[h1][center]Thalion, The Fugitive[/center][/h1]


[url=https://youtu.be/bFvSuNUZgG8]Your Wave Caresses Me, by We Are Trees[/url]

Even if fate had been cruel, the forest had been kind to this child of nature... Well, perhaps [i]half[/i] child. But, that was a moot point. The bushes bore plenty of berries, the rivers plenty of fish. When nights rolled by, the trees supported him as he rested. Thalion thanked to spirits the weather didn't force him to make lodging.

As dusk began to settle on the last day, the encampment loomed over the horizon. Thalion took a step. Then, he stopped. If he read correctly, soldiers from all over the continent would be here. That meant soldiers from the grove. That meant someone who'd recognize him.

But, he was disguised. Oh, sure; changing one's hair color and letting it droop over their face would be enough to throw off the authorities! But, he'd managed to get this far without being caught. Only because he'd stuck to the outskirts, where he'd only found the occasional farm. Did that shepherd realize his axe was missing yet? When would Thalion find time to return it? Should he return it? He needed it. But, so does that shepherd. It served him well. But it wasn't his.

How does he know Master Elashor is even in Gabaras? How did Thalion know this entire endeavor wasn't just an unnecessary risk? Exposing himself over a gut feeling; oh, how clever of yourself, Thalion!

He shook his head of these troubles. Doubt would get him know where. If all else failed, he would just leave and figure something out. When he walked into the encampment proper, it was easy to disappear into the crowds. Even if his heart thudded against his chest, Thalion's eyes always found something to gawk at; A bunch of Dwarves unloading kegs of drink, some soldiers sparring in the distance, so- A table to nearly trip over.

Thalion finally looked ahead of himself and met eyes with the bored soldier at the desk. "Sorry." He muttered.

"Hope you pay better attention tomorrow." The soldier grunted. Mechanically, he began his questions.

[quote]"Name...?"[/quote]

"Tha-" Damnit! He just got here and almost gave himself away! "Er, Nael’kerym" He answered. Wait, isn't Thalion posing as a human? Why use an Elvish name?!

The soldier didn't seem to react.

[quote]"Age...?"[/quote]

There was no way around thi-

"We don't have all day!"

"20!"

[quote]"Are you affiliated with a guild or military group? If so please say yes and where they are located. "[/quote]

"No, I'm a freelancer."

The soldier rolled his eyes.

[quote]"Finally, do you swear your loyalty to the mission and understand that if you abandoned it you will be jailed. " 
[/quote]

"Jailed?" Thalion's stomach churned.

"Yes, jailed!" The soldier sighed. "As in; if you try to desert, you will be arrested and put in jail!"

Which was the last thing Thalion needed. "Yes."

[quote]"Thank you, soldier, take your rest for now. We will all meet in the morning to go through the plans of the mission. "[/quote]

When Thalion accepted the paper card, he reeled as it seemed to prick him. Was that a papercut? Looking at the card, he noticed a thumb print fading into the card. He blinked. This was one of [i]those[/i] registries. Of course they'd have such a thing! Why the hell wouldn't they?! Now they can track him! Thalion you damned fool!

Could he dispose of the card? Should he dispose of the card? Perhaps things won't be that bad. All Thalion needed to do was survive long enough to find Elashor and deal with hi-

A flicker stole his attention. Wings of silk and a glowing body. He blinked, instinct guiding a hand to capture it. But, when he opened his hand, he found nothing. He blinked again. Was that for real? Or did he just imagine that. Somewhere at the edge of Thalion's memory, he had read of such phenomenon. Perhaps a refresher was in order. Nothing cleared Thalion's mind like a bit of study.

But, where would one find a book in such a place? His quarters could wait for a bit. The sound of a fireball being cast directed Thalion east to where the soldiers practiced. Just ask for an archive and begone. Best not to linger...