NationStates Jolt Archive

"My lead...how else?" Rimoru replied mischieviously as she began to walk away, before a growl emitted from another figure across the room.

"Rimoru, stay down here. I shall speak with your 'guard' now," Relthor said angrily as he walked up to Mythos, staring directly into his eyes.

"Do you like to blink out the lights much?" Relthor asked angrily.

Rimoru frowned at Relthor, but nodded her head to the advisor. Normally it was her right to order the advisor about...however considering the position she was in and how she was supposed to be locked up in her room, she was in no place to bargain.

She glanced at Mythos with large eyes that almost seemed to tell him, "good luck".

As she walked passed the two, she carefully walked over a few splinters and to the fallen body of Maya, where she gently rolled her completely onto her back. "I need help," she said softly to the few remaining patrons. The bartenders were the first to respond, immediately walking to Maya's side. Rimoru took hold of Maya's feet while the two men took hold of her head and waist.

"Take her to your best room, I'll pay for it," Rimoru said quietly as they nodded and all three made the joint effort to get passed the angry advisor and the confrontational knave. When they finally set her down gently onto the bed, Rimoru shooed the men out and filled a bucket full of water and took out one of the cloths provided in the drawer. She sat by the woman's side and, after soaking the cloth in cool water, placed it on the woman's forehead, gently stroking away her hair. You do look a bit like me... Rimoru thought to herself as she smoothed out the cloth. But not as pretty...

"Do you like to blink out the lights much?" Relthor asked angrily.

"Oh all the time!" Mythos proclaimed as the two stared eye-to-eye without either giving an inch or even blinking. Barely any words had been exchanged, but already the rogue knew he wouldn't like this advisor.

"Oh-ho! I see where you are going with this!" Mythos said loudly before dropping his voice into a whisper. "Seeing as you think I've abducted the lady Rimoru... you're probably thinking I am a good candidate for that other daughter's abduction."

Mythos was intentionally pushing Relthor's buttons to the best of his ability - the fire burning inside of him still pushing him further.

A moment of silence passed as they continued to lock eyes. "Please... do as you will... so that I can move on." His eyes flicked momentarily before glancing at Rimoru's position.

"Indeed," Relthor growled in response to Mythos' question. "What I would do is rend the flesh from your bones...but Rimoru seems to trust you, and I trust her judgement. If you happen to lose her trust, by my word, you shall wish you've never been born. She gave me a note, before she left. She told me that you would protect her, that I shouldn't worry. I hope that she is right..."

With that, the advisor made his way to Drasken and sat down in front of him. "So what's your story then?"

When the light suddenly returned, the healer squinted till his(her) eyes adjusted to the sudden change. After they did, (s)he did another check of the man laying beside her(him). The man looked like he would be ok for a little while longer, but anyone looking at the healer would be able to tell that if another healer did not come soon, the man would not have someone to take care of him. Ahanu climbed back into his(her) robes, but planed to stay ready to go fetch the great protector of them both if anything else happened that may put his friend in danger.

The healer noticed that the lady who had passed out before again collapsed. (S)He rose to check on the lady, but the one who caused the second fight arrived first. Following the ladies to the room, the healer spoke to the one trying to take care of the other. “Lady, one would like to examine this person to see if there is something that one can do to help her. Would you allow one to do so?”

"Indeed," Relthor growled in response to Mythos' question. "What I would do is rend the flesh from your bones...but Rimoru seems to trust you, and I trust her judgment. If you happen to lose her trust, by my word, you shall wish you've never been born. She gave me a note, before she left. She told me that you would protect her, that I shouldn't worry. I hope that she is right..."

"I already do wish I was never born..." Mythos replied in a dark voice, though failing to reveal the secret of his history to which he was referring. "And your threats... they are pathetic compared to what I have faced." His eyes flickered before the two broke contact and went their separate ways for the time being.

Slowly he wandered over to where Rimoru was and stood above her. "Nice chap... bit of a foul mouth."

It was getting late. Outside was pure black save for the city torches, but still the rain had not let up. It was storming, the wind breaking against the tavern's walls as the rain pelted the roof. Some of the patrons decided to brave the weather and began making their way out either the door or broken wall.

Drasken watched the various events unfold with interest, waiting his turn. He was concerned when Maya fell unvonvious again and was about to move to her aid, but saw Rimoru and the merchant healer helping her.

When Relthor came over he nodded his head in respect and said. "I recentely came into town and heard about the missing Ifrete Daughter, I thought I would join in and investigate. I spoke to a senetar earlier and ended up back here. The woman you shouted at a few moments ago had been attacked by an unskilled assasin who thought she was Rimoru." He paused for a breath. "What Maya told you is true, Athral mistook her identity and then tried to make amends. Selim appeared and a brief fight occured... He seems to like doing that."

He realised he was beating around the bush a little and decided to skip right to the action. "Anyway, there was an argument, Maya left, Athral followed as did his guards and Selim. I tried to convince him to come inside due to a possible threat from assasins." He paused again for a sip of his drink. "He refused to listen and just after Rimoru appeared was struck by a magic arrow. The healer there did his or her best to help Athral and both guards gave their lives protecting him and Rimoru." He spun a silver ring on his finger in thought. "Each of us tried to apprehend the assasin but he was prepared with a variety of magics and was capable inhuman athletics. He could leap great distance and seemed impervious to fire." Drasken sat back watching Relthors reactions. "Then you arrived and dealt with him. Was there anything else you wanted to know?"

"I would allow it," Rimoru said quietly, looking up at the healer. "Many thanks."

She slowly got up from her chair and took Mytho's hand in her own as she walked out of the room. "Please don't take it personally. Relthor is great and always has been. It may take a while for you or others to get used to him, but he is very knowledgable, intelligent, strong, caring...he is almost perfect. And if his two favorite students are harmed, he gets very protective. I wouldn't try to goad him into a fight either because he is very powerful. Even my father would fear Relthor had he not been as close to my family as he is."

Rimoru looked longingly out the nearest window and frowned. "The healers are here," she said quietly. "And if they see me, they may notify my father or try to bring me back."

She turned back to Mythos and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Ask the others if they will join in my search. I will need all the help I can get, especially with the wide variety of skills."

With a warm smile she walked down the stairs and smiled at Drasken as she tugged on Relthor's robe. "I must speak with you," she whispered in the advisor's ear.

"Thank you, good sir. I will think over this information I have gathered when I return to the palace. And so you know, there is a reward for finding Lady Victoria Ifrete," Relthor said as he got up from his chair and nodded politely to the elf creature, before following Rimoru to a back room.

After making sure it was empty, the advisor walked to Rimoru and wrapped her in a tight embrace. Their lips met passionately for a good while before they finally broke away from each other. “The healers are coming…”

“I know…” Relthor said as he looked into the princess’ bright blue eyes. There was silence between the two for a while as they returned to romantic embrace. Relthor suddenly broke away a concerned look on his face. “Who is Mythos? You seemed awfully close to that cretin…”

“He’s a good person…most of the time. He seems to have some internal trouble or some past that didn’t serve him well. I just try to be the comforting-”

“Comforting as in to bed with?” Relthor growled angrily.

“We have not bedded! He is my chosen body guard in this search. He has sworn himself to protect me and-“

“And ultimately gain some foothold on you, have a relationship, something to get you to bed with him. He will just use you!”

“He will not! You have barely met him! He may have made a poor first impression on you but you did the same to him!”

“You will return to the palace. If an assassin is attempting to kill you, you are unsafe outside the palace-“ Relthor began, trying to change the subject.

“I am unsafe anywhere. Victoria was kidnapped right underneath our noses and we have yet to get a lead on who did it. I get the feeling that one such as myself, can find the answer! I have my ways of getting close to others of high significance in the guilds…”

“And I don’t approve of it. Neither does your father,”

“This is some sort of jealousy thing, isn’t it?” Rimoru asked hotly, her brows furrowed.

“Rimoru, I have taught you better. Your father has taught you better. You play with other’s feelings as if it is a game. A game that can do tremendous amount of damage to another. I suggest you get off that path before you get yourself killed,” Relthor hissed, grabbing Rimoru by the shoulders with a vice-like grip.

Rimoru winced as her lips curled. “I do what I want. I am the princess! I-“

“And you are supposed to be in the palace!” growled Relthor, interrupting her.

Rimoru slapped Relthor’s hands off of her and turned away. “You ignorant lizard. You take and take and take at your hearts content. I am no toy of yours, no tool, no servant. Go ahead and tell my father. Risk not seeing Victoria again. You’ve already risked our friendship. You’ve already risked our relationship.”

Relthor clenched his fists and made a move to smash several plates off a table, but stopped suddenly. “Alright. Go, leave before I change my mind. But mark my words, if you take too long, I shall make sure people are dispatched to find you.”

Rimoru nodded as she opened the door. “And please take care of my little brother.”

She turned back to Mythos and kissed him softly on the cheek. "Ask the others if they will join in my search. I will need all the help I can get, especially with the wide variety of skills."

It took all of his will power and might to keep from saying or doing anything after Rimoru's comments about Relthor, but he managed, instead remembering the oath he had made to dutifully serve the lady in his presence... for a price, of course.

"As you wish, M'Lady."

He exited the room a couple moments after Rimoru, taking the time to regain himself, and reentered the main room where those involved in the night's occurrences remained milling about.

"Alright, listen up!" he roared above the light commotion, which was considerably less than before as the normal tavern patrons had left and with them went their whispers of rumor spreading. "The Lady Rimoru wishes," he paused momentarily, seemingly choking on his words before continuing, "to invite any and all of you to accompany her on this adventure and search."

He wanted to add a disclosure about those who would not get along with him should probably stay behind, but he bit his tongue, trying instead to send the same message with his body language and presence.

Lost in his own thoughts, Draksen at first didn't notice Mythos reenter the room, but his announcement would have been hard for even the dead to ignore. A quick glance revealed that Mythos was displeased with the idea of having others accompanying him.

He weighed the thought in his mind. If he was with Rimoru, then he would probably be in far more danger than merely investigating alone, but if something was going to happen, Rimoru was clearly on the target list and staying near her may prove benificial.

Without entirely realising he had already gotten up and moved towards Mythos. "I'll come along... When do we leave?"

Without entirely realising he had already gotten up and moved towards Mythos. "I'll come along... When do we leave?"

"When the lady damn well pleases," came the strong response from the rogue as he stood unwavering.

"Well... what of the rest of you?" he asked, looking past the standing man towards the rest of the group.

He needed to get out... away from the others for an hour... then he would be fine.

After being left the healer examined the lady laying on the bed. The only things that seemed to be wrong with the lady was that she was exhausted and her energy seemed drained. Looking at her small friend (s)he said, “It is unfortunate, but there is nothing that one can do for this lady. She is just exhausted and needs rest.” The healer walked back to the main room, but just missed the announcement. Walking over to Athral, the healer again checked out his(her) patient in the greatest risk and sat down beside him.

Working quickly, Relthor rummaged through the nearby desk and pulled out a small piece of parchment and swiftly wrote a note before folding it up neatly and concealing it within his sleeve.

Relthor sighed as suddenly, several hands knocked on the door nearby. With a raised eyebrow, he slowly walked over and opened it to come face to face with several healers.

The three men bowed their heads, large bags slung over their shoulders. "Please accept our apologie for our choice in entrance and our lack of haste. We would have been here earlier had their not been a strange creature at the front door! We are here for our lord Athral, master Relthor. Please direct us and we shall set to work. It would probably be best if we move our young master back to the safety of the palace. "

Relthor nodded and invited them in, but stopped them as they began to walk towards the opened door. "Wait here, there is a healer who has worked on him and wishes to speak with you," he replied as he walked out the door and closed it. In truth, he was buying Rimoru time to get out and attempt to escape from the city walls...despite the fact he was beginning to rethink his earlier agreement to allow her to.

As he passed Rimoru, he gave her a slight glance of anger. As most would suspect, most dragons did not enjoy being blackmailed. Yet he paused behind Drasken, his hand expertly slipping something within the loosest pocket of his garments.

He reached the healer and leaned over her to speak quietly. "The royal healers are here. They desire to bring Athral to the palace. As for you...I have something specific for you, if you will, kind healer. Lady Rimoru Ifrete is going on a bit of an expedition...and I ask that you go with her. Keep her safe and alive. It would send our Lord Darian into a depression in which he may never get out. Despite Lady Rimoru's harsh words, her father adores her with every bit of his being."

***

Rimoru walked to Mythos and smiled at both Drasken and the knave. "Let's get out of here. The healers have already arrived," she whispered to the two of them. "Relthor is stalling them momentarily." She quickly picked up her large pack and headed for the door.

Drasken frowned, Rimoru's bodyguards attitude left much to be desired. A response was on the tip of his tounge, but he silenced himself and was about to return to his seat to wait when he heard a knocking and watched Relthor stalk through the room a moment later. Relthor paused just behind him and he shifted his cloak uncomfortably, his instinct made him uncomfortable and he had learnt to trust it.

But now was not the time to investigate as they were joined moments later by Rimoru urging them to leave. Drasken instantly set off after her, though after a few steps paused and glanced back to the stairs, he felt a twinge of regret at just abandoning Maya, she had injured herself trying to help them afterall, however she had seemed to be in no condition to talk earlier and was probably asleep now. I'll try to make my way back tomorrow if i can, jus to make sure shes ok and thank her. That and I will have to grab a few things from my room. He patted himself down doing a quick mental tally and couldn't think of anything really important missing, at leasnt nothing irreplacable.

He moved closer to Rimoru and whispered: "I have a... friend here at the tavern who i would like to speak to before we go far. We have no time now, but i can return myself." He paused and looked round the tavern. "Let's get you somewhere more discreet."

Rimoru walked to Mythos and smiled at both Drasken and the knave. "Let's get out of here. The healers have already arrived," she whispered to the two of them. "Relthor is stalling them momentarily." She quickly picked up her large pack and headed for the door.

"You're the boss," Mythos reminded her as she urged them to leave. "As long as you keep up our deal..."

As she walked to the door, he noticed that she had picked up her own pack this time, rather than making her bodyguard do it. Perhaps she was changing, but then in Mythos' experience people didn't chance - not that much.

Upon following briskly behind Rimoru and then Drasken, the rogue heard Drasken's comment about returning the next day to meet someone. However, if Mythos had his way, they would not be near enough or have the time to return here. They would be on their way and out of danger. But then it was, after all, Rimoru's decision...

The healer answered in a quiet voice, “One wishes to talk to the other healers before they take my patient. They must know what is wrong with him and one hopes that they have true healing magic, which one lacks. As for traveling with the lady, one must first ask one's friends who travel with one. The larger friend is staying outside of the city. If they agree to travel with the lady, one will travel with her, but if they do not wish to, one will not force them to.”

Turning away from the man, and speaking to the skrit in her robes, “Friend, this man wishes us to travel with the lady. He wants one to help protect her and keep her alive for another man. One wishes to know if you wish to travel with her. Could you also go to ask our other friend, who stays out of the city.”

The skrit replied, “My protector will know better than me, but one would prefer to travel alone, if we do not it is harder to ask for help from those who live in the forest unless one of us wanders ahead to tell them that a friend of nature travels with the people. Perhaps our friend will think differently, so I will go see if he does.” The skrit climbed out of the healer's robes, and ran out of the building toward the city walls.

Rimoru gave Mythos a mischievious grin, brushing her bright, golden hair out of her beautiful sapphire eyes. "You don't trust me to keep my end of the bargain?"

She soon walked outside, but paused when the dark skinned Drasken began to whisper in her ear. Her mind traced to that of the woman whom she had brought up in the room and cared for her momentarily. Whether it was her or not, she wasn't sure, but she leaned towards her rather than one of the few patrons that remained in the bar. Her smile softened and she nodded. "So be it- I may not enter the bar...but...I may have to remain in hiding."

She turned to Mythos, then eyed Drasken again and then back at the tavern. The distant rumble of thunder sounded in the background as a small skrit darted out of the tavern towards the walls as though it had a purpose in mind. "Mythos...I've been thinking about how to begin this journey. Unfortunately, my original plan involved going to the senate and begging for a lead- something us Ifrete's would avoid at almost all costs. Luckily, after you helped me, I remember you needing to...you had connections to someone who may know. Do you know what I speak of? And do you get an idea as to what my plan may be?"

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

Relthor watched the skrit scurry away before he turned to the backroom where the healers remained at the ready. "You may come out now, healers. The healer wishes to speak with you," he announced. "I hope your friend chooses to follow. Lady Rimoru is a bit fiery, but once you get to know her, she can be a close friend..."

Soon enough, the three healers walked out of the back room with a dignified gait, gave a bow to the barkeepers, then a bow to Athral's previous caretaker.

"We are all ears, sir healer," they said, glancing at their prince.

“One is sure that you must be great healers to be the healers of a powerful house, but no one can take care of a grievously injured person without knowledge of the injuries. This man has sustained a multiple broken ribs and his lung was punctured. One was able to help his lung and has reset his ribs, but they must be treated very gingerly until they heal or a person with true healing magic can help him. He also sustained a tear in his liver, which one was able to seal with one's power over plants. There are some harmless plants that cover the tear presently, but they will not grow anymore and will disappear in time. Other than that he has only sustained minor cuts and bruises that should heal well as long as they are kept clean and his other injuries are treated correctly.”

After finishing speaking with the other healers, (s)he asked the bartender for a room, bed, and hot water to wash everything in, including him(her)self, tools, and clothes.

"Luckily, after you helped me, I remember you needing to...you had connections to someone who may know. Do you know what I speak of? And do you get an idea as to what my plan may be?"

The rogue was not sure if he understood, but he had a general idea of what her surprisingly cunning and devious mind held in store. He hinted hastily:

"Me thinks you hope to hail he who hired his handy henchman to hoist the hatchet in harm against her highness. Thus this tool of tutelage tells thee in trust that thou who thy travail to track traverses town toting tin-mask of traveling tavern-master from Tyre through time of two to twilight. Your brave-man's benefactor bequeaths but one bulletin to betoken the bearings borne out of bargain and bond by obscure beneficiaries to bring his bound bale and bundle - He who hears this heading: Come Armed, Take Heed, Only Listen If Converted - Temple."

The healers walked around Athral, examining his wounds and occasionally nodding or pausing while the healer spoke.

"Alright sir, we shall take it from here," one of the healers replied as one of the others began an enchantment to keep Athral in his current position and to float behind them as they make their way to the palace.

The remaining Healer bowed to the jeweler and said, "You have done the Guild a great service. You have our wishes for the best and the least we could do was purchase your room."

"And what room shall it be?" the innkeeper asked quietly as he set down his broom which he was previously using to clean up the glass and other broken items from before.

"The largest room available please, with all the amenities and whatever she has requested."

"Of course, sirs," the innkeeper replied with a light bow, eyeing the coin purse the healer was placing on the counter with the other keepers. He then smiled at the jeweler and nodded his head. "Follow me, please," he said with a light grin as he walked up the stairs to the room next to where Maya was currently sleeping.

Although the room wasn't as large, it was a comfortable size. The decorations were sparse with only a small rug at the foot of the bed, a dresser, a nightstand and a small desk near the window that overlooked a small plot of land teeming with shrubbery.

Soon enough, one of the other innkeepers came in holding two buckets of hot water, one in each hand.

"We hope you enjoy yer stay," the bucket-carrier said with a small bow before leaving.

"Aye, and if you need something, don't be afraid to ask," the other said before slowly walking out and down the stairs.

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

"Uh...yeah..." Rimoru replied with a raised eyebrow and pursed lips. "A temple then? What sort of temple?"

"I'll need you to tie me up- I need to look captured. Then, when the man behind my attempted kidnapping tries to claim his prize, you all spring out and subdue him for questioning."

Drasken listened intently to the rogues strange answer and mulled it over in his mind. "It sounds like some sort of cult." He turned to Rimoru, "Do you know of any cults in this area who would take such action?"

He considered it again and frowned at Rimoru asking to be tied up. "If you were bound, would you still be able to protect yourself somehow? There is a chance they may be prepared against treachery..."

Itzuki rose with the sun. Going through a set of motions as he greeted the dawn, the man sighed as he felt the energy revitilize him. The ritual helped abate, but did not negate his narcoleptic tendencies. Getting his bearing, he headed off toward the stadium Rimoru had mentioned she might be at nowabouts.

If not, maybe there would be a couple of mages interested in a work-out.

Alani walked slowly to the room the innkeeper showed. (S)He said, "Thank-you sir, for this wonderful room. One would greatly appreaciate it if one was woken when the other patient awakens." As soon as the innkeeper left all the tools came out of the healer's robes and the healer carefully cleaned them all so that none would rust and all would be ready for another emergency. Next the healer cleaned both his(her)self and the robes. The healer sat on the bed until the pair of cats came into the room.

"My friends, one would be grateful if the great hunters could keep watch to guard the life of this friend of nature."

The cats sat down looking like they were relaxed, but in reality were watching every entrance in the room for anyone trying to get in. Finally the healer laid down to sleep.

"Uh...yeah..." Rimoru replied with a raised eyebrow and pursed lips. "A temple then? What sort of temple?"

"I'll need you to tie me up- I need to look captured. Then, when the man behind my attempted kidnapping tries to claim his prize, you all spring out and subdue him for questioning."

"I will tie you up if you wish, but the man, unfortunately, has a point - it could be dangerous. Though I profess to never have seen anyone besides him there, that doesn't mean there haven't been those who... blend into the dark," Mythos said after a moment of thought.

"As for where it is... I have given you the clue."

"Though... I could perhaps be persuaded... that is if I got something in return." The knave closed his eyes and lightly raised his chin, pushing out his lips in a suggestive manner.

"No cults...none registered anyways. There are a few mage factions that have permission to practice outside the Guild in our lands but they really have no interest in the royal family," Rimoru replied to Drasken. Then she began to smirk and shook her head. "No interest other than the usual," she added with a chuckle.

But as Drasken spoke of the chance of the two men unable to protect her, a hint of fear crept into her mind. These men are no Palace Guards...nor are they Relthor...I don't even know if I can truly trust both of them. They are both working thanks to their loyalty...to money...what if the contractor offers more money?

The gears of her mind were cranking and churning out thoughts, escape plans, and multiple scenarios. Although she wasn't that great of a sorceress, she had enough spells that could possibly get her out and to the nearest guard station with little harm...to her. The others would have to fend for themselves if it came to it.

Mythos interrupted her thoughts with the option of leading them to the employer, for a "price". A small grin formed on her face as she slowly walked closer to the much taller man. Her hands gently laid themselves out on his chest as she rose to the tips of her toes, her lips reaching for his.

At the last moment, they diverted and reached his ear, mere centimeters in distance. "How about the knowledge that you helped start the great journey of the loved Lady Rimoru to find the great Lady Victoria...you may earn the love of many...and your braveness would be remembered forever by me...and my sisters...but me especially," she whispered, ending in a quiet chuckle.

The first thought that entered Maya’s mind as she gradually returned to consciousness was ‘Bright…’ She woke slowly, scrunching up her eyes against the light. The next thoughts she had were ‘pain…’ and ‘tired…’ It took several minutes for her mind to reach a level which deemed it prudent to open her eyes. She did so, slowly, and was instantly blinded by the sunlight streaming in through the window and onto her face. She groaned and rolled over to shield her eyes from the bright light that was sending a white hot shaft deep into her head.

It was several more minutes before she gingerly raised herself into a sitting position and looked around. She appeared to be in one of the rooms of the tavern she had stayed at the previous night, though this one was larger and more lavish than the one she had passed the night in. She was still fully clothed, she noted, though her pack had been removed and placed on a chair.

“Kaolai?” she asked, getting shakily to her feet. Such was her state of mind that the question slipped out as speech, not a thought.

<Yes, Maya?> replied the spirit promptly. <How are you feeling?>
<Headache,> she answered. <Tired. Hungry,> she added a moment later. <What happened?>
<You passed out again,> explained Kaolai.
<When that advisor was accusing me of being an assassin?> she asked, the memory fuzzy in her mind.
<That’s right. Rimoru had you brought up here and made sure you were alright,> Kaolai told her.

Maya went silent at that; that hadn’t been what she had expected. She staggered around the bed, holding one hand to her head as though trying to ease the incessant throbbing. She groaned again and picked up her pack, gently slipping it around her shoulders under the cloak. She noticed a bucket of water sitting next to the bed, and splashed some on her face to help herself wake up, then looked around for her staff, before remembering that it was still lying in the street somewhere.

Now that she was mostly awake, she checked her few belongings, then ran over her physical state. She was still weak, but not nearly as much as last night, and she could feel the rest of her strength returning. She was tired too, but a few good nights of sleep would fix that. There wasn’t much she could do about the headache but let it run it’s course. She glanced out of the window, and realised that it was already mid-morning. Her stomach growled, reminding her of the last problem. That was one she could remedy fairly easily.

Her hands gently laid themselves out on his chest as she rose to the tips of her toes, her lips reaching for his.

At the last moment, they diverted and reached his ear, mere centimeters in distance. "..."

"Oh you are quite the tease aren't you," Mythos whispered back to Rimoru as he almost shivered with lust. "But I like the sound of that last part..."

"Right then, off we must go or we will miss our rendezvous," the young knave said as he began pushing everyone out of the quiet tavern's door. "It's a bit of a hike up yonder hill," he said as his finger jutted out from under the eve of the tavern's roof and directed towards a cliff outside the city. "Which will also, unfortunately, mean that your highness will have to be tied up or what have you from the moment we begin our ascent... else they spot us from their vantage point."

"So..."

Now that she was up and moving around, Maya felt it was time she got going. The longer she stayed in this place, the more likely she was to run into someone else who would mistake her for Rimoru, or worse, that advisor again. She left the room, and headed done the stairs, taking her time. She went over to the nearest barkeeper, and coughed politely.

“Excuse me, I know it’s a little late, but might I trouble you for some breakfast?” she asked softly. “Nothing special; simple foods are probably better for me anyway when I’m like this.” She paused, then spoke again, “Oh, and when you next see Rimoru, would you thank her for me? I doubt I shall see her before you will.”

She then proceeded to sit down in a booth and huddle up in the corner, drawing her cloak around her. It was not that it was cold, but she was still shivering from time to time; a side-effect of her passing exhaustion. As she waited, she thought about what she would do now. She would have to buy some provisions, and find out where any nearby settlements were. She also wanted to find her staff; it would be difficult to get another one quite as good here, and she had been quite attached to it, as it had served her well for a long time. Before she left, she would retrace her steps from last night, as best as she could remember them, and search the streets for it. She didn’t have much hope that it would still be there, but she would try anyway.

"Mornin', milady," the bartender said as heard the cough behind him. "'Tis never too late fer breakfast in me opinion. Especially fer ya. Ya be feelin' any better? Ya seemed to have a nasty night last night..." the bartender said as be pulled a chair out for Maya and motioned for her to sit down. "Hope Relthor didn't really get to ya too badly...he's just overreacting...lots of stress on 'is mind. First the loss o' Victoria...then the near-death o' Athral...and somethin' goin on between Rimoru and Relthor that got 'im worked up. He usually isn't that way..."

As the innkeeper was speaking to Maya, one bartender walked up the stairs to notify the healer about the awakening of Maya. The other innkeeper walked to the kitchen to prepare a breakfast for the woman. Within twenty minutes, he came back out and set a plate of two eggs and a thin slice of ham on the table. "Ya know," the cook-innkeeper began," we've got some rum that can give ya a good boost in energy. Sure it burns goin' down, but ya get used to it an' ya look like ya need the boost."

The other innkeeper gave a slight frown but shrugged it off. It did do what was advertised. "We'll send yer message ta lil' Rimmy. 'T'will be sad seein' ya go so soon, but 'tis understandable. Ya just didn't visit at the right time..."

"Will we even see Rimmy again? She looked like she was doin' somethin' big. She usually doesn't go out the doors with two random guys an' no guards..." the other innkeeper said as he scratched his stubble.

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

"Oh, so hasty with tieing me up," Rimoru said with a slight smile as she brought her hands together in front of her, stretching out her long, thin fingers and examining her perfectly cut and cleaned nails. "Just not too hard, so if things do go wrong, I can slide my hands out of the bindings and do whatever I can to get to safety and hopefully, the rest of us."

When she was tied up, they began to walk outside the city gates, where Rimoru simply told the guards she was going out to one of the closer towns to be with the people for a bit. The guards nodded silently, paying more attention to her body than her words, which the princess purposely posed in seductive positions for the watch.

Past the gates they had traveled a fair deal when Rimoru frowned and looked at her feet. She never really did a good deal of walking and never really needed to. All this walking was hurting her feet and maybe, just maybe, she could get someone to carry her. "You know, it would look better if perhaps you carried Mythos..." Rimoru said quietly with a smile to the tall, handsome man. She turned to Drasken who was remaining quiet and winked to him as she awaited the response.

Somewhere, in the forest, those with sharp ears may have caught the sounds of several twigs snapping under heavy feet...

Drasken wasn't pleased with the situation, but did not bother objecting as he followed them along, keeping himself ready for anything that might happen with one hand resting on the hilt of his scimitar.

He tensed as they passed the guards, woried that one might have noticed her bound hands, but their minds were seemingly on 'other things'.

As they walked he kept his eyes open relying on his excellent nightvision and sharp hearing to keep him on guard. Most of what he heard and saw were small creatures moving around and night birds. He was also keeping an eye on where they were going, he wanted to be able to make his way back if needed.

In response to Rimoru he said; "It may be more practical for me to carry you, we don't want Mythos getting distracted and lost... it may also help reasure these 'cultists' that Mythos has me along for help for a good reason."

He heard the sound of several twigs snapping and tightened his grip on his scimitar, if the sound got closer he would warn the others, but it might be nothing to worry about for the moment.

"I don't know if they'd like the idea of Mythos working with others to achieve their goals. I suppose that would be up to Mythos himself to determine that. If it can't happen, I'm sure you can hide in the shadows and keep quiet until they fall for our little guise," She replied quietly, gently running her bound hands along her face, pushing a strand of hair out if her face and behind her hood, while turning her head to glance at Drasken with her glittering blue eyes.

"But if you want to hold me, you don't have to disguise it," she added with a giggle.


Meanwhile, in the forest, the snapping and cracking of twigs paused before it began again, more numerous than before. A trio of glowing yellow eyes flickering for only a milisecond before they too disappeared.

"I'm sure i would be almost as at home in the darkness as your bodyguard." Drasken said giving her a nonchalant smile, though he was obviously distracted by something.

He turned his head towards the now obvious - at least to him - sounds which had continued to approach and thought he saw movement.

In a quiet voice, loud enough only to be heard by Rimoru and Mythos he said; "Not to alarm anyone, but it appears that we have been noticed by someones or somethings and they, or it is nearby and approaching." While talking he quietly slid his Scimitar out of its sheath, but kept it hidden within the folds of his cloak.

He considered using his abilities to shroud them in darkness, but he remembered the events of the past few hours clearly and Rimoru's reaction to sudden darkness would be the least useful thing at the moment. That and he was genuinely curious of who these people were.

However he was not keen on being caught off guard by a ranged attack, the magic arrows and skills of the assasin had not been forgotten either. He moved closer to Rimoru, ready to react to anything that might happen.

"In a world of action," Mythos spoke in a low and rumbling voice, "Talk is cheap." With that, he scooped the Lady Rimoru into his arms in one swift movement, sweeping her off her feet and grasping her with one arm under her legs and the other at the top of her back. His muscles tensed and bulged as he strode forward easily, carrying her weight and getting quite the view from just above her chest.

"I warn you that these people know I work alone, so if they ask... tell them I don't trust them or something," Mythos spoke when the issue came up.

"Not to alarm anyone, but it appears that we have been noticed by someones or somethings and they, or it is nearby and approaching."

Carrying Rimoru would not make for easy access to one of his weapons, but then he could get them out of their quickly if need be... and leave the other fellow to fend for himself... a double-plus. "Rimmy," he spoke softly as his eyes seemed to glow, "Do you think you could cast a bit if you need to or does that require your hands?"

“I’m sure,” observed Maya dryly in response to the barkeeper’s comments about Relthor, not really believing a word of it. “Anyway, I am feeling a little better this morning; thank you for your concern,” she continued sincerely. “And thank you for promising to get my message to Rimoru; I appreciate it. If it takes some time, don’t worry.”

She smiled when the barkeeper offered her rum as he brought her food. “I’m sure it performs wonderfully,” she replied, before setting about the plate of food in front of her, “However, I must decline I’m afraid. I will recover in my own way; I know it works. Besides,” she added, “Isn’t it a little early in the day for spirits?” There was a pause, then; “Though I suppose it depends what I mean by spirits,” she added with another smile.

<So, what’s the plan?> asked Kaolai, as Maya continued eating.
<I finish breakfast, we go out and spend some time trying to find my staff, then we get some provisions, find a destination and leave,> she told him, <The earlier the better, though today will not be my best day for travelling,> she admitted, <I’ll start late, and move slower than usual.>
<Fair enough,> acknowledged the spirit.

The two cats had been laying around all night, but as soon as they heard footsteps coming toward the room the jumped on the healer's bed to wake him(her). The healer woke immediately and sat up just as the bartender arrived to wake her(him). After hearing that the last patient was awake and downstairs, the healer got up and said to the cats, “One thanks the two great hunters for their steadfast and reliable watch. One does not believe that one will need help again, but will keep the great hunters in mind if one does. One would also like to remind the great hunters that if they need anything they only have to ask one and one will try to give it to them. Perhaps one could see if cream could be given to the great hunters if they desire it.”

The cats got up and rubbed against the healers legs, but did not leave. The healer knew that they had taken him(her) up on the offer of trying for some cream for them. Turning back to the barkeeper, the healer stated, “One would like it if cream could be brought for these small friends. One would also enjoy it if one could have breakfast downstairs. After one checks on the lady, we can discuss payment for everything.”

The healer walked down the stairs and over to the lady who had become exhausted the night before. “One is happy to see the lady up and about. Last night one checked the lady, but could only find signs of exhaustion. Was the lady hurt in some other way that one did not find? Is there anything that one can do to help the lady finish recovering if she has not yet?”

Maya looked up from her breakfast at the voice nearby, and saw the peddler woman that had taken some part in the inquisition regarding druids from the previous evening. The words took a few seconds to fully register, but even when they had, they still didn’t make much sense to Maya. She looked at the peddler in confusion, a frown creasing her brow.

“I’m sorry, I thought…” she began, but Kaolai hurriedly interrupted her.
<Maya, she did look at you last night. She also healed Athral of the worst of his injuries,> he told her.
<Oh… I see; thank you, Kaolai,> Maya replied.

“Thank you for your attentions, then. I get the feeling few others here would have bothered,” she said to the other woman. “I have no other injuries, as far as I know anyway. And I am not fully recovered yet, but there is little you could do to hasten my recovery, I think. I just need rest and to take things slow for a day or two,” she explained, “This is not the first time this has happened to me. My master would not be impressed,” she added ruefully.

"Not everything I do requires my hand," Rimoru said slyly after giving off a little gasp at being picked up so quickly. She picked her head up slightly to glance at Drasken to make sure he was close by. And that's when she heard it- a low growl emitted from within the forest, followed by the glow of the three yellow eyes. Draskin's senses had not been playing tricks on him.

Her hands almost unwrapped around Mythos before she remembered she needed to cast without her hands. She wasn't the most comfortable with it- in fact, she was by far the worst in her family to cast like that- but she knew a few spells that could benefit her in a jiffy.

Suddenly, a strange creature sprouted from the wilderness and began to gallop towards them.

The creature's head was abnormally wide and its ugly, humanoid face seemed to be stretched tight across its skull while one eye dominated its forehead. Its teeth gleamed as saliva dripped from its oversized mouth and looked as though it wouldn't let the beast close its mouth as the pointed teeth were far to large for the lips to close around.

Its neck was long and spindly, with scales of black and white, while its body was that of a black bear, with a tail like a rats. It gave a loud snarl that sent a chill on the back of Rimoru's neck as she gripped Mythos tighter.

"I don't know what that is..." she said quietly as two other identical heads rose up and matched the snarl with their own blood curdling screams.

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

"Cream? Aye, I would certainly give it to 'em, but...theres the matter with me wife. If I don't get payment fer ev'rything we get rid of, then me wife makes sure I sleep outside," started the barkeep until the subject of payment was brought up. "Aye then, cream it is!"

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

The innkeeper tending to Maya chuckled at her joke about spirits. "Well, ta some people its ne'er to early. But...now that ya remind me and I get ta speak with ya. That was some strange magic ya had last night. Summonin' the dead an' all. I woulda ne'er guessed ya ta be a necromancer," he said quietly.

As Alani walked down the stairs the innkeeper stood upright and beamed at her. "Good Morrow, friend," he said with a nod. He glanced at his co-worker walking behind two cats, making sure not to step on any of them.

"My lady, would you care for anything to eat or drink?" he asked after she spoke to Maya.


And as the two ladies spoke, the innkeeper saw his business opportunity and tried to make it. "My lady, you may stay in this fine establishment fer as long as ya want...err...fer a small fee, o' course. But nothin' like a comfortable place ta settle down for a bit to get ya back into tip-top shape, eh?"

A beast of unprecedented hideousness appeared out of the brush and reared its ugly heads at the adventurers. "Perfect..." Mythos uttered quietly, though Rimoru, being held as close as she was, may have heard it.

Almost immediately, the demonic rage that had been building up inside of him and that he had been working so hard to contain so as not to kill Rimoru burst out. A bloodlust overtook him as his cursed instincts began taking over as battle and blood reared their ugly heads.

Surprisingly, even as bloodlust was overtaking him, Mythos had the wherewithal to get Rimoru to safety - from both the monster and himself. Leaping as only an Artharian could, he easily made it in a pair of hops to the top of one of the nearby trees. Without saying a word, he lay her down betwixt a pair of branches that would support her body, if not comfortably, at least firmly.

A moment later he was back on the ground and ready to release his energetic rage. Pulling his diamond rapier encrusted with a red-red ruby from its sheath, his legendary speed and skill unleashed itself upon the enemy...

Maya’s hand tightened on her fork until her knuckles showed white, and her other hand curled into a fist as well when she heard the innkeeper’s words about her actions the previous night. She knew it wasn’t intentional, and she was aware of how the uneducated tended to categorise her abilities, but it angered her all the same, and she couldn’t help it. She despised everything that necromancers were and did.

“I did not summon the dead,” she corrected quietly, though there was an edge in her voice now. She was looking down at her plate, and was sat perfectly still. “I do not degrade the dead by forcing them to submit to my will,” she told him, unknowingly repeating her words from the previous night. She looked up now, her eyes hard and unforgiving. “I commune with the spirits of those passed on from this world and ask for their assistance. Whether they give it or not depends on what they think of me. Do not compare me with those sadistic control freaks and their barbaric practices again.”

She looked back down to her food and continued eating in silence.
<Don’t you think you were a little harsh on him?> asked Kaolai gently.
<Probably,> she admitted, <But I’ve had enough of this place and people misunderstanding me.>
<It’s not his fault,> pointed out the spirit, <You know how people have a tendency to misinterpret your abilities. There was no need to snap at him because he made the same mistake as almost everyone else.>
<That doesn’t excuse it,> Maya argued back, <But you’re right. I will apologise before I leave.>

Drasken could see the twisted creatures in the darkness and brought his scimitar out from under his cloak, no point in keeping it hidden as these monsters were unlikely to have more than basic intelligence.

He had seen monstrous creatures within the caves of his origin, though he had rarely stuck around to fight them, usually it was not a good idea. However. Right now however there seemed to be little choice and he cast a glance at Mythos in time to see him leaping into a tree with Rimoru. He swore under his breath, thinking for a moment that the rogue was about to abandon him before Mythos leapt back down and charged suicidaly straight as the monsters.

Even though they were associates only by common cause Drasken was not one to let even coincidental associates risk their lives without help and so sent a distracting blast at one of the two monsters who were further back before charging forward not far behind Mythos.

"Blasted beasts!" Mythos' unusually dark and guttural voice rang through the tree filled area as he fought the hideous monsters. His body moved so easily and smoothly, yet so quickly as if he was speeding up with every step, forwards and backwards.

In his right hand, the diamond rapier, eternally sharp and hard, cut through the air as if it was the weight of a feather. So quickly he struck and moved that in the darkening hour, if it were not for the blood red ruby that sat just above the handle, one would be hard pressed to see it at all. In his left hand he held a curved dagger in its proper reverse direction, enabling him to slash across his body and stab down upon his prey.

With a bloodlust rarely witnessed before, Mythos cut into the beasts, seemingly without regard for his own life and well-being. His agility aided his skill against the larger monsters, allowing him to leap over their heads and dive below their attacks as he proceeded to take them down...

The Innkeeper tending to Maya shivered unintentionally and nodded with a gulp. "My...my mistake, m'lady. I didn't know...yer magic is new to me and...I thought...sorry m'lady. Keep yer meal fer free," he stuttered, backing up slightly. Although the tiny bit of curiosity that remained in him wanted another demonstration of her powers and an explanation...not that he'd ask now.

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

Rimoru didn't even speak as she watched a different attitude took over Mythos. She thought it best to let him enter this zone and let the knave get to work. As she settled in the tree, she let him take off before grumbling to herself at how uncomfortable it was. She picked her feet up onto the branch and hoisted herself to her feet and watched as the battle unfolded.

Her internal library began scrolling through the different spells that would have the best effect on the beasts or the two warriors battling it as she watched the battle.

***

What the battling heros would find out is, the beasts were not so much beasts as one creature- the three heads connected together in a strange clump of tentacle like appendages squirming and twisting together where the base of the necks would be. Yet as Mythos began to slice at the creature, the tentacles swung out expertly, taking the blows for the heads.

The pieces fell to the floor but instantly twisted and curled, inching towards the beast's mass of tentacles, only to regrow as a new tentacle.

And as it grew more accustomed to Mytho's movements, with every hit, its tentacles began to shoot out at incredible speeds, reaching at Mytho's appendages.

The pieces fell to the floor but instantly twisted and curled, inching towards the beast's mass of tentacles, only to regrow as a new tentacle.

And as it grew more accustomed to Mytho's movements, with every hit, its tentacles began to shoot out at incredible speeds, reaching at Mytho's appendages.

[OOC: Mythos', not Mytho's :p]

"Anyone wanna burn this bastard!?" Mythos called out in a dark voice that seemed to bellow from beneath the chaos of battle. It wasn't quite clear whether it was an actual question or not, for the next moment, Mythos began unloading his limited magical abilities on the beast in tandem with his attacks.

His diamond sword seem to become enchanted - the ruby becoming a passionate color of scarlet red - and with every swing, an extremely hot flame erupted at the beast. Mythos used the fire to hopefully singe the tentacles and prevent them from reattaching or healing, but he was not sure the nature of this beast and its abilities nor had he fought something like it before. But there were legends of similar beasts, and fire often aided those heroes...

With every swing though, the beast seemed to be catching up, launching quicker attacks and was soon to land more than just glancing blows on Mythos. No doubt it had already made contact as evidenced by the rogue's ripped shirt and blood-prickled cuts on his exposed skin, but nothing yet had managed to be a serious blow. However, not wanting to experience such a barrage of tentacles hitting his body, Mythos leapt to the side, landing on a tree branch, and with expert agility, flung himself into the sky.

Seemingly hanging there as he ascended, an increasingly bright light appeared around him. In the darkness it showed the vastness of the sky and just how small Mythos was in comparison to it. It never seemed to stop growing - more of an allusion than anything, because as it descended it appeared to grow even though it had reached critical mass. When it was close enough, one could see Mythos' indestructible spear, charged with electricity and surrounded by it, baring down on the monster...

Drasken watched Mythos's bloodthirsty, but innefective attacks and decided to try a less direct method. He leapt at the vines connecting the three beasts and began slashing indescriminatly with his scimitar, the weight of it slowing his strikes, but tearing through the vines as if they were paper. With his other hand he followed each strike with a blast of concentrated darkness, hoping that the vines would not be able to recover the exposed areas quickly enough.

He saw Mythos sword become wreathed in fire, but quickly returned his attention to the tentacles, which had begun to fight back. He kept slashing his scimitar viciously at the creatures, but it was not quick enough to cut down every vine and even with the aid of his magic small cuts were starting to appear where the vines had caught him.

He leapt back and cast a glance at Mythos, seeing him leap into the sky and begin charging some form of weapon. I hope he knows what he's doing... Drasken thought as he continued beating back the tentacles and keeping his distance from where Mythos seemed to be aiming.

After watching the lady's reaction to the innkeeper's question about her art, the healer carefully asked, "One does not mean to be rude, but one has always had a great curiosity about other abilities. One would like to hear about the lady's abilities and perhaps her master if the lady is willing to explain them to one who is always willing to learn. Perhaps in exchange the lady would like to know about some of this one's meager abilities?"

Turning to the innkeeper the healer asked, "One would be happy if breakfast was provided before one settled debts owed to this great establishment." Two cats also twined about the innkeeper's legs as if to remind him of the cream they were promised.

Maya looked up with a slightly guilty expression on her face when the innkeeper stammered an apology and quickly moved away, realising that he had interpreted her abrupt rebuke as a veiled threat, when she had no intention of doing anything of the sort. As she had indicated the previous night, she disliked physical violence for any reason, and she certainly wouldn’t resort to it over something as relatively trivial as this, despite how much it annoyed her. I’m definitely apologising now. And I’m not going to take advantage of them because of that either, she told herself.

“I have nothing against explaining my abilities to those who wish to know,” she told the other woman, after the question was put to her. “I just despise necromancers and everything they stand for, so I get annoyed when people mistake my art for theirs, as similar as they may appear to the uneducated,” she explained, a little apologetically. A thought struck her, and she voiced it; “I don’t believe I know your name.”

As she had said, Maya was perfectly happy to talk about her abilities to anyone who showed an interest, and there were no concerns about someone picking up and abusing the abilities from what she said, as it took months of training and meditation before the spirits would respond to a summons. However, she wouldn’t tell the whole truth; certain aspects regarding her origins got left out, and in some cases replaced with fictional constructs to avoid any unpleasantness that might arise.

[OOC: Mythos', not Mytho's :p]

"Anyone wanna burn this bastard!?" Mythos called out in a dark voice that seemed to bellow from beneath the chaos of battle. It wasn't quite clear whether it was an actual question or not, for the next moment, Mythos began unloading his limited magical abilities on the beast in tandem with his attacks.

His diamond sword seem to become enchanted - the ruby becoming a passionate color of scarlet red - and with every swing, an extremely hot flame erupted at the beast. Mythos used the fire to hopefully singe the tentacles and prevent them from reattaching or healing, but he was not sure the nature of this beast and its abilities nor had he fought something like it before. But there were legends of similar beasts, and fire often aided those heroes...

With every swing though, the beast seemed to be catching up, launching quicker attacks and was soon to land more than just glancing blows on Mythos. No doubt it had already made contact as evidenced by the rogue's ripped shirt and blood-prickled cuts on his exposed skin, but nothing yet had managed to be a serious blow. However, not wanting to experience such a barrage of tentacles hitting his body, Mythos leapt to the side, landing on a tree branch, and with expert agility, flung himself into the sky.

Seemingly hanging there as he ascended, an increasingly bright light appeared around him. In the darkness it showed the vastness of the sky and just how small Mythos was in comparison to it. It never seemed to stop growing - more of an allusion than anything, because as it descended it appeared to grow even though it had reached critical mass. When it was close enough, one could see Mythos' indestructible spear, charged with electricity and surrounded by it, baring down on the monster...

Drasken watched Mythos's bloodthirsty, but innefective attacks and decided to try a less direct method. He leapt at the vines connecting the three beasts and began slashing indescriminatly with his scimitar, the weight of it slowing his strikes, but tearing through the vines as if they were paper. With his other hand he followed each strike with a blast of concentrated darkness, hoping that the vines would not be able to recover the exposed areas quickly enough.

He saw Mythos sword become wreathed in fire, but quickly returned his attention to the tentacles, which had begun to fight back. He kept slashing his scimitar viciously at the creatures, but it was not quick enough to cut down every vine and even with the aid of his magic small cuts were starting to appear where the vines had caught him.

He leapt back and cast a glance at Mythos, seeing him leap into the sky and begin charging some form of weapon. I hope he knows what he's doing... Drasken thought as he continued beating back the tentacles and keeping his distance from where Mythos seemed to be aiming.

The creature let out an intense roar as it fended off attacks from both sides. Suddenly, it noticed that it could not move from its spot as ice formed around its feet, trapping it to that very spot.

From the tree she was placed in, Rimoru smiled as her handiwork seemed to be effective in keeping it pinned to where it was, opening it up for the seemingly big attack Mythos was about to perform.

She watched eagerly awaiting the results as he closed in on the trapped creature that shouting and whining as it saw its death approaching. Silence was the only sound before he hit. Even the creatures that normally noisily called at night remained silent as if they too were eager to watch the result.

The resulting boom nearly blasted Rimoru off her perch. A gust of wind proceeded a fifteen foot blast that obliterated anything nearby.

"Drasken!" Rimoru shouted, suddenly realizing that her other guardian was nearby the creature before the blast.

Strangely enough, when the blast dissipating, revealing Mythos, that's all that was revealed. There were no signs of a creature or its remains. Although Rimoru didn't take much time looking for the body rather than looking for Drasken.

After watching the lady's reaction to the innkeeper's question about her art, the healer carefully asked, "One does not mean to be rude, but one has always had a great curiosity about other abilities. One would like to hear about the lady's abilities and perhaps her master if the lady is willing to explain them to one who is always willing to learn. Perhaps in exchange the lady would like to know about some of this one's meager abilities?"

Turning to the innkeeper the healer asked, "One would be happy if breakfast was provided before one settled debts owed to this great establishment." Two cats also twined about the innkeeper's legs as if to remind him of the cream they were promised.

“Right away,” the Innkeeper muttered as the innkeeper who cringed from Maya instantly nodded and nearly ran off to get the cat’s cream and food for the jeweler so as not to feel uncomfortable under the embarrassment he had caused himself and possibly to Maya.

There was a wide circle of scorched earth, blasted from the energy of his crushing blow on the creature. In the center stood the panting form of a roguish knave. The moment the beast had been destroyed his bloodlust seemed to dissipate with the crackling of energy into the air. The intensity and rage built up over several days were pacified instantly with the death of his foe.

Under normal circumstances such a battle and the use of such manic energy would have been extremely tiring, but is demonic influence coupled with its growing flame over several days enabled him unholy speed and energy. In a few minutes he would be back to his normal and lively self. But for the moment, he would rest in the center of his devastation on the end of his spear...

"I saw him move..." was all he uttered to the lovely form of Rimoru as she searched desperately.

Drasken dragged himslef from a nearby bush, brushing some dirt from his clothes. "I'm all right, just a few brusies." He had leapt back just before Mythos struck and had avoided most of the blast, though its force had sent him flying into the bushes.

He bowed to Rimoru and thanked her for her aid in the battle before glancing at the crater left by Mythos'es attack with a raised eyebrow. "Impressive" was all he said before starting to continue down the path.

"I don't know what that was, but to me it suggests that we shouldn't be wasting any time. Let us continue."

“This one is called Alani Carnelian. This one always wishes to learn about new things and the lady's abilities are both new and intriguing. This one does not wish to seem uneducated to the lady and may not seem so uneducated if and when the lady talks about her abilities to this unworthy one.”

During this time, the little skrit crept in to hide under the healer's robes. He was obviously tired from something, but it was obvious that he did not get in a fight for he was not hurt.

There was a wide circle of scorched earth, blasted from the energy of his crushing blow on the creature. In the center stood the panting form of a roguish knave. The moment the beast had been destroyed his bloodlust seemed to dissipate with the crackling of energy into the air. The intensity and rage built up over several days were pacified instantly with the death of his foe.

Under normal circumstances such a battle and the use of such manic energy would have been extremely tiring, but is demonic influence coupled with its growing flame over several days enabled him unholy speed and energy. In a few minutes he would be back to his normal and lively self. But for the moment, he would rest in the center of his devastation on the end of his spear...

"I saw him move..." was all he uttered to the lovely form of Rimoru as she searched desperately.

Drasken dragged himslef from a nearby bush, brushing some dirt from his clothes. "I'm all right, just a few brusies." He had leapt back just before Mythos struck and had avoided most of the blast, though its force had sent him flying into the bushes.

He bowed to Rimoru and thanked her for her aid in the battle before glancing at the crater left by Mythos'es attack with a raised eyebrow. "Impressive" was all he said before starting to continue down the path.

"I don't know what that was, but to me it suggests that we shouldn't be wasting any time. Let us continue."

“Drasken!” Rimoru shouted as she climbed down the tree she was placed so unceremoniously in. As soon as she hit the dirt, she ran straight to Drasken and wrapped her arms around him. She gave him a little peck on the cheek before examining his body for cuts or gashes. When seeing none, she then trotted towards Mythos who was still waiting in the center of his blast area.

“Waiting for something?” she asked as she carefully made her way through the upturned dirt and gently placed her soft hands on his back and felt how tense it was. “Thank you, Mythos,” she said quietly as she gently began to massage his back. “But we really should go. The town guard may not come for any animal roars but for bright lights and loud explosions, they will investigate, especially at a time like this. Let’s hurry to your friend so we can find out who is hunting me and who possibly has my sister.”

Drasken had to admit that he was caught off guard by Rimoru's response to his momentary dissapearence, but let her check him for scratches while assuring her he was all right.

Then watched as she ran down to Mythos and encouraged him to get moving, something Drasken would be happy to do, but since only the rogue knew where they were going he would have to wait.

Brushing some more of the dirt of he noticed something in one of his pockets that he did not remember being there before, he reached into the pocket and felt what appeared to be a letter or note, but was reluctant to examine it as if was placed there by somebody else it was probably private. He disregareded it for the moment and decided to wait for a suitable time to examine it.

"Let’s hurry to your friend so we can find out who is hunting me and who possibly has my sister."

"Alright then..." Mythos said in a much lighter tone that had been present in recent days. The violence had done something quite visible to the rogue beyond the few cuts and wounds. The darkness of his "tattoos" seemed to fade somewhat, though they remained quite obvious all the same. His back, at Rimoru's angelic touch, loosened up and he straightened his body.

Not wanting another go at the annoying palace guard, Mythos was inclined to get out of there before any good show up and put them blame on him. Maybe, however, they would prove useful if his contact turned on them - that was something to keep in mind.

"The meeting place is just at the top of the hill here," he added as he began walking through the clearing. "Not quite sure what to expect, so be ready..." Mythos called over his shoulder with his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. The ruby that had been encrusted into the diamond rapier was glowing for some unknown reason...

“Well, I’m not sure where to start,” Maya replied. “My instruction started when I was six years old, like most Rhydan children. For a long time all I was taught were the basics of meditation and the language of the Aesar, that’s the name for the spirits. I was completely bilingual by the time I was twelve; my tutors were very impressed. After that, I spent the next few years learning to elevate my conscious to the spirit plane, and I began to commune with the spirits.”

She paused for breath, smiling a little at the memories of her childhood that were coming back along with the details of her instruction. “When I was sixteen, I entered a monastery to further my training. The masters there are highly regarded by all Rhydans for their knowledge and commitment to the Aesar. I studied there for two years, and learned a great deal about all the aspects of the arts of a Druid. I had no one master under which I studied; I learnt from many, each educating me on their particular area of expertise.”

“I spent many days doing nothing other than talking with the various spirits I encountered. They taught me many things that I might otherwise never have learnt.” She stopped, realising she was straying a little from what Alani wanted to know. “As I said yesterday, it takes many months, sometimes years, for the spirits to trust someone enough to respond to a summons request, and they will not fulfil your every whim or do things they believe to be wrong or misguided. Their use in combat, which that odious little man from last night was so interested in, is limited to purely defensive or supportive means; they will not help you win a fight you started. They are far more helpful in peaceful tasks.”