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A is for Addled... B is for Befuddled... C is for Confused...

These were not the lessons taught by Tashir's young tutor, but they may as well have been. He could make out the first few letters, up to e if he was lucky, write his full name, and pick out a couple basic words, but it seemed like his academic advancement-- never very rapid-- had stalled. His mind longed for respite; his body longed for the like thrills of ranging and clandestinity; his spirit longed for the steppes of Koreikala. But here, in this cold stone enclosure so far from home... so far north from home... none of these desires were satisfied. At least the first would soon be realized. They left at sunset.

The week before, a personal emissary from the council of leaders had rounded up what seemed to be an entire generation of Anskalians. Koreikalan nomads, Bungarese miners, Narvaini highlanders, Raesish plainsmen, squires of Li Siunei and Tamail, the hardened desert men of Istin Gray, and so many more were personally notified of the heroic undertaking on which few if any of them were expected to leave. Thousands of miles of dramatically diverse stretches of land were represented, the few brave and clever enough to escape the devastation.

They all fit into one hall.

At the podium stood the Lord of Castle Anskalis, Veymor. He was seen as one of the most upright and honorable people left alive, not to mention intelligent-- his bureaucratic successes in running the castle that housed a continent backed that up. He was flanked by Generals Ramncil and Thodric, two of the able men in charge of sallies and defenses. After about half an hour of settling down, his proclamation had been succinct, but it drove the point home.

Lord Veymor: Soldiers of Anskalis! Hear me! We are pressed into dire straits, by a foe terrible and unknown! Our situation is desperate. We do not yet begin to weaken, but we must be realistic, for the sake of our children. This castle cannot hold for eternity. Eventually these stones and the brave warriors within may dent and shatter. The enemy is seemingly without numbers. Their hordes may never stop coming.

A murmur arose, but quickly evaporated as the look of noble purpose on Veymor's face was more widely noticed.

Lord Veymor: But from where can such a force come? Many of you believe Darkhell, but that is not a large island. Its resources could not support this. But that is the only land to the south, and our only true guess. None can doubt the direction of the invasion, nor its terrible effect.

Another murmur, another dissipation.

Lord Veymor: And so, we call upon you, Anskalis. We request that a small party of our noblest and bravest assemble. Our veterans must hold the walls; you, our youth, are left to this task. The party will then sneak south, all the way to Darkhell, and deal with the problem at its source. We have a special item that will signal us from anywhere in the world. If such a heroic task comes to completion, the party will activate it three times and notify us that the enemy is finite, and may finally be killed. With this new hope granted, our worthy soldiers will drive out the invaders and reclaim our land. However, remember your task. You are to be sent thousands of miles south across hostile territory, to face an enemy beyond any of our reckoning. You may not return. If you have loved ones or friendships here that you do not wish to leave, I recommend staying. The few of you that volunteer may contact me personally, and the meeting will be arranged. Thank you.

The room had erupted in sound.

Later, Tashir had requested an audience with Lord Veymor. He had been immediately permitted.

Tashir: Hello. I am Tashir Dakharo.
Lord Veymor: Greetings. Is this about--
Tashir: Yes, I... I wish to... to go.
Lord Veymor: I see. Excellent. You are one of few, Tashir.
Tashir: Truly? I'd have thought...
Lord Veymor: No, so many wish to stay and defend the castle. They do not want to leave behind their lives and embark on what amounts to being a suicide mission. I do not blame them. Even had I no other obligations, I would be conflicted about going myself.
Tashir: I...
Lord Veymor: But you, I see, will go. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Meet me in this room in four days an hour before sunset. The rest will assemble as well.
Tashir: Yes. Thank you.
Lord Veymor: Do you have any questions?
Tashir: No... no, that's it.
Lord Veymor: Very well. I must be off, actually. Thank you again.
Tashir: And you, Lord.

That was four days gone. Tashir had continued with his lessons, paying a bright young Li Siunei'i man named Chisong to teach him to read and write, and he gambled and snuck around nights as usual. But his heart was filled with anticipation. He could not stand being cooped up in this castle, safe or not, and expected the few young nomads present to join him in the journey. Now his lesson was over, and he was left to gather his few things and say his few goodbyes.

Tashir stuffed what belongings he had into a pack, which he kept light, as he intended to carry it on his back. He hooked his small crossbow into his belt and breeches, and placed his dirk in its sheath. His throwing knives were in a pouch secured on the same loop of leather, as were his many cases of quarrels. Ah, yes-- his belt was simply full of pleasant little odds and ends. Lastly, he ceremoniously placed his numerous bowstrings into a small leathern circle, which he placed into a pocket in his pack.

Castle Anskalis did not love Tashir. He went to a gambling den he'd particularly liked and made his rounds, shaking hands with the few people dicing before sunset, as well as the proprietor, who'd taken a shine to him. He left a small present in Chisong's room, as was Koreikalan custom, this particular one being a tidy sum of gold. (He didn't think he'd need much of that going south.) A few people had in fact gotten on his good side, and after confirming that they were staying, he gave each a small embrace and a gift, often gold, occasionally some thoughtful item. Now there was nothing left to do but go to it. He left his quarters with pride in his bearing, and made for Lord Veymor's personal chamber.

Sunset was still some time off, and it seemed that he was the first to arrive. He was admitted immediately. He entered and found Lord Veymor with the two generals that had been present at the announcement. Each greeted him in turn and thanked him for his bravery. The briefing and outfitting would come when his new companions arrived. Tashir chose a likely seat and waited.

[ January 22, 2005, 05:17 PM: Message edited by: Prince Toad ]

Cian wandered around the castle. Soon he was supposed to leave on his mission; so he decided to spend the last of his time here saying goodbye to the people he met, yet hardly any of them were actual friends.

???:Hey Cian.
Cian: Eh?

He looked around, it was Filia, a girl he knew from Raesis, and one of the few he considers a friend.

Filia: So, your going to fight the Unknown enemy?
Cian: Yeah, I know that it doesn't seem too likely, but I need to do it...
Filia: Yeah... I know, but can't you think of a better idea?
Cian: There aren't any better ideas. The situation is basically hopeless here, didn't you hear Veymor's speech a few days ago?
Filia: Well... Its almost sunset... You probably should get going.
Cian: Yeah. Before I go I want to give you something.

Cian pulls a gold pendant out of his pocket.

Cian: This is something I got from my home at Raesis. Its basically all I have left to remember my family. I want you to have it, theres a picture inside of it of me and my family. I suppose you could use it to remember me.
Filia: Thank you. I'll pray for your safty on your journey. I hope you will come back.
Cian: I'll try to, but I won't be able to promise you that.
Filia:Fine... I guess this is good bye then. You should go see Veymor
Cian:I know. Bye Filia.

Cian left and went to the room where he was supposed to meet with Veymor and knocked on the door.

Veymor(from within room): Come in.

Cian entered; inside there were only two people, Veymor and tall boy with brown hair wearing brown clothes.

Veymor: Oh, Cian, You're here.

Cian looked around.

Cian: Is this everyone?
Veymor: No, a few more should be coming as well. So far only you and Tashir here have come here.
Cian: I guess we're just waiting here for the others then.
Cian went over to a chair away from the other ones and sat down in it while waiting for the others to arrive.

[ January 23, 2005, 03:40 PM: Message edited by: KirbyBoy2000 ]

Earlier, at the assembly he had decided to go as soon as Veymor had begun speaking about the mission. He had been feeling discontent and alone in this castle full of thousands. He didn't really know anyone here, had made no friends even though he had been here for a couple of years now. He had been wishing for the road again, like he had used to travel.

"I'm here as well." he said as he entered the room where Veymor was waiting. He looked packed and ready to leave. Wearing a couple of pouches, and a backpack, his staff in hand, a couple of knives on his belt. He placed his staff on the ground and sat down.

"So what are my companion's names?" asked Kino.

[ January 24, 2005, 07:56 PM: Message edited by: Marth ]

Heret knelt before the shrine in prayer. It wasn't much of a shrine, but there wasn't much of anything in the castle. What sparse materials that could be found were funneled into the defense of the castle, yet the Sisters of Ulath had managed. Heret focused her mind away from the shrine, and back to her prayer. Satisfied, she got off her knees, and took a deep breath. Several other women were praying, a tall woman with a priesteess' garb filled some bowls with blessed water. Heret didn't know her very well; she had made few friends, mainly sticking with her former bodygaurd companions. The priestess walked to Heret, and spoke quietly.

Priestess: I heard about your plans. You don't have to do this.
Heret: No, I don't if all I'm woried about is purifying my soul. However, I feel that a priestess must personally see to the destruction of the foe. Vengance is not the word for it... It just seems like the proper thing to honor the avatar.
Priestess: Ulath bless you in your wanderings, and may she grant your strength as you walk in her name.

Heret tried to think of a response but gave up. She just couldn't explain why she wanted to go on the fool's errand. She began walking off when she remembered that she had some further business. She had spent the past days gambling, and had made some money. It had been easy to make money off the drunkards who gambled, who spent their ocasional winnings on cheap ale and the last existing bottles of wine. She had cheated them, but Heret felt justified enough when some began referring to her as the "wench". Some of the women had no morals, a few even saying that it was their duty to populate the castle. Ulath's Sisters preached for marriage, but many of the heathen priests were encouraging the oppositte, and there were jokes that the Makal temple was more brothel than house of worship. It was disgusting to Heret, who had a vow of celibacy. Apocalyptic world or not, civilization needed to have some morals and ethics or they would be no better than the foe.

Heret walked back to the priestess and drew out a heavy pouch, dumping the contents into the surprised woman's hand. A few gold and silver pieces tumbled out along with a sizable amount of copper coins.

Heret: See what you can do to the shrine.
Priestess: This is a small fortune.
Heret: Look, this place is really drab. I think that's enough to comission another statue of Ulath. I'm pretty sure you can bribe the quartermaster to get some of the marble that they've been hoarding, and I hear that one of the new Raesian refugees is a talented sculptor. Consider it a donation to the shrine.
Priestess: Thank you.

Heret looked up at the sky, and saw the sun setting. She had wanted to say goodbye to some of her friends, but it was time to go meet her companions. She quickly walked back to her quarters in Northgate, picking up her weapons and placing a copy of Elm in her bag. She would need the Ulath holy text, it was a powerful amplifier to the spells granted to her by Ulath. Heret quickly ran south towards the Highgaurd district and Lord Veymour's chamber. She walked into the room, seeing three other warriors. Heret's heart sank, was that all? She had hoped for more, and to be frank... she just realized she would probably be the only woman. A blue-eyed boy walked up to her, a plain cape matching his hair.

Kino: My name is Kino, what's yours?
Heret: Heret, priestess of Ulath. Pleased to meet you.

After the priestess introduced herself, Kino sat back down.

"So how long are we going to wait for the others?" he asked.

(OOC: I'll add my intro tomorrow)

Down in the lower levels of the castle, where peasants were confined, Zax had awoken from a nap. He had been having nightmares about the destruction of the castle and the world. Around every corner, he nearly flinched; his small size compared to some of the large and bulky adults scared him. The dark halls of the castle emitted a smell of filth, and the air felt used and dry. Zax hardly remembered the better days of his life; out in the peaceful small town of Raverna with his brother; where the people constructed the town with vigor and hope. People were spiritually happy in the town, but down in the depths of Castle Anskalis, the folk were moody and stubborn, or depressed. Zax had overheard the speech Lord Veymor had presented from many of the castle's dwellers, but he did not attend the speech himself. He heard stories of the speech, all which were told completely different, except for one part: that the Lord was looking for young and bold children in a desperate attempt to travel to the heart of the enemy's land, and to weaken the enemy's nation. Zax knew leaving the castle can highly result in death and failure, but anything was better than being treated as a prisoner in the old and crumbling complex.

Zax had for the first time walked down the beautiful halls that led to the king's chamber; decorated with many unique garmets he had never seen before. Upon reaching the end of the hall, he was greeted by a guard.

Guard: Are you willing to journey across the dangerous territories the vile and ruthless savages created?

Zax: Yes...

The guard was silent for a minute, and was rather surprised. Such a youngster was going to venture out to his death. He noticed the kid hadn't even a weapon by his side, only pouches that probably carried food and water and perhaps a small sum of money. The guard was obligated to ask, but time was short.

Guard: You may enter then, noble one.

The guard opened the door, and Zax entered slowly. It appeared he was later than the rest, and felt slightly embarrased. He took a seat though, and awaited for the Lord to speak once more...

The words told to him by Lord Veymore had seemed to become lost within the bone chilling water. As it enveloped him, he seemed to slip away, forgetting of everything he had ever done. All of his sins, all of his wrong doings, all became washed away. His slate had been swept, and he was ready to go fourth on a new journey.

As he erupt from under the water, he gasped for breath, the crisp air stinging as it filled his lungs. He got out of his bath tub, and peered out of the window. The sky was dark, he had been in there for much longer than he thought he would be. Naked and bare, he stood for a moment to think.

Suddenly it flashed through his head, so fast it came that it almost pained him. The words of Lord Veymor, washed away and forgotten, were suddenly revived in his mind. "Meet me in this room in four days an hour before sunset. The rest will assemble as well." How could he forget? He was not one to forget things of such importance, however this managed to slip past him. He let it go though, and began to pack up his stuff in a hurry, anxious to arrive in the meeting room, where his company was waiting for him. How he prayed they wouldn't have left without him.

After grabbing all things of importance to him, he was ready to leave. While walking out of the house, he hesitated. Hesitation, something not common in his actions. He realized that as he closed the door shut on his home, it would probably be the last. Though this brought him some degree sadness, not one tear was shed from his cold, silver eyes. For crying was not in his actions either. He then sealed the door shut, locking away his past, ready to start anew.

He had a different gaze upon his face as he turned, a determined look which could not be taken from him. For his name was Kironlo, and Kironlo was prepared to get his objective done. Walking with a steady gate, he approached the inner city of Anskalis. Kironlo passed by places well known to him, such as the various vendors and merchants in the city square. Staring up above, Kironlo took a quick look at the moon, beautiful and full it was, and this was a sign of good things to come.

As he approached the enclave, Kironlo took one last look at the city. It seemed different at that moment, lifeless and dull. He was glad to finally leave. Staying in one place too long made him uncomfortable anyway. He neared the door and knocked. A familiar voice from within came, it was Lord Veymor.

Veymor: Come in, please.

Kironlo entered the room. He saw the faces of his soon-to-be companions, some look tired, most likely from waiting all day. Kironlo began to scope out each of them, he could feel a strong presence within the room, as many were magically adept.

The tallest and oldest looking man interested Kironlo, he seemed to have a very ambitious look about him. He seemed to keep his cool, even after learning from Veymor that he had been there for the longest, staying in the same spot. This interested Kironlo, and he had hoped to learn more from this man later on.

Kironlo's eyes then wandered around the room, spotting an average sized boy and a shorter boy, both about the same age, standing and talking to each other. Nothing about them interesting Kironlo too much, so his eyes wandered further, spotting who seemed to be the only female there.

He wasn't expecting any female company in the journey, so his initial reaction was that of suprise. What further sparked his interest was that he could sense some sort of holy aura about her, he wondered if she felt his presence as well, and this was confirmed when she approached him.

Heret: I am Heret, priestess of Ulath. And you are?
Kironlo: M-my name is Kironlo.
Heret: Interesting...I feel an uneasiness in your spirit. You emit a holy influence, and it can be felt, however at the same time you are covering something...something deeper...something dark. What is this power I feel?

Kironlo now felt uneasy. He didn't want to explain his life of exile and his battle between the light and dark side of his mind and heart, nor did he want to get another involved.

Kironlo: I will keep to myself for now. Perhaps we can talk later, but now is not the time.
Heret: Alright, but this is most interesting.

Heret walked away and sat down, staring at Kironlo for a moment, but then looking away again. Kironlo then slunked in the back and waited for Lord Veymor's instructions.

Kino watched the two greet each other, each with an interest in the other. Something was different about this Kironlo, something he didn't really like.

He feels like... Death. That's it.. thought Kino to himself.

When he looked upon the younger boy, he was reminded of the day he watched his family get slaughtered by the darkness that threatened the land. However, something was different. It wasn't really like that darkness, it just reminded him of it.

I'll have to keep an eye on him. I don't really trust him much.

He stood up, and picked up his staff, and walked toward the door.

Lord Veymor: "Where are you going?"

"I'll return in a few moments. I'm a little restless and want to go outside for a few minutes."

He glanced over at Kironlo and went outside to the courtyard of the castle. Twirling his staff around in circles, he went into a fighting stance, staff in right hand, facing downwards by left leg and upwards right at an angle. Stepping forward, he jabbed with the end of his staff at imaginary foes, spun around and swung his staff, hard sideways, stepping back and jabbing backwards, and then swinging his staff at a sharp, hard 90 degree turn. He planted his staff into the ground, inhaled and held his breath and jumped, almost clearing his staff and kicked, also bring his staff up with him, and swung it hard, at the ground. He exhaled, now calmed down a bit. He found solace in his training and often used it as a method of calming himself down. He wasn't sure what it was, but that young lad really had unnerved him.

He went back inside and looked around the room. No one new had arrived yet. Everyone gave him a glance as he walked in, then went back to talking amongs themselves or sitting idly. He sat back down in his original seat and placed his staff back down. He closed his eyes and put his hands on the back of his head, and leaned back in his chair, slowing his breathing down to rest and relax.

[ January 25, 2005, 08:44 PM: Message edited by: Marth ]

Tashir had been sitting off to the side in a plain wooden chair with a non-descript white cushion, his chin on his right hand, which was folded over his left fist. Both elbows were firmly dug into in his lap. He glanced up as each individual came in: the small robed mage; the blue-eyed staff fighter with the brown cloak; the tall, spear-carrying priestess; a second mage, whose most distinctive feature was his white, gold-trimmed robes; and lastly, the kid barely into his teens whom everyone was stepping lightly around, despite their obvious seniority-- the nomad, having no affinity for magic, had no clue as to why.

The cloaked staff user returned from his brief hiatus, breathing hard. He took a seat and reclined there, focusing his respiration into a more regular cadence. The rest of his companions-to-be had been introducing themselves to each other, but Tashir hung back, tacit as ever. He'd know their names soon enough, why rush the process?

At length Lord Veymor motioned for them all to take seats. The priestess and the fighter took uneasy glances at the kid before obliging the castellan. Veymor's eyes widened the slightest bit when he looked in the direction of that child as well. Perhaps Tashir could not sense anything in his aura, but the ranger was able to notice the discomfort he seemed to cause everyone. Shrugging, he decided it was a mystery for another time. The lord began to speak.

Lord Veymor: Six of you are come here, as six have contacted me this past week. We are ready to send you on your way. I must impart to you a few words, but first, I would like you all to formally introduce yourselves. Start on my left-- that's you, Cian.

The first mage that had entered stood up, smoothing his red robes. He composed himself briefly, reflecting that being the first to go was always an uncomfortable experience. He settled on his words and spoke.

Cian: My name is Cian Awen of Raesis. I am a diviner, and can cast some minor spells for use in combat. Fireballs and such. I've only just begun to study combat magic, and... I hope to improve my skills along the way.

Next came the priestess.

Priestess: I am Heret of Narvain, a priestess of Ulath the Walking Goddess.

She made a semi-conscious holy sign with her hands.

Heret: I've some minor knowledge of white magic, and am quite adept at the chosen domain of my deity, Walking.

Offering no explanation for this, she sat, and the second mage stood.

Mage: I'm Zax of Raverna. I'm sure you all heard about how it was taken recently. I know defensive magic, including healing, barriers, and augmentations for myself and fellow combatants. That would be you now, I suppose.

The staff user.

Fighter: My name's Kino. I'll be fighting in the front, and can enhance my own abilities. Looks like I'll be handling most of the hard combat.

Apart from the others, the kid stood.

Kid: I am Kironlo, of many lands. I am a monk and a magician. That is all.

A few of the others shifted. Why were they so unmanned by this Kironlo? Tashir didn't know. It was his turn. He stood and addressed the room in as few words as he could.

Tashir: I'm Tashir of Koreikala. I range, track, pick locks, shoot. My ancestors protect me.

That was all he had to say. A couple brief snickers passed the mouths of the four on Veymor's left, noting his unaccustomed social behavior, but they were stifled swiftly at a stern look from the lord.

Lord Veymor: Excellent. You will all find ways to complement each other on your journey, I am certain. You must succeed. No successive parties will be sent, nor can we spare the men to search for you.

The tracker glanced at the others. One of them, Zax perhaps, returned the anxious look.

Lord Veymor: You have all been given the pick of the armory, and will each be granted a pack of supplies. Within you should find several healing potions, some herbs and antidotes, two weeks' worth of rations, waterskins, a bedroll, and the extra weapons and armor you selected earlier. You have each been granted a unique gift to complement your talents, as we have researched them. Anything else you may want, we expect you have brought.

[OOC: Unless anyone wants to write it out specifically, just assume we took what we wanted already from the armory. Some extra bolts or armor or something, but the primary weapons remain the same. As for the gift, mention it in your next post. It can be something cool but not uber-powerful.]

Lord Veymor: There is also the matter of the signalling device. Give this to one who is dutiful. If you reach the isle of Darkhell, or the lair of the enemy wherever it is, activate it three times-- one long and two short. If you defeat the enemy, active it four times-- one short and three long. If one of you falls, active it five times, long each time. Thodric, present them with the device.

General Thodric approached the group.

Thodric: Which of you will assume this responsibility? It must not be lost, or used in frivolity.
Heret: I am no stranger to duty. Allow me to hold it.
Thodric: Does anyone object? No? Very well. I wish you the best of luck, Priestess. And the rest of you.
Heret: Thank you.

Thodric produced the device from a pocket in his cuirass. It was a small T-shaped whitish object, like a cream-colored cross with the top hacked off.

Thodric: To use it, simply concentrate your mental energies into it.
Heret: That doesn't sound very simple...
Thodric: Lady, I've never cast a spell in my life, and I'm able to use it. Here, try.

Heret accepted the item and closed her eyes, scrunching up her face in an unintentionally comical parody of meditative thought. The thing made a muted beeping sound almost instantly. A bit embarrassed, she smiled nervously and put the thing into her robes.

Lord Veymor: That is to be our only means of communication. Pigeons could be intercepted, and we cannot spare runners or riders. We have a list of the signals for you. Do not lose it.

Thodric presented this to Heret as well.

Lord Veymor: Do any of you have questions?
Kino: Yes. If we complete our mission, then what?
Lord Veymor: Return here as swiftly as you can. We will see to it that you are rewarded lavishly, and those of you who remain will doubtlessly be treated as saviors. But I trust that is not why any of you signed on...

They all shook their heads, or kept them still as a sign of concurrence.

Lord Veymor: Then, valiant heroes, I wish the best of luck to you. I now bid you farewell. The hopes of Anskalis ride upon your backs. Stand and be true.
Ramncil: Guards, present them with their gifts.

Three guards carrying two packs each offered them up to the warriors. Their names were written on top. Tashir believed he could recognize his own, but he wasn't positive, so he waited until the others had taken theirs to snatch his own. They each placed their pack into whatever they had been using to carry their supplies before.

Ramncil: Come with me. I will show you the secret passage that you will use for your exit, and if you return, for your re-entry point as well.

They were led by Ramncil alone into Veymor's bedroom. First, they turned into a servant's passage. Shortly afterward, the general stopped and began to search along a wall. Finding the stone he sought, he pulled it out a few inches. Grinding machinery worked as the section of stone swung inward, revealing a new corridor. The general took a lit torch that had been placed there (presumably for this specific mission) and led them inward. The others stumbled along, occasionally tripping full-out over a rock or their own clothing, but Tashir was accustomed to the dark and strode along easily. After a while, Ramncil stopped, placed his hand onto an apparently unmarked upright wooden beam, one of many, and shoved violently. A portal opened, leading into yet another passageway. This one appeared to be dug directly into the rock of the nearby mountains. Still holding the torch, the officer led them up a series of winding stairways and tunnels that eventually saw them at a trap door perfectly flat against the low ceiling. He peered at the wall before finding the handholds cunningly cut into the rock, and climbed upwards. He put his ear to the trap door and listened for a long time before being satisfied.

Ramncil: We are unobserved. If you leave and see anybody watching you, kill them at once. Ask no questions. Farewell, and best of luck to you. I hope to see you again in happier times.

They each made a small thank-you and farewell before hustling up the cleverly made "ladder" and out of the trap door. It made a horrible creaking sound when Tashir, the first one to leave, opened it, and once more when Cian, last, closed it. Tashir checked around but saw no signs of them being observed.

Their journey had begun. Now they were done with the castle, and there was only one thing to do.

Tashir: Southward on.

[ February 01, 2005, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: Prince Toad ]

Kino looked around at his companions, and then back to the castle. He closed his eyes for a moment and then opened them.

"We should handle this smartly. Since we have been ordered to kill anyone, we should be ready to fight. Tashir, as the tracker and scout, it would probably be best if you took point. I'll take rearguard, in case we are attacked from behind, I can move quickly enough to assist any of you if needed. I don't know how well you all are in combat without magic, but its probably best if you all remain in between the two of us, that way you can get a bit of warning if anything happens from the front or rear."

As the party began to travel, he looked at the gift he had been given. It had been in a leather pouch. A few herbs, two vials of a powder, a flask and 6 bolt heads, as well as a scroll. He looked at the scroll, glancing around him first. He skimmed the first paragraph to find a purpose of this gift.

Although it is not usually a moral thing to use poison, I am well aware of the importance of your task. Thus, I have contracted an alchemist to write instructions on how to create the poison you use in your bolts, as well as some ingredients to do so. There's enough for 6 more bolts. Past that, you'll have to find the ingrdients on your own, and they are listed.

Lord Veymor.

He stopped reading there. He sensed someone nearby. He heard the cracking of leaves and twigs to his right. He put the letter back into the pouch, and drew a knife. He stopped walking. The party ahead of him didn't seem to notice. He tuned in to the sound of footsteps off to the side of the path they were travelling on. He held the knife in his right hand, up to his face and then lunged to his right throwing the knife full speed. It flew through the air, and landed knife point into a tree, pinning a cloak.

Everyone else halted, and looked back at him.

"Someone's here." he said, pointing at where his knife was pinning the cloak. However, no one was actually wearing the cloak.

"Seems they escaped. Possibly through magic, I have no idea. I just heard them, never actually got to see them." Kino said. "We should probably search for them. We were given orders to kill anyone who sees us."

He started to walk over take his knife out of the tree, when an arrow landed right in front of him.

"****..." he muttered.

"Take COVER!" he shouted to his companions, and ran back towards them as more arrows began raining upon him...

[ January 26, 2005, 12:20 AM: Message edited by: Marth ]

[So what is the unknown enemy like? Anything we please or do you have a basic plan, PT?]

Heret heard the fighter yell something about cover as arrows came from the wooded area to her right. Mumbling a quick prayer to Ulath, Heret dashed to a large tree with monstrous branches sagging down like that of a willow. Heret watched her companions scatter, and saw the mage called Cian sprinting towards her. A slight breeze arose, and his red robes fluttered as he managed to get to the tree.

Cian: Hey...
Heret: No time for that. You have any ranged weapons?
Cian: Not really, I only have some knives. I have some magic though...
Heret: Well, stay safe. I guess I'll shoot with my crossbow, but I don't really have a good idea where they are.

Heret took out her crossbow and put a quarrel in, trying to keep calm. The last time she had been in battle she had failed her duty as a bodygaurd. She took a breath, and then looked around the tree. Arrows continued to rain down, Heret guessed that there had to be at least three archers. It would make sense, a great deal of arrows were in the air. Heret aimed her crossbow at the general area where the arrows were coming from and shot. She managed to reload and get another shot in before the hail of arrows became aimed at her, and Heret huddled back behind the tree.

Heret: This is hopeless. You have any idea how the other's are doing?
Cian: Well, Tashir and Kironlo are hiding behind some rocks. I can't see Kino or Zax.

Cian involuntarily shuddered as he uttered Kironlo's name. Heret noticed, and stored it for further thought. The boy was odd, and everyone except the nomad had been acting strangely around him, especially the two mages. It was interesting that Cian knew everybody's name, she had only bothered to learn the two mage's names. Until she had the time, she would refer to them through their profession. Heret brought herself back to reality as Cian began to speak.

Cian: I could... divine.
Heret: Divine? Yeah, you mentioned that. I don't know much about divination, mind explaining?

This post is basically just to set up an opening for everyone and start the fight since you guys seem a bit confused what the fight should be against, and I felt like posting again.

-----
Kino looked around for his companions. He saw Kironlo and Tashir behind some rocks. He noticed Zax weaving in and out of the trees, and Cian and Heret were behind a large oak, with heret occassionally firing her crossbow every few moments.

Looking around, he noticed some movement a couple hundred feet around the area. The others didn't seem to notice. Some of them were sneaking around towards the rocks that Kironlo and Tashir were hiding behind.

"Crap. Seems like they're trying to surround us.
There seems to be a decent sized group as well, their clothing seems to blend in, even while enhancing senses he could only just make them out when they moved.

Kino noticed movement to the priestess's left. Cian and her didn't seem to notice. He saw the man aim and take off. He ran, activating his running spell and dashed in front of them, surprising them and activated his barrier just as the the arrows would've hit. The arrow hit the barrier and bounced off, landing harmlessly somewhere.

"Be careful. They're trying to surround us. Do what you can, I'll be back, I need to warn the others. By the way, you may want to take that guy out, he's got a great shot at you."

Kino saw that the two behind the rock were now prime targets of a couple of the enemies. Kino dashed over to them, but he knew he couldn't make it, and he pulled out a knife.

"Let the winds carry this knife to its target." And threw the knife, hoping it wouldn't hit a tree or something. He was lucky and, while it didn't hit the enemy, but it did throw his aim off, and attracted the notice of Kironlo and Tashir to the enemy's position.

Just got Zak to help out. He's on the move, but there are some aiming at him.

He ran over to Zak.

"Damnit. No time." He tackled Zak, and an arrow flew over their heads.

"Sorry" he said as they got up. "You're a defensive mage, right?"

"Yea." Zak said.

"Well, stick with me then, cause there's a lot of them." Kino said.

He spotted about 4 of the camoflauged men on the move again, trying to get a shot at him and Zak. He looked back to Kironlo and Tashir, they seemed to be fine at the moment. He looked at heret and Cian who were also fine.

"Zak, there's four men over there, aiming at us. You may want to cast some sort of spell for yourself or us, but I'm gonna go take them down. Follow me or cast a spell, but i'm going now."

Kino ran over to the four men, not looking back, he twirled his staff. The four dropped their bows and pulled out long swords.

So glad I invested in the metal staff. My staff would never last one fight. He moved to his left and leapt the last 5feet to get within attack range and jabbed forward, forcing one to stumble backwards. He slammed his staff into the one closest to him, knocking him backwards a few feet to his knees.

The other two made it up to him and thrust their swords at it, he parried both, but had no time to attack back, so he kept parrying. The other two got back up and all four thrust at him. He fell to the ground and swept his staff violently, tripping three of them. He stood back up, parrying his attack as he stood back up. He backed up, staff at ready taking a look at them.

They were wearing cloaks which seem to shift colors, blending in. must be some sort of magic. He thought. He parried a couple of blows from the guy, as the others got back up.

I need to take one or two of these guys down if I have any chance. He spotted a tree branch right above him, about 15ft.

Turning to his left, towards the trunk, he jumped, jumping, kicking off the trunk, tossing his staff up, careful not to hit the branch and grabbed the branch with his left hand. He pulled himself out of reach and caught his staff, nearly dropping it. He pulled out his crossbow, and steadied himself as he loaded a poison dart, and aimed at the guy below him. He noticed that one of the guys had picked up the bow and fired his crossbow at him instead. He hit him in the right shoulder. The guy dropped his bow, and fell straight over, unconcious. He pulled out another poison arrow, and aimed it below him at the guy who had just straighted trying to climb the tree. He was obviously not very good at it, he was struggling. Kino fired another poison bolt and hit, in the neck.

Watching the other two pick up their bows, he put his crossbow away. He took out two knives. He threw his staff down to the ground below him and jumped from the branches, throwing both knives, one at each. The first knife severed the guy's bow string and stuck into his stomache. The other caught the guy on his right arm, making him drop his bow. He picked up his staff and ran at them. Staff in his right hand, he pulled out a knife. He stopped.

"You two surrender. You've seen that I'm quite capable of taking either of you down."

One guy spit and pulled out the knife in his stomache and ran at kino.

Kino shrugged. "I warned you." He threw the knife in hand, catching him in the leg and ran at the guy, changing his grip to the edge of his staff and swung it, catching the guy on his left side and pulled his staff back readjusting his grip to mid staff, and swung the back edge of his staff as they closed in to the side of his head, knocking him out.

Kino "You want the same fate?"

The guy shrugged. "Fine. Bastards."

"Too bad. We're under orders and pulled out two knives and hit his leg and arm. The guy fell to the ground. He knocked him out. Kino pulled out his dirk and slit the guys throat. He repeated that process with the other threes and pulled out his knives from each of them."

As he did that, he took a few gold coins he found from each of them.

He really hated killing these men, but he knew it was important. He had always liked training, but fighting to him was for survival, because he had been living on his own for years, and they could have just escaped instead of killing them.

As he collected his knives and their gold, He watched the rest of the fight unfold, ready to help anyone else who needed it...

-----
OoC: Basically the enemies are some sort of men, basically camoflauged.

[ January 27, 2005, 08:18 PM: Message edited by: Marth ]

Cian was sort of startled by the sudden entrance and exit of Kino.

Cian: I'll get back to you on your question later. As for right now...

Cian reached into a pouch and pulled out a bit of powder from it. He then threw it into the air and cast a fire spell through it. Upon touching the powder the spell became larger and stronger, sending a large wave of fire towards a tree, setting the top of it ablaze. An archer then fell out of the tree on fire.

Cian: Well, theres one of them. You may want to stay alert Heret, more will probably come out of the trees if the fire spreads. I think there is an archer over-

An arrow just barely misses Cian's head. Cian stands shook for a second before getting back to his normal self. He then points over to a tree to the left.

Cian: -there.
Heret: I got him.

She fires off a few shots from her crossbow and the archer is presumably hit; He jumps out of the tree and unsheathes a sword, holding it in one hand, covering part of his chest with his other. He then breaks into a dash towards Heret and Cian. Cian pulled out a knife and then threw it at the man, hitting him in the arm and making him drop his sword. Cian takes a step forward, ready to throw another knife, but another arrow lands near his foot. He backs towards the tree again.

Cian: Sheesh, how many of these guys are there? Eh, I'll try and search for their positions, can you cover me Heret?

Arrows were coming from all directions, never seeming to stop. Kironlo glanced up at Tashir for a moment. Tashir still appeared to keep is cool, even in the midst of such a dire situation. Kironlo admired Tashir for this, and he wished to show Tashir that he was a capable fighter. Kironlo thought about all possible methods of attacking, however all of his plans seemed too risky. But then again, maybe that was just what he needed to prove himself, a little risk.

With a dangerous battle plan formulated in his mind, Kironlo dashed into the open, dodging the numerous projectiles heading in his direction.
He's too proud...Tashir thought to himself, knowing he would need to backup Kironlo.

A feeling swelled up within Kironlo, he felt full of energy and adrenaline. This was a feeling he hadn't had for a long time, a feeling he had longed for ever since his exile of Bejiaj. Putting these thoughts aside, he spotted his first target and advanced his plan.
Position target.
Look for a weakness.
Proceed to target as quickly as possible, speed is vital.
Take advantage of their weakness.

From the safety of the rock, Tashir backed up Kironlo.
This should provide him some time.
He quickly tossed a flurry of knives, hitting one of the enemies and forcing two more to retreat behind trees as the knives barely missed them.

Kironlo saw the target in position, and took this opportunity to get beneath him and deliver a quick right elbow to the stomach, causing the victim to become unable to defend for the slightest moment. That moment was all he needed though. Perfect. Kironlo quickly snatched the enemy's left arm with his left and gripped it tightly. His next move was so quick that Tashir could barely see what he did. Kironlo thrust the side of the forearm so hard that it caused the man's Radius bone to jut out of his skin.
Blood!
Kironlo was excited by the blood, he had missed the blood his enemies. Kironlo then the bone removed completely just before delivering a fatal blow to the enemy's head, the skull shattered and there was blood on Kironlo's hand.
Blood

Dodging two more arrows, Kironlo then took cover behind a tree. Using the blood-bathed bone, Kironlo chanted a few words which made the bone glow with life. Kironlo then rolled out from behind the tree in the direction of the arrows, and quickly stood up to find himself facing two archers. Perfect. Kironlo held up the hand with the bone in it and quickly waved it throughout the air, pointing it at one of the archers.

The archer that Kironlo pointed to immediately turned to face his partner. As Kironlo expected, the cursed archer drew back an arrow and released it point blank range on his partner, right through his head, causing blood to be smeared all over a near tree. That was not the worst of it however, as Kironlo waved the bone once again and pointed at the cursed archer yet again, but this time something else happened.

The archer dropped his weapon and fell to his knees, screaming with all of his breath, as if he had touched death. The crazed man flung himself onto the ground and grabbed into the dirt, kicking all around him. He continued to scream and then proceeded to violently ripping out his hair. The most disturbing site however was when he started to madly scratch, rip, and tear at all places of his body. He started with his eyes, gouging them out with his fingers, and then moved down all throughout his chest and lower body. The screaming was beginning to stop, and the mangled and bloody body became a festered corpse. Kironlo watched all along, and he seemed to enjoy it, he enjoyed the blood, he enjoyed the pain, he enjoyed it all.

Tashir stood still and watched Kironlo. He was most startled by the boy's strange actions, even somewhat disturbed. But what really shocked him was the boy's smile. It was barely there, as if he was trying to hide it, but Tashir could see through this.
Who is this kid? No...what is this kid?
He didn't have the time to think about this now, he heard the battle continuing in another location and quickly dashed off to see what he could do.

Kironlo then looked around him to make sure nobody else was watching. After assuring the coast was clear, he advanced toward the fresh corpses, and took out a small knife. He put his hand on the bloodiest of the corpses, the one he had cursed, feeling the torn flesh with his hands, as if reading some sort of sign from it.
Blood...
He got up and continued on to the other corpses. Kironlo went to one man and cut off all of the fingers from his right hand, took the eyes of another, and heart of the third one. He looked around him once again to make assure himself nobody was watching, then he quickly cast a minor protective charm on his newly claimed body parts which encased them in a small bubble, which was to keep them from smelling, decaying, or getting damaged. Unzipping his pouch, he quickly shoved them in and quickly resealed the pouch.

For now, he wouldn't want to show his companions the deeper parts of Necromancy he knew, so he decided to use simple curses and his training as a monk to assist them. Hearing more battle ahead, Kironlo went to aid his allies.

It finally appeared the enemy was retreating. The enemy seemed to have mistaken many of their men for enemies and took many down by accident. Keeping this advantage in mind, Zax finally decided to locate the group's leader and to take him down, for he believed the leader was a mage helping cloak the warriors in the woods.

White, unfortunately was a horrible pick of clothing in this travel, and he had finally realized when two soldiers sheathed their swords and chased after Zax. Zax noticed that there were a few trees set ablaze and was dissapointed; the smoke reached high in the sky already and this would signal to the enemy that there were hostiles located in the woods where the enemy had sent their soldiers.

Even though it seemed useless, Zax felt he should put out the fire anyway. He ran towards the trees on fire, with the two soldiers a few feet behind him, and jumped right into the fire, using his robes to shield himself. His robes caught fire, but he quickly rolled and put it out. He noticed the two soldiers trying to approach him from around. As they were ready to attack him, two arrows sunk into each of the soldiers and they fell down. He looked and saw Kino, who quickly dashed off towards more enemies.

Zax pulled into his pocket and pulled out a small bomb, he enchanted a simple spell and lit the bomb and threw it up into the air, which exploded, and lots of dust-like substance fell down which choked out the flames completely.

After putting out the fire, he saw immediately hit from behind and launched into the ground. He looked around but saw nobody, but knew someone was nearby. He pulled out another one of the bombs and this time dropped it on the ground and took cover. This time, the dust exploded out in a large area, and was bright blue. It stuck to the trees and grass, but also onto a moving figure; He had located the mage as it was running away.

Zax: Kino! Tashir!

The two came to Zax's call several moments later. Zax pointed to the trail of light blue dust and told them to take the mage down. They immediately chased after the mage, and in less than a minute, took the mage down. The soldiers became uncloaked and began to flee. Zax took out his last dust-bomb and threw it at the retreating soldiers, the bomb exploded as usual, but had slowed down the retreating soldiers. His allies caught up and finished every last one of the soldiers. Zax sighed in relief and met up with the rest of the group.

Heret: Unbelievable, first hour and we're already attacked.
Kino: How could they have found us so quickly?
Tashir: I don't believe they were set out to attack us, news of our departure was only four days ago. They couldn't march here within four days.

How did the enemy figure out the location of the secret exit to the castle? And how did they locate the group? Perhaps, Zax thought the rumors he heard were true afterall.

Zax: I did hear that there is was an insider who betrayed Castle Anskalis a while back and is now working for the southern army. I believe General Keras never died in the last battle he fought. He would be the only one who knew of the secret passage to the Castle, for only the generals and king know about it, and I almost thought I did see him with another man while he attacked my town that day.

Cian: Castle Anskalis is in grave danger then...
Tashir: Yes, but it always has been.
Kironlo: Besides, it won't be the first time Anskalis has lost anyway, they are basically doomed.
Heret: No matter, we have to get moving anyhow before we're caught. But first, is everyone okay?

Everyone had replied yes, but were they? Kironlo seemed to be acting suspicious, constantly seeming to check on something he had acquired in the last battle as the group continued their journey. Zax looked inside his robes and noticed he had only food and money. He had ran out of the dust bombs he had carried for so long, which were his only means of casting spells, and now was defenseless unless...

Zax took a look and saw the box he was given by Lord Veymor. He slowed down and walked behind all the others as he looked into the case. Neatly placed inside, was a dagger. Was death the only resolution to this war?

He slammed the case shut in anger, and put it back in his robes. He refused to kill an enemy with his own hand, and wouldn't even if his life was in danger.

[ January 30, 2005, 11:37 AM: Message edited by: Guy That Goes To The Roleplay Forum ]

The party travelled the rest of the day, without encounter. Kino took this time to ponder what had happened.

He had been more than freaked out with Kironlo cutting off the man's fingers and placing them inside of his pouch, but he decided not to confront him about it. He knew the group couldn't afford to be split apart.

The party travelled the rest of the day without encounter.

Kino "Perhaps we should set up camp soon. Travelling in the darkness probably is not the best idea. I'll keep first watch. Who else wants to take a watch? We Probably only need a couple watchmen every night and can rotate so that way people aren't deprived of much sleep.

Tashir "Sure, I'll take second watch."

They set up camp, unrolling the bedrolls to sleep in. Kino set up a small fire, and unrolled his right by the fire, and sat down on it, looking around him into the night as the others drifted off into sleep.

He thought about all that had happened on this day. Meeting his companions for likely the next several months. He may even die with these people. It didn't really bother him. None of it did. Except for the young kid named Kironlo. He decided not to think abut him. Kino slowed his breathing down to relax, but not fully. He didn't want to fall asleep. He just sat quiety, thinking and replaying all that had happened today in his mind. He sat like this for a few hours until it was time to wake up Tashir.

Tashir got up, almost instantly.

He must be a light sleeper. I bet it comes from being a nomad.

"It's your turn to watch." he said to him.

Tashir nodded.

He looked around and decided he didn't really want to sleep. He said "I'm going to stay up with too, if you don't mind.

Tashir shrugged.

The two of them sat quietly. Kino grew sort of curious about Tashir. The two of them had lived similar life styles, Kino travelling a lot, and Tashir being a nomad. Tashir being a scout, was probably alone a lot. He suddenly grew curious about why Tashir wanted to come on this mission.

Kino asked him. "Why did you volunteer for this?"

The question caught Tashir offguard.

"I never really felt at a home or at peace in the castle." replied Tashir, after a moment of silence.

Kino nodded his understanding.

"Let me ask you a question." asked Tashir. "Why is it, that everybody seems unnerved by Kironlo."

It was Kino's turn to be caught offguard. He had noticed the rest of his companions also seemed upset by the younger boy, but was surprised Tashir hadn't sensed anything.

"There is something wrong about him. He reminds me of the day where the darkness overwhelmed my home town. That was so long ago. I've been alone ever since." he said.

Tashir left that alone. The two of them sat there, until it was time to get the others up, in silence. Kino didn't get any sleep that night. He didn't think he could have if he had tried, he was too restless, even while trying to relax. He knew it would probably wear on him today. He looked at Tashir. He didn't really mind, he felt a bit closer to the nomad. They were in a similar situation, although he had no idea if the scout felt the same way about it.

He shrugged, and he said to Tashir. "Guess we should get them up." as Dawn broke.

The others got up, some less quickly than others. The party ate its breakfast in silence, and they continued their Journey Southward on...

As Kino had suggested, Tashir took the point. It took one quick glance to orient himself-- sun to the left. The fortress was to their right, so he supposed they'd come out to the west. He peered ahead into the mountains. Any trails that may have been there before had been systematically destroyed by engineers and workers at Castle Anskalis to prevent surprise attacks to the sides. The nomad smirked-- ~Some good that did~ -- considering the battle last night, but he did not think those people were a real danger. Perhaps a scouting mission. Or perhaps they were sneaking people back gradually, in smaller groups, to prepare an assault from the mountains...

~You're thinking too far. Don't be so paranoid, that's probably not what's happening. They'll handle themselves, that place is virtually impregnable, even if they are flanked. Focus on your own task, it'll help them more than your worrying.~

The immediate concern was that of the mountains. It was not too far to the plains of Raesis, perhaps thirty miles as the crow flew, but in a trackless, rocky, obstacle-filled area like this one the trip could take days.

~So even if you're right, as long as we move fast, we'll beat a lot of other groups.~

He had nothing to support his theory... after all, the things Zax had said basically assured that they were just guarding that secret entrance to ensure that no excursions happened. The possibility still worried him, though.

Tashir's eyes continually scanned the ground ahead, scoping out the best possible path. His feet would then carry him there, his companions would follow, and the cycle would begin anew. They moved in silence, not trusting the clear mountain air to hide any speech from potential observers. The odds that there were hidden listeners in the rocks nearby were low, but on such a mission none of them wanted to take any chances.

The tracker called a halt around midday. Judging by their breathing, not all present were in the best shape. He reflected that after a few weeks on the trail, that would change pretty fast. They ate their lunch without passing more than a few words, preferring to keep to themselves in this cold clime. The bread, dried fruit, and salt beef or pork, washed down with water, was less than hearty, but not particularly bad, and they were glad for the easy meal.

The situation worsened as they packed up. Snow began to fall in light drifts. Their first words of the day were curses, often followed by the words "snow" or "weather," or in Cian's case, "cold." The steppes were host to a variety of temperatures, from blazing summers to freezing winter nights, so Tashir had the advantage there. Unfortunately, as none of them were mountain men, their difficulty in navigating the slippery rocks was shared more or less equally, though the staves of Heret, Kino, and Zax were some small aid in this.

A few intrepid animals approached them during their afternoon hike, but Tashir kept his crossbow silent, since none of them looked particularly appetizing. They scrambled on, at the fastest pace Tashir could reasonably make, until roughly an hour after sunset, when the nomad called another halt. They settled down and ate another meal, treating themselves to a little cheese this time. He supposed the retins loosened their tongues; the others finally began to speak in hushed whispers. In these miserable conditions-- the snow had not stopped-- and on such an ominous journey, anything louder seemed inappropriate, especially among the mostly antisocial lot that had chosen to go. Despite this, even Tashir and Kironlo joined in the conversation from time to time, though their comments were somewhat awkward, due to... social issues, you could say.

After dinner, it was time to pick watches. Tashir yawned and dropped off, as did Kino, their shifts having been served the day before. Having nothing to think about, he simply allowed himself to slip into darkness. It was a much-welcomed comfort after the hard day's travel, though he could only imagine how much more so it must be for Kino, who hadn't slept at all the previous day. It was time for him to dream...

[ February 01, 2005, 08:58 PM: Message edited by: Prince Toad ]

Zax that night designated himself as the watcher for the first part of the night while the others silently slept. He tried to warm up near the tiny fire they had created at the camp, but it hardly proved to help. Zax wasn't used to this weather; the last time he had been outside was roughly six months ago before Raverna was attacked. That last day of spring had felt like a lifetime ago to him.

He wondered if he'd even see spring again, or his family. The last thing he remembered of his parents was that his father was drafted into the military in the south, before the war, when the south was gathering forces to overtake Anskalis. His parents both agreed to send their children up north to assure they were safe, but Zax always wondered if his parents were safe.

Zax and his younger brother lived in Raverna for only three months in peace before the south came charging up north. Word of the devastating attacks on Anskalis was all about the continent; each time Anskalis lost a battle, the people lost morale and began to fear the south even more. When Raverna had finally been struck, townsfolk began immediately fleeing. Zax hid in the town for a few hours looking for his brother but the crowded soldiers and townsfolk made locating him impossible. Zax stayed in the town for nearly three hours until he nearly got caught and had to leave.

With his mother and father lost, Zax felt independent. He was forced to raise his brother on his own, but even now his brother had left his life it seemed.

I hope he's safe at least...

As he pondered a while more, he already found he stayed up a little past his shift. He woke up Heret for her to watch. Zax was ready to go to sleep until Heret spoke to him.

Heret: I was wondering Zax... I sense you have tried white magic before, but I noticed in the last battle you had been relying on enchanted items to perform your spells.

Zax: Yes, I used to train with white magic.

Heret: Why did you quit?

Zax: I don't know, I guess I lost faith...

Unwilling to think anymore, Zax laid down at that moment and closed his eyes. Fortunately he was exhausted after walking today, allowing him to slowly forget his problems and drift into a quiet peaceful sleep for that night.

[ January 31, 2005, 07:17 PM: Message edited by: Guy That Goes To The Roleplay Forum ]

With his eyes closed and a stern face, he was deep in a trance. He felt relaxed and could think clearly, trying to cleanse his fragile spirit from an equally strong masochistic sense that had seemed to taken him over.
Why must I act this way?
Do I not care for the lives of my companions?
Should I care for their lives?

These were some of the questions that passed through Kironlo's had as he meditated. He was beginning to find himself meditating more and more as the journey went on. It would probably be best for his health if he got a few hours of sleep, remembering the last time he slept was about 3 days ago, but his body was used to this. Whenever Kironlo wasn't alone practicing both his mental and martial arts, he had been meditating with himself. Kironlo was used to this as well, this...aloneness.

Kironlo had recently started a journal while living in Anskalis for a year. It was a black leather bound book, with the small emblem inscribed on it. It's pages were full of his writings, some torn and wrinkled. The book was a gift from a rich fellow who went by the name of Gand. This man, Gand, was in need of a necromancer to curse away a band of thieves that kept robbing from him. For Kironlo's good deed, Gand payed him handsomely by offering Kironlo any gift in his home. Sapphire, gold, crystal, silver, animals, land, all of these were gifts that were offered to Kironlo. He was enthralled by all of the richness, however Kironlo's eventual choice was a small black book that he saw in the towns trade district. This book would become his journal, which he enjoyed. The pages had become frail, and the covers once lavish black color was now a dull gray. But alas, it was his journal, and he loved it.

Heret was waiting out her shift when Kironlo peered out toward the small campfire, she had accepted the duty. Kironlo walked out toward the campfire to see Heret, who looked tired, she must have not slept long enough, but then again who had during this suicidial crusade on this "Unknown Enemy". When Heret looked up at Kironlo, he became tense. Neither of them had spoken since their departure, but Kironlo had always thought that Heret would be the one to start their next conversation. Sensing she was about to speak, Kironlo took the point.

Kironlo: "Heret..."
Heret: "Yes?"
Kironlo: "Why do you think I am here?"
The question had caught the priestess off guard, she wasn't expecting a question like this at all. But she wouldn't lie about it either.
Heret: "I am not sure, but I am a bit skeptically about you though, I don't like a certain feeling that you emit."
Kironlo: "Would you like me to leave?"
Heret: "..pardon?"
Kironlo: "Would you like me to disband from this group and leave you in peace?"
Heret hesitated, she had always tried to be honest, but she didn't really know if she had wanted Kironlo to leave or not. Then she replied.
Heret: "No."
Kironlo: "Do you trust your life in my hands?"
Heret: "What do you mean?"
Kironlo shrugged a bit and laughed to himself, rubbing the back of his head.
Kironlo: "I guess I sort of put that in an odd way, heh. I meant if you or any one of our friends were in danger, and I was the only one to help, would you trust me? Would you trust me to do something important?"
Heret paused for a moment, then she let out a small laugh.
Kironlo: "Huh? What's so funny!"
Heret burst into laughter.
Heret: "You. You are funny. You worry so much, you stress yourself with so very much. Does it really matter? We don't know now, we may never know. Just take things one step at a time, that is how you must get through life.
Kironlo began to laugh as well, he hadn't laughed for a long time, it felt sort of pleasing.
Kironlo: "Hehe, I guess you are right. I do worry too much."
Heret: "You are a strange one indeed."

The two sat there by the campfire for a long time, they had really opened up to each other, sharing their past stories, both of happiness and despair. Kironlo told Heret how he witnessed the death of his parents in Bejiaj, killed his master, and was exiled. Heret told of how she had failed her duty of protecting the avatar of Ulath, and that, for her failure, she also felt like a bit of an outcast among her people. The two found common things about each other, and for the first time on their journey they were both happy. They had continued chatting among each other far past both of their shifts, but they didn't seem to notice or care. One thing Heret said Kironlo didn't quite understand.

Kironlo: "A vow of celibacy? What does that mean?"
Heret: "It's..." Heret realized that she was talking to a boy, no older than 12 "nothing. Just a little devotional that I must keep to."
Kironlo: "Hey! I want to show you something. Sit and position your arms like this."
Kironlo knelt down on his knees and put his arms gently on his lap. Heret decided to join him and copied his positioning.
Kironlo: "Okay, now close your eyes like me."
Heret began to close your eyes, and they remained this way for many minutes. She began to wonder what they would do next.
Heret: "Wh--"
Kironlo: "Shhh...soon you will know. Just relax. You will know when it comes."
Several more moments passed, but it did come, or at least something did. She first felt it come through her head, and it passed all the way down through her body. The feeling was warm, it reminded her of home, of her devotion to Ulath, and why she continues to journey on this mission. Heret enjoyed this feeling.
Kironlo: "My people call it 'Valiaa'. It is a source of energy that can be felt by anyone who wishes. It is a difficult thing to grasp, but it cleanses your soul. I often meditate to find Valiaa, because the life I live is not a pleasant one."
The two of them opened their eyes, each had a smile on their faces.
Heret: Thank you for showing me this. I can sense you have a troubled soul, I will pray to Ulath for your guidance. But I am curious to know...why don't you just act cheerful, as you are now, at all times?"
Kironlo didn't want to explain this to her all right now, the time would come for such a discussion.
Kironlo: "I would rather not talk about this."
Heret: "Forgive me, I don't mean to intrude."
Kironlo: "It's not your fault, we will talk sometime later. However, I must do something now. Goodbye."
He got up and took a few steps toward his bid, and then stopped.
Kironlo: "Heret."
Heret: "Yes?"
Kironlo: "Thank you."
And with that he wandered off into the snow, eventually disappearing from Heret's sight.

Alone again.
Kironlo found a spot that looked comfortable and sat down. He brought his pack with him, and opened it up. He found the gift from Veymor, unopened. He hesitated whether to open it or not, but he eventually decided that he should see what it was now. Gently removing the top from the small package, he peered inside. He smiled and then closed it shut, stowing it back in his pack. Kironlo then reached for his journal, he kept it safely inside, buried beneath hall of his other things in a discreet pouch. Pulling it out, he checked to make sure nobody was around, this was a private thing for him, as were many things in his life. He began to jot down various things that happened that day, but the bulk of his entry was about Heret and his experiences.

"...and that's when I saw Heret on her shift. She had a tired look upon her, and I would have offered to take her shift, but for some reason I asked her questions. Why? Am I impressed with Heret? Do we have a bond? Is she special to me? None of these things I know. During this night, Heret made me forget about all my troubles. I felt happy again, cheerful, full of compassion. I haven't felt this good ever since my exile of Bejiaj. Heret reminds me of a piece of Bejiaj that has long left my empty husk that I call myself. I want to talk to her more and more and hope we can both learn from each other..."

Kironlo got up and trudged back to his bed place. When he arrived at the camp he was too tired to notice who's shift it was, he fell on top of his bed, thought about the good time he just experienced, and fell asleep in the cold.

[ February 01, 2005, 07:10 PM: Message edited by: Wahsapa ]