NationStates Jolt Archive

Lightening struck the ground and a shrill scream sounded in a small hut. The dry grass sparked and a fire grew with the wind's breathe. The people of Lake Lorena came out of their huts and to the fire to contain it. All the people except for one laboring woman and a midwife. Several older woman danced about the fire, chatting in their tongues of their ancestors. As their voices raised, so did the shrill cry of the woman. The midwife raced about the small room preparing for the birth of a child. The fire outside blazed even more, and the cries grew with it. Moments later the infant flew out of the woman and into the midwife's arms. As the infant came out the woman let out one soft cry and died, along with the death of the woman the fire gave out and one single spark floated in the air and joined with the million stars the shown that night. All of the people went back to their huts and their sleep, in the morning their would be much mourning.

The midwife covered the mother in a white sheet and wrapped the little infant girl in a white towel and walked outside. The baby opened her eyes and her brown eyes sparkled with the stars. The midwife spoke softly to the child this night will be remembered for much time. She told the child she was Eve, for she was born on the eve of spring and she would be much to the world.


Years later (about twenty)...

Eve had grown to be a lovely woman. She stood five feet seven inches tall and looked to be about one hundred and twenty pounds. She was slim, yet very fit. She used to "beat up" the boys when she was growing up. Her long brown hair was tied into two loose braids, with a few strands floating across her deep brown eyes. Upon her head she wore a headband made of small purple flowers. The ends of her braids rested below her neck and on her breasts. She wore a soft tan leather corset that tied in the front. Her narrow waist revealed a small silver jewerly in her navel. Resting on her hips is the same tan leather, but as short shorts. Her long fit legs wore leather boots up to her knees.

Behind Eve stood an older woman, which the sun and long years had aged. The woman placed an wrinkled knobby hand on Eve's shoulder. Eve meet the woman's gaze, but with a sweet smile, but sad eyes.

The woman said, "Child I was there the night your mother died. I saw the earth change, now it is your time. Go, it is your turn. Change it and mold it."

Eve said nothing, but looked off into the distance. She had never ventured off into the world. She knew nothing of what it held, but she would be ready. She packed some food in a small sack and several knifes. On her back she held her bow with about ten arrows.

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She had walked for several days and now she approached a city. This one much larger than hers because she could not see where it ended. She saw several people on the street and her hopes rose. This will definitely be interesting.

OOC: Looking for some people interesting in RPing about a quest. Not quite sure yet where it is going to lead to, but it can be open to anything. Looking for regular people (citizens), warriors, travelors, vampires, it can be whatever. Thanks.

A cloaked weary traveler stopped at the entrance to a seemingly thriving city. As Lance Crusade slowly cast his haunted eyes upon the dusty city, he shook his head in disgust. Lance was seeking escape, fleeing from the horrors of his life, fleeing from the death of his only son, fleeing from the destruction of his paradise, fleeing from the fear of himself. It seemed that wherever he traveled, death followed. With a world weary sigh, Lance entered the city.

Suddenly in the middle of the crowded city street, Lance stopped, tears flowing freely down his worn, tired face. I am merely 29 years in age and yet I have witnessed things that men do not witness in twenty reincarnations... I feel empty. My purpose lost. My soul dead...

http://www.revistacinefagia.com/cineditos007b.jpg

Hmmm...Character have to be terestrial? (I'm thinking a detuned Yautjan, for practice for a thread that I'll be involved in later...)

"Mough, yes, Mough, not Moggh or Mug. Mough is my name you stupid woman!" Mough said as he snapped a piece of bread from the womans hands and throwing a coin at her.

He was one of the brightest, most talanted storytellers to walk on this earth!
or so he thought he was anyhows. Mough wasnt a bad man, he was a nice simple man who had the fanatic idea to tell the tales of bravery. Unfortunally bravery always seemed to escape him when he was around.
He was some 170 cm high and thinn, soon to be 30 and had a leather cap on his head, a common brown shirt and leatherpants, brown lether shoes.
Mough's face was pretty pale due to lack of food, a pretty long nose and large eyebrows. He wasnt the ladies choise, but for sure the granddaughters choise. Mough had a very friendly look.

In the corner of his left eye he could see a young woman heading the direction where he was going. He hated to be walk alone, no one would hear his story if he did. Mough waved the old lady off who was wining about she was suposed to get more money, he picked up his bag and ran up to the girl.
"Lovely day isnt it? Always nice to be on the road, what is your name? My name is Mough, Im a storyteller, do you like stories? I know a bunch of stories, want some bread?"

Stomach growling from hunger, Ren made his way through the dusty city streets in another day's search of work. You'd think this city'd have -plenty- of work for a mage, he grumbled inwardly, scanning the local citizenry for anyone who might be hiring. All the trade caravan guard jobs seemed to be taken, unfortunately.

It was four days since the Questorship directorate landed him here. People who didn't fit into the traditional mold got sent to out-of-the-way places and left there to rot via the Questorship. The only problem for Ren was that he got teleported into a village that was not there. Thus, the little snag of making a living. So here he was, an alchemist stuck on a backward planet that was probably completely out of the planar alignment with his own.

"Lovely day isnt it? Always nice to be on the road, what is your name? My name is Mough, Im a storyteller, do you like stories? I know a bunch of stories, want some bread?"

Ren's ears picked up the words coming from on ahead. It came from the strange man speaking to a . . . Ren's mind did a flip in its hypoglycemic state. Someone who could afford a bard would certainly have a few coppers for a mage.

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OOC:
Alchemist:
http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Animation/hagaren/chara/roy01.jpg

Boyce wrapped his hand around one of his two foot-long knives. He was bored-An assassian with no one to kill. Not that anyone deserved it around here anyways. Boyce laughed. An assassian with morals and a consince. Ironic.

Boyce was currently sitting on the rooftop of a 3-story apartment building. He was dressed in a night-black overcoat. Dual knives were outfitted on his waist and an enourmus bow was on his back. He also had another weapon in coat, one that he dearly loved; the deadly Numchucks.

Boyce looked straight down to view a street storyteller pestering a women. He decided to eavesdrop on them. Who knows, mabey he might hear a good story.

Caelin hated nighttime. After the sun made its daily trek across the sky and settled down for sleep below the horizon, the town changed. The normally dull but safe townsfolk disappeared behind their doors, and the others came out. Less savory characters, they didn't treat Caelin the same as the normal folk. He could pick the pocket of your average farmer and come away with little more than perhaps a bruising or a cry for guardsmen. Pick the pocket of the night people, and they wouldn't bother with the law. They'd just slip a knife in you. If you were lucky.

Night was when the predators came out. Some were unlucky, some were mean, and some were just plain twisted. Caelin learned to hide when the darkness fell. He knew of others, children like himself who wandered the night hoping to score an opportunity, like a window left open or a drunk passed out in the alleyway. The problem was, a lot of them were never seen again. He had heard stories of what happened to them, and he wanted none of it.

Caelin hated the night, but it was worst when it was raining. The unlucky ones, and the mean ones stayed inside for the most part, staying warm by crackling fires and drinking hot mead. But the twisted ones, the ones who preyed on children, they were still out there. Caelin had seen one, once. He had nearly been caught. The old man had tried to lure him close with promises of treats, or ale, or women; whatever he wanted. Caelin had run, instead, and he heard the old man give chase, screaming the most foul abuse he'd ever heard. He didn't even understand some of what was said, but he knew it was bad. And it was always worst when it was raining. They came prying through the rubbish and the hiding holes, knowing their prey would stay quiet hoping not to be noticed rather than run in the weather.

He shivered, wet and miserable in the horrid weather. He was hungry too; the rain had persisted for the past two days, and it was hard to steal from people trying to duck the rain. Then he froze in place, his heart thumping so loudly he thought it might give him away. Someone was picking their way cautiously through the trash heaps, making their way toward his spot.

Caelin tensed, ready to bolt in the event he was discovered. Then he heard a familiar voice whisper his name, and he relaxed. "Bella?" he whispered in return. "What are you doing here?"

The girl followed his voice until she found him, and sat down beside him with a heavy sigh. "You're a hard man to find, when you want to be Caelin," she said accusingly.

"Why were you looking for me?" Caelin repeated.

"Trying to help, of course." Bella was always trying to help him. He wasn't sure why. He thought maybe she liked him, but he never thought about it too seriously. It was dangerous to get too close on the street. You never knew who might be trying to steal what little you had, or sell you to one of them.

She pulled out a large hunk of bread from under her shirt and offered it to him. It was damp, but it was food. And it was huge. He grabbed it and tore into it, too hungry to care that it was a few days old.

He noticed her looking at him oddly, so he managed a quick smile and nod. "'Ank 'oo," he said with his mouth full. She patted his leg and continued to watch him.

It didn't take long before the bread was gone, large as it was. He spent a moment contentedly licking soggy crumbs from his fingers before his thoughts expanded beyond the needs of his stomach. Then he peered at Bella. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you in a week."

She looked away quickly. "I found a...friend. He's been very nice to me. He helped me get this bread."

Caelin had heard of "friends" like that before. "What does he make you do for bread?"

Bella frowned and wouldn't meet his eye. "I...It doesn't matter. It's been a good week, and I was able to help you. It was worth it."

"Be careful, Bella. I don't want you disappearing like the others."

"I won't. He's not like that. He just...I'm okay, Caelin. Don't worry."

Unsure of what made him do it, he reached down to hold her hand. "I worry, Bella. You've been good to me when no one else was. I don't want you to go away."

She blushed and looked up at him in surprise. She seemed abou to say something, but decided against it. "I won't go away," she said quietly. "I'm here for you, Caelin."

They sat there among the rubbish, holding hands and waiting for the rain to stop. When Caelin woke up again in the morning, she was gone.

Xian made her way through the streets, looking at the many peasants, traders, bards, and the many other folks who lived in and around the city. But to her, it seemed quite clear which people were outsiders and travellers. She spotted one cloaked man walking around near the entrance she just entered, but she wasn't the person she was looking for.

Xian is a 16 year old ranger from the forest. She was wearing a simple brown loosed neck tunic and skirt, she had bartered her light chain-mail armor for when she entered the city, underneath her academy traveling cloak. Xian was never used to wearing armor and always liked to wear comfortable light and sometimes almost revealing pieces of clothing, even during her training, and as a response she was scolded by her instructor. But since Xian was in the top five and youngest in her graduating class in one of the most prestigious universities/combat training academies in all of Neverwinter, she was never severely punished.

It wasn't strange in this city to seem traveling fighters, but never someone of her age. She did receive a few stares from some skilled local and traveling fighters for they had recognized the academy patch and/or the silhouette of a short bow and a quiver of arrows being formed underneath the girl's traveling cloak.

Xian looked around at the crowd around her and said quietly to herself "where in ther world is he..." as she continued to walk through the city.

As she continued to walk through the crowd, she could feel that she was being watched from the buildings. But as she walked on, she came across a pub, and recognized a familiar figure seated at one of the outer tables, who seemed to be talking to one of the bartenders.

-----

A young man in his late teens looked out from above a book he was reading, as he sat at a small local pub.

He said to himself "Hmmm...She said noon...Where is she..."

"Excuse me, sir, here is your drink." said the bartender who had walked up behind him.

"Oh, thanks..." said the man as he took the mug and lifted it up to his lips to take a sip, but then grimaced as he tasted to liquid.

"The local beer here..." said the bartender with a smile, "is the best and strongest in the whole area..."

The young man replied with a cough "Ugh...Why does it taste sour?"

"Sour?"

"Yes, sour...Like vinegar..."

The bartender took the mug and tasted it and also grimaced. The bartender laughed "Eh heh...Sorry sir, it is vinegar...I think someone mixed up the beer and vinegar jugs...TOM!!! You freakin' messed up again!!!" said the bartender as he walked backwards, back into the pub.

"I am terribly sorry sir, I will bring you back a beer and something to eat, on the house..."

"Umm...Thanks..." said the man as he went back to reading his book.

But then he suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind and someone's soft and warm cheek touching his, as he smelled a soft sweet scent that quickly brought a flash of memories into his head and left him in a sudden state of nostalgia. He could hear the person seductively whisper into his ear "I finally found you, Sasuke...Or should I say, Matthew..."

OOC: finish this post later...
OOC2: can i use two characters?

Banishment. The worse punishment of the clan. Striped of honor, of glory, and most of all, his ability to lead a hunt, Klick'thali now hunted for fun, killing whomever he had a chance to. Armed lightly, he wanted only to fight a good fight, to kill a worthy prey, but alas, those rights were no longer his.

However, on this planet, uurthh, he had been presented with many options for hunting. Many abilities to kill these things called oomans. And right now, he had one. In the dark night, his prey was more than human, it was of the undead race. A vampire. The creature of the night lunged forward, arms out stretched, looking for flesh. However, 'Thali, as he was known, dodged, bringing his fist hard down on the neck of the dark being. The back of his skull crushed inwards, and he fell dead. 'Thali reached down, removed a knife, and quickly cut away the head of the vampyr, has he spoke in his very broken english. He had learned to speak enough in his time on this planet.

The head was quickly tucked away, and 'Thali returned to his cave for the night. He had gained a reputation of fear, and the people of the small town that he lived outside of regarded him as a deamon or monster. The Yautjan simply ignored the fear, and hunted whomever he pleased. He may have been striped of his major weapons, but his CombiStick and Wrist Blades he was allowed to keep. The head was deskined, polished, and placed on a mantle, a trophey case. He tehn returned to the edge of the woods, using the shaddows to hide himself.

bump

"Whoa...Xian!!!" Sasuke said as he jumped from his seat, as he broke out of Xian's embrace, which actually took alot more strength than one might think.

Xian grinned at Sasuke innocently holding her arms behind her back as she swayed back and forth on her feet.

"So, Matthew..." Xian started off jokingly.

"I've told you, it's Sasuke..." replied Sasuke.

"Hmph...What's wrong with Matthew? I think it is cuter than Sasuke..." said Xian with a small smile, as she pulls up a chair and sits down.

"I told you, it's boring, I like Sasuke better...And how 'bout you Alexandra, what's with the 'Xian'?"

"Never mind names for now, so how's life? It's been like how many month's since we've been out of the academy?" Xian said quickly, to change the subject.

"It's been ok...Nothing big happening...Just travelling around...Seeing sights...Fighting bad guys and rampant beasts...The usual manual stuff...Et tu?"

"Same...But stay away from the rampant beasts..."

"Why?"

"I see more fun in taking out meanies who say I look weak and underestimate little ol' me."

"Heh heh...Good point...But you do look little...Like a ten year old..."

"Hey, how 'bout you mister 'I look 16 but, I am 300 years old'" replied Xian "And by the way they say I'm a sixteen years old also."

"Ok, have it your way, atleast the boys don't know you are about 250 years old..."

"Hey, gramps...Lay off the age already...We're both half-elves...There! Discussion closed!" Xian ended, as they both laughed.

After that the two of them just sat there just staring at each other because they had already exhausted all the possible conversation topics they could think up at that moment.

"Excuse me sir," said the bartender, who was now carrying a large tray of food. "Here is your beer and our house special, roasted veal."

The bartender started to put the food, "Seeing that you had company, I took the liberty to include another beer to your order, still on the house of course." said the bartender as he walked back inside the pub.

"Mmmhmm...This is better...Atleast it's not vinegar again..." said Sasuke.

"Vinegar?"

"Oh, no...It's nothing...Let's enjoy this food before it get's cold."

Mough split his bread in to and offered the girl beside him a piece but taking it back at an instant, putting it in his bag, and from it he picked up a lute, "Sorry about that, dont mean to be rude but I just got this song in my head" his fingers started to dance over the strings and a soft melody drenched the surrounding sounds. Mough cleared his throat a couple of times and began to sing.

A wandering girl
Wich I have never heard
but looks as lovely as the suuUUUuuuun
Advanture awaits!
A sword at her waist!
To slay the mighty draaahaaahaahaaagoooon
On the road to a desteny unknown, the story will for sure unfold..

He stoped to play and sing, "its a work in progress, dont, dont say anything, I know it isnt the best song in the world. but as I said, a work in progress"
The melody of the lute wasnt bad at all, the thing that Mough couldnt do on the other hand, was to sing, he should stay to telling a story rather than to sing. To bad no one has the guts to tell him.
"Did you want some bread or what?"

See how the mighty have fallen. It was Sui as usual, buzzing around inside Anarkano's head, which was hardly fair. The Volkoi gunner was twenty years dead, after all, killed by Anarkano himself during the frantic final days of the War. Yet still he gave his running commentary on Anarkano's life, words rattling like machine-gun belts, despite the beer he consumed to silence the dead.

Anarkano of the Nuir Karani, Swordmage of the Fifteenth Thaumaturgical Auxilia, Prince of the Mountain wouldn't be caught dead drinking this horsepiss. Yes, you Eloi bastard, you've gone a long way down.

"Shu' up, you," Anarkano mumbled into his mug. "You can' be talkin' to me like that, you caveman sunnavabi'ch! You're dead."

"Eh?" The stinking human sitting next to him - all too close for Anarkano's comfort - looked startled.

"You shu' up too, roundear."

Even drunk, there was something about Anarkano - or about the half-melted look to his face - that did not invite dissent. The human did as he was told, which was good - the magical field was weak tonight, and the spellblades Ari and Domé would function poorly. No amount of alcohol could erase the first lesson his teachers had taught; always check the field.

But a check of his purse revealed a saddening lack of coins. Doubtless the bartender had what had been in there - poor trade, since Sui hadn't shut up at all.

Anarkano made his way unsteadily to his feet, anthracism-damaged bones protesting painfully, as they had for the past twenty-odd years. Surviving anthracism was hard enough, but there were numerous occasions when he thought the alternative would have been better.

And if you hadn't killed me, Eloi, it wouldn't have happened. Isn't that a pleasant thought?

"So what have you got in mind?" said Xian as she broke the silence.

"Nothing much...Just thinking we might go look for some adventure already...Life's gotten bored..."

"It seems that this city has been a bit more crowded these days...It's like these people have been drawn here for some reason..."

"I know...I've been here for a few days and in the beginning it was hard for me to find somewhere to stay..." replied Sasuke before he took a bite from the duck leg he had harpooned with is fork.

OOC: will continue later...

(OOC: Can you guys at least WAIT until Amanda replies!?!)

Tag

ATG, check your TGs

Me taggath too. Hey ATG :) How you're doing.

I will add a character later on in this quest I suppose.

OOC: Noir you may have two characters, I do not mind. We have quite the selection here, this should be very interesting. Thank you FCN, I am a busy girl, I have two jobs and friends. I will try and post as much as my time allows. Hey, Valient! It has been awhile, I am real great, just busy. And you?

IC: Eve laughed at Mough. She had barely had a chance to say her greetings and he was singing about her. She cocked her head, she had never meet someone like him before. Yes, she had meet storytellers, but they were wise and had much knowledge. She was not sure what this man had to offer, but she would not underestimate his talents.

She stopped in the road way and faced Mough. She extended her hand and closed it around his wrist and shook it. She smiled sweetly, "My name is Eve. I love stories." She paused. A sad look came to her face and clouded her whole aura and then disappered. "May you tell me a story of the moon and stars, for I am following them closely?"

OOC: As the story develops, my character will tell what she is searching for. Maybe we can have groups or something, so we can all interact.

She had staked the place out for the past week, and now she knew the habits of the inhabitants well enough, she felt, to risk finally making a grab for some of the swag she'd seen displayed. Didn't matter that the stuff could be readily identified here - the guild had agents in other cities, other towns. Fencing the items there, selling off their items here ... it all worked out in the end. What mattered is that this mark had the potential to provide her with a rich haul. Given her luck of late, she wasn't about to turn it up on account of a little rain.

Watching from a sheltered alcove atop the roof of the building next to her target, she ran another scan of the place, looking for any sign that things were not as they should be. The pigeons kept here in their wicker cages didn't seem to mind her quiet presence so long as she kept her motions slow and easy. No easy task considering how anxious she was to pull this job and prove herself.

Patience, girl. A phrase she had heard all too often growing up in the guild from Jas. And every time, though she knew he was right, she would roll her eyes in exasperation muttering grudging acknowledgement. And now, here she was on her own ... and still hearing him say it. Had she not been skulking, she would have laughed.

She tucked her nondescript cloak into her pack and buckled the flap down, then pulled it onto her back, securing it carefully. Wouldn't do to have the contents spilling out at an inopportune moment. Rising slowly to her feet, she gingerly, she shifted her stance experimentally, weight going from one foot to the other on the wet rooftop. The rain had made things slick, which meant a change in how she moved, how she balanced herself. She trusted her skills, and the treated soles of her soft boots, would be sufficient to the task. The girl pulled the close-fitting mask up over her face, working it into place til it covered all from below her eyes down. She then reached back to pull up the matching hood from behind, arranging it to shield her eyes as best she could from the rain, while leaving her peripheral vision as clear as possible. Flexing her fingers, she stretched out her hands, covered in fingerless gloves designed to both assist with grip, and protect should she require a more hasty retreat.

She made a final check of her light harness, on which was clipped an odd assortment of items, spaced and wrapped so as not to click together - tools of the trade. Deftly moving her hands over each piece, she went over her mental inventory as she scanned again for any signs of trouble. Finding it all to her liking, she checks finally the coil of thin rope at her hip, and the small three-pronged hook attached to the end of it.

Stepping carefully to the edge of the building, keeping to the shadows, she peers down into the streets. Empty. Excellent. Rain's keeping folks in more, at least 'round here, she thinks with a shiver, knowing the sorts that would be out, seeking targets of another sort. She loathed the bastards and their flesh-peddling trade, the twisted perversions those with enough lucre paid for that she heard whispered of in darkened corners. She had it good, and she knew it. Just one more reason to keep the faith with the guild. Nevermind Jas' honest care and concern for her. Balanced of course with his uncomfortable habit of trophy-collecting from those who thought to cross him ...

Focus. Measuring out a length of the rope with a practiced eye, she quietly swung the hooked end out, circling wider and wider until she released it, sending it whispering softly through the rainy night to land with a barely audible 'clink' across the snall chimney peeking out of the tiled roof across the narrow alleyway. She ducked down, pausing several slow counts to make sure the noise attracted no unwanted attention, then slowly, hand over hand, she pulled it taut, catching the hook between the bricks making up the jagged crown of the chimney. Gingerly, she stepped up to the edge, taking another quick look around, and swung out across the short gap, landing lightly on the balls of her feet against the other building, knees bending and pressing to take the shock out and bring her to a steady stillness. Another quick glance, and she began to climb up, hand over hand, making her way to the edge of the roof and up, creeping cautiously along the rainslicked tiles. Keeping a low profile, she makes her way to where the hook had latched, carefully worked it loose, then continued on to the window she had scouted out previously.

It was difficult to hear anything in the rain, though in leaning down over the edge to peer closely, she could see no sign of light leaking out from inside. Gripping the edge of the roof tightly, she gently rolled forward, slowly easing herself over the edge, feet tucked up, then stretching back with the roll to touch down on the window ledge. Finding handholds under the eaves, she inched back til she had her back to the cold stone of the outer wall, bracing herself in the stonework surrounding the window. So close now ... so close ...

Reaching to her harness, she counted down three, starting to unclip a tool with a long, thin strip of metal. Between the seal, gently lift the latch--

"You there!"

Oh gods curse it all! Freezing, her eyes scanned the street in the direction of the voice, finding a single guardsman in mismatched armor peering up into the shadows that concealed her. For the most part at least. Carefully tucking her tool back away, she works to formulate a plan. It was at least eleven cubits to the ground. Possible, but risky, especially in the rain. Which brought her to the other option.

"You, in the window!" The guard stepped forward, peering up under the eaves.

No time. Making a snap decision, she tensed, then launched herself out from the ledge, keeping close along the side of the building, hands stretched out towards the slick drain pipe coming off the roof. The guard let out a yell, startled, then ran to cut her off at the bottom. She catches hold of the pipe, wet with rain and occasional slippery growths of slimy moss where the joints have lost their seal. It's a quick and dirty ride down, even her gloves not doing quite enough to protect her hands from scrapes and bruises as they carry her lithe eight and a half stone weight careening to the ground. She let go just short of landing, letting her legs absorb most of the shock, yelped at the brush of rough fingers across her back, failing to get a grip on her rain-slicked clothing. The girl launched herself forward into a tumble, further down the street away from her pursuer, scrabbling wildly when she slipped on the slick cobblestones.

The man cursed loudly, calling for assistance as she staggered to her feet, stumbling quickly into a dead run along the darker shadows of the buildings, keeping out of the occasional pool of lamplight. Her heart sounded loud in her ears, thumping at her chest as if it were going to burst out as she ran through the maze of dark streets, taking a seemingly random path, often doubling back until she was far from the original spot. Swearing vehemently between angry gasps for breath, she leaned up against the cold brick wall of the alleyway she found herself in, yanking the mask and the hood down, breathing in the cool air and trying to ignore the burning in her chest from the hard run. Had that been one of the city regulars, she'd likely had been shot.

Her chest still heaving, she wriggled out of her harness, removing her cloak from her pack and replacing it with the toolset. She then reached back to unwrap her long braid, fingers working furiously to untangle thick auburn locks that hung heavy to her waist, shaking them out, then pulling her cloak around her shoulders. The girl untied her hooded mask from around her neck, secreting it away into a concealed pocket at the back of her pack.

"Gods be damned, what a night," she muttered, grimacing at the telltale grey light of morning showing around the dark masses of the buildings around her. And not even a bauble to show for it.

Eve continued to walk with Mough and felt her feet sink slightly into the mud and felt each rain drop slide down her skin. She loved the rain, except for it hide the stars. She looked off in the distance and blinked, the scenary had changed. It was dusty and dry. She was in the desert, but it was not her, for she could see herself. She stood still in the center of a large circle made from the movement of her own feet. Her face was to the sky and the moon reflected the sun's light onto her face, making her naked body shades paler. It seemed that she herself radiated light. She lifted her arms to the sky and cried out in a tongue she had never spoken before. Overhead a vulture screamed with her, as to taunt her. From her hands came dry flames and the sparks flew upwards into the sky and its abyss. The vulture struck a spark and shook with violent shakes. Her cries matched the bird's and soon it was only her voice that echoed in the night. The vulture flew away burning still, but not dying, but to yet not live. From the sky flew one raindrop and landed on Eve's blank face.

Eve blinked once more as a raindrop slide down her cheek. She looked in the distance and the scenary was back to normal. She swallowed, but was still dry. What was she supposed to make of this dream? She looked at Mough and said once more. "Tell me of the moon and stars."

Askavii Tower, Imperial Union of Cetanganda
Seven Years Ago

"What?!?" shouts Kyle sa'Diason, staring incredulously at the old man sitting behind the desk. "Resigning?!?"

"Yes, that is what I said," says the old man, chuckling."What, is there something wrong with that?"

"But, you've been here so long! Practically forever!" replies Diason, striding about the room. "Why now, Great-Uncle?" Technically his great-grandfather's cousin, but with the Founding Families it was best to keep things simple.

"Yes, exactly. Honestly, Kyle, after a hundred years, don't you agree? And don't worry, I already have a replacement picked out." As he speaks, the wrinkled man bustles about the room, finishing up his packing. With the removal of decades of clutter and collected knicknacks, the space suddenly impersonal and bare.

"Really?" says Kyle, momentarily distracted. "You plan to nominate someone? I doubt anyone could win against someone you supported in a vote."

"Oh, I do," says the old man as he snaps the last trunk closed, shrinks it, and shoves it into a personal spacial claudication in his pocket. He then turns his twinkling gaze on Kyle, who stares back a few moments before his eyes widen.

"Oh, no. You can't be serious," Kyle breathes. "I'm not an Advisory - Powers, I'm not even a Senior yet." Kyle all but yelps the syllable to call his Manual, and flips through to the directory. "See, look..." He breaks off as he notices the entry.

Diason, Kyle Nelville da'Vetinari
Address: Askavii Tower, Cetaganda Dist., IUoCeta, Ring, Sol VI
Contact: kndiason741::wiz.piad.impgov.cetaganda.yut (146.343.7746.9110)
Age: 19.9 adjusted
Rank: Senior Imperial Advisory (pending special confirmation)
Power Rating: 87.5 +/- 8.2
Specialties: GC, DS, MCT, GM, TP, TL
Status: Active

He rapidly flipped onward through the hoard of relatives until he found another entry. 'This isn't happening, this isn't happening, this isn't happending...my gods, this really is happening.'

Diason, Thomas Martin da'Trescue
Address: Diason Kol, Barra Dist., IUoCeta, Ring, Sol VI (currently roaming)
Contact: tmdiason700::wiz.piad.impgov.cetaganda.yut (146.343.7646.1780)
Age: 19.9 adjusted
Rank: Senior Imperial Advisory (retired)
Power Rating: 92.4 +/- 3.6
Specialties: PB, TK, TP, GC, GM, QCD
Status: Retired

Bewildered, Kyle watches as Thomas Martin da'Trescue sa'Diason, (former) Archmage of Cetaganda, leaves the room.

Present Day

Years later, Thomas sa'Diason eat his dinner in an inn located in some land far distant from Cetaganda. After finally managing to ditch Special Circumstances on that beach years ago, he had wandered around, visiting places he had often wanted to but never was always too busy to see, while occasionally making progress on his Quest. Oh, of course, he could find what he was looking for within the Manual, but what fun would that be? He had plenty of time to search, and in the meantime he was seeing the most interesting places. Although being trapped inside during a dark and stormy night was hardly interesting, in his opinion. Perhaps something would come up soon.

Well, the girl turned out to be a dreamer, Ren sighed, turning into a side alley and feeling the rain soak into his clothes. "Friggin rain," he muttered, choosing the drier mud patches to step into.

Fifteen minutes of soaking brought the alchemist to a smithy he had somehow missed during his earlier searches. [i]Well, nothing to it,[i/] Ren thought, opening the heavy door and stepping into the sweltering heat of the shop.

Lance did not even notice the rain falling from the sky, so tormented he was from the losses that he suffered, the pain that he endured, and the horror that he witnessed. As the raindrops slowly coursed over his face, Lance closed his eyes, his tears mingling freely with the rain. Let it end, now... I cannot take anymore of this... Let me pain, my suffering, my agony, my torment end today... For I can never experience happiness ever again...

Reopening his eyes, Lance continued his slow walk down the city street without energy, without a will, and without a single happy thought...

OOC: whoa im lost...annoying international dateline...

OOC2: will post something after i get back from wherever im going...

Every muscle in Moughs face smiled with joy as he shook Eve's hand. "lovely name my dear, suits you very well" Unlike most others, who tried to avoid the deep mud and pools of water. Mough just went straight through it all, bits of mud flew into various directions as he sat down one fot infront of the other.
"Oh.. the stars and the moon? you are in luck my dear, for I am the best storyteller in the world! when it comes to the stars and the moon"
He took his bag and hung it over his shoulder, looked up into the clouded sky and seemed to search for a story in his mind. And then he put a finger in the air and said "Ah!"
Mough turned his face towards Eve. "I know just the story, it is about a young girl, just like you..who fell inlove with a star.." his eyes turned into mystery, his hands moved to his story.
"The young girl was namned Sarah, and she was beuitifull, oh yes.. so beutifull that even the gods envied (sp?) her. Sarah lived in a small village just outside the main capital, the king was a ruthless man who took what he wanted and killed for his own plesure... but that comes later by the way.. now back to Sarah.."
Mough cleared his throat and continued..
"Sarah was a dreamer who longed so bad for something else than her simple life in the village, every night she would go down to the lake and sit there for hours and hours, looking in the stars reflection in the water. Dreaming of white castles, dragons! and a very...very atractive prince.. if you know what I mean"
Mough blinked at Eve with one of his eyes and smiled.
"Her mother and father just shook their heads and hoped that she would one day marry a fine man who would take care of her, and that she would take care of him.."
Mough paused for a short seccond..
"but one day, the king decided that he should take another wife and sent out all of his men so search his kingdome after a fine bride. For months the men brought before him a numerous ammounts of women, but none of them pleased his lordship and the search continued. At one night, three of the kings men wandered down to the lake where Sarah sat and dreamed away, they knew at an instance that she would please their master and that they would probably get some reward for bringing him such an beutifull woman.. so.. without her noticing it, they sneaked up on her, put a hand over her mouth and tied her up with rope, put a bag over her head and then headed straight to the king. Sarah had been kidnapped!"
Mough walked straight into a man, who was not just bigger than him, he was twise as big. The men stared down at Mough. "Oh..s..so..sorry about that.."
He took a step to the side and the large man walked away...
"Oh.. where was I?" Mough asked Eve..

OOC: Is there a tech level in this?

Boyce was suprised as he followed the women Eve and the storyteller by rooftop. The storyteller actually was quite good, something Boyce didnt see often. The rain was making it hard to stay on the rooftops; he decided he would soon drop down to street level.

(OOC: Someone's a little conceited storyteller... lol... Anyways... Would you guys mind saying hello to the guy dressed in all black with a haunted face and eyes?

Mercenary Soldiers: Unless I'm mistaken this is just another fantasy RP... Correct me if I'm wrong Amanda...)

Lance continued his painful, haunted walk through the city, his soul dead, his mind depressed, his very being crushed under the weight of his sorrows, of his pain, and of his suffering.

OOC: Yes, 5CN this is another fanasty, but it sounds as if you do not like it? I am involved with other ideas, but mine own revolve around fanasty...ya know they stay ya stick with the famalirity. I guess I am a creature of habit...heehee.

She had not expected this from him and was surprised, but she never had any expectations for anyone because then you wouldn't be surprised or you would be let down. She turned to him when he stopped his story. She noticed the larger man and almost laughed at Mough's reaction. He would be very lucky to not be hurt by that man. Eve put her hand around one of her knifes and smiled at the man, but the smile was more of a feline one catching a prey. She watched the man walk by with narrowed eyes.

Eve focused her attention on the road ahead of her. She noticed a man with a dark clothing on and well a melonachly aura. She took larger steps and came up to the man. She was not afraid, she knew how to defend herself. OOC: Happy, 5CN, here we go....

She reached out and touched his arm, not flinching at his coldness. "Sir, are you traveling also? Would you like to accompany me and this storyteller?"

(OOC: :( , I didn't mean it that way, Amanda... :headbang: I love fantasy RPs and I do them more often than space/future-tech and modern-tech RPs...)

With his face a mask of tragedy, Lance slowly looked at the girl, his brilliant brown-black eyes shimmering with tears. With a tentative and compassionate voice, Lance replied. "Do not worry about me... I am no more than a wanderer without direction, a man alone with his grief, a mere mortal bound to this earth for reasons beyond comprehension..."

Abruptly, Lance lowered his gaze and his once hopeful and happy tone changed, his face contorted with hatred. "Stay away girl... For I am an anathema to all existence... Wherever I travel, I bring death... Stay away..."

And then, Lance stopped as his gaze rose and he looked serenely upon the girl's soft, beautiful features. With a deep sigh of regret and sorrow, Lance began to apologize. "I am sorry... Many have occurred in the past year that have beyond comprehension... My existence currently lacks meaning... I am sorry..."

The girl mutters darlky at the drizzly morning, and her rotten luck in general. So not what I had in mind when I set out last night.

She takes some time to straighten her clothes, clean her face, and assume the posture she usually did while wandering the streets. Her shorter frame was just beginning to show signs of womanhood, but given her athletic build and the confident bearing she affected, she had for the most part been able to pass for older than her sixteen summers would warrant. A skill she practiced as often as possible. Only when a non-threatening mark seemed especially susceptable to the innocent charm of a younger child did she revert. It simply wasn't safe.

Making her way back to the more populated streets, keeping a keen situational awareness, she surveys her fellow travellers with a discerning eye. One in particular caught her notice. A sad, pitiful waste of a man, stumbling along as if the weight of the world were on his shoulders, and he were moving forward to his own funeral.

A waste, she couldn't help but think with disdain. Still, one so bent from sorrow should hardly take a missing purse as much more of a blow. In fact, freeing him from the mortal sin o' greed should do wonders in lightening his load. Why, I do it for his own good, gods be praised. And ... for the edification of my own tormented soul, what just happens to be in need of a bit o' shine. Ah yes, that right there'll lift my spirits right good.

The girl walks with a casual purpose of one who is exactly where she belongs, keeping back a ways from the man, who is obviously paying no attention to his surroundings. With the practiced skill of one who was raised on the streets, and trained in the guild, she scans the wanderer for belongings. A purse, trinkets, anything worth snatching, while she puts her hand into her pocket and slips on a plain steel ring - its inner edge honed to a fine sharpness. Perfect for nicking pursestrings in passing.

When he engages in conversation with two other travellers, however, this puts a bit of a crimp in her plans.

Two more potential marks. Hrm ... well, if they are absorbed in hearing his tale of woe, perhaps this just means richer pickings. Lets take us a looksee what they might be carrying ...

Nicking an apple from a vendor's cart, she continues walking, well back enough from the trio to be just another face in the crowd, taking careful note of their possessions, their demeanors.

As it was now raining with enough force to keep Boyce off the rooftops, he decided to drop to the streets. He landed in an alleyway a few meters ahead of the storyteller and Eve. They were now joined by another man, one who did not seem to have a very nice view on life in general.

Boyce walked innocently enough around the alleycorner, directley in front of Eve.

"Excuse me," He interuppted. "But i couldn't help notice the.....Qaulity....Of this story. I hope you wouldn't mind if i tag along to hear the rest of it?" He put his hand into his pocket, then withdrew it, throwing two silver coins at Mough's feet.

"Sorry, i forgot to introduce myself. My name is....ah....." He hesitated. Boyce usally never used his real name in any conversation, being an assassian and all. "You can call me.....Pulson." Rob Pulson was the name of Boyce's best friend, a navy captain, who had been killed a year and a half ago by pirates.

Caelin ran as fast as his scrawny legs could take him. His flight wasn't entirely mindless, he still remembers how to disappear in a crowd and dodge through obstacles that hinder older children and grownups. However, his mind is filled with panic, and he's not really thinking about where he's going so much as his need to get away.

A wave of confusion and outrage follows in his wake as the good townspeople object to being pushed, shoved and run into as Caelin makes his escape. The problem is only compounded as his pursuer follows doggedly behind.

Then the chase came to an abrupt end when Caelin made a fatal error and ran into a young woman so hard it knocked the wind out of him. She stumbled forward with an irritated hiss as he fell into a leftover puddle and lay on his back panting for breath, staring up at her in horror. She's not local, he could see that by the dark, muted masculine clothes she wears. Her skin isn't burned by the sun either; she's possibly the fairest woman he'd ever seen. But her green-eyed expression was dark enough to dismiss any other considerations.

Just then, he burst into view, still fumbling with the belt for his pants. "There you are, you little wretch! I'll teach you to run from me!"

Abruptly, Lance lowered his gaze and his once hopeful and happy tone changed, his face contorted with hatred. "Stay away girl... For I am an anathema to all existence... Wherever I travel, I bring death... Stay away..."




"Really? Bringing death wherever you travel?" exclaimed Xian as they were walking down the street.

"Shhh! Xian, don't butt into these people's conversations!" said Sasuke as he moved her aside to apolegize. "Sorry again...heh..."

Sasuke scratched the back of his head in embarressment. "Geez...Act your age, Xian" whispered Sasuke, from the corner of his mouth.

"My name is Sasuke, and my companion here is Xian, pleased to meet you" started Sasuke, in a more serious tone as he bowed with respect. "We just over heard your conversation and..."

"It seems really exciting!! 'Walking death,' should be your nickname!! I bet you must attract lots of enemies and opponents to fight! What level are you, by the way? I just got out from the Academy, but I'm pretty advanced. Oh oh, who is the strongest opponent you have fought? I fought a green scaled dragon, the day I got out of the Academy, he was easy, but I really want to fight one of those red dragons, legends say they are one of the most toughest beasts!" said Xian, in a childish tone of voice that was the exact opposite of her age and butting into Sasuke's conversation. "But, let's get out of the rain and talk somewhere dry...Let us perhaps find and inn or pub, where we may talk and eat at the same time...heh heh!!"

Sasuke just stood there awestricken, as he was unable to reply or think up an apologetic statement to counter Xian's outburst.

"And mister bard, just from eavesdropping on the conversations of the people around here that you are very very good at storytelling...You must receive many compliments" said Xian with a big smile, as she changed her view from the bard, to the beautiful lady standing next to him. But suddenly, Xian's expression changed to a more serious tone. "You must be Eve, I've heard rumors about you...Your mother...She...She died when she was giving birth to you...Didn't she...She was that star...I remember, before I entered the Academy...Seeing a new star being born more than 20 years ago...And mind you, this was not planned and calculated like all the other stars...It happened so...Abruptly...So suddenly...Your mother...She must have known the great and wonderful things that have been planned for you...But...M...My dear...The pain...T..Th...The suffering you must go through...D...Dur...During your life...T...To achieve...What was planned for you centuries ago by the gods..."

Xian, as she stared, with now tear drenched eyes, at Eve, fell prostrate to the ground and sobbed. With her young, and innocent face, now partially covered with mud and reddened from crying, looked back up to Eve, as she slowly started to get up. "B...Bu...But...In...Th...The..." Xian quickly looked down back towards the ground and said. "I...I...I am...I cannot...S...Sa...Say an...Anymore...It...It is not destined for me to reveal this young girl's fate..."

Xian suddenly fell forwards, with mud flying everywhere, as Xian's limp body fell in a puddle of mud. Sasuke immediately ran to her side.

"Quickly! Someone help me get her inside!" pleaded Sasuke, as he lifted her body up on his shoulders.

But in his mind, Sasuke was pondering what Xian had recently said. He too, had seen the star, for he was with Xian that night, but he had not noted the significance of it. But these thoughts were quickly cleared from his mind, as he noew concentrated more on getting Xian somewhere inside and out of the rain.

OOC: ATG...If this isn't how you wanted your story to go, i'll quickly edit this when i get back...I just thought it would be nice to give your character a bit more depth...or something...well...tell me if i need to change my post...

OOC2: annoying time difference...

Coughing out a curse as the breath is nearly knocked out of her by a flying ball of young boy, she instinctively reached for her knives, green eyes flashing with fury. Her anger is cut short, and soon redirected by the appearance of the man.

Her glance flickered between the boy laying in the puddle, and the man still fumbling with putting his belt back where it belongs.

One of those, she thought, her jaw tightening, eyes narrowing with disgust as she looked the wretched excuse for a man over.

"Get up, boy," she muttered, her lips hardly moving as she extended her off-hand to Caelin, eyes still firmly on the approaching target. Another disturbance in the street, coming from where she had last seen her former target only makes her curse again.

Well, there goes another potential caper right into the chamber pot. Gods be damned, can't a girl get a break? First this bastard. Then to see what in the nine hells is going on up there.

"Really? Bringing death wherever you travel?" exclaimed Xian as they were walking down the street.

"Shhh! Xian, don't but into these people's conversations!" said Sasuke as he moved her aside to apolegize. "Sorry again...heh..."

Sasuke scratched the back of his head in embarressment. "Geez...Act your age, Xian" whispered Sasuke, from the corner of his mouth.

"My name is Sasuke, and my companion here is Xian, pleased to meet you" started Sasuke, in a more serious tone as he bowed with respect. "We just over heard your conversation and..."

"It seems really exciting!! 'Walking death,' should be your nickname!! I bet you must attract lots of enemies and opponents to fight! What level are you, by the way? I just got out from the Academy, but I'm pretty advanced. Oh oh, who is the strongest opponent you have fought? I fought a green scaled dragon, the day I got out of the Academy, he was easy, but I really want to fight one of those red dragons, legends say they are one of the most toughest beasts!" said Xian, in a childish tone of voice that was the exact opposite of her age and butting into Sasuke's conversation. "But, let's get out of the rain and talk somewhere dry...Let us perhaps find and inn or pub, where we may talk and eat at the same time...heh heh!!"

Sasuke just stood there awestricken, as he was unable to reply or think up an apologetic statement to counter Xian's outburst.

"And mister bard, just from eavesdropping on the conversations of the people around here that you are very very good at storytelling...You must receive many compliments" said Xian with a big smile, as she changed her view from the bard, to the beautiful lady standing next to him. But suddenly, Xian's expression changed to a more serious tone. "You must be Eve, I've heard rumors about you...Your mother...She...She died when she was giving birth to you...Didn't she...She was that star...I remember, before I entered the Academy...Seeing a new star being born more than 20 years ago...And mind you, this was not planned and calculated like all the other stars...It happened so...Abruptly...So suddenly...Your mother...She must have known the great and wonderful things that have been planned for you...But...M...My dear...The pain...T..Th...The suffering you must go through...D...Dur...During your life...T...To achieve...What was planned for you centuries ago by the gods..."

Xian, as she stared, with now tear drenched eyes, at Eve, fell prostrate to the ground and sobbed. With her young, and innocent face, now partially covered with mud and reddened from crying, looked back up to Eve, as she slowly started to get up. "B...Bu...But...In...Th...The..." Xian quickly looked down back towards the ground and said. "I...I...I am...I cannot...S...Sa...Say an...Anymore...It...It is not destined for me to reveal this young girl's fate..."

Xian suddenly fell forwards, with mud flying everywhere, as Xian's limp body fell in a puddle of mud. Sasuke immediately ran to her side.

"Quickly! Someone help me get her inside!" pleaded Sasuke, as he lifted her body up on his shoulders.

But in his mind, Sasuke was pondering what Xian had recently said. He too, had seen the star, for he was with Xian that night, but he had not noted the significance of it. But these thoughts were quickly cleared from his mind, as he noew concentrated more on getting Xian somewhere inside and out of the rain.

OOC: ATG...If this isn't how you wanted your story to go, i'll quickly edit this when i get back...I just thought it would be nice to give your character a bit more depth...or something...well...tell me if i need to change my post...

A gravelly voice echoed slightly within the confines of the alley...

"Such remarks are the follies of disillusioned fools... Where one trains, or the foes one triumphs over are but dust in a strong wind... You would do well to learn this, softskin..."

A cloaked figure appears from the shadows at the far end of the alley... By the tone of his remarks, he seems to have heard the entire exchange. A tail seems to trail behind him, moving as if posessing a mind of its own. Something strange on the being's back is outlined by the cloak, giving him a hunched appearance... He hisses slightly with each intake of breath...

Ren opened the smithy door, seeking to go outside and get some food.

The smith was at first apprehensive, thinking that the young alchemist was a fraud, a thief, or a conjurer who'd hex the shop and all of its residents. These people probably never heard of the Tower at Wye, much less of an alchemist. Ren knew that much, and was ready for some serious convincing. Turning a broken steel hauberk into shining steel mail quickly made the smith change his mind. So, Ren did all of the smith's work in a matter of half an hour, and got what he hoped was a decent amount of money in return. It was equivalent trade, after all.

Ren opened the door, and just at that moment...

"Quickly! Someone help me get her inside!"

...Eh, might as well, Ren reasoned quickly. Besides, these people might just have cash they could spend on an alchemist guardian.

"Come on," Ren stepped into the rain, gesturing for the strangers to come inside. The smith was out back. Ren decided he'd deal with him in when the time would come.

Caelin stares fearfully at the woman offering her hand, then at him. It's not much of a contest. He accepts the hand and climbs to his feet, then darts behind the stranger and tries to make himself very small. There's no telling what he might do, but this might give him the opportunity to escape. "Don't let him get me, please!" he whispers urgently.

He finishes fixing his belt and glares. "Stay outta this, girl. None o' your business. Get over here, boy, 'afore I give you a taste o' the back o' my hand. Curse your sister for letting you outta her sight!"

Caelin shivers and shrinks back. "Don't hurt Bella! She was only ever nice to me!"

A gravelly voice echoed slightly within the confines of the alley...

"Such remarks are the follies of disillusioned fools... Where one trains, or the foes one triumphs over are but dust in a strong wind... You would do well to learn this, softskin..."

A cloaked figure appears from the shadows at the far end of the alley... By the tone of his remarks, he seems to have heard the entire exchange. A tail seems to trail behind him, moving as if posessing a mind of its own. Something strange on the being's back is outlined by the cloak, giving him a hunched appearance... He hisses slightly with each intake of breath...

As he was carrying Xian's body into the building, Sasuke suddenly sensed some dark and evil entity lurking in the shadows. Since he was too busy trying to get Xian into the building, he had no time to reach for his weapon, but right before he entered the building, he could swear he saw the flick of a slithery tail in the dark.

The girl takes the apple from where she'd tucked it between her elbow and side with her left hand, rolling it across the back of her knuckles then into her palm again before taking a slow, unconcerned bite, still cooly regarding the man.

"You're tryin' to make time with my property," she says, chewing slowly. "I think it's very much my business. Leave off, son, before I'm forced to cut you gills to gullet. I don't take kindly to poachers."

If the little bastard runs now, so help me ... stay put, kid. Gods willing this dungeater buys the bluff.

Caelin inhaled sharply as the woman's words penetrated the panic-fogged recesses of his mind. Property? What? He didn't understand it at all, but it didn't make much sense. He took a step back and bumped into a barrel. It startled him again, and he froze. Confusion helped keep him rooted to the spot. What's going on?

He spat angrily and glared. "You're not from 'round these parts. Foreign woman like you, claiming one o' the local brats? I don't think so." He eyed her speculatively, lingering a little bit over her form. "But there's no need for trouble. I'll give you five copper marks to turn around and walk away." He took a step forward. "Unless you want to negotiate for more." He took a small money pouch from his shirt pocket and jingled it meaningfully. "What do you say? A pretty girl like you could go far in these parts."

Taking another casual bite, the girl arches a brow, outwardly amused by the man's offer. Inside, she surpresses a shudder. I'll give you 'pretty', you filthy ... "Foreign by birth, perhaps. Lived here long enough to know the score, son. Probably better than you. You know as well as I do I can make more off the boy in an hour. Lets not get insulting. You wanna keep them jewels of yours where they belong," she says, gesturing to his crotch with the apple, "I suggest you just walk away." She herself takes a step back, but only to settle her feet into a more defensive stance. Beneath her cloak, she finished freeing her dagger, gripping it comfortably.

"What do you say? You keep your shiny and your dangly bits, and we all three of us go on to whatever paths our merry feet take us."

Behind the angry man with the bag of coins, an old man wearing trousers, a leather vest, and a painfully purple shirt ambles up, a well-worn walking stick in one hand and a large map in the other. He's mumbling under his breath, staring intently at the map with a puzzeled look on his face. While he doesn't seem to notice the scene unfolding infront of him, he is positioned between the man and the other exit of the narrow city street.

The man stops abruptly and stares at the dagger, then at the stranger. His scowl deepens and he his face becomes flush with blood. "Fine. You want him? The boy is yours. Probably diseased, anyway. Won't last a month."

Then he turns to Caelin, who flinches. "Your little friend? She's dead. I slit her throat when I saw what she'd done. When I see you again, I'll do the same to you. And your new owner here. Remember that."

He hitches up his pants, gives the woman one last glare of defiance, and backs away to disappear into the crowd starting to form to watch. Caelin hears a whistle in the distance. "The Watch!" he announces. "We gotta go!"

"THE WATCH!" shouts the man in purple. "Oh, dear me. That's not good. I could have sworn that I hadn't angered anyone in this city yet. Or maybe I have, and have forgotten. Ah, well."

He swings around, narrowly missing Caelin's head with his stick. "You, young boy! And young lady! We must flee! Quickly, quickly, I so dislike being shoved in prisons, its such a bother to get out again." The man eyes the pair with a piercing gaze and an expression that shows he will have no arguments from them, while making shooing gestures with his staff in the general direction of the next street.

The cloaked figure steps forward...

"Disperse! Be-Gone! Enough of you softskins have disturbed my nap..."

The figure waves dismissively at the gathering crowd with both of his clawed, scaly hands... With a reptillian sigh of dismay he follows the group into the smithy. Perhaps he might be able to find work there, as sleeping was somewhat difficult with people constantly prodding him, asking him if he was alive. The figure opens the door with his long, dexterous tail, and steps inside...

OOC: 5CN & ATG should remember this character well. I have dropped many hints.

The cloaked figure steps forward...

"Disperse! Be-Gone! Enough of you softskins have disturbed my nap..."

The figure waves dismissively at the gathering crowd with both of his clawed, scaly hands... With a reptillian sigh of dismay he follows the group into the smithy. Perhaps he might be able to find work there, as sleeping was somewhat difficult with people constantly prodding him, asking him if he was alive. The figure opens the door with his long, dexterous tail, and steps inside...

OOC: 5CN & ATG should remember this character well. I have dropped many hints.


"Softskins...hmph...I've seen too many of your reptillian kind over the years..." said Sasuke under his breath. "Probably killed more than you can even think of..."

Sasuke carries Xian into the building and props her up on a chair.

"Hmmm...Better find her a bed...She's burning up also..."

Sasuke looks over to the the cloaked guy, the bard, and Eve (if you guys decided to help and follow us into the blacksmith shop) "Hey, do you think you could look after Xian, while I go ask the smithy if I can borrow a bed or some blankets?"


OOC: need to wait for ATG and company to get back online...

"Oh bloody hell," she murmured under her breath, scowling at the boy, and the old man, but hurrying along just the same. She had no desire to meet up with the watch. Not with what she was carrying around in her pack. The man, she comitted to memory. No doubt that was trouble that could come back to haunt her. Had he not backed down ...

She cast a quick look back over her shoulder at the strange cloaked figure, not sure at all what to make of it, but she didn't have time to get a closer look as the strange old man shooed them off like a farmer with his chickens.

Now what in hell do I do? Still not a thing to show for my efforts, and now caught up with a street urchin and some crazy old man ... Gods, what did I do to offend?

Caelin picked up his feet and moved, the threat of the Watch overriding any of his concerns. Nor does he seem particularly threatened by the old man, for all that the fellow's ramblings confuse him. However, he stuck close to the strange young woman who helped him without really thinking about it. Poor Bella was dead he said, and Caelin believed him. Now, if this woman wouldn't look out for him, no one would. It was best to stay close.

It never occurred to him to ask for names, or offer his own.

He gestured toward a low overhang that lead to a safe spot he knew. "Over here! They'll never find us here!" he whispers loudly.

bump

(OOC: -Noir-, unless Amanda has SPECIFICALLY given you permission to make up a storyline for her or given you permission to take control of her character, you are NOT to do so...

In addition, at least allow Amanda to reply her reaction before you continue to post...)

Sasuke looks over to the the cloaked guy, the bard, and Eve (if you guys decided to help and follow us into the blacksmith shop) "Hey, do you think you could look after Xian, while I go ask the smithy if I can borrow a bed or some blankets?"

"Er...right. I'll go get the smith," Ren said, deciding to leave the strangers alone for the moment. Needless to say, the smith refused to tell Ren his name, as though the alchemist needed such a thing to cause him harm.

What followed was a lot of shouting coming from the back of the shop, which was connected to the front via a reinforced door behind the counter. After a short time, Ren came out, etched something on the door, and slammed it with his palm, causing a brief flash of azure light and static. "It's locked!" Ren shouted, "permanently! I'll open you up when we leave! Anyway," the alchemist continued in a more normal tone, turning to the strangers. "I think there's a bed and stuff upstairs. The smith seemed a bit incensed, so I locked him in. He shortchanged me anyway, so it's equivalent trade."

(OOC: -Noir-, unless Amanda has SPECIFICALLY given you permission to make up a storyline for her or given you permission to take control of her character, you are NOT to do so...

In addition, at least allow Amanda to reply her reaction before you continue to post...)

OOC: k...but did you read the "OOC" part? just an idea...no need to go crazy over it...it would have sounded cool, dont you think?...plus, im always asleep when you guys start posting like crazy (when it is nighttime there, it is daytime here i.e. it is currently 11:33pm where i am) and i didnt take control of anyone's character...i suggested that if you guys went inside...so no need for the "BOLDed out words" so early in the morning because i know it is like 8:30ish in the morning in the 'States...

OOC2: and think of that whole thing with the predicting fate like a "prediction" it could happen it could not...get it? not being flamatory(sp) here, against you, but this is a fantasy rp and i could pretend to predict your death all the time but you wouldnt necessarily die (i.e. in Harry Potter, that weird fortune teller lady always predicts Harry's death but he never dies "yet") so it's all in your imagination...

OOC3: and if no one likes what i posted, i'll see if i can edit it to the best of my abilities...and no hurt feelings and everyone goes home happy...

Sasuke looks over to the the cloaked guy, the bard, and Eve (if you guys decided to help and follow us into the blacksmith shop) "Hey, do you think you could look after Xian, while I go ask the smithy if I can borrow a bed or some blankets?"

"Er...right. I'll go get the smith," Ren said, deciding to leave the strangers alone for the moment. Needless to say, the smith refused to tell Ren his name, as though the alchemist needed such a thing to cause him harm.

What followed was a lot of shouting coming from the back of the shop, which was connected to the front via a reinforced door behind the counter. After a short time, Ren came out, etched something on the door, and slammed it with his palm, causing a brief flash of azure light and static. "It's locked!" Ren shouted, "permanently! I'll open you up when we leave! Anyway," the alchemist continued in a more normal tone, turning to the strangers. "I think there's a bed and stuff upstairs. The smith seemed a bit incensed, so I locked him in. He shortchanged me anyway, so it's equivalent trade."


OOC: i'll get to this in a couple of hours...so let me sleep for a bit, so once i wake up, i'll replace this "OOC" with an "IC"...

(OOC:??? It's 11:48AM right now... Oh wait... you live in the west, right?)

(OOC:??? It's 11:48AM right now... Oh wait... you live in the west, right?)

OOC: right now, i'm in vacation in the philippines :D...so the time changes...it is almost 12:00am, the 2nd of august, here...so my apologies if i am sort of behind in the posting...

OOC2: and yes, i live in the west coast...

(OOC: Actually you're ahead... Amanda and I are behind on the posting...)

OOC: well, im not the one leading the story so i have to wait...and when you guys post i'm asleep...so...well...ummm...get the picture?

OOC2: can we talk about this via AIM? because posting and refreshing is taking a long time...and i really want to get some sleep...we can talk about the storyline of this RP and etc...then you can relay the message to ATG...

"Hmmm? Oh, yes, excellent, excellent," says the old man, as he stoops under the overhang Caelin has pointed out. Once safely inside the hiding spot, he sits down and rummages through a pocket and eventually produces silvery packages with strange markings on them such as 'KCTS' and 'CHON-bar', which he opens to reveal bricks of grain and fruit. "Here, feel free to take one. You look like you could use some food. My name is Tom. Who was that horrid man?"

While this isn't quite what she had envisioned happening for the day, it figures. Her luck had taken a turn for the worst upon arriving in this thrice-damned city. Jas had sent her out to observe how transactions between agents typically were handled, and to assist in acquiring more swag. She and Kjartan had just met with their contact when the Watch had shown up, understandably cutting the transaction short. She had managed to squeeze out of a small window and from there, make her way along the rooftops of that crowded ramshackle portion of the city. Two days later, she found Kjartan had been hanged. What became of their contact, she didn't know. Either captured or gone to ground. Either way, she was stuck in a foreign city without the goods, without the payment, not knowing who to trust, who to turn to, and with dwindling funds of her own.

That last caper would have set her up nicely for a return trip, bringing back enough that Jas, if not happy about how things went down, would at least break even. It wasn't as if it had been her fault, she reasoned. Being an apprentice offered some measure of protection, but if there was one thing she had learned in her short years, it was to always err on the side of caution that way. One tended to keep ones head longer.

She drew her cloak around her more closely, not putting her knife away, but keeping it out of sight. Her two companions she watched carefully, unsure yet quite what to make of them, or the odd foodstuffs the man provided. As nothing else had gone right, despite good beginnings thus far in this place, she wasn't about to take this new development at face value. A friendly face, an offer of food and safety was often a lure to the children, and other weak ones who wandered the streets. For all she knew, this 'Tom' was no different. And the boy ...

Borca's breath. A tagalong? I can hardly take care of myself out here. What the hell am I gonna do with him? I mean, it's too bad and all, but gods be damned if I'm here crusading. Life ain't easy. Either you deal, or you don't.

"Well met, Tom," she manages grudgingly, making no move to take anything, then turns slightly to regard Caelin. "You ok, boy?"



ooc: Ok, what is with all the ooc posts over well, things you could tg back and forth about, or send a message via the Jolt services on, or better yet since your message program links are right there, via those? Nevermind that bumps are unnecessary, given how you can subscribe to threads in the forum tools. Or that I'm certain Amanda is more than capable of babysitting the lot of us as she sees fit without 5CN's nannying. And good god, Noir - what is with the atrocious sig? When a simple sigline takes up more content than most of the posts and is blazing red to boot, especially in a character thread rather than political ... it gets ridiculous. Seriously. /ooc rant. Back in character.

OOC: Those of you who do know me, they know I am pretty easy going. Now, you others know. Noir, it is okay you did that. I suppose it does make it a bit more interesting that some other people know about it and my character knows nothing, except of her mother's death and rumors that float around. I do appreciate maybe getting a TG before hand that always helps out. But it is good you did not "act" out my character. Oh and 5CN was only sticking up for me and I do appreciate that. I have my back for those guys and I guess vice versa. Plus, seeming I did start this story that things would wait for my character's reaction. I do not mind though the other stories that are winding away from the central, they are quite interesting. Plus, time differences do stink and I have two jobs. So, I would appreciate if we all had some patience and just bare with one another. Okay, now with the IC.

IC: Eve's eyes widened at what she thought was an exaggerated display. What exactly does this girl mean. Eve didn't have time to sort through her thoughts before the girl was carried away with the man who accompained her.

Eve knew alittle of care for the physical portion of the person and knew that the girl was burning up, but why and why so suddenly. She stood back and just stared at the girl. So many emotions swirled in her head.

With a start, Lance came back to full lucidness. Shaking his head slightly, Lance quickly kneeled to examine the young girl. Quickly, Lance's right hand dropped to the girl's forehead. With a start of shock, Lance pronounced, "Dear lord... Her temperature is way off normal... She must be suffering some kind of fever..."

Mough picked up the two silver coins from the mud, he wasnt sure if it was an insult or not when the man had thrown them infront of his fet, in the mud. "thankyou.. Pul..son" he looked up "would that be short for Pauls son?". Mough stood up and shook his head "probably not, never mind"
Just then a female and a male walked up. His face shined up at Xian as she mentioned that she had heard that he was a good storyteller.. "I.. I.. I am known?"
Mough was actually somebody, not just anybody..no.. he was Mough!
He filled his lugns with air, "I thank you, young Xian, I shall tell you many tal--"
The woman had spoken to Eve, Mough was to buissy to think about that he was known to notice the conversation, but his attention was drawn from his own mind when Xian fell in the mud. After that things happend quite fast, the pair went inside a blacksmith.

Mough looked at Eve, who looked quite stunned.. "Im sorry, I was to overwhelmed by the faqt that someone had heard of me.. its not often one hear that.. but, my dear, may I suggest that we accompany the young girl and her fellow companion inside? And wait for the rain to stop? Even though I like the raindrops landing on my skin and spreading out its wet content over my face, it does get quite soky after a while, and anyhows.. a meal wouldnt hurt that bad. I promise that I will continue my tale over supper, and since the nice mr. Pulson has made me a very rich man, I can make sure that we shall have a meal worhy a queen as yourselfe!"

As he said that Mough searched his pockets for some more money, ending up in some seven silver coins and three copper. It would be enough to give one person a meal worthy a queen. "so what do you say? if you walk in I will go out and buy some food, and cook you a meal.. for you are in luck, I am the best cook in this world!"

Caelin looked at the strange bricks with suspicion and accepted one hesitantly. He sniffed one, then licked it. A moment later he stuffs as much of it into his mouth as possible and chews quickly, intent on getting it in his stomach as fast as humanly possible. It's something of a challenge, as the bricks weren't nearly as pliable as bread, but he still managed to pack it away in short order. Then he looked up hopefully at Tom.

"I'm Caelin, thank you." He eyed the other bars still visible. "He was...someone bad. He hurt Bella. He wanted to hurt me too, but she saved me!" He redirected his attention briefly to the woman with an expression of gratitude, but only for a moment. Shortly, he looked back at the strange bricks of food in Tom's hand.

Acknoledging the girl's not-quite-an-introduction with a nod, Tom seems to ponder what Caelin has said. "Given the man's own statements, it seems like it is too late to help this Bella," he says sadly. "Is he a man of any importance? Is it likely that the city government will be watching for you or your knight in non-shining not-really-armor?"

He then chuckles at the stares Caelin is giving the remaining packages. "If you wish another, please take one. I regret not having anything else, as I had planned on resupplying with real, better tasting food while passing through this city." Smiling, he pushes another CHON-bar over, but as he turns away he frowns and mutters, "Damned barbarians. What kind of people don't even feed their own children?"

He then suddenly looks at the girl once more, eyes bright. "And what brings you to this, er, fine city? Trade? Looking for work?"

OOC: ehh...i still havent figured out how to send TGs in this new server format thingy...because you can't just press the name of nation you want to TG and end up at their NS webpage thingy like before....so next time, i'll remember to TG you Amanda....

OOC2: and sorry about that thanking over the character thing...and the prediction, your character can either take it seriously or not...it doesnt matter...i was just feeling like going off on a tangent just then...so dont mind me...

Caelin eagerly grabs as much of the strange food as he's allowed, fumbling with the wrappers to open them so he can get at the contents. Having never encountered such material before he ends up in failure, eventually tearing at the packaging with his teeth. This provides more success, and he gets one open sufficiently to cram the contents in his mouth. "I don't know him," he says between bites. "He's not that important, just a farmer living by himself outside of town. He keeps a room at the Dancing Sow. That's where Bella took me to meet him before..." He trails off uncertaintly, flinching away from the memory.

Saved? Knight? What the ... No, no, and again, no. And what in hells does he mean by 'real' food? The coverings look odd, nevermind the strange bars the boy is wolfing down. Poor kid. She groans inwardly at the look of gratitude Caelin throws her, and again at the man's query.

"Business," she replied simply. "Passing through, no more. Once my associates have finished taking care of their duties, we will be returning home. And ... yourself, Tom?"

The girl glanced down at Caelin, brows creasing slightly as she murmured more quietly, "You're going to make yourself sick eating so much so fast, and besides, you need to make it last."

She's relieved to hear that man is nothing special, even as her eyes narrow at the implications. A brief thought of righteous revenge flickered through her mind, but she brushed it away as other thoughts come to the surface. "This bastard well enough off, boy? Got himself set up nice there?" she asked quietly, eyes shifting back towards the street they'd come from, again adjusting her cloak as she shivered lightly.

Eve's thoughts were interrupted by Mough and food. A huge smile came across her face. When was the last time I ate? She rummaged through her bag and pulled out a few coins and placed them in Mough's hands.

"I would love to see the best storyteller," exaggeration spilled from the words, "cook the best food." A giggle escaped and floated through the air. She grabbed his arm and went to a nearby marketplace.

Her eyes wide at the selection, she turned and said, "Tell me more of the story."

"Me? Oh, I'm just a traveler. I left my position to my heir long ago, in a place far from here. I decided the last thing I wanted was to spend my last years sitting in an office meddling with people's lives. Its much more fun in the field, and I get to meet so many more people."

Caelin shook his head quickly. "I only know how comes in through the west gate, and he doesn't live too far away. Bella told me that. Otherwise he sticks to his room, when he's not out hunting for...us."

He peered up curiously at the old man, still fumbling with the packets and trying to figure out how best to carry them. "What's an office?"

"An office is a room in which you sit while you gather information, make decisions, tell people what to do, and fill out paperwork. Horrible stuff, paperwork. One of the downsides to working for a government organization, even one as streamlined as the Cetagandan Preternatural Affairs Directorate," Tom theatrically shudders. He then continues in a conversational tone, "What's this man hunting for? Or whom? And, if you know, why?"

OOC: sorry 'bout being late...Time change and everything...and relatives..etc etc...
OOC2: changed my sig...sort of

IC:

Xian slowly started to open her eyes, she saw several blurry figures standing around her.

"Where am I? Wh...What happened to me?"

"You're just fine...Just rest for now...You still have a fever..." said Sasuke.

Sasuke placed a wet towel on her forehead to try to cool her down, before turning to face Lance.

"You seem to be tired...Maybe you should rest also...Here, i'll ask the smithy if there is a place where you can rest...And...Thanks for taking the time and effort to help us..."

OOC3: must find new batteries for my mouse...

Caelin looked blankly at the old man, clearly not understanding what he was talking about. Obviously, it had something to do with great magic. "You're a magician," he declared with the certainty of youth. "You can cast a spell to protect me from him. I don't know why he hunts us. Children, like me and...Bella. He takes us up to his room and...he hurt Bella. I saw the bruise on her cheek. That's why I ran away."

Mough smiled at Eve and walked with her to the marketplace, as the rain poured over their bodies. He began to search the food for the exact ingreedients he wanted. Potatoes, a big chunk of meat, onions, garlic and so on..
"More of the story? ..where was I.. ah.." Moughs eyes got that mystical look again as they walked around in the marketplace.
"Sarah woke up in a small round stone room, she was laying in a simple bed, and there was nothing more than a small table with a glass of water on it.. She got up and walked to the window, wich was located on the other side of the room. And to her big suprice, she was in the top of a very high castle. She'd never been in a castle, less seen one before, well, in books she had.. but not like this. It was so far down that she thought that she was going to faint, in the distance, she could see the mountains wich streached far up into the sky, covered with snow. She'd never seen those mountains before, and the town beneath her didnt look anything to the capital.. wich she had been into many times. Sarah had no idea where she was"
Mough paused and took a deep breath.
"Just then, she could hear that a key was inserted in the wodden door, after a minute the door opened up and two guards walked in. And after them.. the evil king himselfe!"
Mough had stoped and people began to gather around him and Eve, to listen to the story.
"The Evil king smiled at Sarah. He was dressed in dark blue silk clothes, and a big cape made out of some furr, she'd seen in some books. But she never figured out what kind of animal it came from. Sarah realised that this must be some king or something from another country. The Evil king began to speak.
My dear lady, what is your name? My name is Mattis.. what is yours?"
Sarah looked at the evil man who stood infront of her, Mattis? she had heard that name before. It was Mattis that raised the taxes so high that there wasnt enough food to put on the table anymore. This wasnt a forren nation, this was the same old evil.. nation.
Im Sarah, and I want you to let me out of here!
The king laughed at her no.. Sarah.. you shall be my bride, and you shall learn to love me.. to have my children.. the evil king laughed a horrible laughter and nodded at the guards, he walked out and they after him.
The door was shut and locked. Sarah threw herselfe on the bed crying, would she ever come out of this horrible faith?"
Moughs stumich made a small sound again. "I shall continue after we have eaten, I am sure that young girl who fainted is pretty hungry also.."
He smiled at Eve and bowed to the crowd, wich demanded to hear the rest of the story.
"Im sorry, mabye another time.."
Mough bowed and began to walk to the blacksmith.

(OOC: Danneland, reply to this thread, here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=343840&page=3)...)

Lance Crusade shook his head with what seemed to be barely contained amusement as he watched the others act and be young, but he could emulate such youthfulness. After two years of living and attempting to deal with the sorrow that he had experienced, there was no way for Lance to enjoy the laughter and easiness of youth. Too wretched and pained to become joyous and happy, Lance could only put up a facade, a fake image of himself as he attempted to cancel out his woes and help the others.

With a short bark, Lance queried the cook/storyteller, "You're a cook, eh? So that's how you cook up your stories..." Laughing broadly, Lance continued, "Perhaps you should let a wandering swordmaster cook for you, instead of allowing you to cook up something peculiar..."

"Hmmm...Cooking contest I see..." said Sasuke, as he popped up from behind Lance. "Sorry, I couldn't find the smithy...To see if you wanted to rest somewhere..."

Sasuke looked at the ingredients and smiled.

"So...How about I throw in some great dishes that are over a hundred years old...And are some of Xian's favorites...You guys might like 'em..." said Sasuke as he picked up an individual garlic that had fallen on the floor and tossed it up in the air and caught in his other hand.

"I locked the smithy into the back room," Ren said loudly enough for everyone to hear from the corner of the front room of the shop, where a number of weapons and armors were on display, along with some more mundane objects. The alchemist was leaning against the wall, eyes closed, apparently ignored by everyone. "He owes me money, so I'm using his house instead of payment."

"I locked the smithy into the back room," Ren said loudly enough for everyone to hear from the corner of the front room of the shop, where a number of weapons and armors were on display, along with some more mundane objects. The alchemist was leaning against the wall, eyes closed, apparently ignored by everyone. "He owes me money, so I'm using his house instead of payment."

"Ah...I see..." said Sasuke "I was wondering why you weren't saying anything...Thought you were asleep...Didn't want to bother you..."

Sasuke walked over to the pot hanging over the fire and pulled out a towel and squeezed out the excess water.

"So...What did you do? said Sasuke as he was walking over to where Xian was lying down on a make-shift bed made out of a small mattress and several thick blankets. "Why is the smithy in debt to you?"

Sasuke folded the towel and replaced the old towel that was on top of Xian's forehead.

*Sigh* exclaimed Sasuke as he walked back to the pot and dropped in the towel.

"I did his week's work in an hour," Ren replied, pushing himself off the wall. "We agreed on six silvers plus room and board, and he went back on his word and kicked me out," the young alchemist shrugged, walking to the fire and pulling off his damp navy jacket. "Seeing as you guys needed a place to stay, I figured equivalent trade was in order."

"A whole week's work in only six hours? Doesn't sound like that much..." said Sasuke as he poured some hot water and placed it into a few cups, one for each of the people inside the blacksmith's shop. He then took out a small pouch and extracted a small spoonful of a brownish powder and stirred it into each of the cups.

"Try this..It tastes good and it'll give you some energy..." said Sasuke, while handing out the cups. "I bet it'll be nothing like you have tasted before..."

Sasuke took a sip of the light brown liquid. "Don't worry..." Sasuke took another sip of the liquid. "It's safe...It's is just something I discovered and brought back from my travels...It's very sweet...But sometimes very bitter...But I mixed it so that the taste wouldn't be too bitter or sweet..."

Sasuke handed one cup to Ren.

"This'll wake you up if you're tired...And it'll also cheer you up..."

Eve looked around the room and at the arrangement of people gathered there. We really don't belong together, but it makes things so much interesting.

She looked over at Ren, eyes wide, "How did you do all that work in only ONE hour." Her eyes sparkled, "Tell us your secret..."

"A wizard, yes, but in the end the exact name is semantics. A spell, well," Tom sighs, "if only things were that simple. I can make charms or wards to prevent physical harm, that's true - but they wouldn't stop him from, say, locking you up and letting you starve. There are ways to modify a person's personality or memory, but they can be fickle, difficult, and the ethical issues can be murky even in a case like this."

"Direct force, of course, is always possible, and could keep other children from being...harmed." Tom shoots the woman a glance as he says this. "But force can have unexpected results, and should be a last resort if possible. I shall need to study the situation and look over my resources before acting. I can tell you this, though - I shall not let you come to harm while you are with me, Caelin."

Lance attempted to maintain his facade of peace and tranquility, but it was quite evident that it would fail. With a reluctant sigh, Lance covered his worn face, as the tears flowed freely once more from his eyes. As the sounds of the sobbing was heard troughout the room, Lance slowly began to relive an incident that occurred two years ago. A chance traumatic encounter with the demonlord Nez'gah...

With a groan of pain, Lance continued his pathetic and pitiful sobbing and moaning...

"Softskins...hmph...I've seen too many of your reptillian kind over the years..." said Sasuke under his breath. "Probably killed more than you can even think of..."

Sasuke carries Xian into the building and props her up on a chair.

"Hmmm...Better find her a bed...She's burning up also..."

Sasuke looks over to the the cloaked guy, the bard, and Eve (if you guys decided to help and follow us into the blacksmith shop) "Hey, do you think you could look after Xian, while I go ask the smithy if I can borrow a bed or some blankets?"


OOC: need to wait for ATG and company to get back online...

There was a hissing intake of breath...

"Doubtful... But I am another matter entirely..."

The cloaked figure goes silent for a moment...

"I watch no softskin... Especially those who treat strangers with disrespect... It is doubtful he will go anywhere, so your request seems pointless..."

Lance attempted to maintain his facade of peace and tranquility, but it was quite evident that it would fail. With a reluctant sigh, Lance covered his worn face, as the tears flowed freely once more from his eyes. As the sounds of the sobbing was heard troughout the room, Lance slowly began to relive an incident that occurred two years ago. A chance traumatic encounter with the demonlord Nez'gah...

With a groan of pain, Lance continued his pathetic and pitiful sobbing and moaning...

Golden eyes narrow behind the concealing shadow of the cloak's hood...

'A warrior, most definitely... He reminds me of the Stormrider I hunted with many years ago...'

The hooded head faces the sobbing warrior...

"Learn from your past... Tears solve nothing..."

Lance paused once he heard the deft words spoken through a voice both raspy and old. Narrowing his eyes and hardening his face, Lance uncovered his face and eyed his antagonist, an Argonian. His face hardening, Lance gazed into the eyes of the Argonian.

With a shake of his head, Lance replied, "Ah... But you have never felt the loneliness and loss felt with the death of a son... The destruction of a lineage... Argonian, as my friend, Omnus Stormrider would have once said, 'Although it may seem that life is the most important of all things. In reality, death is the most important. Through death we learn responsibility. Through death we learn true pain and suffering. Death is a great teacher for it kills all its pupils...'"

Caelin frowned, clearly not understanding. But his body language relaxes for the first time in months as he accepts the guardianship of two total strangers. He fumbles with another food packet, tearing at it with his teeth until he finally rips it open. "Are these magic?" he asks with his mouth full.

OOC: how much magick are we allowed?
----------------

She looked over at Ren, eyes wide, "How did you do all that work in only ONE hour." Her eyes sparkled, "Tell us your secret..."

"Transmutation," Ren shrugged, meanwhile accepting the cup offered by Sasuke and taking a sip. The liquid in the cup was strage, but it did indeed wake him up.
"Thanks. You giving this to our blacksmith friend?" the alchemist indicated the iron slab in the wall behind the counter, opposite the entrance to the shop. if it was a door, then it had no noticeable lock or handle, nor hinges.

OOC: how much magick are we allowed?
----------------



"Transmutation," Ren shrugged, meanwhile accepting the cup offered by Sasuke and taking a sip. The liquid in the cup was strage, but it did indeed wake him up.
"Thanks. You giving this to our blacksmith friend?" the alchemist indicated the iron slab in the wall behind the counter, opposite the entrance to the shop. if it was a door, then it had no noticeable lock or handle, nor hinges.

"Transmutation?" said Sasuke while carrying a cup of the liquid to the lizard person, and trying to urge him to trty some.

"Nah...I didn't count the smithy, but the extra two was for Xian and the lizard person talking to...Lance...I believe..."

Lance paused once he heard the deft words spoken through a voice both raspy and old. Narrowing his eyes and hardening his face, Lance uncovered his face and eyed his antagonist, an Argonian. His face hardening, Lance gazed into the eyes of the Argonian.

With a shake of his head, Lance replied, "Ah... But you have never felt the loneliness and loss felt with the death of a son... The destruction of a lineage... Argonian, as my friend, Omnus Stormrider would have once said, 'Although it may seem that life is the most important of all things. In reality, death is the most important. Through death we learn responsibility. Through death we learn true pain and suffering. Death is a great teacher for it kills all its pupils...'"

"Unfortunately...We haven't died yet...Then..." whistled Sasuke, while thinking about his real age hiding under the shroud of his youthful appearence. "I think I may have heard of Stormrider before...But...I don't really agree with what he said..."

Sasuke walked to Xian's side and caressed her hair and checked the towel on her forehead.

"Life is indeed one of the most important things...As well as death...But...Like what I heard from a wise man from my journeys in the great desert...'He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.' We must respect our lives and not so easily throw it away...Since it is one of the only things some of us may have..." said Sasuke while walking over to the pot to extract another towel. "'So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning'...If you die a life with no purpose and meaning, you have lived your life in vain and therefore not respecting it..."

Sasuke replaced the old towel on Xian's forehead with the new one from the pot. "She seems to be really out cold...That experience must have been too much for her...She must be getting old...Hehe...Feeling her age..."

"Oh, no. Those are just combat rations. A bit bland, perhaps, but extremely nutricious - that is to say, a single package can provide all your body needs to survive, except water. And be careful, lad. Even c-rats will give you a stomach ache if you eat too fast." Tom chuckles and shakes his head. "Now, let me tell you. Compared to a lot of rations, these taste excellent - especially compared to lemblas bread. Near tasteless, that stuff. Fine for elves, but I've heard tales of men who went mad from eating nothing but lemblas bread for months on end." Tom tilts his head, thinking. "In fact, it would certainly explain the way great aunt Edith acted."

The cloaked Argonian waves a hand at Sasuke, signaling a 'no-thank-you'...


"You assume much, warrior... A son is a small price compared to one's family..."

"Alchemy is the science of manipulating the fundus, the mundane, if you will. There are three basic components to an alchemical reaction -- understanding, decomposing, and rebuilding. The smith had to repair some armor -- it would have taken him hours to heat the metal and apply the patches. I simply looked at what was wrong, shifted around some matter in a few seconds, and he got a perfectly-new cuirass," Ren replied to Sasuke's question. A long-winded explanation, but it had to be gotten out of the way.

"Sir, I apologize for having missed your name," Ren turned to Lance. "As long as you have your two legs, you have no excuse for not going forward." With that, the alchemist sat down on the floor, near the fire. Placing the now half-full cup given by Sasuke onto the floor, he began searching for something in his pockets.

"So, how was the drink?" asked Sasuke before he was about to take another sip from his own cup. "The locals in the area I got it in called it chocolate..."

OOC: no inspiration...need to wait for people to get online

The cloaked Argonian waves a hand at Sasuke, signaling a 'no-thank-you'...


"You assume much, warrior... A son is a small price compared to one's family...""Ah... But what family do you possess, when a son was the sole family one possessed? What family will you have when this son dies? What then, Argonian..." retorted Lance sharply, his face a mask of hatred and pain...

The young woman looks slightly alarmed at the talk of 'wizards' and 'magic' and 'spells', giving Tom a sharp look, as if re-evaluating. Alarmed yes, but curious all the same. The suggestion in his eyes elicits raised brows.

She does however look somewhat relieved as the man assures the boy that he will take care of him. One less thing to worry about. It's not as though he's my problem, poor little blighter. This 'Tom' fellow seems decent enough, after all ... Her eyes narrow slightly as she ponders the situation.

There but for the grace of Jas go I, she's forced to admit. She had it good, yes. But had the guild, and more importantly, the guildmaster not taken a shine to her, no doubt she'd still be running the streets looking much the worse for wear as Caelin did. What memories she had of those times were grim.

Aw bloody hell ... and elves? What in Erythiel's name are those? A quick look confirms that the Watch has determined there are better areas to search. Finishing what's left of her apple, she makes a decision.

"Look. This has all been quite amusing and all, but I've buisness here that needs tending to. I've an order to pick up at yon blacksmith's shop, and so ..." She nods to the two. "Tom, Caelin, it's been ... a pleasure."

ooc: No, not brushing anyone off, but I thought it would be a good excuse to see about bringing these groups together, as previous efforts went slightly awry. *grin* Feel free to insist on accompanying or not as you see fit.

Eve's stomach grumbled. She must eat and leave quickly, she had many things to do and time was being wasted. She looked around the crowd. She had no idea if any would accompany her, but it was worth it to ask.

Eve's face grew a slight rosy red colour. "Ummm...well, I really don't know how I am going to ask this without some explaination, but here goes. I am traveling in search of something" She stops and smiles, "Well, exactly what that is I am not sure." Looking at Xian, "I guess what she says might be true now, but I need to continue my search and this is halting it. I am asking if anyone would like continue the conversation that is on the road though. I would appreciate the company and the life stories." This time she looked to the lizard and to Lance. "Think about it and let me know." She walked to where Mough was cooking and asked if it was ready yet, for she needed to continue on her way.

With a sigh of relief similar that of someone finally receiving a task to complete, a task to occupy his attention, Lance changing his tone to one more warm and welcoming, said, "I would be honored to assist, ma'am... The question being, where are you going, what or who are you trying to find, and why are you going on this journey of yours?"

Finished, Lance stood, his face now a mask of warmth and care, as he attempted once more to hide his woe and grief...

"It's not like I got anything better to do," Ren responded from his spot in front of the fire. "Ah, here we go," he fished a little bottle/dropper of what some would have recognized as machine oil, and quickly sqeezed a few drops into the space between his right gloved hand and the long sleeve of his black shirt.

Mough nodded and tasted the soup with his finger. "mm.. its finished, grabb a plate and we shall eat.. and Eve" Mough looked at her and smiled, "I must finish my story before I leave you". And with that Mough took a plate and filled it with soup, he took a spoon and then began to eat...

Sheathing her dagger, the young woman nods to her current companions, and makes her way back to the street. Walking with a casual confidence that belies her age and her status, she pauses to idly glance at some of the wares the street vendors are hawking, then proceeds to the door of the blacksmith's shop where she'd left her leathers earlier. Her mad scramble to escape the Watch when the transaction had gone awry had ruined two buckles and broken a third on her armor as she'd wrenched and twisted her way through the small window set in the stone wall of the building they'd met in. It was testament to her desperation that she had been planning last night's heist without the extra protection it offered.

Between the cost for this and what she'd been forced to spend to keep fed when she couldn't steal, she figured she have just enough for a couple days supplies for the road back.

It wasn't nearly enough.

She knocks sharply on the door, seeing as it's closed, and waits for an answer.

Odd ... you'd think he'd be open. Well, busy or not, I need my leathers. Lets hope he's finished the job.

Eve grabbed a bowl and soon and began to eat. Later, her stomach full she smiled.

"Well, Mough, you have better finish the story because I leave soon to start another."

Muttering under her breath, the girl banged her fist against the door again, then leaned up against it slightly to listen. Sure enough, voices could be heard, and the scent of some sort of meal lingered in the air.

"If you please, good master, I regret to trouble you, but I am rather in need of my goods which you have in your keeping at present. That is, if the repairs have been completed. You did assure me that the job would likely be done today after all," she said loud enough to be heard inside, keeping her tone pleasant and respectful enough, though insistent.

By the gods, don't force me to break in later just to get my own things back ...

"Spirits damn it," Ren groaned, getting up off the floor. It looked like no-one else was going to open it besides him. The alchemist slid the heavy iron bolt back and opened the door inwards.

(dunno if your char is still leaning against the door or not)

At the sound of the bolt being slid, she steps back, affecting a pleasant smile as the door opens.

"A thousand pardons, Master Smith, but I--" She pauses, looking Ren over in surprise for a moment. "I ah, was hoping to speak with the blacksmith concerning my ... buckles," she continues cautiously, attempting to peer around the man to see inside without drawing too much attention to it.

Lance scowled when a knock on the door was heard. With a dismissive glance, Lance watched as Ren walked over and opened the door, revealing a girl. Shaking his head, Lance sat back down on the chair, affecting relaxation and feigning sleep as he quietly maintained his vigilance, keeping an eye on everyone in the room...

The young alchemist cursed, but stepped aside to let the girl enter the shop. Perhaps 'girl' was not an adequate description, as she was probably several years older than Ren. [[Ren is 22-ish, with the standard Weyrean life-span of 400+ years]]

"The smith is currently.." Ren began, stepping aside. Then something clicked in his head. "...Did you say buckles?"

(OOC: Lance should be in reality right now 92, but he looks and acts 32...)

ooc: as mentioned before, the girl is just that. She's 16 give or take a few months, but trying to pass herself off as older. Not a long-lived race. For all intents and purposes, standard human of no discernable magical traits.

"Yes, um ... buckles. I dropped off my leathers here earlier in the week for repairs. Broken and damaged buckles. You are an ... assistant?" she asks curiously, stepping just inside the door then off to the side of it, quickly taking in the surroundings, and the odd mix of people inside.

This is all wrong ... where's the smith? Who in the nine hells are all these people?

She was careful to keep herself in front of the door, keeping it open for now. No need to cut off her only visible escape route if the situation called for it, after all.

Caelin smiles happily at Tom. "I heard Aaron the butcher's son say that wizards can do anything, and they make friends with demons. Do you talk with demons? Can you summon one now? Do they eat your soul, or do you battle them with magical duels?"

OOC: I am going to be out of town for my friend's b-day, therefore, I will not be able to post till Sunday late evening. If someone would like to carry out my character's actions go with it. Catcha y'all later.

"Well, if you mean a wizard like me, then yes, we can do almost anything if we set our minds to it. Of course, learning and building advanced wizardries takes lots of reading, time, effort, and energy. At my age, I have to be careful. I can't expend energy as fast as I did when I was your age - how old are you, do you know? - without starting to shave hours or days off my life, and I haven't many left to spare," Tom says, smiling back.

"Demons, now, I suppose it depends on what you call a demon. There are more things in heaven and earth, Caelin, then dreamt of in most philosophy. I have met creatures from other realms, yes, and battled a few. But trust me, most wizardry, and even common magic, isn't much more exciting than other jobs. You do get to meet all sorts of people and see interesting places, however."

"Now, since we don't have anything better to do, give me a moment to gather a few materials and I shall show you a few tricks." Tom begins searching through his pockets, first pulling out an old book and placing it front of him, followed by various things such as string, some pieces of metal and wood, and a can of some sort with a nozzle on top.

reserved for my post...

Caelin hunched a little bit, embarrassed by the question. "Um, I don't know." He looks similarly confused by the explanation of wizards and demons, but brightened up at the prospect of a real, live display of magic. Won't that be something to tell Aaron and the other boys?

"Ah... But what family do you possess, when a son was the sole family one possessed? What family will you have when this son dies? What then, Argonian..." retorted Lance sharply, his face a mask of hatred and pain...

The golden eyes narrow...

"You still have your honor... If mine where intact I would have died a century or so ago... Past actions of a rash nature cost me my honor & made me what I am now..."

The cloaked figure steps away, ending the conversation on his end...

"You will know me as Whiptail the Fallen... I do not believe I have learned the names of those gathered here..."

"Well, no matter. Let me see...Saturn is currently nearing opposition, Titan is wanning, and Rhea is nearing passover," Tom mutters, studying the book in his lap. He flips it around to show Caelin. Inside the book are rows of fluid script, as well as a diagram consisting of numerous circles and dots, each labeled with the same script. "See, the Manual has all the information I need to construct the wizardry. Most people can't read it, because they aren't wizards."

'Not at his age, either. Most of us don't get the Manual until adolescence, though a few can read the Speech earlier. Of course, as poorly fed as he seems, there's no telling how old he is,' Tom thinks to himself as he sprays some kind of paint out of the can, forming a circle on the ground. He then begins to recite something in a strange language. Even stranger is that parts of it Caelin can almost understand as if it were in <local language>. "This is a Class 2 Polyoptic communication spell, targeting Kyle sa'Diason...unlimited length...collect call..."

The entire world seems to still for an instant, and suddenly a tiny foot-high man surrounded by a shimmering halo appears in the circle and sighs. "All right, who is it and what do you want? Its a bit late for...YOU! Where are you, Great-Uncle Tom?" The tiny man looks around. "And who's the kid? What kind of trouble are you in now, you old coot?"

"Eh...Wait...Why don't you stay and rest for awhile..." said Sasuke.

Sasuke seemed to be completely concentrated on taking care of Xian and mixing various herbs he had in his pack. Sasuke turned around and faced Whiptail the Fallen.

"Sorry, my name is Sasuke...And partner's name is Xian...We're just travellers in search of adventure..." said Sasuke with a slight laugh "Well...Actually..."

Sasuke contorted his face to seem more serious when he had said the last two words, but then he quickly shook the thought out of his head and returned again to his pleasant smile and continued to talk.

"I may have heard you from somewhere before...Just forgot where..."

Sasuke scratched his head "I'm must be getting old also...I'm forgetting things..."

"So, Eve...Eve right?" said Sasuke, who was now facing Eve "How 'bout you? Where are you journeying?"

OOC: cant think of anything to type...i need to get Xian to wake up

Caelin watched, wide-eyed as the mighty wizard chanted his spell. The book meant nothing to him; Caelin barely understood the concept of reading. There wasn't much time or energy for such things in his world. Then a strange apparition appeared and greeted Tom like a familiar friend.

Unfortunately, it wasn't quite what Caelin was expecting. "He doesn't look like a demon," he complained. "He doesn't have any horns, or a tail, or anything like that."

""Yes, um ... buckles. I dropped off my leathers here earlier in the week for repairs. Broken and damaged buckles. You are an ... assistant?" she asks curiously, stepping just inside the door then off to the side of it, quickly taking in the surroundings, and the odd mix of people inside.

"Well...technically...no, I'm not his assistant. But buckles...yeah, I saw them in the back. If you go there and talk some sense into the smith, you just might be able to get your leathers back. C'mon, I'll open the door, you go inside and hope he doesn't kill you," the alchemist grinned. Without waiting for a reply, he walked a few paces into the room, and placed both his hands onto the metal slab that was once a door. The block lit up in a subdued flash of azure-blue light, twisted, grew a door knob, hinges, and a pair of solid bolts. "Be my guest." He wasn't about to risk his own neck for some stranger.

This put up several red flags in her mind, as might be expected. "Why's 'e locked up, why would he want to be killin' a paying customer, and barring that, what th' hell are all you people doin' in his shop?" she asked, brows raised, glancing around again at the strange assortment of people in the room.

"Look, my friend. I don't want any trouble. Just get m' leathers if you please, I'll pay the dues, and we'll call this good." Under the cover of her cloak, she slowly, meticulously drew out one of her daggers, careful not to draw attention to the movement. Better to be safe than sorry.

"Very simple," Ren sighed. He hated explaining things over and over again. "I did most of the smith's work for him through alchemy. In return, the smith promised me six silver pieces and room and board. Well, when the time came to pay up an hour later, the smith decided he didn't want an alchemist under his roof and got violent. Those two needed a place to stay," the alchemist indicated Sasuke and Xian, "so I locked the smith up and took over his house. Now, the smith is more liable to attack me than he is to attack you, and I have no reason in getting your leathers at the cost of my head. So, you go in, or you don't get your stuff back.

"Borca's black breath, why can nothing in this thrice-damned godsforsaken town be easy?" she mutters under her breath, wondering again what gods she had somehow managed to offend. She didn't have that kind of money to spare, not just to get her leathers back, and buying a completely new set was so far out of her range as to be ridiculous. It seemed confrontation was the only option.

"Fine," she says, scowling darkly, still nervous about getting shut in somehow. "Show me to him. I've work to get back to." Taking no chances she readied her second dagger for a quick draw.

ooc: so .. how to play this .. I've no idea what to do with your blacksmith. want to rp him, or ... ?

OOC: you're prolly better at this than I am...so...he's yours to control and such

"In there," Ren pointed at the newly-formed door, next to which he was standing. I can always bail her out.. the alchemist reasoned.

"Right then." Without so much as a 'by your leave', the young woman stalks over to the pot, grabbing a spoon and bowl along the way, disregarding any of the usual niceties as she scoops up a hearty portion, then walks back to the door Ren had pointed out earlier. She raises her chin a bit and looks at him, and anyone else thinking to put in their two coppers, with a challenging look.

Was ... that door there a moment ago? Surely I'd have noticed ... bah. Nevermind that. I need my armor.

"More flies with honey," she says wryly. "Or in this case, a meal. Open the door."

Ren shrugged and slid back the two stout iron bolts that led to the smith's 'prison'. "On, and watch out for his hammer," he said offhandedly, leaning back against the wall by the door.

"Demon! Of course not. I'm Kyle Diason, this old man's theoretical supervisor. Wait, demon?!?" The man spins around to face Tom. "If you've unleashed another Elder God and think I'm going to fix it, you better rethink your plans."

Tom chuckles. "Don't worry, Kyle. I was just letting you know I've got some business to take of and that I might need to be drawing on the Imperial reserve. Nothing to worry you, just a bit of unpleasantness locally."

"Right." Kyle glances back and forth between the two occupants of the room. "He doesn't seem to impressed with you, Tom. You might want to try something flashier. Kids always like explosions. Or maybe a cute talking animal." He then switches to Marain, the Cetaganda common tongue. "What's the deal, Uncle?"

Tom keeps his tone cheerful as he replies, "I think the boy's being chased by some wealthy local man with certain - tastes, if you know what I mean. I happened to run across him, and tagged along. There's something else going on around here, too, although I'm not sure what. Can't abandon the boy now that he's come to my attention and care, even if I wanted to. 'In Life's name and for Life's sake, etcetera, etcetera' you know."

"So are you on erranty? If you do need the reserves, I can open a feeder line as soon as we're done."

Tom considers. "Yes, I think so. Don't worry, I should still make it home for your birthday."

"Go well, then." Kyle switches back to the local language and faces Caelin. "Well, young man, I regret we can't meet in person. Perhaps some other time." He lowers his voice conspiratorily. "By the way, he keeps his sweets in the pocket second from the bottom, lefthand side."

OCC:Just came back from a week of vacation......I have alot to read......

(OOC: I'm gonna probably be gone for vacation for about 3-4 weeks. Any problems, just email me and I'll try to get on and reply or post something here as frequently as possible.)

OOC: same here...but probably not that long...

OOC: I am back!!!

IC: Eve looked at this man named, Sasuke. Her eyes appeared to be distant. She refocused them and said, "I am on a quest." She paused. "I really don't know how to explain it. This is something that I have to do though. I was told I must, but she never told me why I must do it."

Eve now blushed, "I really can't explain I guess, but you are more than welcome to join me. The more the merrier. But we must leave soon."

OOC: I'm going to be on and off alot...So not much time to post alot of things...

"I see...It would be a pleasure for us to join you and your party on your quest..." said Sasuke with a smile, but then he turned to look at Xian who was still out cold, "But, I gotta wait for Xian to wake up...I sort of lost my healing kit somewhere awhile back..."



OOC2: jeez...I really need more free time...

Hammer? Wonderful.

The girl peered inside carefully, holding out the bowl in front of her, speaking in a calming tone.

"Please, Master Smith, I have no quarrel with you or yon folk currently in your shop. I merely wish to recover my property, which I am told you've repaired as agreed. I have some food here, and your pay, and have been assured that your 'guests' will be leaving soon enough at any rate. If it please you ..."

"No, it bloody well does not please me, but all things considered," the man replied in a surly tone, getting up from where he'd been slumped against the wall. "Here, girl. Your things."

He tossed over the leathers, buckled repaired satisfactorily, she working quickly to keep from spilling the contents of the bowl while catching her armor. "My thanks," she said wryly, sitting the food down on a nearby work table, then laying out the agreed on payment behind it. It pained her having to part with the silver, but the thought of causing more of a scene here, and cheating herself out of a useful contact later pained her more.

"Best of luck, Master Smith. Shall I look in again on you to make sure they--" she began, only to be cut off by the still angry man.

"You keep your damn charity to yourself. I don't be needing pity from the likes o' you."

"As you wish," she said with a slight bow, using the flourish of her cape to palm back the silver pieces, then backed quickly out the door, shutting it behind her, and bolting it again as she heard his angry yell discovering he had been decieved. Ah to the pit with you and your temper.

With a nod to Ren, she made her way across the room to the doorway leading out, glancing around again warily at the others.

What a damnably odd group, this.

OOC: finally got this finished...well sort of...phew...

Xian slowly regained consciousness but was suddenly jolted awake by the ringing metallic sound of clashing swords and the battle cries of men coming from a nearby skirmish and smell of burnt and or rotting flesh and of the dry smell of burning ashes. As her blurred and spinning vision started to clear up from coming out of her slumber, she could see the dancing and jumping bright red and yellow radiating flames emanating from various the various structures around her. She slowly stood up on her feet, but staggered and fell face forward onto the hard cobblestone street and into a puddle of putrid blood that had flowed from a nearby pile of corpses. Again, Xian attempted to stand up and was successfully able to balance herself, but it was only on this attempt that she had actually noticed that she had been wearing body armor and full battle gear, which was the cause of her imbalance. As her ability to think and register thoughts and senses clearly, started to return to her, Xian slowly noticed that her surroundings were somewhat familiar to her. Xian had remembered that she had eaten at that bakery by the corner a few days ago, and that the armory across from her was were she had bought her fifth sword that week after she had cracked the four previous swords while leveling up by fighting some wyrmlings in the caves north of the forest. But now what remained of those buildings where the piles of rubble and the cracked and blood splattered merchant shingles that had used to hang from posts bolted by the doors and windows of the buildings. But then, as she walked forward, she could see an irregular silhouette of a building against the bright illumination radiating from the flames that had engulfed the building. She slowly approached the building, oblivious to the raging battles around her. Xian’s stomach dropped as the building came into clear view. She felt tears well up and fall from her eyes as she stared open mouthed at her burning academy, the only place she could call her home.

“Why…Why, would anyone do this?” Xian said to herself as the stream of tears flowed even stronger with uncontrollable sadness. “Why?”

Xian walked closer until she reached the gate, which had looked like it had previously been heavily barricaded but had eventually been broken into. Xian gasped as she recognized a corpse propped up on the bent and twisted wrought iron gate. The body was that the headmaster of the academy, it had seemed to be that the headmaster had defended the academy to his death, but the only visible way Xian had been able to recognize him was through the patch on his shoulder, for half of the headmaster’s face had been so badly mutilated and crushed. She also saw many pieces of broken or smashed furniture that could have helped barricade the gate or could have been a failed attempt to steal the article of value from the school. Xian could have sworn that she had recognized a cracked mirror, propped up with a pile of other furniture and debris, to be one from the girls’ bathroom on the second floor.

Then suddenly, a loud firecracker like bang was heard, and Xian could feel a sudden surge of pain in her right leg as she stood staring at the burning academy. Before she had realized her now blood soaked right legged and the warm blood flowing out and running down her armor, she had heard another loud bang, which was immediately followed by another volley, and Xian’s body was flung around and thrown onto the floor as several musket balls penetrated through her banded mail armor and chainmail.

“We were finally able to get her…Grand Edgemaster of the Dragon…Xian Kaori…Heh…It took more firepower to get rid of her than Sasuke…Wait…She’s still alive…”

These were the last words she heard before two more musket balls tore apart her brains and bones which formed a bloody mist and splattered all over the faces and cloaks of the crowed of musketeers standing around her body. After the echoes of the musket fire subsided, the men’s laughter could be heard echoing in the streets as they tossed Xian’s body aside.

-----

Xian suddenly sat up, holding her head screaming. But this time, she saw several faces now staring at her, and one of the faces was of the only person whom she loved in her heart. At that, she jumped up and out of the makeshift bed and almost tackled the person in an embrace that knocked the wind out of him. Xian could feel more tears streaming out from her eyes as the person slowly wrapped his arms around her, to try to comfort her.

“Xian…It’s ok…Just calm down and get a hold of yourself…Hey, Lance…Lance…Right? Can you hand me a dry towel from my sack on the table, over there?” said Sasuke, as he held the crying Xian in his arms. “It’ll be fine…”

Sasuke fell down backwards on his back, as Xian squeezed him harder in her embrace while continuing crying.

"Ugh…Xian...Eh…Xian…Ugh…Can…You…Please…Loosen...Ughh...Your...” sputtered Sasuke "Can...Not...Breathe..."

OOC: eh...where is everyone???

OOC: Sorry worked at both of my jobs these past days. Things should be better when classess start in a week for me.

IC: Eve stared off in her own little world. Stars swirled infront of her and it seemed as if she was in a large black blanket with glitter falling on her and it. She felt at peace and nothing seemed to matter at that moment.

Eve blinked and realized she was still in the same spot. She needed to go. She saw Xian was getting better and now it was time for her to go, either alone or not.

She never liked to say goodbye, so she just smiled at everyone and walked out the door.

The wind met her and pulled her out and into the street. It whipped at her hair and touched her bare skin. She felt better out here, but still did not feel the serenity as she did in that dream. She began her trek.

"Dreamers," Ren sighed, grabbing a towel and throwing it at Sasuke. "So where're you two headed?" he asked Eve and the unnamed young woman.

The girl blinks, looking at Ren, then Eve, then back to Ren again. “I ah … well … I hadn’t finished laying any plans yet, exactly …”

Careful, don’t even know these people, and some of them seem more than a little … off. No need to tell them I’m all alone out here, and nigh penniless to boot. Perhaps …

“What about the lot of you? You seem a bit er, distant to be a true company, yet you’ve all been in here for a bit cooped up friendly-like. Where does your journey lead?”

Sensing a bit of awkwardness, and not knowing quite how to continue, she offers her hand with a sheepish grin. “Ketri, by the by. Well met, m’lord, lady,” she says, nodding to both.

The wind rushed at Eve calling Dreamers. She had heard that before, from her midwife. It stopped her in her tracks. Dreamers, what exactly does that mean to her? She turned around. "Well, I can't wait around. Are you all comming or what?"

OOC: eh...can't post anything at the moment...gonna be flying back to the States later...16+ hour flight...blah...

"That would depend on the destination..."

The cloaked Argonian replies, slowly rising from his seat on the floor...

"And what do you have in mind?"

There was a snort beneath the hood of the cloak...

"I am a drifter, a fighter without a cause. I have no point of origin, or a preferred destination..."

"Blah, blah, blah," said Lance irately as he wiped the sweat slowly dripping down his face, his delicate fingers dancing smoothly over his worn face, as he eyed the others within the smith. "Indecision will cost you. Choose a destination and go... Time is wasted as you wait. Decide and let's be off..." Narrowing his eyes, Lance's thoughts turned to the situation years past in which the cost of his indecision was countless lives beyond numbering. Closing his eyes, his heart wrenching with pain and in sadness, grief welling its base, Lance sighed, a profound sound which seemed to wrench at the hearts of all who heard it.

What in the nine hells is the matter with that woman? First it's 'I'm going without you, get a move on', then it's 'oh, by the bye, where do you want to go'? Is she crazy? Is she impaired? Is she cursed? Just stupid? And the rest of these ... people. So wrapped up in themselves they've not a clue what's going on around them. No cohesion, no direction, no purpose. And with the exception of Ren, likely no brains between the lot of them. Not to mention a decided lack of courtesy and common sense. I think I've seen enough. Time to find another way out of this gods-forsaken city.

Ketri makes a curt but respectful bow to Ren, as he had been the only one to acknowledge her, even when spoken to directly. "Best of luck in your journeys. I can see you're going to need it," she says with a meaningful glance at the others.

Brushing past the odd woman in the doorway, her dextrous fingers snag pursestrings, snipping them neatly with the bladering and masking it all with her cloak, and a well-practiced technique. The small purse is quickly tucked away inside her shirt as she melts into the crowd, pulling her hood up a bit closer as she walks. The young thief glances once in the direction where she'd left Tom and Caelin, shaking her head almost regretfully.

Poor lil blighter. I hope that bastard takes good care of him.

She makes her way quickly through the crowded streets, keeping to her habit of taking unexpected turns and backtracking, just to be on the safe side. It would be a hard go, yes. But the take had already put her that much further ahead. Whether by finding another party to accompany, or stealing enough to make travel comfortable, she would do it.

There's many that fein enjoyment from merciless employment
Their ambition was this deployment from the minute they left the school
And they save and scrape and ponder while the rest go out and squander
See the world and rove and wander and they're happier as a rule

"Oh! You're leaving now?" said Sasuke, as he was giving Xian something to drink. "Do you think it is possible for us to accompany you in your journey?"

Sasuke took out a seemingly old and often-used parchment map out of his pack. "Xian and I were planning to go on a quest to search for a legendary sword...I kinda forgot what it was called, but I'm sure Xian would know..." said Sasuke as he scratched the back of his neck. "We've heard rumors that it is somewhere near the land of Mizar...But I doubt this knowledge wouldn't interest you...Since you have your own agenda..."

Sasuske rolled up his map and placed it back on the table. "But the thought of going after just one sword sounds pretty boring at the moment, because of what has turned up...So...Would it be fine with you if we tagged along?"

OOC: i have less time on hand to write anything long and etc...

Eve laughter rang out. "It would be great if you joined us. Although, I think looking for a sword be much more exciting than not knowing what you are looking for."

OOC: Let's get this thing going. Now, all the characters that are leaving should come outside to where Eve is. Thanks.

Eve laughter rang out. "It would be great if you joined us. Although, I think looking for a sword be much more exciting than not knowing what you are looking for."

OOC: Let's get this thing going. Now, all the characters that are leaving should come outside to where Eve is. Thanks.

"It's called Soul Edge..." interrupted Xian as she was handed her cloak and pack, by Sasuke. "Countless legends surround a sword known as Soul Edge. Some claim it was the ultimate weapon. Others refer to it as the "Sword of Heroes." …A phantom sword with immeasurable power of the spirits…the key to eternal youth…treasure without equal…a panacea to cure all illness… There are even those who consider it the "Sword of Salvation. Although...No one could ever be certain of the sword's whereabouts or true identity, various rumors and folklore spread across the world. In reality, Soul Edge was comprised of twin blades that fed on human souls...That's what we currently know about the sword...But to possess this sword...Would dramatically change..."

Xian abruptly stopped talking.

"It's more of a personal matter, having to find this sword and...Destroy it..." said Sasuke. "Also think of it as a divine mission...If that explains it better..."

Sasuke and Xian followed Eve and the others who is also following her to the door.

The cloaked warrior exited the building, nodding a fare-well to the theif as he did so...

"Where is it we should search for such blades?"

“Ketri, by the by. Well met, m’lord, lady,” she says, nodding to both.

What the friggin' hell? Ren wondered. Lord? Lady? Something about her made the alchemist think back to a few months ago. Too slowly, he made to respond...

Ketri makes a curt but respectful bow to Ren, as he had been the only one to acknowledge her, even when spoken to directly. "Best of luck in your journeys. I can see you're going to need it," she says with a meaningful glance at the others.

Ren stood there. Something....no, it couldn't be....

"Oy! Wait up!" he shouted, suddenly, pushing past the one blocking his way out, running into the street. Forgot something, a voice in the back of his head asked, bemused. The alchemist muttered a spell as he sprinted down the narrow street; the azure military jacket shot from the smithy's floor and into his hand. He halted at the intersection, skidding in the still-muddy street. [/i]Where?[/i] he looked around, gasping for breath.

"Ware the wagon!" someone called.

Ren turned. "Awww, sh---"

Sasuke leaned against the door post.

"So...Are we leaving yet?"

Eve laughed. "I have been waiting."

Eve turned her head over her shoulder and yelled, "Catch up if you want to."

"Hey, Hey, Eve! Wait up!" yelled the surprised Sasuke as he chased after Eve, with Xian holding onto his arm. "Xian, is still a little "whoozy"!"

"Hey, Sasuke, that's fine...I can manage..." said Xian, as she let go. "Oh...I almost forgot...You left this..."

Xian pulled out a small leather wrapped object and quickly handed it to Sasuke.

"Oh...Geez...I forgot that...Wow...Thanks..."

Xian turned to look a Eve (who hopefully slowed down). "So...Where are we going? Is it going to be fun? 'Cause..."

But before she started to say anything else, Xian suddenly had a weird feeling in her stomach that forced her to stop talking. For she did not remember anything about the prediction she had made earlier. But Xian just casually smiled as Sasuke and herself caught up to Eve.

Eve looked back and said, "It will be what we make of it."

I am tired and know not what I search for. I should have been told, at least Xian and Susake know what their quest entitles. I am left with something blank and how do I explain myself to the others. Maybe I should just return home and not travel to find my future. Let my future find me. I have not experienced things like these people have, what if I die out there.

Eve stood motionless, not moving forward and not moving back. A look of worriedness was drawn across her face. Am I strong enough to make this quest? Am I supposed to do it alone? Or with others? Is the quest for their sword part of my history or am I playing with things I shouldn't?

Xian looked at Eve with curiosity. She seems sad... thought Xian, as she moved closer. Hmmm...What did happen before I passed out...Oh shoot...Maybe I did that weird trance thing again!?!? Why does this always happen to me...Did I say anything that made Eve feel bad? I dunno...Maybe later i'll ask Sasuke what happened...

"Hey, Eve!" said Xian as she walked up beside her and grabbed her arm. "What's with the sad and confused face? We are supposed to be on an adventure right? It's supposed to be fun and exciting! I know some big, dark, and scary caves near this city where we can explore and find hidden treasure!"

Why in the world am I acting this way again...Geez...Acting like a kid again...And I know that Sasuke is going to scold me and tell me to act my age again, later...Sheesh...Hey, how I act is my own business... thought Xian. Geez...Why? Is being...like over a hundred really that old? I still look sixteen...

Xian looked into Eve's eyes. "So how about it ne-chan*? Let's go do something fun to cheer you up!"

Sasuke looked at Xian and Eve and sighed silently. To be young again...Hey, wait! Xian isn't young!


*Oneechan/Ne-chan (pronounced "nay-chan") = older sister


OOC: where is everyone?

Like a wraith, Lance appeared onto the street, his face a mask of frustration and agony as he warily eyed Xian. In a voice that belied his uneasiness, Lance addressed Xian, "Why do you seek a sword? Especially with a name such as 'Soul Edge?' Are you seeking death?"

Pausing briefly, Lance continued, "I know of this legend and I have seen this sword in action. It is not a sword of salvation, it is a sword of ruin, damnation, and destruction. First, how can a sword, a weapon of war, bring about salvation? Second, how can a sword that draws the helpless, innocent souls be a panacea? Third, how can a sword that drives its wielder to destruction and eventually ruin be good? I suggest that you put off this quest... Or you will meet your ruin just as someone did long ago..."

The hooded figure nodded in agreement...

"Perhaps we should locate this weapon, then dispose of it..."

There was a slight clinking under the cloak as the figure moved...

"Ah...Good! So you guys know of it..." said Sasuke, out of nowhere, since Xian was busy bugging Eve. "And about the point of destroying the sword..."

Sasuke looked around himself and made sure Xian was far enough and to preoccupied to notice them. "Xian has some personal issues to settle with concerning the sword...The person currently wielding it...Used to sword to kill her family...So...It is more of a journey to find the user of the Soul Edge and seek her revenge on him...But then...A few months ago, before we had decided to meet up here and continue her quest...She had found another weapon, another sword to be exact...That...And that would be another story for another day...



OOC: have you guys played Soul Calibur? I have Soul Calibur II...If you do...You may notice that I'm not following the storyline exactly...

OOC: do not read spoiler until you finish reading the passage

OOC: Suddenly everyone in the whole city stopped moving, as if some strange evil force surrounded them. Sasuke stood on his toes as he tried to see above the crowd he was unfortunately stuck in when he felt a strange surge of evil eminate from the direction of the local temple. Then suddenly, out of the erie silence, could be heard the sound of marching and drums, coming closer and closer. Then a loud shrill *beeping* noise could be heard as the ground underneath Sasuke's feet split, revealing a deep and dark rift. Failing to keep his balance, Sasuke fell into the dark hole. Then with a loud *thump*, the hero opened his eyes and could see blurry images of white and black. As he regained his senses, he could make out what the images were. The images appeared to be words. The young man squinted hard just to be able to read the lettering, and it was aparent that he needed glasses. The words read.................The Continental Congress actually voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776...............
The man then closed his eyes and opened them, and discovered that he had drooled all over his homework.

OOC: Qua?

Ren could hear mutterings, angry whispers around him. Something wet was seeping into his hair. The alchemist opened his eyes. His arm hurt, a lot; as did his head. He noticed that more people than usual were looking at his hand. Apparently, this world did not like mechanical limbs. Someone decided to poke him with a pitchfork.

"Tell me of this sword. Plus, can you tell me more of what you know of me, Xian. It seems to me that you know more than you are letting me onto."

"Tell me of this sword. Plus, can you tell me more of what you know of me, Xian. It seems to me that you know more than you are letting me onto."


"Huh? But I've just met you today...I don't know what you are talking about? And I don't know much about you, yet."

Sasuke walked up to Eve and whispered in her ear. "She doesn't appear to remember what had happened earlier..." as he said this, he fell back a few steps and continued to just follow behind the two.

"All I know is that you just a wandering adventurer like me. And that you are also very pretty...And, and...I just love what you are wearing...It's sooo cute...Oh...And you asked about that sword, Sasuke and I are looking for..."

Xian's face turned more serious. "I really don't want to discuss it now...I'm sorry..."

A figure cloaked entirely in a pitch black that contrasted distubingly with his ivory skin landed softly on a rooftop above the group. He let his momentum carry himself fowards a few steps to the edge. A large pair of tattered, bat-like ash-colored wings folded themselves on the figure's back, and he stared down at the congregation. For once, the Guardian wasn't hiding himself. These people could be allies, not enemies. A rare privilege indeed.

((Hehe, yes, it's true, I'm infiltrating all of ATG's threads with David! Muahahahaha...right.))

The cloaked Argonian growled as a slight rush of wind made its way to his ear-holes...

"You again..."

He muttered to himself...

A confused look came across Eve's face, but then it all made sense. She suffered from some sort of memory loss. Eve looked down at her clothing attire and blushed. I never did take notice that my clothes were so different from the others. A smile came across her face, another person to come with them.

"And who are you, I am Eve," questioned Eve?

OOC: So, why are you following me around, not that I don't mind I guess? I am just not used to males following me around without seeing me first and when they do then of course they would..hheeheee...just ask Valient and Tarlachia...they have seen pics of me...well cough cough back to the story.

Xian's face turned to her more casual self. "So...Where are you going? Do you have any plans or goals set out for you?" said Xian curiously.

Xian held Eve's arm tighter, as Xian looked up at Eve's face. "You know...I just can't shake the feeling inside of me telling me that I knew you from somewhere...It's a comforting feeling...That's why I like calling you ne-chan...I never had a sister or a brother...Being like almost 130 years old...It's kinda useless now...And also since I left home like hundreds of years ago years ago...Oh...Wait did I say 130...I meant 300...No! Wait! I'm only sixteen! You did not hear anything about the 300 etcetera! hehe..." Xian let out a *sigh* as the continued to walk along. "How about you? How was your family like?"

OOC: eh? well...Xian actual needs some help in finding the sword...so she ain't saying anything that might end up scaring you guys away...Sasuke just follows Xian (childhood friends etc etc etc...)...He no say much...But of course you guys dont know this...


IC:
As Xian continued to walk, she thought in her head. Hehe...So gullible...These humans...Might as well continue with my act...I need all the help I can to get to the sword...

"So...If you don't have any reall adventures planned...How 'bout you guys help me find the sword?" said Xian with a wink. "And if you are looking for some reward or payment afterwards...I can arrange it so that you get paid well for your efforts..."

OOC: So, why are you following me around, not that I don't mind I guess? I am just not used to males following me around without seeing me first and when they do then of course they would..hheeheee...just ask Valient and Tarlachia...they have seen pics of me...well cough cough back to the story.

OOC: mmmmk...you are scaring me now...Should I be scared?

With a contemptuous sneer, Lance turned his gaze down upon Xian. He snarled, "This sword means death and you still want to find it? Even I, a person who has died and been resurrected fear approaching such a sword, why do you seek death?" Shaking his head, Lance continued, his tone showing evidently his contempt for Xian, "The sword is in a hidden location and must not under any circumstances be released back onto the mortal plane. The release of such a weapon will only aggravate the grief and woe already prevalent in this world. You will heed my advice."

OOC: I don't know why you would have a reason to be scared, well a logical one. I was just joking, but my humor is dry I guess. Sorry, I was just diverting from what cyber posted. I really don't think I am scary??????

OOC: I don't know why you would have a reason to be scared, well a logical one. I was just joking, but my humor is dry I guess. Sorry, I was just diverting from what cyber posted. I really don't think I am scary??????

((If you were scary, I wouldn't be following you, would I? It's really not intentional that I'm following you, you've just got good fantasy writing. *needs to get hands on those pics* XD ))

A mental snicker echoed inside the Argonian's head. 'Yeah...me again. Got a fancy sword to take care of this time around.'

With a contemptuous sneer, Lance turned his gaze down upon Xian. He snarled, "This sword means death and you still want to find it? Even I, a person who has died and been resurrected fear approaching such a sword, why do you seek death?" Shaking his head, Lance continued, his tone showing evidently his contempt for Xian, "The sword is in a hidden location and must not under any circumstances be released back onto the mortal plane. The release of such a weapon will only aggravate the grief and woe already prevalent in this world. You will heed my advice."


Xian turned around and looked at Lance. She put her finger on her cheek, which made her appear she was thinking about what Lance had said. "No...The sword is here on the "mortal plane" mister swordsman...And I'm going to kill that evil sword swinging bastard...Because he killed my family and my friends and many others dear to me...Well...Sasuke seems to be alive still, so not really everyone..." said Xian sarcastically.

OOC: got to finish this at home...

((If you were scary, I wouldn't be following you, would I? It's really not intentional that I'm following you, you've just got good fantasy writing. *needs to get hands on those pics* XD ))

A mental snicker echoed inside the Argonian's head. 'Yeah...me again. Got a fancy sword to take care of this time around.'

The Dark Argonian rolled his eyes beneath the hood...

'Welcome to the organization... See? Law of Averages...'

'Mathmatics – never fails. Doesn't help much in a swordfight, though.' David responded, in a strangely comfortable tone. 'You know why I'm here, can't see why you'd be around, though.'

Eve peaked her head into the conversation. "So, who exactly are you and why are you here then?"

((Um...if your talking about David's and Whiptail's little conversation, they're actually speaking mentally, and are physically some distance apart, as I am still on a building. Sorry, that seems to happen a lot...))

Well geez I am sorry...nevermind my post then

Xian stared at Eve as she started to talk to someone invisible...

OOC:...so are you guys going to reveal yourselves or am I going to have to have Sasuke fire an arrow at you guys because he thought you were assasins?

Well geez I am sorry...nevermind my post then


((Aww, it seems like I'm hurting everyone's feelings today when I don't mean to! Don't be sorry Amanda, it was my fault...don't be mad... :(

Noir, I will bring my character down to talk to you in a little bit, don't worry. And your arrow wouldn't get very far anyway, heh.))

((Aww, it seems like I'm hurting everyone's feelings today when I don't mean to! Don't be sorry Amanda, it was my fault...don't be mad... :(

Noir, I will bring my character down to talk to you in a little bit, don't worry. And your arrow wouldn't get very far anyway, heh.))

OOC: " heh" yourself...don't doubt an elf! with a Composite Longbow +2 1d8 with Mighty +4 (with Lighting Arrows)! and you can't count the piercing characteristic of a bow and arrow!

OOC: not being mean...just fun :)

OOC: " heh" yourself...don't doubt an elf! with a Composite Longbow +2 1d8 with Mighty +4 (with Lighting Arrows)! and you can't count the piercing characteristic of a bow and arrow!

((Oooo, I ph33r. *grins* I've got a +4 Composite Phantasm Shortbow (infinite ammo), and Dark Robes, with permanent Haste! Try and hit me when I'm in that!))

((Oooo, I ph33r. *grins* I've got a +4 Composite Phantasm Shortbow (infinite ammo), and Dark Robes, with permanent Haste! Try and hit me when I'm in that!))

OOC: I don't think they have that in Neverwinter Nights...Do they? unless you cheat? so I would have to rule that GODMODE... ;)


OOC2: hmmm...permanent Haste is possible i think...but Phantasm shortbow i dont know...

((They do acutally, that's what my Rogue/Ranger had, though he still sucked. Of course, it was on a server with unlimited items and money, so it is a total godmode! Muahahaha.))

((They do acutally, that's what my Rogue/Ranger had, though he still sucked. Of course, it was on a server with unlimited items and money, so it is a total godmode! Muahahaha.))

OOC: i had to start over from scratch in my 1 player game (don't really play online because no time)...but i was able to salvage my Characters...Ranger(lvl10)/Arcane Archer(lvl10)...and a Fighter(lvl12)/Ranger(lvl8)

OOC2: care to trade some items in the future? maybe you can get me some "powerful/rare" items...playing single player is boring and my items are no good...and my character can get past level 20...i dont have the expansion pack...

((Sorry, but I stopped playing about two years ago, after the expansion pack came out. All the online servers switched to the xpack, and I was broke at the time. I fell out of the habit of playing, and found NationStates instead.))

((Sorry, but I stopped playing about two years ago, after the expansion pack came out. All the online servers switched to the xpack, and I was broke at the time. I fell out of the habit of playing, and found NationStates instead.))

OOC: doesn't GameSpy find servers that host the regular Neverwinter Nights w/out the expansion packs, also?

((I dunno, I personally think GameSpy's a pain in the ass, so I never bother with it. The All Seeing Eye is just about the best server search engine out there.))

((I dunno, I personally think GameSpy's a pain in the ass, so I never bother with it. The All Seeing Eye is just about the best server search engine out there.))


OOC: oh well...i rarely play online anyways...

OOC2: are you really in Hokkaido? ideleted

OOC3: Ayu has a new one coming out i think it started with a "C"

((No, not really, it's just my nation's location. Too cold to live up there.))

((No, not really, it's just my nation's location. Too cold to live up there.))

mmhmm...well...k...nevermind i said anything...

((Lol, what?))

((Lol, what?))

OOC: that's ok...nvm...gotta finish HW...
OOC2: do you know Ayumi Hamasaki? (that's who i was asking about)

IC.

As he walked along the crowded market street, Sasuke felt several strange presence from the roof tops. But he dismissed it, for now since he was concentrating on other matters at hand.

'Mathmatics – never fails. Doesn't help much in a swordfight, though.' David responded, in a strangely comfortable tone. 'You know why I'm here, can't see why you'd be around, though.'


'Couldn't tell you myself, frankly... Dekker seems to have rubbed off on me, with his innate ability to step into the middle of what your kind call a 'shit-strom'...'

The cloaked hunter waited, patient as ever...

OOC: where were we?

And the group kept walking and walking...As two people talk with each other telepathically...

OOC: Wow that was a lot of ooc stuff. Shakes head, dazed from the read. Heehee. Oh,cyber, I am not mad and wasn't I was just playing. And well, now I have come out like I am a hallucinating psycho.

IC: Eve shook her head from the confusion. "Ah, let us be on our way. So, how far do we go to find these swords?"

((Lol, not different from my first impression. XP I'm joking, of course. On with the show!))

"Ah...The swords...Ummm...We were going to head for the land of Mizar, until we met you guys...So I think we should go there, first. said Xian who pulled out a ragged old map from her backpack. "Here it is...It should be west of here...But we'll have to cross several other hostile territories that have been plotted on this map...Umm...So...Well...I actually don't feel right by interrupting your own quest, Eve...I'd feel better if it was alright with you, for dragging you on this sidequest..."

David's wings shuddered and began to fold back into in body with a series of disturbing pops and cracks. Once they had completely disappeared, the pair of twisted wings left two ragged holes in the back of his armor. He jumped from the rooftop and landed with a soft patter on the concrete. The vampire moved silently within hearing range of the group, obscured by the crowd. The ever churning rivers of people washed around him, and a large dark man pushed past him, uttering some crude syllable in passing. The pale arm lashed out, catching the man's wrist in an iron grip. David turned on his heel and the other hand whipped out, smashing the man's jaw in. He twisted the man's arm behind him and gave a ferocious shove. The thug crashed into the ground and remained contorted on the ground. David realized he might have overreacted just a tad, and looked back to his targets to see if they had noticed.

OOC: anyone?

And the group keeps walking...And walking...And walking...

Xian tugs on Eve's shirt. "So? Is it alright? You're fine on interrupting your quest to help us?"

OOC: Sorry, Noir, been busy with other stories. Somehow I didn't know where this would end up, I just knew the beginning. Sometimes it is better to know the end and then work your way to it. So, I will try and think of an ending, but will continue with your story.

IC: Eve jumped. She was so intuned with herself she hadn't realized she was being asked a question. "Oh, I don't mind. Besides I am thinking I am supposed to help you, otherwise I would not have meet you and your friend. Or any of the others that are here. Maybe I am not in search for anything, but for myself."

"Hmm...I don't know...But maybe you might find what you are searching for during this quest." said Xian quickly, as she suddenly grabbed a kid, who had run past them, by the back of his cloak and gripped him tight with a knife to his neck. "But you must also be careful...The world is dangerous...As you can see...Now kid...Give me back my purse..."

The kid quickly dropped a purse full of gold coins, that varied in both shape and size.

"Now...Run along and don't pick any more pockets..."

Xian released her grip of the boy, who then ran into the shadows of a nearby alley.

"Where was I? I forgot..."

OOC: hmmm...you're right...we need to discuss an ending goal for this RP before we go further...

and we keep walking...and walking....and walking...

OOC: i hope we reach the gate soon...i want to battle some monsters and etc...

Bump...

And we keep walking...

OOC: Hey I am real sorry, but can we put this story off for awhile. At least until I figure out what I want to do with my character. When I start the new story I will get ahold of you all and let you know that is if you want to join in on that one. Again I apologize.