The four people had been on the road for several days, having taken a carriage some portions. The 'Apprentice' was made to carry most of the party's supplies. The graceful looking demon was only too happy to throw all her equipment on the young man, including a long thin blade four feet in length with a widened tip that made the weapon swing more like a hammer with a sharpened head than a sword, and a small buckler. According to the demon merc, the rest of her armor had been left at home in the northern territories of Dalimos, she had seen little need for it while running "Errands," and wanted it near where she'd be doing the annual purge of the Pilgrim's passages for rogue demons and feral Cruentai, as well as the other hazards of the Cruentai/Dalimos border. Seraphina was loathe to burdening Kal'Talarn with her own equipment and carried most of it herself. He still got to carry her food stuffs, water skin and her short sword at the older merc's insistence.

However, she clung to her shield in an embrace more than she really 'wielded' it. It's long, reversed teardrop shape stretched a little over three feet long of the enchanted bronze of the Caelestine, polished to a mirror finish. Across its surface, silver filled in thin etchings in ornate designs and symbols that were significant to her people. At the center, the images of mirroring crescent moons stood opposite each other from a large diamond set in the center of the shield's thicker top half. The symbol of her family name, going back to the first days of the Caelestine settlement into a strange new world at the end of the war that brought both her people and the Dalimos to Ceciderunt Dea.

Despite the relative safety of the paths across Caelist territories, Elric had insisted to remain at Seraphina's side, one hand at the ready by his mace and adorned in full-battle armor. For not the first time, he looked over at the shield that Seraphina carried, taking in the details that adorned its surface and thinking back to the last time he had seen that shield carried into battle. He had once had a shield just like it, just as many of his fellows had, each individualized to show that every soldier was important to the greater good. The shield brought bad memories though, memories of a long fall into darkness and the whispered words of a priest on the edge.

Almost to himself he muttered the words that were inscribed on the shield, an ancient oath that he had taken alongside a dear friend more than once before serving to protect those who could not defend themselves. "It is in the midst of Darkness that shines the truest Light" His hand flexed reflexively on the pommel of the mace, and he slowed pace for a moment falling slightly behind Seraphina as he reflected back on memories that he typically kept reserved.

The young Caelist looked back instinctively to the man who had usually kept a perfect pace. "Is something the matter," she asked, concerned about the older man.

The demon woman barely spared him a glance, "Meh, he's probably just thinking back on the good old days."

Elric scowled at Eraslyn, though kept his intolerance of her kind in check, "I am fine, just got a little caught up in the moment, I suppose. We should be getting near the city soon, so we should be thinking of what supplies we'll need for the longer journey ahead. Carriages may not be as freely available between Keralanus and Ferrocor, and less so after Ferrocor." At the mention of more supplies the rather burdened apprentice groaned in a rather defeated tone, knowing that it would of course fall to him to carry these items. "Is there any way..." he began, shifting the weight of the packs so as to speak a little more clearly, "We could perhaps acquire a pack animal?"

Seraphina looked on with sympathy as the Daemoness stalked towards the young man, "Awe... is the mule afraid to be mistaken for food by the Cruentai?" She then searched her bag briefly and pulled out a small feeding bag. "Here you go, I hear they dislike the blood of an Ass, this should surely make you pass for one.."

Elric let out a hearty laugh, patting the apprentice on the back, "Careful there daemon, if you keep that up, I may actually start to like you." Kal'Talarn kept a scowl as Elric encourage Eraslyn's taunts, looking over to Seraphina with a sympathetic pout.

The young woman then gave Kal'Talarn a reassuring look, "I am certain we can find something to take much of the burden off you. I have much money still and I think it better if one of my escorts isn't constantly exhausted." She then shot a sharp glance over to the other two mercenaries. Eraslyn let out a short chuckle. "At the very least, that one will be gone along with her equipment, at least until we make it to Dalimos territory... so you have at least that to look forward to."

At Seraphina's sharp glance Elric held his hands up, "Whoah there, stow your arrows Lunasdei, this one's friendly." Though he said it with a smile on his face, he suddenly realized what he said and found an excuse to look away from Seraphina and mess with Kal'Talarn's pack, muttering something about lessening some of the Apprentice's burden. He reacted instinctively, but forgot that this was not the same day and age he was used to, that he no longer wore that armor and bore that shield. The thoughts of the old days must have had something to do with this, he was forgetting himself in the middle of remembering what he used to be, and that way lay danger for not only himself, but everyone around him.

It was odd, this man who thought of his apprentice as more a pack mule just moments ago suddenly showed concern, at least in Seraphina's mind. She looked on curiously for a moment at the pair, a little bit proud of Elric for at last showing an ounce of concern when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked over it to meet the demon woman's gaze.

"Come on," Eraslyn said, "Keranlus is a short ways away... should be able to make it a little after dark, and I'm sure the Blind Seer will be there waiting for her old friend."

Seraphina's face brightened up at the thought of seeing her closest friend. She was curious to hear about what she had seen and learned from the other world.

Elric paused a moment, his own pack of traveling supplies in hand "The Blind Seer is who we are meeting?" There was a brief moment of panic crossing his mind, for the stories of her abilities traveled far and varied just as much. She could take one look at him and know what he was, and with his remembrances of old coming more to the surface as he traveled with Seraphina, it would be all to easy to see past the barriers against his past he had put up in his mind. Though he tried not to show it, he was clearly concerned at the mention of the Blind Seer, though for what reason was not so clear.

"Yes, I'm quite excited to get to see her again... she and I have been friends ever since we were both moved to the Aviary after both our fathers..." She then paused as she felt that familiar stabbing pain deep inside. She couldn't help but feel a terrible sadness any time she thought about her father. She missed his kindness that he radiated as though he was the light of hope itself. The stories he often told of heroism back in darker days, of the friends he once shared the skies with and fought alongside of. Most notably she remembered the stories of the Blind Seer's father, the Rogue of Angels who fought hard to protect peace; and the Seraphim who had martyred his very soul to protect the innocent. "She couldn't play very many games with the other children, because she couldn't see things as most others do. So I often sat down with her and told her stories my father once shared with me."

Elric said nothing, but darker thoughts crossed his mind with this revelation. Galric and him had been close once, and he knew that many of those stories would be of the battles they fought together. He had to make some excuse to stay away from the Blind Seer, but it would be impossible if she was to accompany them to the Citadel, and Seraphina was bound to bring them together at some point. Silently he cursed himself for taking foolish risks, and cursed his old friend for playing one last joke on him. "You must ask of her to not look into my soul." He said, the seriousness of his tone cutting through the lighter mood that Seraphina seemed to be trying to restore.

Eraslyn's ears perked as Seraphina turned towards Elric with confusion etched across her face. The demon opened her mouth, then paused a moment, apparently she had a second thought before she spoke, "Nah, I wouldn't want to ruin a blossoming friendship so soon."

"I understand that it can be disconcerting, but it's not something she can exactly control... the Hellfires took from her the sight you and I have, and gave her the ability to see souls instead, it's as natural to her as light and color are to us." She then paused a moment, the older merc seemed concerned from the moment the Blind Seer was mentioned, but only voiced his concern after she mentioned that she had shared stories, her father's stories. "Are you... pray chance, afraid you may have been mentioned in my father's stories?"

Elric waved away the thought, "Me? Mentioned in tales of honor and glory alongside a mighty Seraphim? I am but a simple merc of decent skill, what would the great Galric Lunasdei have to say of an aging mercenary?" As the two went on, Kal'Talarn was beginning to feel that something was off about Elric, everything did seem just fine until mention of the Blind Seer and the connection between her and Seraphina. He thought back to when Elric had cornered him outside the tavern, when Elric had forced him to swear on his life Seraphina's safety.

"Well, he was quite kind, but I suppose I never did hear mention of your name... pardon me for my prying," she bowed in apology.

Eraslyn crossed her arms, "Come on, lets keep going before you finish killing the good mood." She then pointed towards the top of the hill cheerfully, "We should be able to see the city walls once we get to the top." Then, possessed by a thought, she put her hand to her chin and her eyes went skyward. "I wonder if they have those wonderful oranges in again," she pondered to herself.

Elric was too focused on his own introspection to give the rather odd comment any thought, though the apprentice gained a rather puzzled look as Eraslyn mused. "Is not Orange always the same? I was also unaware that there were those who could sell a color. Why would anyone buy something that they cannot physically possess?"

The Demon looked at him puzzled for moment, the was struck with the realization of his unfamiliarity with the Keranlus markets. "Oh, no... you see, there's a portal in Keranlus leads to a whole nother world, and people come and go through it and goods are exchanged." Then her look of perplexion changed to one of excitement as the pitch of her voice raised and her pace of talking quickened, "One of those things are these fruits that are orange in color... and so the people on the other side call them oranges, and they are sweet and delicious and absolutely amazing!" The excitement almost had her hopping in place. She turned and started dashing ahead, "So come on and hurry up already" she demanded of the rest of the group.

Kal'Talarn stood confused for a moment, starting forward as the over-excited dalimos surged forward. He looked back momentarily, seeing if Elric was following, but the older merc gave a short nod as way of telling him to go ahead. Equipment swaying back and forth as he struggled to catch up, the apprentice attempted to run up the hill as well, yelling for Eraslyn to wait on him.

Turning towards Seraphina with a serious look, Elric once more tried to press upon her the importance of his secrets. "My lady, I ask of you but this one thing, even if your friend the Blind Seer cannot prevent herself from looking into my soul, she must not reveal what she sees. Not to anyone, my own safety rests on this, as does that of the group." Despite the absurdity of his statement, it was quite clear that he firmly believed this. He knew what happened when his secrets were left in the open, and to a degree, he was still serving to restore the damage done in the long years since. To allow such a small slip up at such a critical time would be unacceptable, and if who he really was was to be revealed, then he would be forced to break a promise to a dear friend.

The statuesque woman blinked with uncertainty about the man for a moment. It was becoming disconcerting that he would be so adamant about keeping a secret and she could only get off a nervous nod. She took a few shaky steps away from the man before turning around and chasing after the demon far ahead, feeling more comfortable around the demon than this mercenary.

Seraphina looked back briefly for a moment, lingering on the man's statement, until Eraslyn interrupted her thinking, "Come on, let's get going... I'm aching to check the shops!" The demoness led the younger woman by the hand as she dashed for the top of the hill. At the hilltop the village of Keranlus could be seen at the crest of the next hill. The buildings along the valley between were modest, but certainly no shanties. Deeper into the city, the stone walls of the original sentry outpost rose from among the shops. "Just a little ways further," whispered the demon to the Caelestine, "and then the true adventure begins."

Elric followed behind the group, still thinking of how to avoid the inevitable revelations of the Blind Seer. Though Seraphina had seemed to agree to speak to her friend of his request, he knew that she would be told the truth of what the Blind Seer saw. Kal'Talarn occasionally looked back to see if he was still following, though Elric didn't pay him much mind, too focused on his inner thoughts. His thoughts were troubled, and it wouldn't do to travel like this for much longer, he had to seek out the temple in Keralanus and speak with the priest. Perhaps Seraphina would understand if he needed to move away from the group momentarily, and not think it odd. Though, there was always the chance that she and the Blind Seer would also seek to pray to the goddess before setting out, which could become very awkward, very fast.

"My lady, Seraphina." Elric called out, catching up to the rest of the group "I have something that must be taken care of, a private business. I feel that since we are here, and Eraslyn seems eager to peruse the shops, Kal'Talarn can prove adequate guard for you while I handle this affair. Is this alright with you?"

Seraphina nodded, "It is quite alright by me."

Eraslyn cupped her hands around her mouth, perhaps needlessly, as she shouted back to him, "We'll be at the Vortician Tavern... you do know where to find it, right!" She then turned to the young Caelestine... "Can't let us get all split up without a rendezvous set up, right?"

The younger woman smiled, in spite of the fact her companion was a demon, she made for pleasant company and was not at all like what the Prince often said of them. She then looked back down to Kal'Talarn still making his way up the last few feet of the hill.

As Seraphina made her way towards the rest of the group, Elric followed behind slightly, watching as they moved further into the city. He made a detour once he crested the hill, moving away from the path to the markets, and deeper into the city towards the Caelistine controlled areas. The paths became less winding and more ordered, the cobblestone of the main thoroughfares making way to stone brick and lantern-posts. Fewer sentries patrolled here, though to say it was less guarded would be foolish. Not far into the Caelistine half of Keralanus, Elric was stopped and asked for his heading. "Halt there traveler, what is your business here?" the Caelistine man was an ascended Angel, his wings tucked close to his back and his armor polished in the dimming light. Though the man spoke in common, it seemed as he had not much practice with it, and his stance spoke of one who had recently acquired their wings.

Switching from the common tongue, Elric spoke to the man in perfect Caelistine, putting him off-guard "I seek the temple to our goddess, so that I may make an offer of prayer before my long journey." Elric smiled slightly and made the sign of the goddess with one hand, showing that he knew more of the faith than simple common knowledge and ability to speak Caelistine. The guard swallowed slowly, on one hand he was very wary of the old mercenary, but on the other he knew that it would be unwise to prevent a traveler to pray at the altar of the goddess. "Well, sir" he began, uncertainty clear in his voice, "The main temple for non-Caelistine is closed for the night, the priests having gone home to their families. If you like, I can escort you to the nearest inn and there you can wait till morning?" Elric shook his head slowly removed an old medallion from his front pocket. In the light of the street-lanterns, the crest of the Caelistine nation was revealed on the pock-marked and travel-worn medallion.

Though the crest was outdated by several generations, it was still instantly recognizable, and the meaning was clear to any ascended angel, "I seek a shelter of light from the growing darkness..." Elric began, allowing the younger guard to finish with "So that I can unfurl my wings in the morning light to do battle with the demons from beyond." Now more so at ease, the guard motioned for Elric to follow him as they began to walk towards the Caelistine barracks and the old temple. "Tell me traveler, where does your journey take you?" It took him a moment to answer, feeling that while he could trust the younger guard to a degree, he didn't want to have everyone know who traveled the city at this very moment. "I journey to the Featherkeeper's Citadel, in order to see a young Caelistine gain her wings. With few temples to the goddess between here an the Citadel, I felt it best to say a prayer before we get moving again. The rest of my party is already at one of the inner-city taverns, so this may be the only time I get to make my own personal dedications."

The guard nodded, admiring the faithfulness of the older mercenary "It is good to have faith in such dark times, not many of the mortal races share the beliefs of the goddess." The rest of the journey to the old temple without much further conversation on the subject, the two men walking in relative silence as the pathways began to become less ornate and more winding. Elric looked down each of the alleys, noting how the streets were becoming more structured to resist invasion, the rooftops notched with a battlement style and the winding patterns providing arcs of cover for those coming from the barracks, but denied it to those heading towards it. Anything could be behind every turn, but with the relative safety of Keralanus these days, the likelihood of danger was minimal.

They had nearly passed the temple, the facade of the small fortification blending with the nearby buildings and almost indistinguishable from the barracks facilities of the Caelistine. Cracks crept up the walls from where it had sustained siege damage in the past, likely before the outer walls had been built, and the stained glass within the larger windows was a patchwork of differing shades of similar colors, the individual pieces replaced as they fell out or faded. The only thing other than the stained glass that would have let him know where he was, was a statue of the goddess beside the door, its polished surface speaking of the reverence the staff held for their faith above that of the building they worshiped in. Nodding his thanks to the guard, Elric moved towards the entrance, raising his hand to knock upon the door. The knock echoed throughout the nearby area, he hadn't really meant to knock that loud, but the door's solid construction made each strike sound as if a miniature thunderclap had just went off.

Opening the door, a shorter ascended Caelistine began to wave him away, but stopped as the balding man adjusted the bifocals on his face. "Hmmmm... You're a tad late." he mumbled, the soft voice nearly lost to the sounds of the night, his eyes inspecting Elric for anything suspicious, but skipping over the armaments he carried. "Stow your weapons Isaaic, or whatever you choose to be called these days, and follow me." The man shuffled inside with Elric following close behind, only stopping to allow the mercenary a moment to place his equipment on the dusty racks in the armory by the door. Together they walked into the main hall, the few remaining pews scooted up close to the altar that rightly glowed as the focus of the room. Kneeling before the altar, Elric began a short prayer to the goddess, thanking her for the gift of life and for guiding him along his path thus far. The old priest looked down on Elric with interest in his dull-green eyes, the man genuinely interested in what brought such a mercenary as this to his temple this time.

Unsure of himself, Elric sat at the base of the altar facing the priest "I've been troubled of late, and I'm fairly sure that it's something that has troubled me for far longer than it should have." The priest nodded, a warm smile bidding Elric to continue, understanding clear in his eyes. "I've hidden behind a barrier to my soul for so long, that sometimes, I forget why such a barrier was created. I dedicate myself to protecting those who are otherwise defenseless, yet the very fact of who and what I am would endanger them if they were ever to know. The more I think of this, the more I struggle with who I am, and why it is that I have been given this journey by our beloved goddess." Placing a hand on Elric's shoulder, the priest leaned forward a bit, though Elric felt that the steadying hand was perhaps just as reassuring to the priest as it was meant to be for him. It was clear that the man was nearing the end of his lifetime, and perhaps had already passed that mark, but if he was discomforted by his age, he made every effort to show only his unflinching faith in the goddess. "Sometimes Isaaic, our Goddess gives us a task that she knows we cannot complete. While the mortal races see this as cruel, we know that she does this to force us to grow, to adapt, to become more than we are. It is not the task itself that must be completed, but the journey to undertake the task."

"When a man journeys across the world he will learn much of the people that live in it, and regardless the outcome of his mission, he will have become better for the lessons he learned along the way. This is the way of our Goddess, to show us that there is always another way, and that every lesson learned is but one more step to ascension." Elric thought on this for a moment, for though he was as devoted to the goddess as any, he had never really put thought into the why, only the end result. His every journey had served a purpose, bringing him closer to this point, and until now, he thought of his experiences as something additional, never thinking that the journey itself was his goal. "What of who I am? My companions will not know what to think at first, and I'm sure that knowledge of my past will rightfully bias one against me." The priest chuckled a bit, attempting to pat Elric on the shoulder, but losing his balance. Elric steadied the priest, moving him back into a sitting position on the pew, and taking a seat himself. "You have done terrible things in your past, yes, but what defines you is how you set those wrongs right. This journey is just as much your own journey as theirs, for why else would you be traveling with them, and not another mercenary?"

Though Elric knew the priest was correct in his statement, he still felt odd about it and the priest could see this. "Do what you think is best, though they will eventually know who you really are, and the longer a secret is kept, the more it hurts those you hold close to your heart. Tell me though, who is it you travel with this time? I hope you're not going on another vengeance raid into Dalimos territory." Smiling, Elric shook his head, "No, I am merely fulfilling a promise to an old friend, and perhaps finding the end to my own journey." The two sat for some time, going over the catechisms of their goddess and sharing of stories since they last met. Elric knew that he should be getting to the tavern soon, but matters of faith were more important to him, and he knew that Seraphina and the Blind Seer would understand this point more so than the others.