In a settlement just east of The Aviary...

-----

Elric sat in the shadows of The Aviary, the setting sun sinking behind the floating spires of the home of the Caelist, a new cigar in hand and his equipment at his feet. The mercs from before had dispersed as typical this time of day, with many of them getting their journeys underway, and those unsuccessful finding a bed for the night. Around him the settlement was still slightly busy, with the day-guard finishing their patrols, and the night-guard just now starting their shift. A cloaked Cruentai passed by him, a nod affirming that he was just checking to make sure no trouble was underway. Even this far into Caelist there could still be an incident, and crime made a habit of doing things that most would find unacceptable. Elric leaned back against the stone of the bench, its smooth surface warmed through the day by the rays of the sun and just now beginning to cool with the more temperate night.

A series of soft footsteps alerted him to another approaching, the weight of the steps and the slight jingle of metal telling him all he needed to know of the person walking towards him. The younger mercenary from before came up beside him, standing facing The Aviary until bid to sit on the bench. "Sir Elric," he began, the hesitation in his voice showing that he was slightly unsure if he was making another wrong move. "About earlier, I'd like to apologize for pressing the matter as I did." Elric waved away the statement casually, "It's fine boy, you're still learning the trade." The two sat watching the setting sun for a long moment before Elric stuck the cigar in his mouth and cupped one hand around the tip to shield it from the wind. Realizing he was minus a match, he looked over at the younger merc and gave a sly wink, igniting the cigar with a small burst of flame from his free hand.

"So then, tell me your name new-blood." The attitude of the younger merc seemed to brighten significantly as Elric asked him his name. "My name is Kal'Talarn, I took the job to follow in the footsteps of my father. He walked the borders of the Cruentai to help the human settlers defend themselves against the elves of the wood." Kal'Talarn seemed slightly downcast as he spoke of his father, the change in mood enough to tell of what happened. Elric nodded slowly, the cigar smoldering in his hand as he removed it to speak more clearly, "Such is our way. It's noble in its own right, but once you take those first steps, you are only walking into your own grave. Never lose sight of your goal though, for that is when everything you strive for is nothing." In the distance Elric sighted a traveler on the way to the settlement from The Aviary, too soon to tell who they were and what business they were about. With the growing darkness surrounding it, The Aviary shone as a beacon with its arcane lights, even in darkness it represented the good of its people. The image of the diamond spires shining despite the night swiftly falling reminded him of his past, and how suitable the imagery was.

Kal'Talarn seemed confused by Elric's last statement, clearly under the same impression all the other new-bloods were defined by. "But aren't we just sell-swords? I thought all we did was fight for whoever pays us?" Elric let out a slight chuckle, all at once amused by the naivety of the younger man, and disappointed with him. "No, we are not simple sell-swords. We may be mercenaries, but we have our code of honor, and we have our principles. I knew of your father, though when we fought you were just a name and an intention. Your father was a great man, but in the end he was betrayed by one of our own. We never saw it coming, never thought that we could be sold out." He looked up from his introspection, the traveler now much closer than before. Above the city the shapes of airborne Caelistine could be seen just barely in the distance, Elric lowering his voice to a whisper, "Even Angels fall, and when they do, they have the farthest to go."

"And then you have the ones like Novaus," came a strong feminine voice approaching from the darkness of lands opposite from the Aviary. If her voice were not indication enough, her figure would have been. The black buckskin coat, tied off at her waist, clung to her slim and curvy body. Her pants a navy blue, and her boots, though up to her thighs, were thick with portions formed of hardened leather. Her hair black as jet and her eye blood red. But her most recognizable feature however were her bat-like wings. A mercenary born of the Dalimos, her polished silver arm band with the Caelestine Sun Symbol inlaid with diamonds indicated her status as a Dalimos given permission to operate in Caelestine lands. She let out a short sigh and sat on the ground behind the pair, "That man protected the Children of Kanas in spite of being one of the most severely injured people to come out from that, and then spends the money he makes on charities for the sick, the poor, and the families of mercs who have met their end."

Elric looked up to regard the Dalimos woman with obvious distaste, his years of fighting the more rogue elements of their kind tainting his view of their entire people. "Novaus is a true hero indeed, but let's remember who started the tragedy of Kanas, Eraslyn. There would still be a port city there if it weren't for the actions of supposed rogue Dalimos elements." He spit in derision as he finished the statement.

Her brows furled angrily, "May I remind you that it was the more disciplined of my Dalimos brothers who arrived to save who could survive their injuries that day." Getting back to her feet, absently brushing the dust from the back of her coat, she continued, almost yelling, "That it was one of feathers who did that... that it was an angel that killed my family and my friends!" Tears became visible in her eyes, her pain apparent as the city consumed in dark flames reflected in her memory.

His scowl diminished slightly as she was obviously pained by the events, and for a moment he felt as though perhaps he had mis-stepped here. "Apologies, I have spent too many years on the Cruentai borders patrolling against renegades of the Dalimos"

Wiping the tears from her eyes, "Everyone suffered that day... including demons." Finishing a last sniffle, she then steeled herself. "Regardless, I've come here at the Blind Seer's request."

Elric was slightly intrigued by her statement, as he himself was here to ensure the safety of another, though for differing reasons. "The Blind Seer? You have come to assist lady Seraphina on her journey?"

Her eyes widened at this inquiry, "What... a demon escorting an angel to be?" She then let out a hearty laugh, even throwing her head back. "I don't think there is one instance in recorded history of that happening." She chuckled a little bit more before pulling out a small scroll. "But you are correct in that my business here pertains to the Lady Lunasdiei."

He turned more fully to regard her, a slight smile forming, "Well then, daemon, I suppose that I should introduce myself, since I also intend to ensure the safe passage of Lady Seraphina. I am Elric Aradryan, mercenary for hire, and patrolman of the Cruentai borders."

She nodded briefly and bowed in introduction, "Eraslyn Miera, Supercian Merc and bounty hunter, and presently delivery girl for the 'Blind Beauty', I was to catch Seraphina as she began her journey on her friend's behalf, and deliver this missive."

"A message from the Blind Seer for me?" Called out a voice excitedly from the darkness. The traveler from the distance was now running towards the gathered crowd outside the tavern. Her statuesque features becoming apparent in the low light shining through from the windows.

The arrival of Seraphina brought Elric to his feet immediately, the older mercenary taking a slight bow towards her as she joined the group. "My lady, greetings on this first day of your pilgrimage. I am Elric Aradryan, and I am here to humbly offer my services to you on your long journey to the Citadel." Kal'Talarn also stood hurriedly, though he made himself out to more of a bumbling fool in his rush to make himself look professional. "And I am Kal'Talarn, Sir Elric's apprentice." Elric had half a mind to swing around and knock the kid senseless for putting him in the fire like this, but knew that he couldn't make himself look a fool for putting the kid down. It would not do well to create tension at this first meeting between him and Seraphina, and it was imperative that he saw to her safety across the Pilgrim's Path. Kal'Talarn would simply have to make himself useful and not die on the way.

She bowed hastily before the duo, as the demon chuckled behind the two. "Many thanks you two." She then looked over the trio as a whole, taking their varied features. One seemed an aged veteran of combat, the one who proclaimed himself the elder's apprentice certainly looked the part of someone who was fresh from training. Beyond the two stood the menacing outline of a winged daemoness, and though her figure suggested possibly being a succubus, her clothing told the story of adventure. Her own father having told her stories of working alongside members of Dalimos, and knowing the Blind Seer counted a few among them as her own friends, she was not frightened in the least. She then smiled cheerfully, introduced herself formally, "I am Seraphina Lunasdiei, daughter of the late Seraphim Galric, and acting Patron Guardian of the town of Triluna..." She then paused, mulling over that last thought for a moment, "Oh, rather I will be once I have returned from my Pilgrimage"

Eraslyn smiled warmly, having herself a few fond memories of the Seraphim that frequented her home town.

Elric spared a glance towards Kal'Talarn, a short and swift glare telling the boy all he needed to know before returning his attention to Seraphina and the daemon. "Have confidence, for my mace will be in hand for this journey, and I know the lands of the Cruentai/Dalimos borders well. We will see you safely across the continent and back, you have my oath as a mercenary." Kal'Talarn nodded in agreement, the realization of what he had jumped into slowly dawning on him. "If you don't mind" Elric continued, "It would be best to get underway as soon as possible, for word travels fast that the daughter of Honoured Galric is traveling beyond the protecting of Caelist." As if to emphasize the point, he collected his equipment from the ground at his feet, strapping the heavy pack to his back and looping the handle of his mace into his belt.

"Oh... yes, I suppose it would be a good idea to head on out soon," she responded hastily.

"Whoa there kiddo," came a sassy voice from behind the two men. The Daemoness held the scroll out to the young Caelist, "Your message, express from the Blind Seer herself... penned by Novaus mind you, but I confirmed the message was to the young lady's liking."

As if to give Eraslyn greater leverage over the pacing of the pilgrimage's start, Seraphina's stomach began to growl.

Letting out a chuckle, the winged woman suggested they step into the tavern for a bite to eat while discussing the contents of the letter. She took the lead and held the door open for the rest of the group, looking the rookie in the eye and sarcastically stating "Ladies first."

Kal'Talarn looked confused for a moment, and then slightly downcast as he caught on to the joke, but began to move towards the door anyways. A hand grabbed hold of his collar and nearly put him flat on his back, the younger man looking back to find Elric at the other end of the arm. "If you two would like to proceed, me and my 'Apprentice' need to discuss a few things regarding the journey." Despite the worried look that Kal'Talarn gave, Elric nodded reassuringly, "Tell the barkeep to put everything on my tab, he'll know me by name."

The two girls stepped into the tavern, many of the older patrons conversing cheerfully looked towards the door, one of the shouted out excitedly to the newcomers, "Hey Eraslyn! What are you doing this far into Lumminalux?"

Another followed on, "And whose your friend... don't tell me you'll be the first Daemon to accompany an angel to be?"

Laughter broke out around the table. Leading the statuesque girl towards the bar by the hand, she glanced over at the small gathering, "I'm afraid to disappoint boys, but she and I only just met to discuss urgent business. But when we're done, I'll go a round or two with you geezers!"

"Cheers!"

The Caelist looked on in confusion. Often tales were told of young dashing mercenaries, but she saw gathered here a cheerful bunch of old men, obviously geared out for dangerous work, some looking the age most humans would choose to retire. And oddly enough the younger of the group simply looked on in silence, as if they had seen a ghost earlier and it had drained the energy from them. "An interesting bunch in here."

"Don't mind them, most of them are silly... I think hit in the head a few times, but still good men." The Daemon then turned to the barkeep; "Got any potato and beef stew, Elric said to put it on his tab."

One of the men yelled out, "Boy was that a mistake!" Laughter broke out once again among the group.

The Daemon then handed the young woman the scroll, "Enchanted so that only you can open it, so don't wait on me."

Taking the scroll, Seraphina searched for the seal, then unrolled it and read through the message.

"To my good friend, there has been so much you have done for me in the years since Kanas, but there has been so few opportunities for me to repay the debt. And so I send this message in haste, I've heard that you have committed yourself to follow in the footsteps of your father and become and ascend. That you intend to travel to the Featherkeeper's Citadel. I ask only that you take a few steps out of the way and meet me at Keranlus so that I may begin to repay the debt owed for so long."

Sincerely..."

And then in the final line, an illegible signature. "Hehe, that silly girl... she still insists on signing her own letters." She turned to her demonic companion, an empty bottle already before her and waving the bartender over, presumably to ask for another one. "Um... are you sure he won't mind you buy so much in drink?"

Eraslyn spared her a glance, "If he doesn't know, he'll have to learn." She then turned her fact fully while smiling closed eye.

The barkeep arrived with another bottle for the daemoness, and put a bowl of soup in front of Seraphina.

Outside the tavern Elric stared down Kal'Talarn, who was by now starting to regret shoehorning himself into the group. "I kinda fucked up, didn't I?" He said sheepishly, trying not to look Elric in the eyes, but the glare drawing him back anyways. "Yeah, kid. You did." He stated rather bluntly, "Now look here, if you're going to pretend to be my apprentice, you're going to have to act like one. When I say to do something, do it. Also, you aren't allowed to die. That's an order." Though the ridiculousness of the statement was without question, Kal'Talarn got the impression that Elric was dead serious, a slow nod giving Elric the affirmation that he was looking for.

"Good, now your first task." With a single movement, he slid the pack off his shoulders and tossed it to the younger merc, who was not at all prepared for the heavy pack. "Carry my equipment. Don't drop it either, my armor is in there." He was about to head into the tavern himself when he noticed that the boy was struggling with the pack, a look of impatience on his face as he waited for him. Finally, the pack secure, the two started towards the tavern again, but stopped short of the door.

"Let me make something else very clear." Elric said, his voice low so as not to travel between the two of them. "This is a very important mission, understand? We're escorting Lady Seraphina to the Citadel at the request of a very close friend, his last request of me before we parted ways. If you endanger this mission, there will be no end to what lengths I will go to make you pay for it. Her life is more important than your own, swear to me that you will do your best to see this mission succeed."

Kal'Talarn nodded hurriedly, almost making the warrior's salute, but unable to due to the heavy pack, "I swear to the Mercenary's Code that I will see the mission through."

The two men walked into the tavern, a quick salute from Elric to the table of veterans returned by a cheer and raised mugs, and the younger mercs staring at Kal'Talarn with a mixture of jealousy and awe. Elric took his seat next to Seraphina, while Kal'Talarn set the equipment down at his feet on the other side near Eraslyn. The barkeep had seen Elric enter and brought him a drink, Elric passing a couple of gold coins to the barkeep as thanks and partial payment towards his tab. "So then, we are set to head out soon?" He asked of Seraphina.

Seraphina took a swallow of the soup and wiped her lips before turning to the Elric, "Yes, I wish to get started out as soon as possible... but we're going to have to take something of a detour if it is no problem to you?"

"To KERANLUS!!!" Shouted Eraslyn excitedly, 3 bottles emptied before her already.

"Uh... yes, the city that has the portal in it," responded the Caelist, embarrassed of the daemon's cheer.

Elric eyed the daemon warily as she burst out with the destination, inadvertently knocking Kal'Talarn off balance in her excitement. "Yes, It is on the way anyways. Should be of no consequence to the journey at hand, and prove excellent for stocking up supplies. If we are done here, then let us be on our way." He snapped his fingers at Kal'Talarn and gave him a quick disapproving glance "Apprentice, gather the equipment, let's be off."