[color=a187be][i][b][center]Annabeth Gulch[/center][/b][/i][/color]

Galloping through the forest, Annabeth and Samson were on the look out for predators. In Annabeth's hand was a long boar spear, meant to allow her to prod or impale her prey as she rode by them. She actually hasn't hurt anything with the weapon however, as her mere presence was usually enough to scare off smaller creatures. She also carried her bow and arrows in a specialized horse-quiver, allowing Annabeth to quickly grab and draw her arrows with ease. And while she was here to help Lyn hunt, Annabeth still came with her light leather armor, buckler, and longsword. The college was a relatively safe area, beasts aside, but it was also a place where strange happenings occur far too often. While she's only heard rumors, apparently it wasn't usual for a necromancer's experiment with their first undead turn into a small zombie horde. Or for demons to have crept in from the north, looking to swipe some students from the college. And while Annabeth was certain that Lyn's hunt will go without a hitch, luck always favored the prepared.

As for why Annabeth was here, she had been asked by Athalus to help Lyn with her first hunt. Adoring the child herself, Annabeth was willing to make time to come out. She was doing fairly well for herself in her classes and had already reached Intermediate level with Psychomancy. Annabeth herself was specializing in doppelgangers, using it to maximize her efficiency in classes and work. She's gotten to the point where she could make a doppelganger last for a whole hour, just long enough to stand in for her during one of Satori's classes (Assuming that they aren't also going to do any spell practices that hour). Annabeth has also been able to use telepathy for basic communication, even able to commune with animals and the rare few demons she comes across. 

She's been especially using it to train Samson; as Annabeth didn't have her own horse, she's grown fond of the draft horse. While it was no war horse, Samson was strong and durable, capable of carrying Annabeth far and fairly fast. What he lacked in agility he made up for in endurance, which was helpful for these hunts. While rabbits and foxes may be able to outrun Samson, they simply didn't have the energy to keep going, while he was barely winded. Annabeth encouraged him with kind words, both vocal and mental, as well as the occasional treat. Samson wasn't the most intelligent horse (Most animals aren't), but he understood Annabeth well enough. Since then, Annabeth has trained Samson well, to the point where Samson will come to Annabeth with a specific whistle and is willing to run various obstacles for her. 

Pathokinesis is one of the only spells Annabeth has some hard time working with. She understood how emotions played into a Psychomancer's ability to cast and use spells, but as it turns out it was hard to just have one emotion working at the time. Whenever she would try to feel angry, a certain amount of ecstasy forms, creating happiness. Fear often turned into Anticipation, which messed up how Annabeth creates her willpower and how other pathokinesis spells effects her (Typically they do, even past her wards). The only Pathokinesis spell she's been able to use correctly regularly is the basic calming one, typically on animals or herself. Especially useful for the hunt as it allows her to get close to animals and wound them, though she only saved it for the likes of deer and such. Smaller creatures, like weasels or racoon, Annabeth felt it wasn't necessary to waste magic on.

From what Annabeth learned from Satori (Who keeps track of wild animal movements through the college), it was deer season. And with deer came the wolves, as well as some other animalistic monsters. Annabeth had ran into a few wolf packs before, using cheap magic tricks to dazzle and scare them off. It was quite easy and hardly taxing for her to make everything appear to be on fire, and if she had a burning stick she can even mix the smell of smoke in order to trick the wolves into there really was a forest fire. And thanks to Samson Annabeth can chase these animals off far and wide, returning to Lyn's hunting grounds quickly. 

After chasing off another pack of wolves Annabeth returned to the hunting grounds. She could see that Alaria was with Lyn, so Annabeth didn't worry about Lyn being in any trouble. Some of the other helpers should be corralling some prey to Lyn, so Annabeth wondered if she should stay or help them. They were assigned partners and Annabeth chose Alaira, simply because the Eania girl knew not many people wanted to work with the temperamental elf. Her fury was well known in the college, and even Annabeth tread lightly around her. Every Psychomancer was also aware of Alaira's particular sensitivity towards Psychomancy magic, often learning it first hand as they made Alaira go into a catatonic state, shortly followed by fleeing from her blind rage. [i][color=a187be]"I think Alaira is the most dangerous animal here."[/color][/i] Mused to herself as she and Samson trotted towards the two.

[color=a187be]"Chased off some wolves. How's the hunt so far?"[/color]

[i][b][center]Tyrael Marchosias[/center][/b][/i]

Tyrael waited in the lower levels of the college, right next to a great stone gate. The entrance to the Catacombs, and the only path from that college that leads into the Ravine. The Ravine of Demons were a dangerous place, one that even challenges Tyrael from time-to-time. While he has lived much of his life in that hellish place, he was far from a master of that domain. No one truly masters the Ravine of Demon, merely survives it's tests. A location in the physical realm where the veil was weakest, where even demons can spawn in and wreck havoc. The beasts in the Ravine were unlike any creature on the surface; blood-thirsty monsters who hunt not for survival, but for violence. Even the most benign creatures in the ravine were a threat to their enemies, and wanted nothing to do with anyone. The Ravine was a literally Hell in Tiien, and any life condemned to it was almost guaranteed to be a short one.

But for all it's troubles, there is bounties in the Ravine. Rare and powerful materials for magical rituals or equipment. Lost artifacts of the world long ago. For Demonomancers, a chance to meet powerful demons and contract them for their services. Or for warriors, a place to truly test their abilities against monsters mutated by evil and honed by constant warfare. As for why Tyrael was here, he was given a task by the college itself. He needed to collect rare materials to create medicine for Ovak; his health has suddenly come to a sharp decline, with Lucilia, Lidda, and Sam doing everything they can to make him better again. Only the teachers of the college knew this; while Ovak's waning health was never truly a secret, the fact that it's suddenly got much worse was kept behind closed doors. Even Tyrael was concerned, knowing that someone like the Archmage cannot simply "die" by mortal means (As far as Tyrael knows). Surely there is something much worse happening to Ovak, something that would require these rare and powerful regents. 

Regardless of the reasons Tyrael was going to get them anyways. And because of the importance of this mission, Tyrael was actually willing to ask for help out of his own initiative. Though not the most social teacher, word eventually got around to the college that Tyrael was in need of some willing students to enter the Ravine of Demons with him. He made not efforts to claim that it was going to be safe; he expects danger and death, and possibly his own. However he was going to reward those who came along handsomely, offering quite a bit of wealth and even better, a personal favor from the Fallen Orc himself.

And so Tyrael waited. He had a large backpack near his feet, containing a weeks' worth of supplies for himself. It also had tools to navigate the Ravine, such as a magic compass known as the Wayfinder, a lot of rope made of steel wires, glowing soapstones, and if all else fails, a shovel/pickaxe work tool to dig himself out of the Ravine. He has done it before. He also carried a few weapons; a great bow who's arrows could pierce bedrock, a large chopping knife to cut through brushes and foes alike, and what appeared to be a giant Dragon's Tooth. Literally, it was just the [url=http://i.imgur.com/tgsUH4s.jpg?1]tooth[/url], not even shaped or carved into a weapon. It was still sharp enough to pierce the hide of a dragon itself, and if there's space it also functions as a heavy and nearly indestructible club. If Tyrael needed anything else he could always reach into the Inferno, but he took these weapons to have on hand.

Yawning, Tyrael honestly didn't want to do this today. Today was Lyn's first hunt, and he really wanted to be there for her. While it may be overkill to have someone like Tyrael overseeing her first hunt, he still wanted to see the little girl mature into a fine, strong woman. Which may happen sooner then Tyrael would have liked. It's hasn't even been three years, and already Lyn had the body of a young adult. Many feared that her accelerated growth will result in a shorten lifespan, much like an orcs. They did not think that she would even live to ten years old before she would accelerate to age where she would suffer health complications associated with the elderly. 

But Tyrael didn't care for such thoughts. Being an orc himself, he always knew that his kind died young. If not from time, then from their actions. Tyrael only escaped due to sacrificing his soul for immortality. And that wasn't an option he was ever going to let Lyn have. No, instead of thinking about Lyn's inevitable death, Tyrael sought to enjoy every moment she was alive. One moment in particular brought a small, but happy smile to his face. It was last night in fact, where Tyrael had the pleasure of spending the day with Lyn, even getting to tuck her into bed so she can rest for her big day.

[hider=Goodnight, Demon Slayer]
It’s been nearly a year since Lyn was born. So much has happened this year, it almost made Tyrael dizzy. What was suppose to only be a mildly interesting school year with Mar became an emotional rollercoaster as everyone was forced to adapt to things they’ve never thought they would care about. Mar needed to learn emotions, and Tyrael needed to learn restraint. Both had made many mistakes, caused my fights, and hurt many people. But if there was one good thing in all the chaos that happened, it was Lyn.

By now, due to her unique biological nature, she was physically a young adult (Teenager). Only a year old and she has the body of someone fourteen years older. Mentally she’s quite mature, which has made some in the college quite concerned. While some wished Lyn stayed the child she was, others had more serious concerns regarding Lyn’s highly accelerated growth and potential lifespan. But Tyrael did not worry about such things. Because for however long Lyn will live, be it ten years or a hundred, he would love her like his own, and take care of him better than he takes care of himself.

Twas the night before Lyn’s first hunt. She has spent much time with Mar, as well as other students, in preparation for this fateful day. She learned how to handle a dagger from her father, a spear from Mar. Tyrael taught her the axe, in both melee and range. Lucilia taught Lyn some magic, though she was still a novice. Even Satori took the time to teach Lyn about wards, to the point that Lyn has a decent, if novice, ward to protect her mind. Everyone wanted to take care of Lyn. She was practically the college’s child. And she certainly seemed that way to Tyrael. 

Tyrael had brought Lyn back to her room. That is to say, Mar’s and Athalus. While the den itself has remained unchanged since Mar first moved in, now there were a notable increase in possessions. Not only some belonging to Athalus, but a lot for Lyn. New clothes, weapons, school supplies, toys, and pretty much anything Tyrael made/brought back from various business trips. There was even a proper bed, though it’s a glorified table for the most part with semi-organized piles of boxes and other misc junk. Still, as Mar was not here and it was getting quite late, Lyn needed to go to bed for her big day tomorrow. So Tyrael cleared off the bed, tucking Lyn in.

Lyn was too hyper to get to bed or sleep. 

Her feet unable to rest as she paced between her bed and the table, her eyes staring at her belongings resting on the surface. Several daggers were lined in her sash meant to cover over her torso where she could easily pull them free and toss. Her spear was currently locked in the chest nearby and not likely to be open until tomorrow. So she had to trust it was there. An outfit, suitable for the hunt, was already folded and set under her daggers which made it easily to keep them from being tossed around. Finally her boots were wedged under the table, untied and able to be quickly slipped on. The sight made her realize how old she was which seemed strange in her mind and slightly worrisome. 

When she was a few months younger, the aspect of death wasn’t a possibility to understand yet now…  Her mind was older and nothing seemed to drive it completely out of her mind. She even could see her mother’s and father’s expressions when they believed she wasn’t looking. Ones of fear, worry, and desperation that hurt her heart at its very core. Even more troublesome were her own at the thought she might only live another year or more before her parents were forced to bury her. The people she would leave behind and the pain, she wasn’t which hurt more really. 

Lyn heard her Uncle’s footsteps causing her head to look up. She was a spitting image of her mother, save she had her father’s legs. Her lips crossed into a smile as she padded over to his figure and raised her arms for an expected hug. It was obvious, she recalled, time for bed.  

Leaning down Tyrael embraced Lyn, careful not to crush her tiny body. While she may be growing at an alarming rate, she always will be (both physically and metaphorically) his little girl. After giving the girl a warm hug, Tyrael sat down on a stool nearby. While he doesn’t often visit Mar’s den, they still made some accommodations for his size and weight, such as sturdy iron chairs and very thick cushions. [b]”Are you excited for tomorrow, my little slayer?”[/b]

[color=pink]”Y-yes. P-pleas-s-se.”[/color] Lyn stated, her tongue struggling with the words as she spoke. She had  started to use words and construct sentences,  though she had developed a bit of a stutter in the recent weeks. Through her Uncle tucked her tightly in bed, her small body rose from bed and instead came to sit on his lap, her head leaned against Tyrael. She listened to his deep voice begin the song. 

Tyrael was a bit surprised when Lyn sat on his lap since she was suppose to be asleep, in bed. But the way she leaned against him, the look in her eye, told him what she wanted. Sighing, Tyrael only wished he didn’t have to rip holes into the Inferno, at least in Mar’s room. [b]”Ah… You are too spoiled, you know that?”[/b] Tyrael said with a happy smile. From the Inferno, Tyrael pulled out a violin. He started to strum some of the strings as if it was a small guitar before taking out the bow and playing it properly. As he got the song started, he started to sing a [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Uab6qzM9s]song[/url] for Lyn. A lullaby that he’s played for her many times before, so that she not only sleeps soundly, but so that she can be strong.

[center][b]”There's a monster that lives 'neath your bed
Oh for crying out loud 
It's a futon on the floor
He must be flat as a board”[/b][/center]

Lyn giggled lightly, hearing him state the obvious. Her nose was use to the sulfur that seeped into the earthy cave and her arms snuggled close to her body, applying more pressure. She stared at his face as he started to reach his arms over her side and string the violin. When the sound started, her eyelids started to slightly droop. 

[center][b]”There's a creature that lurks behind the door
Though I've checked there 15 times
When I leave then he arrives
Every night”[/b][/center]

Tyrael continued to play the song, remembering the first time he played it for Lyn. Music was something new to her, after listening to some chanting at the college. Music wasn’t new to Tyrael though. He knows the power song has in others, and he can even lead demons with the right melody. Tyrael knew how to play his instrument and sing a long time ago. But it was only for Lyn that he sought out this song. She wanted someone who could sing her to sleep, and Tyrael was always willing to make sure she had a good rest.

Lyn’s hand reached up and wiped a bit fitfully at her eyes, trying to keep awake. Yet with each word, the sound lulled deeper and deeper causing her head to slouch. It didn’t help her uncle was warm and comforting either. Her lips curled up while she let the words drift her off to dreamland gradually. 


[center][b]”Tell the monster that lives 'neath your bed
To go somewhere else instead
Or you'll kick him in the head”

“Tell the creature that lurks behind the door
If he knows what's good he won't come here no more
Cause you'll kick in his butt at the count of four”[/b][/center]

Tyrael chose this song because he wanted Lyn to be brave. Granted, the fact that she has no fear of Tyrael or his demons spoke much of her courage. But Tyrael was different. He was part of her family. Of course she shouldn’t be afraid of him. In truth, it was mostly Tyrael who was scared. Because Lyn may not realize that not all demons are like him. There is evil in this world that wouldn’t care that Lyn is a pure, sweet, innocent girl. They may hurt her precisely because of that. And because of those fears, Tyrael wanted Lyn to be brave. If not for herself, then for him. Because one day Lyn will face those monsters and Tyrael won’t be there to save her. He wants her to be strong enough to the point where she won’t need her uncle.

Tyrael wanted Lyn to become stronger than him.

[center][b]Goodnight demon slayer, goodnight
Now it's time to close your tired eyes
There are devils to slay and dragons to ride
If they see you coming, hell they better hide”

“Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
Goodnight my little slayer, goodnight”[/b][/center]

By the end of the latest verse, Lyn’s eyes had closed. Her breathing had become softer and her body slumped against her current guardian. His heaving chest had enough rhythm to match the song, increasing her tiredness and finally put her out. Her body curled against his side as her legs pulled up onto his legs, nearly knocking the string instrument. Already images swirled and danced in her head, filling them with pictures of monsters, demons and other things that went bump in the night fleeing in terror from her smiling face. Some were even friendly enough to play with her through not likely the dream her Uncle would encourage her to have, it was something better than the bouncing and hyperactive child she had been earlier. Quiet snores flirted past her slumbering body telling Tyrael she was dead asleep.  

Tyrael kept singing, softly this time, as Lyn feel asleep. Once she was deep into the land of dreams (a realm that Tyrael has yet to explore), he continued to play his violin until he felt it was time to go. Carefully putting his instrument down without making any noise, the demon picked up and and put her into bed. He pulled the cover to her chin, tucked her in, and made sure she had her magical teddy bear near her. Tyrael was well aware of the enchantments Uicle had put on it, so it wasn’t awkward for him when he told the bear to protect Lyn with his life.

Giving Lyn a gentle kiss on her forehead, Tyrael took a step back and looked around the den. This was her home, Mar’s home, and while Tyrael was reluctant to admit it, Athalus’s home as well. Magic swirled around Tyrael’s hand as he began to mumble magical incantations: he was strengthening the Veil in this room to ensure no demons could enter, not even those summoned by other demonomancers. Even Khan and his strange rune demons will have a struggle summoning creatures in this room. Because Tyrael wanted to make sure nothing came to harm his family. Certainly not the monsters that Tyrael faces everyday. Once the Veil was given an extra layer of force Tyrael fell to one knee. He normally did not use this much mage blood, but he didn’t care. He had a justifiable reason, he figured. Though now he needed rest, which he didn’t really want. He needed to prepare for tomorrow mission in the Ravine...
[/hider]