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[b]Time:[/b] Afternoon
[b]Location:[/b] North Pass[/center]
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A giggle escaped Eris before she smirked at Kaleb and simply nodded in response to her falling into his arms. Words weren’t always needed between the two of them. She watched him enter her room, close her door, and lock it, something she was grateful for. [color=68894D]“I couldn’t agree with you more, I think we need a nice break from them. Maybe get you to take me on a date, hmm?”[/color] She said in response, a slightly teasing tone to her voice, as she moved over to the bed and sat next to him. She sat quite close to him, grinning at him as she began idly braiding her hair. Kaleb's eyes are intimately focused on her. [color=68894D]“I promise to make it worth your while if we do.”[/color] She winked at him playfully, wanting to get a rise out of him in some form.

And what she got was an exciting look of curiosity accompanied by a playful grin. Kaleb knew he had Eris exactly where he wanted her right now, but the idea of earning his desires was more delectable. A trading of affection? No, it was a sharing of it as the pair would enjoy every step of the way to gratification. Subtle or obvious. Deep or shallow. Their moments together had always been to their liking. 

Kaleb leaned in, his face only inches from hers as his body generated a soothing warmth. Eris' eyes trailed down to his lips for the briefest of moments before they met his eyes once more, a smirk still gracing her own lips. 

[Color=goldenrod]“Hmmm. I guess I better spoil you huh?”[/color] Kaleb spoke softly. They maintained eye contact for several seconds, silently confirming their intentions before Kaleb spoke once more to break the silence. [Color=goldenrod]“Come on, let me surprise you then.”[/color] He took her hand as he got up from the bed, gently leading her. A small giggle escaped Eris as she made no protest to him leading her wherever he decided he wished to go.

[color=68894D]“To be spoiled and surprised? Now that does sound like quite the adventure.”[/color]  She responded, but bid him to pause for only a moment as she grabbed her coat and put it on. Kaleb had a ring of warmth, but she hadn’t bought herself such a luxury and needed to bundle up a little extra in order to stay warm in the frigid climate of North Pass. She also slipped on some gloves before moving back to his side, her hand finding his as their fingers laced together. [color=68894D]“Lead away, darling. You have me quite intrigued by whatever you’re planning within that brilliant mind.”[/color]

[color=goldenrod]“You’ll see.”[/color] 

The two departed Eris’ room and set out to peruse the shops. It was something that had become a bit of a pastime for the two. Besides the promise of blistering cold weather, scenic pseudo-eastern architecture, and warm savory meals, North Pass had little to offer compared to hubs such as Roshmi City or River Port. And so, indulging in delightful treats while roaming from shop to shop with great company was something fun the pair both grew to love. Visiting so many places always allowed for the chance to connect with the locals. Eris especially enjoyed getting some of the delicious treats. Her favorite was the rice cakes and so it was only natural she insisted they get some once they reached the shopping area.

It was this afternoon, however, when he used this activity as a way for Kaleb to throw Eris off the trail for what he truly had in mind. The woman had called his mind brilliant, yet if that were true, Kaleb would have to admit Eris’ was nothing short of blinding. He retained a smug confident expression as they walked side by side, feeling his surprise was safely guarded. However, for Eris, something about his expression keyed her onto the fact that he truly had something else planned. She didn’t say anything, however, as she didn’t want him thinking she was going to catch on to him. Kaleb was quite prideful and if she could bring him joy even just by pretending not to realize he was trying to throw her off, then she would do so. She did briefly wonder what the rest of the group were up to and how that hunt was going. There were plenty of dangerous things within the wilds here in North Pass and she wondered if the hunting group would come across any of them. 

Before she realized it, they were standing at the start of a snow-sprinkled cobblestone path leading out of the city. It was here where Kaleb stopped in his tracks, eyeing the path that appeared to span up into the snow-covered hills. 

[color=goldenrod]“Ever take this path?”[/color] Kaleb asked. Up close the appearance of fresh boot tracks accompanied by the indication of something being dragged was visible in the snow.

Eris took a moment to look down the path. She examined her surroundings, taking in clues and having a feeling she knew what he was now up to, but she still refused to let on. Instead, she would simply answer his question. 

[color=68894D]“I can’t honestly say I have. I haven’t spent too much time exploring the paths that lead outside of the town.”[/color] She said with a small laugh, not entirely a lie. She preferred to stay within the safety of the town as she didn’t wish to find herself in any sort of trouble. While she was quite powerful with magic, yes, she didn’t like having to fight things if she didn’t have to and so she kept herself out of as many situations that could lead to a fight as she could.

[color=goldenrod]“Then I’ll continue to be your guide. Come.”[/color] He said as he stepped onto the path with a rare smile on his face. She gave him a suspicious look but still smiled as she followed him down the path.

[color=68894D]“How often have you come out here?”[/color] She asked him after a few moments of silence. Kaleb briefly peered at Eris from the corners of his eyes a shrugged nonchalantly.

[color=goldenrod]“Botan sent me down this thing once or twice…”[/color] He sighed at the thought of the crazy panda man’s training regiment, indicating not having great memories of the path they now walked. [color=goldenrod]“But..”[/color] He chuckled as he looked her way again, slightly squeezing her hand. [color=goldenrod]“I’ll make sure you enjoy it.”[/color] He promised without having to utter the word. 

A small laugh escaped Eris as Kaleb mentioned Botan and the not-so-fond way he spoke of the man, but Eris knew that the time he’d spent with the man had been very beneficial. She was quite glad that she’d suggested he seek Botan out to train. He’d been a good fit for Kaleb, even if Kaleb didn’t think so. [color=68894D]“Any time I get to spend with you I can honestly say I always enjoy it so I have no doubts that you’ll make today’s adventure splendid.”[/color] She said as she gave him a soft smile and squeezed his hand back.

While continuing along the path, Kaleb suddenly nodded in a direction off of the path, following the tracks left behind by whoever had been ahead of the pair.

[color=goldenrod]“This way. Almost there, trust me.”[/color] Eris couldn’t help the internal laugh she had when he told her to trust him. Little did he know he was maybe the only one she trusted and that was quite the big deal. She didn’t even have a chance to comment, however, as they pushed through some shrubbery and found a canine demihuman North Pass local standing at the crest of a steep snow-covered hill with… a sled?

The demihuman nodded with a smile before he and Kaleb reached out toward each other, exchanging amas with a tight handshake. 

[color=goldenrod]“The other half as promised.”[/color] 

[color=skyblue]“Just keep her in one piece for me.”[/color] The demihuman was referring to the sled he arranged to have Kaleb borrow in between the shop perusing.

[color=goldenrod]“Of course!”[/color] Kaleb stepped away from the demihuman who was already making his leave.

Eris was quite surprised when she felt her face light up some. She looked to Kaleb whose eyes met hers. 

[color=68894D]“Oh I haven’t been sledding since I was a little girl!”[/color] She said joyfully, having fond memories of going sledding with her mother. She leaned over and kissed Kaleb’s cheek, smiling warmly at him. [color=68894D]“Thank you, Kaleb, this is a wonderful surprise.”[/color]

[Color=goldenrod]“I knew you'd like it.”[/color] Kaleb was nearly grinning from ear to ear before quickly mocking a pout. [Color=goldenrod]“But is that all I get?”[/color] Eris looked at him for a moment before a mischievous grin crossed her features.

[color=68894D]“My, my, is someone a bit greedy? Perhaps I planned on giving you more as our little adventure progressed. Reward you for your patience, if you will.”[/color] She giggled as she booped his nose before turning towards the sled. She walked towards it, her hips swaying some before she glanced over her shoulder. [color=68894D]“Am I going to have to ride down this big hill all alone, or are you going to join me?”[/color] She asked him playfully, noticing the flash of excitement on Kaleb’s face. She successfully piqued his interest in what she had in store even more now. It was quite the skill considering how hard-to-please the young man seemed to be with others. 

[color=goldenrod]“As if you have to ask after what you just did there.”[/color] Kaleb adjusted his equipment, more specifically, his staff that might get in the way when sitting. Once set, he followed Eris to the sled, allowing her to take a seat while he held onto the rear of it. He leaned forward as close as he could without pushing the sled forward so he could speak softly. [color=goldenrod]“Ready?”[/color] Eris glanced over her shoulder at Kaleb with a grin, feeling as mischievous as ever.

[color=68894D]“Are you?”[/color] She asked him as she leaned back into him, pressing herself in closer to him than was actually necessary. The warmth of his body against hers was actually rather pleasant and she was almost able to forget about the cold completely for a moment. The breath of his quiet laughter tickled her cheek just before the sled slid forward. 

With as much grace as Kaleb could muster, he seated himself right behind Eris before they picked up too much speed. It was once he was securely seated with his arms around Eris that the moment felt… completely yet pleasantly [I]normal[/I]. No war. No magic. The only fantastical occurrence was how pure and cherished this moment was. As they slid down the steep hill, kicking up the snow behind them, laughing with joy as they went further and further along, the moment only grew richer. 

[i]As sensational as the moment was, it may be that very element that makes this tale all the more tragic…[/i]

[color=goldenrod]“That was…”[/color] Kaleb couldn’t find the words as the sled began to slow to a halt. [color=68894D]“Blissful?”[/color] Eris offered as she looked at him with a joyous grin. Joy. Something Eris hadn't truly experienced in a very long time. To live in this moment would be something she had a feeling she could easily give up everything for.

She found herself moving to get up and as she did she found herself now facing Kaleb. She paused and slowly began leaning in closer to Kaleb once again, their faces inches apart. She was getting lost in the moment, but the snap of a branch brought her back to reality. Alarm crossed her face and she was on her feet in seconds. Her eyes began scanning the trees before a deer ran out and past them. A nervous breath escaped her and she let out a laugh as she turned back to look at Kaleb. [color=68894D]“For a second there I thought we might be in trouble.”[/color]

[Color=goldenrod]“Out here? I doubt it. Annya picked this- ERIS!”[/color] He shoved her just in time to avoid a sphere of darkness. At the same moment, Kaleb used his shove as a means to push himself away to narrowly dodge the projectile. Eris let out a gasp as she fell, hitting the snow-covered ground just in time to watch that dark orb hit a tree. Alarm once again crossed her features as she quickly glanced at Kaleb to make sure he was unharmed. She quickly moved towards him, throwing a shield of light around them to obscure them from view for a moment. [color=goldenrod]“Shit.”[/color] Kaleb almost appeared shaken. 

[color=68894D]“I’m unsure of how the fuck they found us other than someone possibly tipping them off, but either way we need to go. Please tell me you’re unharmed.”[/color] There was genuine concern and fear in her eyes as she looked at him. She had no clue how many there were just yet, but if she knew dark elves then there likely would be more than just the two of them could handle. And her assumption was made true as the shadows of several trees shifted unnaturally. 

[color=goldenrod]“I-I’m…”[/color] His eyes were still affixed to the dark orb’s point of origin, and though it was very brief, this was the first time in a long time that Kaleb felt unsure of himself. He had dodged the magical attack, but reality had mercilessly hit him square in the face. However, instead of leaving him shaken, it just made him a tad bit pissed off. [color=goldenrod]“I’m fine!“[/color] He forced the answer out while his palms emitted an orange glow. [color=goldenrod]“We can take th-”[/color] Kaleb stopped speaking the moment they caught sight of at least five dark elves bounding up bearing weapons and magic. [color=goldenrod]“I guess you’re right again... Come on, this way!”[/color] The two started running but not back up the hill they came down. 

However, running would not be enough for Kaleb and Eris, as their pursuers were a trained team of Malthemoor magus agents. There were eight of them, and typically that was enough for these dark elves adept in both magical ability and ranger skills. They were by no means front linemen but running into them spelled either death or capture. The high optics of the war have forced this particular group of agents to venture with about the same amount of equipment a common hunter might or even less to draw less attention than an identifiable dark elf normally would. 

Running in the snow wasn’t an easy feat and Eris knew they couldn’t run forever. She needed to figure out how to get them out of there safely. She could use her magic to make them invisible, but that would do nothing for the tracks they would leave in the snow. The same went for creating illusions of them to try and split the dark elves up. They certainly would figure out quickly which were the illusions and which weren’t when the tracks started disappearing. She could portal them out, but she would need a moment to be able to stop and focus on that. She needed a way to stall them for long enough to do so. Wait! That was it! [color=68894D]“Kaleb! I need you to-”[/color] She was cut off as immense pain shot through her left shoulder and she let out a scream as she stumbled and fell. 

[color=goldenrod]“Eris!”[/color] He called as he skidded to a stop so he could address her injury. [color=goldenrod]“What do you need me to do?!”[/color] 

Eris looked down at the dark magic-imbued arrow, feeling like the world was spinning some. Kaleb wanted to help her but there was a far more pressing task.

[color=68894D]”T-the trees, Kaleb! Behind us! Burn them!”[/color] Was all she could manage to say as she got herself back to her feet. Kaleb wished he could do more for her wound but he’d just need to channel that frustration into his magic. To burn the trees in this majestic wilderness that served as a source of food, shelter, and the identity of this North Pass’ woodlands, was a hard thing to consider sacrificing…

[color=goldenrod]“Fuck ‘em!”[/color] Kaleb thrust his palms forward firing a barrage of fireballs at not just the trees, but everything behind them. Kaleb inhaled deeply as he shut his hands while his eyes scanned the scattered flames dancing on the trees and then after the brief pause, he opened his hands with a grunt. Reacting to his actions the already present flames seem to burst with a flash of blue, spreading even more across the bushes and trees. As for Eris, the pain in her shoulder was an annoying distraction, but she tried to push it aside as she started focusing her magic to try and open a portal. 

Another magic-imbued arrow flew threw the flames but hit the snow-covered ground. The potency of the darkness was weaker on this arrow but its proximity was too close for comfort. Kaleb positioned himself in front of Eris as he drew his bo staff as streaks of dark magic were being used to bat out some of the flames. Kaleb could have expended more flames, but he had learned early on that it was easier to manipulate what was already present than to create something new. [color=goldenrod][i]Spread, boys. Burn this whole motherfucker down.[/i][/color]

Opening this portal was proving to be far more difficult than it normally was for Eris and it was frustrating her. Perhaps it was the stress of the situation or the injury, but this one wasn’t as easy to open as the one she threw Bowyn through. She watched as another arrow came flying through and she let out a frustrated scream, letting her emotions get the better of her. Apparently, that’s what she needed, though, as the portal opened. She immediately knew she wouldn’t be able to hold it for long and she felt her heart sink as she knew what she was going to have to do.

[color=68894D]“Kaleb, you need to go. I’ll distract them, but you need to take this portal to safety please.”[/color] She said to him, implying that she wasn’t going to follow. He barely looked over his shoulder at her before returning his sights back toward the approaching dark elves.

[color=goldenrod]“Tch. Not gonna happen. Get in there! We’re leaving together!”[/color] There was a sudden spread of pitch blackness beyond the flames. Eris had spun on him, ready to snap at him, but then she saw what was beyond the flames. They didn’t have time, she needed to do something to get him through that portal fast. She reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards her as if she were heading towards the portal too. She paused, however, and turned to look at him. Before he could say anything, her lips met his in a kiss that would rattle the stars. When she pulled away there were tears in her eyes as she looked at him.

[color=68894D]“I will find you again, Kaleb, whether in this life or the next.”[/color] With those words, Eris shoved him hard through the portal. By the time he even realized what Eris had done, it was too late. 

[Color=goldenrod]“Eris, please!”[/color] Like the maw of a colossal beast, the portal consumed him before snapping shut. The moment he hit the smooth stone ground he whipped around only to find an empty wall of a dimly lit alley in place of Eris and the chaos she had been in the midst of.

[Color=goldenrod]“Eris… Come on, stop playing around. Come through this… fucking wall. Please.”[/color] The realization was setting in for him, but he didn't want to accept it. For he feared if he did, the guilt might destroy him.


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