letting on.

Terran stopped outside of a small stand selling travel food. They needed to get some supplies for this journey of a couple days. Though Terran had things in his pack, he didn’t have all that much, having depleted most of what he’d had on a previous journey. He also didn’t plan on leaving until tomorrow, but he might as well get rid of the work part, so they could leave as soon as possible the next day.

“I’ll take this, this, and that,” Terran pointed out several unappetizing looking foods. There wasn’t really anything good to eat when it came to the dried out travel foods. The vendor put those things to the side and told him how much it would cost. Terran haggled, and got his food at almost half price. As they walked away from the stall, Ug shook his head.

“Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Take forever to buy things, because you try to pay less.”

“It’s called haggling, Ug. You wouldn’t understand.” Terran patted the orc on his large green arm. Necros, who had been hiding in Terran’s pack, stuck his little black head out. Looking at him, Ug remembered the screaming woman.

“How come humans are scared of bats?”

“How come you’re asking so many questions today?” Terran asked, irritated. “Let’s get a room so we have somewhere other than the ground to sleep.”

“But… Boss… I always sleep on the ground.”

“Do you care?” Terran said, almost haughtily. The orc gave it some thought.

“Not really.” In fact, Ug found beds to be less comfortable than the ground. Why the mage always decided to sleep on one, he couldn’t guess why.

After they had gotten themselves a room, Terran pulled out a map and began mulling over the best way to get to Vellnor Forest. Or more accurately, the laziest way to get there. Terran wanted to get a horse, but they were much too expensive. A horse was a traveler’s best friend, but somehow they never had enough money to do so, even despite all the haggling and wheedling of extra money. Ug and Necros stayed occupied by playing a game of chess, which had been in the bottom drawer of the dresser. It was missing a few pieces, but neither Ug nor Necros seemed to care.

Terran kept getting distracted when he’d catch what they were doing out of the corner of his eye and saw them misusing the pieces. His eyebrow would twitch and he’d inform them that they were playing the game wrong. But no matter how many times he told them how the game was played, they were both too stupid to understand, or care for that matter.

“Where are the intelligent people?” Terran asked nobody in particular. The more he looked over the statistics, the more he was worried about the job. Yes, he, Terran, was worried. He may act like an arrogant ass, but he knew when a job looked difficult. Finally, he sighed and stood up.

“Where are you going?” Ug asked, looking up from where he’d had a pawn move all the way across the board in one turn. Terran’s eyebrow twitched, but he didn’t bother saying anything.

“I’m going to use some of our money to hire some extra help.” Ug stared. They had only done that about twice that Ug could remember. And it always meant a harder than normal job. Terran hated giving money to other people, so he did his best with what he had; an orc and a bat.

“Is this one gonna be hard?” Ug asked.

“No.” Terran said sarcastically. “I just love handing out money for no reason.”

Ug knew all about sarcasm now. “Okay Boss. Good luck.”

“Yeah…” Terran went down to the inn’s bar and asked if he could put up a sign asking for help on a mercenary job. He put down what the first payment would be (not much) but that there was more money to be had when the job was done. Also, there could be treasure on the job, and the person would be entitled to fifty percent of it. Terran hated writing it, but it was only fair.

Done with it, he posted the sign on their board.

(OOC: Hopefully that is a good way to incorporate Fayn. ^^; )

Fayn groaned as sunlight filtered through her eyelids. She turned onto her side sure it was too early to wake up. But once she was awake she couldn’t get back to sleep. She swung her legs lazily over the side of the bed and stretched. It felt good as her muscles began to wake up with the rest of her. She gave a quick glance around the room remembering where she had fallen asleep. She stood up but fell onto the bed as her back throbbed. She massaged it with her fingertips. One of the slats of the bed had poked into the middle of her spine all night. But that’s what you get for sleeping in an inn like this, she thought. She tried rising again and winced as the pain throbbed dully. But she ignored it and ambled over to the pile of clothes she had left on the floor.

Her waist coat was cold and she shivered as she pulled it on and did up the lacing. Her boots were worse as they were damp as well. But she was used to this and pulled them on the warmth quickly evaporating from her toes. Fayn moved back the make shift curtain whilst buckling her belt. The scene was the same but the weather had changed. Different grey hued clouds streaked into one another as a light rain was beginning to patter on the window sill. She threw her cloak over her shoulders and grabbed her satchel as she walked out of the room.

Fayn yawned as she walked down the narrow corridor. She gave a quick glance at the room a few doors towards the end as muttering filtered through the wood. The stairs creaked uneasily as she walked down them and opened the door at the bottom. The inn keeper looked up with a smile and Fayn noticed his eyes slip to her waist where the money pouch was hidden. She perched herself on one of the stools by the bar and waited until the man stood in front of her.

“How much?” She asked bluntly. The man seemed taken back, obviously used to formalities before business occurred.

“3 gold.” He said and spread the fingers of one hand in front of her. She grimaced as she saw hair sprouting on his knuckles and covering most of his fingers and hand. She pulled the pouch up just high enough for her to see. She fiddled her slim fingers around until three clean gold coins were clutched between them. She threw them on the bar and the man’s eyes widened as one rolled to the edge and began to fall the floor. He dropped the glass he was holding just to be able to catch it. A loud crash echoed around the large room, Fayn resisted smiling.

After retrieving the coin he opened his mouth ready to speak. Fayn rolled her eyes. She hated conversation. In fact she disliked most things but conversation rated near the top.

“Sleep well?” He asked as he took a chipped glass and rubbed it with a dirt stained rag.

“The bed was useless, I could have slept better on a bed of thorns.” Fayn replied honestly. The man paused, grunted and then tended to something that suddenly became urgent. Fayn shook her head and looked above the bar. She squinted her eyes as a small ripped piece of paper flapped in the wind that had gusted through as someone opened the door. She looked down the bar.

“Hey.” She called and the inn keeper hesitated before pacing to her. “What does that say?” She asked pointing to the note. The man turned back, a smile lifting his ugly features.

“Can’t read?” He asked amused. Fayn narrowed her eyes and leaned forward slightly.

“Yes, it’s just too far away.” She said in a low threatening voice and sat back down. Her gaze flicked to the bar. The truth was she could read but was not perfect as most of her education had been self taught. She was not stupid just… patchy on some things. The piece of paper entered her view as he threw it to her. She looked over letting her eyes linger on each word. Her eyes brightened as she read on. It was a request for a job. The pay was low, not what she would normally go for but the prospect of treasure made her more willing and fifty percent was a high percentage. A part of her nagged that fifty percent was too high and that the job would probably be difficult. But she pushed it aside quickly. Fayn was so sure of herself that she tended to look down on people who she thought were weak, which happened to be most everybody in her mind. She smiled and held the note in her hand.

“Who wrote the note?” Fayn asked out loud. The inn keeper’s voice replied and got louder as he came closer.

“A short guy, dressed in blue if I remember.” The man tapped his chin in thought. “Didn’t say his name. But he’s staying in one of the rooms.”

“Guess I’ll wait here.” She said and rested her elbows in front of her on the bar.

“Want a drink then?” He asked obviously hoping to suck more money from her even though he had grossly over inflated the price for the room. Fayn looked down the bar. Most of the drinks people were gulping seemed to have small debris floating in it.

“I’ll just have a water.” Fayn said. A tall glass was slammed before her and water rushed out of a metal jug. The inn keeper left after taking the coin Fayn had handed over. She looked at the glass. The liquid was cloudy and seemed thick, more like a gel. Fayn pushed it to the side.

The sun beat down relentlessly on the dusty road sprawled ahead of the pair of travelers. Kaizer's spear trailed in the ground as he walked, panting in the immense heat of the day.

"Are we-?" Kaizer began.

"Kaizer, I swear, if you ask if we're there yet one more time then you'll be crawling the rest of the way" Tealos replied snappily.

"Okay okay geez!" Kaizer replied, "this is boring though."

Tealos shook his head. "Thats traveling, its not always an interesting experience. Get over it"

"Remind me why we didn't bother with transport? We could have got a pair of horses and by more than halfway to Haven by now!" Kaizer asked, exhausted.

"Because of two things. First, we need the money for inns at Haven, I don't know how long we'll have to wait, and I prefer whatever luxury I can get. And second, imagine how nice it will feel to actually have luxury after this. Makes you appreciate it so much more" Tealos replied. "Isn't that the fourth time I've told you?"

Kaizer stumbled as he walked. "Yeah but this is sooo booooring!"

Tealos just shook his head again and they continued walking. "According to my map we should have another two days solid journey. After that, Haven out to be in view..."

"Two days? It took us one to get through the forest of thieves, and half to get to it before that, so that would mean we should take about four days from Gotix to Haven on foot."

"Provided nothing else happens" Tealos put in. "Highwaymen and raiders aren't uncommon on the roads these days. With the war and everything a lot of our military is focused at the border, so they don't have as much security as is needed for those buggers."

Kaizer went quiet. That would really be the icing on the cake. Raiders, on a hot dusty road like this. They wouldn't stand much of a chance if their enemies weren't sunbaked like they were. His boots kicked up swirls of dust as he trudged on.

Tealos had the worst of it. He was still wearing his armour, insisting there was no better way to carry it than on his person. It was either carry it in the pack or on him, and neither was a savoury choice on a day like this. However, the pair pushed forward, slowly making their way to Haven city.

===Citadel Of Destruction, The Dead Throne===

Glowing orbs set deep in empty eyesockets glared down on the group of people standing before the throne. The Lich King sat atop the throne made of the dead, (aptly named the Dead Throne) watching silently the goings on. Several lower Liches under him had dealt a blow to the army, and another fifty soldiers had joined him that day. Now however, he was faced with an interesting sight.

People. Living people. Rarely did the living stray into the land of the dead, and even rarer did they enter the throne room of The mighty Lich King. Yet here they were.

"Good day, your grace" came the voice of one of them, probably their leader.

He was tall, and very pale. His hair was jet black, and of medium length. He wore wide-sleeved black robes, with white gloves. A dark blue sash was wrapped around his waist, and he wore dark grey shoes. In his gloved hand he held a staff, with various runes adorning it. At the top it forked out into four, which met again at the top, converging at a sphere of golden energy. But strangest of all was the mans eyes. Deep, black, soulless eyes...

"Why are you in my throne room, and why have you not been killed!?" came the Lich Kings angry voice in sharp reply.

"Why, I am simply here to offer my services m'lord!" the man said casually, a slight hint of sarcasm at the edges of his tone.

"Why would I need your help, human!?" Spat the Lich King.

"I'm not human, sire!" he replied coolly. "I think you will find I am actually a crossbreed. One tired of all the animosity I receive from both my races."

"Indeed? And because of this you march into my throne room and tell me you want to help?" The Lich replied angrily.

"Of course. I, 'The Voice Of Chaos' Balthizar offer you my services in crushing that pathetic Haven Monarchy! And those filthy AURIANS!" he said, his voice rising to a yell as he finished.

"Such animosity radiates from you, Balthizar" The Lich King said, interest piqued.

"We are the Strike Force" Balthizar said, gesturing to the other four people behind him, "and we humbly offer our services to you"

"Hmmm... Very well" The Lich King said, "you will serve me as my spies"

"I'm sorry, we don't do spy work" Balthizar put in, "we will do as we please, under your name of course"

"You will what!? You'll do as I say!" The Lich King yelled, standing and grabbing his own staff and sword, "Or I will cut you down where you stand!"

"You would do well not too. It was I who allowed you out of your prison, and don't you dare forget!" Blathizar said, his voice again rising.

"You..?" The Lich King sat again, "very well. I concede. Balthizar, you will discuss with me your plans. This meeting is over."

Sitting at a wooden table, Toldaen and Raullin sat eatting bread and soup. They might seem poor, but there not, they just save up their money. Footsteps were heard outside of the front door. "There seems to be something going on that has taken the commoners interest." Said Toldaen, eyes still on his food.
"Good point brother, but they also seem to be in a panic. They are running in a line."

Toldaens' back was to the window so he couldn't have seen what Raullin had just said but trusted his judgment anyway. Several minutes past and the running stopped now the running reversed itself; whoever was running towards something, is now running away. Raullin raised an eyebrow when he heard the words "RETREAT!" Toldaen shot a look at Raullin, knowing that he wanted to know was going on outside that the common-folk were retreating. "It's probably some dumb game they play, Raullin. Eat your food."
Raullin ignored him, and started walking towards the front door. Raullin reached for the front doors' knob, turned it and opened the door. "What the hell is this?!?" Raullin said. A gray wolf tackled Raullin sending him tumbling into the kitchen where Toldaen sat. "Help Toldaen!" Raullin yelled.

Toldaen reached under his cloak and unlatched his small whip. Holding it in his right hand he fliccked it towards the gray snarling wolf. The end of the whip didn't reach the wolf but made a loud Bang when the whip recoiled. Following the Bang of the recoil, the wolf was set hurling across the kitchen into a cabinet; it let out a yelp before going unconscience. "About damn time you help me, Toldaen. Ha ha." Said Raullin, brushing himself off.

"Now we have to get involved.. Thank-you Raullin.", Raullin just smiled when Toldaen said this.

The two brothers stepped on the fallen door, going outside to see what all the comotion was about. Toldaen and Raullin turned to their right, down the road was a large pack of gray wolves, and they looked hungry. Standing shoulder to shoulder, Toldaen and Raullin looked at the pack of wolves, some strolled off into the back alleys, some stayed in small groups of three or four, the rest stayed together. "There must be two or three smaller packs, and roughly 18 wolves in total in the larger pack." Said Toldaen, "If we are going to win, we must strike the larger pack first to scare off the smaller ones."

"Nice idea Toldaen, but what if it doesn't scare them, and while we fight the bigger pack the smaller one terrorizes the town, or worse, comes to attack us?" Said Raullin, "What if that happends?"

"I guess we're screwed then, aren't we?"
"...I guess so Toldaen, I guess so."

Raullin reached into his cloak, putting on his gloves. Toldaen gripped his short whip tighter in his right hand, the whips end barely touched the ground. Two wolves who strayed from the pack started walking slowly towards Toldaen and Raullin, snarling and saliva dripping from their mouths. Raullins right and left arms started twitching, the wolves lunged themselves at Toldaen and Raullin when they were 10 feet away; with superior strength the two wolves jumped in the air at T oldaen and Raullin. "I bet I can take mine out before you can!" Said Ruallin, eager to begin. Raullin ran at the air-borne wolves, leaving an impression of his foot in the ground with each step. Raullin collided with the wolf on the left after jumping straight at it. "Remember the bigger pack!" Yelled Toldaen, but Raullin ignored him and fell towards the ground with the wolf attached to him. The two hit the ground and instantly a giant cloud of dust rose, giving Toldaen no visibility to see Raullins brawl with the wolf, all Toldaen knew is that the wolf landed on its back because of the way Raullin and it fell. Toldaen turned and ignored Raullin, not trying to put any more effort than he should of, Raullin can hold his own. He' s always been able too. The second wolf appeard, it was circling the cloud of dust waitting its 'buddy' except when it saw Toldaen, it immediatly resumed its previous attack; charging towards Toldaen snarling and drooling. A small Yelp was heard from inside the the dust cloud, That better not of been Raullin, the wolf running at Toldaen didn't stop when it heard the noise, it kept charging. Due to the distraction, Toldaen had no time to harness enough magic into his whip to fend off the wolf. Another similar yelping noise was heard followed by a large black object coming closer from the settling dust cloud.
Out of the dust cloud Raullins wolf came soaring out, it seemed to be unconscience; the wolf collided with the one charging at Toldaen, sending the two of the crashing into the small fence outside of the two brothers house.
"You idiot! Be more careful, the fence costed money you know!" Yelled Toldaen, this was his way of 'Thanks'
"Your very welcome Toldaen, anytime." Raullin smiled. The cloud began to settle and Raullin stood with minimal scratches, the blood on his left shoulder didn't seem to be his own. He was fine and this pleased Toldaen.

The wo brothers focused their attension on the approaching bigger pack; 18 in numbers, relentless in size, Raullin look at Toldaen wipping the dust off of him, "Toldaen, I'll take the left half, if you can handle the right." Raullin said smilling.

Commoners began to walk outside of their houses and stand to watch Toldaen and Raullin. Some men came outside with large sticks, small knives and blunt metalic objects. "his place has an army composed of common-folk?" Said Toldaen quietly. "No, we do have an actual army, but they can't even take a sh** without the kings orders. If that simplifys things a little." The voice was unfamilliar and sounded like it came from a dark alley between two buildings to Toldaens right.
"Who are you?" Asked Toldaen, the giant pack was getting closer and the strays now fused with the giant pack, making it larger in numbers.

"My names not important, defending the town is." The stranger replied.

"Then come out and help why dont you?" Replied Raullin, realizing what Toldaen was up too.

A figured moved out from the alley wich Toldaen had predicted he was in, it was a boy. The boy looked around 17 to 18 and had a sword latched to his back, wearing a long brown robe and blue eyes.

"Its just a baby!" Said Raullin, ignoring the approaching doom. (the wolves)

"Ignore him, my names Toldaen" Said Toldaen, extending his hand. The boy approached the two and shook Toldaens hand. "The named Kyite."
"Thats Raullin, my brother." Said Toldaen, looking at Raullin who was still laughing from his joke.

The wolves now where around fifteen feet away. Twenty in number, Curths' defnece against the foe was Toldaen, Kyite, Raullin, and the commoners who had gathered in a group behind the three.


========================================

I would of kept going but i must be off to work.
I got you involved Kurt if thats O.k, if not, ill just edit it out and change the story a little.
As for their magical abiblites, Raullin can harness magic into his muscles too enlarge then, making him stronger.
Toldaen harnesses magic into his whip, changing the sound waves made from the snapping noise the whip makes when it recoils, into an attack.(Changing the waves into pulses basicly) Toldaens attack may seem to hit the outside of the opponent, but mostly damages their insides with the impact.
(Any and all questions, just PM me. #Gamer)
========================================

Terran rolled out of bed in the morning, lazy as ever. Looking out the window, he saw that it was far too light out than he had hoped it would be when he awoke.

“Gah!” Terran grabbed his head, then started looking around for his clothes. He usually wore only his undergarments to sleep, an undershirt and underwear, sometimes his socks, if he was cold. He pulled his clothes on in a rush and nudged Ug with his foot.

“Up!” he grunted at the orc. Glancing around, Terran found his staff and before he even had a chance to call for him, Necros had soared down and landed on his shoulder. Terran pet him in greeting. Ug slowly sat up and rubbed his sleep-encrusted eyes.

“Hurry up! I have to check and see if we got any helpers for our little quest!” Terran reported grumpily. Ug scratched his back and sat up, yawning so hugely that his jaw snapped. The smell was horrendous. Terran held his nose and rummaged in a bag.

“Brush your teeth!” he commanded, as he tossed a toothbrush the orc’s way. Ug reluctantly went to the bathroom and did so, whining about how breakfast was going to be gross now.

“Shut up and quit whining,” Terran said, though he was usually the one whining about one thing or another.

Once the two of them were ready and presentable, they went to the little bar downstairs. Terran went to the man behind the counter. “So, did anyone sign up?” he asked, trying to lift his chin so that he looked self-important and taller than he normally was.

“Got someone that asked,” the grungy man behind the counter indicated a girl, who seemed to be holding back disgust for whatever it was she was drinking.

“Note to self”, Terran told himself. “Don’t eat or drink here.”

Ug gave him a slightly confused look, while the man behind the counter sneered.

“We got us a high and mighty one.”

Terran ignored him and went over to the girl. It annoyed him that she was about the same size as he was. And probably older, too. The world was full of unfairness. And he hated being short!

“So, you inquired about my sign?” Terran said, trying to sound confident and assured. (But that is easily mistaken as cocky and somewhat snobby) Terran hadn’t quite learned the difference. Ug stood awkwardly behind him, snatching Necros as he tried to fly off. Great, Ug thought. I hope she doesn’t scream.

Fayn still stared at her drink. She had chanced a gulp and had thoroughly regretted it. A movement from the corner of her eye caught her attention and she turned her head. She groaned in recognition of the figure who had appeared from the stairway. The mage from the previous morning stood as proudly as he could at the end of the bar. Fayn looked back in front of her. As long as he doesn’t come near me I’ll be fine, she thought to herself.

Her mind wandered onto the upcoming quest. She looked down at the note. It was then she realised it asked for aid. She grumbled a few curses. It had been a years since she had worked with someone else or in a group. She gave a small smile at the memory. It hadn’t ended so well. She was brought out of her train of thought by, a rather cocky, voice.

“So, you inquired about my sign?”

Fayn dared to look to the side and saw what she feared she would. The mage stood with his chin slightly raised and Fayn hoped he wasn’t trying to give an impression of authority because he really wasn’t pulling it off. Her gaze flicked up and her hand flashed over her blade as the orc’s sudden movements caught her off guard. But he seemed only to be caging some kind of creature in his hands. She relaxed… slightly. She sighed and jumped down from the seat she was on.

The mage was about her height and seemed young. She looked over him. His clothes looked as if they were made of rich materials and he would probably have a fair bit of money on him. She figured she could easily take him on but her gaze travelled to the orc towering behind him like a shadow. She couldn’t risk it. I will just have to deal with it, she relented.

“I’ll help you.” She said simply and crossed her arms across her chest. She disliked mage’s, distrusted magic and loathed mercenaries. This was going to be an interesting trip. At least with an orc the guy won’t be too much of a burden she figured.

“My name is Fayn.” She held out her hand ready to shake his. She shuddered. How long it had been since she had had to be polite. But she was desperate, she needed the money.

The road remained as dusty as it had been the previous day. The sky remained just as clear and sunny, and the sun remained just as blaring hot, as did the temperature.

"How much longer then?" Kaizer whined again.

"Kaizer, just shut up and bear it" Tealos snapped back.

Kaizer sighed. "Well, answer the-"

Tealos' hand came up and covered Kaizer's mouth, the other moving for his sword. Kaizer leaped back, his spear quickly in his own hands.

"Bandits" hissed Tealos.

Not an uncommon sight on the highroads these days unfortunately. The bandits, six of them, leaped over a small ridge off the right of the path. Most of them brandished small daggers in each hand, but one of them, obviously the leader, brandished a double ended jagged sword.

"Alright, you go for the little guys, I'll go for the boss" Tealos said, his usual knack for coming up with strategies even when unneeded creeping through again.

"How about, I go for whoevers closest?" Kaizer replied charging at the nearest bandit.

"That works too" Tealos said, following.

The first was easy to dispatch, Kaizer's spear going straight through him. Another raced towards Kaizer, daggers held high, only to have his dead comrade slam into him as Kaizer dislodged him. The next received two quick swipes to the face from the tip of his spear. He turned and thrust the spear into the second man before he could recover.

Tealos took out two quickly, as the pair circled around him, he leaped out with his leg, breaking the mans nose with an armoured foot. The other was stabbed through the heart, putting a swift end to him.

All that remained was the tall man with the double bladed sword.

"Circle to the right, surround him" Tealos said.

Kaizer obeyed, until the man stood between the pair.

"From here, its simple, attack!" Tealos said, swinging his sword above his head in a skullsplitter strike.

Kaizer lunged forwards, thrusting his spear at the man, but a flick of his blade knocked the spear aside as he sidestepped to dodge the skullsplitter. Kaizer spun his spear around, aiming at the mans side, but his blade again blocked and parried Tealos' diagonal cut simultaneously. Kaizer thrust again, but it was knocked aside again, as was Tealos' own stab. The man whirled, and faced Kaizer, and leaped forwards, his blad whirling around him. Kaizer blocked, his spear shattering under the much finer blade. As the next blow came down Kaizer rolled sideways, his eyes glowing as he did so. He leaped forwards, kicking the man backwards, straight into Tealos sword.

"How dare you break my spear!" Kaizer said, an odd note of authority in his voice.

"Forget it, grab his sword and purse, we'll sell the sword and use the money to get a better one" Tealos reconciled.

"Very well" Kaizer said, his eyes no longer glowing. "Lets just hurry up and get their, I didn't realise how hungry I was till that fight.

"Haven is about another half a day, not long. Just hold out for a little longer" Tealos said as the pair began walking the dirt road again, leaving the dead bandits behind.

==================================================================================

Half a day later the pair stood at the gates of Haven, the massive city on the western edge of Aurora.

"Well here we are" Tealos said moving forward an knocking on the door. A small door to the side of the main gate opened and the pair moved inside the city walls...

“Hello, Fayn,” Terran took her hand and shook it once, then releasing it. “I’m Terran, and this is Ug.” He indicated the orc behind him, who smiled cheesily, revealing a row of sharp teeth. He also put up a hand in a small wave. Terran ignored him, but it was harder to ignore Necros, who was squeaking and demanding to be released from Ug’s grasp. “Let him go.”

Ug reluctantly let the bat go, and it went swirling around the girl’s head. Ug winced, as though expecting her to scream.

“Necros!” Terran said sharply, with a downward swing of his hand. “Stop that right now!”

Necros seemed to sulk, large ears sinking down, almost like a dog’s, before he obeyed his master and flapped his wings sadly as he flew to his now outstretched hand. Terran put the bat up one of his long sleeves.

“Sorry about that…” he said, with a hint of embarrassment.

Fayn gave a long sigh. And these are the people I have to work with, she thought to herself. She adjusted her belt

“Shall we get going?” She asked looking at the mage. She turned and made her way to the door. “You can tell me about the specifics on the way.” She pushed open the large wooden door and the sunlight hit her eyes. The weather had brightened considerably since early morning. She blinked adjusting her eyes to the sudden light.

Fayn slumped on the wall outside of the inn, a few loose stones falling and rolling down her jacket. She brushed the dust away. She glanced to the side to see if the mage and his orc had come out yet. She looked around the few shops that were beginning to open. If the mage wanted to get supplies there were only a few places to get them. She gave another sigh. She would have to wait to see what he wanted to do. Following orders was another she disliked greately but she would just have to cope. I’m sure it won’t be too long a trip she hoped to herself. The door to the inn creaked open and she stood up expecting to see the mage.