[center][h1] [color=598527]The road to Milas [/color][/h1][/center]

Elyra finished packing up and looked around the camp in case anything was missed. Seeing that everything was well she went back over to Gun'tar and said, [color=0072bc]"It looks like we are ready to go. Everything is packed."[/color]  Elyra looked at Aelar who was almost ready and James who had finished and was waiting. She turned around looking for William and soon spotted him and Razer.

[color=0072bc]"I'm a little concerned about Jamie on her own with Shadow. I don't want to be too far behind them just in case they fight again." [/color]

James looked towards the treeline the pair had disappeared into and frowned slightly. He was worried too, but he knew that the assassin wasn't foolish enough to forget what would happen if either of them died. It didn't do much to alleviate his concern, but at least he wasn't worried about having his heart explode, or worse, Elyra's. [color=darkred] "Unfortunately, There's little we can do. They're scouting ahead but none of us can really keep up with them."[/color]

Gun'Tar just grunted and said to James "[color=yellow] Nor some of us care if we can keep up with them. They just better not go to far, I can't stand to have headaches and I don't want to die just yet.[/color]"

William simply nodded and said to Elyra "[color=red] My lady, don't worry. They shall not fight again, hopefully. They both know what would happen if they kill each other and Shadow doesn't look like the kind of guy that would kill himself. I guess. We Magi don't get to interact too much with other people. So, why have you agreed to join the Citadel? You don't seem the person that could hate someone for just being born with something they didn't ask for. [/color]"

Elyra calmly said, [color=0072bc]"Are you telling me that if we get too far from them we will get headaches?"[/color] She could tell by his expression that they would. She sighed. [color=0072bc]"Another nice detail no one ever mentioned. Then maybe we should start moving faster."[/color] Elyra took James' hand and started walking. 

[color=0072bc]"William I joined the citadel to help the injured and sick but I was allowed to because of my father's wealth and prestige. I don't hate magi or anyone else for that matter. There is only one person I hate."[/color] Her expression was somber and serious.

"[color=red]Then why not kill him? That's how people from the Empire deal with things from what I understood. [/color]"

[color=0072bc]"Because if I do our heads will explode."[/color]

"[color=red] So. It's someone from our merry band of [i] heroes [/i].  That's bad. My lady, you don't deserve to be with us. You shouldn't be condemned to death with us because something tells me...only death awaits us in the Wasteland. That's what people say, anyway. [/color]" 

[color=0072bc]"I'm not giving up hope that we all will live. However, I can hope desperately that the devil takes his child back to hell with him and leaves the rest of us alone. I have no idea what I did to get put into this group but I mean to do my best to see us through it. I'm not looking at it as a death sentence."[/color] She squeezed James' hand.

James gave her a small smile as reassurance, before his head turned to the gargantu.[color=darkred] "The Wasteland isn't some plain of nightmares to be feared. I've been to more than enough battlefields to know that. If you think that we're ill-equipped to deal with this threat, you obviously have less faith in your [i]glorious[/i] Ascended Templar than you let on. Me? I don't trust him as far as I can throw him, but I'm not going to let him beat me. I'm going to get through this, and I'm going to do it with as many of us as I can."[/color]

[color=silver]"I agree with James, while there are many dangers in The Wasteland it is definitely possible for us to survive and even thrive if we stay cautious and use the abilities we have. In fact in some ways the Wasteland is the perfect place for mages and warriors to hone their skills. In fact I have heard rumors of there being ruins that contain both magical heritage and enchanted weapons left there after the war, most of what was easy to obtain has already been taken by the Empire."[/color] Aelar added.

Gun'Tar frowned at James. "[color=yellow] Kid, you don't know what you are talking about do you? I was there when it happened. I was there after it happened. I saw the Wall being raised from the ground. Believe me when I say that only death awaits us there. That place is as cursed as all the Magi. I believe in the vision of the Empire , James. I believe what it stands for, I believe the vision of the great Empire that was sold to every single soldier before the war began. I wanted that, I still want to but this mission? To fight side by side with Magi? Something is wrong.[/color]"

William nodded and Aelar's words. "[color=red]That may be but it's still dangerous and remember if any of us die, we all die. That means the danger is much higher than ever before if Elyra gets killed, we all die. She is the only non-combatant here, so if anything happens we all flock around her and protect her. James, I guess you will keep her safe. 

I know my lady that you can protect yourself but it's better that way."[/color] He took a pause and heard what Gun'Tar said and he just [i] had [/i] to reply. [color=red]"Yeah. Something is wrong, Gun'Tar. You are the problem here with that attitude. You are the only one here that believes in this "vision" of your great Empire. You say that Magi should all be killed or imprisoned because of what? Being born as we are? Because some Magi decided they were "Gods" one hundred years ago? Really? That's your reason ?![/color]" William was yelling by now. 

Aelar jumped in as William finished saying his piece. [color=silver]"Gun'Tar while I understand you have hatred for Magi as you were around one hundred years ago during the war what crime has any of today's Magi done to deserve imprisonment from birth? Has a baby tried to kill a village just because he was born with magical attunement? No, not one of us has ever done anything to harm the Empire in fact if it weren't for the fact I was born a mage I would probably be a Templar myself. However if you insist on hating us all fine I have no control over you and I don't wish to. You don't undestand what it means to be hated by all just because of something you had no control over"[/color] Aelar sighed as he said the last part the negative feelings he usually attempted to suppress running in his mind.

Gun'Tar stomped the ground. "[color=yellow] You keep talking about how is not your fault that you were born like this. Do you know how it is to loose hundreds of your friends because someone decided they are too insignificant to live? Do you know how it is to see your mother and father die in front of your eyes because a Mage decided they are Gods? And don't let me get to start talking about Milas. The very city we are going right now. Do you know what happened to it? Do you know how it was obliterated by who knows what because some Magi decided they are Gods? Men, women, children and all the animals killed just like that. All in one night. Put yourselves in our place. What would you do to someone with the power to do that because they are bored? Huh?[/color]" Gun'Tar was also screaming.

[color=darkred]"Both of you! Shut! The! Fuck! Up!" [/color] James half-roared at the pair. While he was certainly more inclined to take the side of the half-elf, the bickering was grating at his nerves.[color=darkred] "We can have this discussion later."[/color] He looked at Elyra apologetically for a second. [color=darkred]"Sorry about that..."[/color] He whispered.

Elyra smiled at James and heard something in the distance behind them. She stopped and walked backwards to the back of the group. She soon saw who it was and stepped towards her concerned. [color=0072bc]"Maren? Why are you here what is it?" [/color]

Maren took a moment to catch her breath. [color=f49ac2]"Your father, told me you were going on some quest or something. He was worried so I left my father a note and came out to go with you."[/color] Elyra looked at her startled.

[color=fff200]"No! You must go back this is dangerous. Too dangerous."[/color] Maren got that stubborn look in her eye that Elyra knew too well and she sighed as her cousin got ready to dig her heels in. Elyra sighed defeated already and grabbed her and hugged her. [color=0072bc]"If you get killed I'm not telling your father."[/color] Maren chuckled. [color=f49ac2]"I don't plan on getting killed."[/color] Elyra sighed, [color=0072bc]"No one ever does."[/color]

Elyra brought her forward up by James and the others. [color=0072bc]"This is my cousin Maren. She is bound and determined to come with me. Don't try to talk her out of it the last time she just followed me behind bushes until she fell out of a tree."[/color] Maren giggled. 

James blinked at the introduction before he raised an eyebrow. He let it drop as he began to speak.[color=darkred] "James Blackwall. I'm mainly a frontline fighter for the group." [/color]

Gun'Tur just grunted and said " [color=yellow] Nice. Someone else to babysit. I'm Gun'Tar. [/color] "

William shook his head at Gun'Tar's words. "[color=red]I'll say sorry for him m'lady. He is the group's idi--I mean the group's full loyalist.[/color]" William extends a hand towards Maren and continues talking."[color=red] I'm William Mortalis at your service. I'm one of the two...Magi of the group and before you ask...no we are not hunted by anyone. We are sent by someone and no we won't kill you and use your body parts for our "rituals". [/color]" said William trying to joke.

[color=darkred]"Nice, Mortalis. Freak her out a bit more why don't you?"[/color] James sighed to himself.

[color=silver]"Nice to meet you Maren, I am Aelar Starseeker. I am the other mage in the group. I specialize in support magic and swordsmanship."[/color] Aelar introduced himself. [color=silver]'She really is Elyra's cousin all right. are all Navarr clan daughters beautiful?'[/color] he thought.

Maren looked at James and nodded but when Gun'tar spoke she narrowed her eyes at being called a baby. She chuckled at William's slip of the tongue and James retort. When she heard Aelar speak she looked over at him and his eyes caught her attention. She extended her hand to Aelar and smiled. 

[color=f49ac2]"It's nice to meet all of you. Aelar? what kind of support magic?"[/color] Elyra smiled when Maren fell into line and started walking next to Aelar. He was a nice guy and she wouldn't have to worry about Maren.....just Aelar. 

A bit startled by Maren extending her hand Aelar took her hand and awkwardly shook it. He was surprised both by the fact that she took initiative to make contact with him, most people he knew would do the opposite, and that she was interested in his magic. [color=silver]"I currently know two spells one of which is a basic healing spell while the other is a sense enhancing spell which I am currently only able to cast on myself. I would've learned more but two spells is the limit for magi kept in the citadel, which is part of the reason I secretly took up the sword."[/color]

Maren smiled. [color=f49ac2]"I am proficient in the staff and archery. My father said even princesses needed to know how to defend themselves. I wish I could cast spells. Elyra would have killed me by now if I could though...." [/color]

[color=silver]" Well your father ... wait did you just say you are the princess of the Navarr clan?"[/color] Aelar was caught off guard by Maren's casual revelation.

[color=f49ac2]"Yes, I did, it's really more of a hindrance than anything. I can't do anything without someone telling my father. I'd rather be like Elyra in that respect."[/color]

[color=silver]" I understand how you feel being born under certain conditions can really be a burden. Trust me when I say being able to cast magic isn't really desirable especially for one with a free spirit, however even if you did have magical abilities I doubt Elyra would treat you any different than she treats everyone else, with kindness."[/color] Smiling at Maren's mischevious personality.

Maren chuckled. [color=f49ac2]"She isn't always so nice. I once took her slingshot and she nearly beat me silly then she slung rocks at my butt for a week." 
[/color]

Aelar couldn't stop himself from laughing, [color=silver]"Hahaha... Well her slingshot seems to be important to her so I can see where she was coming from."[/color]

Maren stopped and grabbed Aelar's arm to hold him back for a minute. Once Elyra was out of ear shot she started walking again. [color=f49ac2]"I need your help. Being a mage you'll know and you seem like I can trust you. Can I?"[/color]

[color=silver]"Of course as long as it is within my ability and isn't meant to harm innocents I will help you. And you definitely can trust me."[/color] Although startled Aelar was definitely willing to help.

Maren looked at Elyra and looked up at Aelar. [color=f49ac2]"Elyra's father did something that got her put here and when he went to the ascended templar about it they put him in one of the prison cells. He's been sentenced to die. How do I tell her that?"[/color] Maren had tears in her eyes.

Speechless for a moment Aelar took time to gather his thoughts.[color=silver]"We definitely need to tell her and the longer we hold the information the more it will hurt when we tell her. I think we have no good option but the least harmful would be to tell her right away"[/color]

[color=0072bc]"Come on guys we are getting further behind. We need to pick up the pace, I'm getting a headache."[/color]

As they walked, James slipped his hand into Elyra's and smiled a little at her. [color=darkred] "Those two seem to be getting on well."[/color] He jerked his head towards Maren and Aelar for a second.[color=darkred] "Is she usually this stubborn though? She knows how dangerous this is, right?"[/color]

Elyra shook her head. [color=0072bc]"Nope, I told her it was dangerous, too dangerous and she is the most stubborn person I know so it won't matter. She won't listen though so it's of no use. Of all the people to show up..."[/color] Elyra was plainly exasperated. [color=0072bc]"Poor Aelar."[/color] She chuckled a little.

[color=darkred]"Was she like this when you were little? I've never had siblings, or if I did I was too young to remember them."[/color]

[color=0072bc]"Yes, more so. She was spoiled because of being a princess so she was rarely told no. When they did she didn't listen. She has always been headstrong and a bit of a daredevil. I was going to the city with friends once and she was told no but she followed us anyway and hopped from bush to bush hiding almost the entire time. She climbed a tree to avoid us seeing her and when she fell out of it, needless to say I had to give up my trip and take her home." [/color] Elyra shook her head. [color=0072bc]"We are close but she frustrates me."[/color]

He laughed slightly at the story, but didn't say anything for a second. He instead looked up, at the trees as he remembered something. [color=9e0b0f]"I used to do the same when I was very young to my old Master. He wasn't as... forgiving though. Intense training for a week."[/color] He lowered his head again and looked at Elyra. [color=9e0b0f]"I don't mind if she's a princess but I'm not going to call her one. Behind her title, she's just another woman. Is that a problem for you?"[/color] He asked, his voice slightly softer.

Elyra smiled happily. [color=0072bc]"No, I think that is wise and she should be treated like everyone else. I don't think I want her near Gun'tar though. He doesn't seem to like anyone here but me, and sometimes I wonder about that. Maren can push buttons and anger people."[/color]

[color=9e0b0f]"Hmm. That could be a valid point... That delusional rock-brain is very singluar with his opinions, and she might get onto his bad side quickly. God knows it's a mile long and hard to miss."[/color]

Elyra laughed heartily [color=0072bc]"You are so very right." [/color]

Maren ran up to Elyra and James with Aelar right behind her. [color=f49ac2]"I need to talk to you right now. It can't wait."[/color]

Elyra stopped and looked at her. [color=0072bc]"What's wrong Maren? I can see it in your face." [/color]

Maren took a deep breath and said, [color=f49ac2]"Your father did something that got you assigned here."[/color] Elyra nodded. [color=0072bc]"I figured as much but- "[/color] Maren blurted out, [color=f49ac2]"When he found out you were going to the wasteland he confronted the Ascended Templar and they threw him in prison. He is set to die, tomorrow." [/color]

Elyra blinked a moment and she started to run back to the city. Her instincts were to help her father. Tears were running down her face.

James's reaction was so fast it was as if he had [i]teleported[/i] instead of ran. Within moments, he was behind her, arms wrapped around her as she struggled against his grip. [color=darkred]"Elyra! Elyra, listen damn it! I know you want to help him, but there is nothing we can do! By the time we get there, it'll be too late!"[/color]

[color=0072bc]"MAREN!"[/color] Elyra yelled and Maren ran over to her. [color=0072bc]"When did you know this information?" [/color]James grip was still tight on her. [color=f49ac2]"About ten minutes before I left to come here. My father is trying to get him out but.....Your father was really rude and the Ascended Templar was set on making an example out of him."[/color]  Elyra eyed her cousin and she stopped fighting and turned in James arms and buried her face in his chest. She let him lead her towards Guntar who had not stopped.

Aelar didn't look to good. Maren asked him. [color=f49ac2]"Are you okay?"[/color]

[color=silver]' We need to get closer to the others."[/color] He said while holding his head as the headache got worse.

Maren grabbed Aelar's hand and said, [color=f49ac2]"Come on James!"[/color] She started running with no idea why just that it seemed important. [color=f49ac2]"Why does that have anything to do with the headaches? What is going on?"[/color]

The swordsman nodded at her before he looked at Elyra. [color=9e0b0f]"We need to catch up with the others. Can you run?"[/color] He locked eyes with Aelar for a moment. [color=9e0b0f]"Try to explain it to her as quickly as you can."[/color]

Elyra nodded and let James pull her with him and they ran. Maren looked at Aelar as they ran. 

[color=silver]"Simply put everyone in this group has a magical bomb inside them that goes off for everyone if one of us dies or deserts If we get too far away we get headaches that get progressively worse."[/color] He told Maren as they ran forward.

Maren was shocked but she ran faster and pulled Aelar.[color=f49ac2] "Come on then! Who would do such a.....nevermind I already know." [/color]

They caught up to Gun'tar and realized that the headaches were backing off. Maren looked over at Elyra who for all intents and purposes was suffering her father's death already. Maren dropped Aelar's hand for a moment and hugged her cousin tightly. Elyra sobbed on her shoulder. Maren kept them moving so they didn't get behind. 

If Elyra hadn't needed her she would have gone back and found a way to kill the ascended templar herself. After a few minutes Elyra let go of Maren and held onto James' hand. Maren drifted back to Aelar and took his hand in hers and squeezed it. 

[color=f49ac2]"Thanks for helping me with that. I just can't think of ........this whole thing is crazy! We should never have come near the citadel should have just stayed at home in the clan."[/color] Maren declared.

Lightly squeezing Maren's hand Aelar turned to her, [color=silver]"That may be but there is nothing we can do to change the past, that is why we must do all we can to control our present and future while learning from the past. Just remember even the worst things make you stronger when you come through them and there is always a silver lining."[/color]

Maren looked at him and asked him, [color=f49ac2]"Is that so? Where is the silver lining in Elyra's father getting killed?"[/color] She crossed her arms stubbornly.

[color=silver]" I don't know maybe the fact the Ascended Templar did not choose to kill her and the rest of us as well. All I know is that we will come out of this more mentally prepared to attempt to take revenge. My reason for living is to keep my friends and those important to me alive and kill those who harm them. Right now I can only do the first part."[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"From where I'm standing it sure looks like you aren't going to have a very long life, any of you. That being the case I would say start working on your bucket list and do the things you want to before you die!"[/color] Maren argued loudly.

[color=silver]"Ok"[/color] Aelar said as he kissed her before she could react. It was the first time he had kissed someone and the sensation blew him away. He lingered savoring the feeling, her lips were sweet like a sugar apple. He slowly pulled back looking into Maren’s eyes. [color=silver]“Sorry, but you are right I am probably going to die soon so I shouldn’t hold myself back.”[/color]

Maren's reaction was kind of funny. She'd never been kissed before. Most boys were intimidated by her. She looked a little dazed then she pulled him back and kissed him back. When she pulled away they both seemed dazed and they held hands and just followed Elyra and James.

Collaboration with[@Ashevelendar] [@Shadow Daedalus] [@Venku]

[@dabombjk][@caits][@gareth]