[IC] The End of the World on an X

[Thinslayer]

Solomon was so gentle when he set Rose down. No hard knocks to the tailbone, no whack on the back, no sudden jolts. Just a clean, gentlemanly depoit upon the earth.

She had been so violent when she stabbed him. No gentle embrace to ease his departure, no fairness to give him closure, no time to make any other choice. Just brutal, uncivilized murder.

His retort to the princess's suggestion didn't make her feel any better. "Amalthea, we could at least make our guest comfortable before we talk about execution."

He looked back at Rose.
She looked back at him.

Sweat drops stained his face with dust and ashes. Ugly blood stains marred his clothing. His nostrils cried for breath. If anyone needed to be made comfortable, Solomon did. The simplest way would be to ditch her and move on with his life. Yet, for reasons that escaped her comprehension, she was important to him. At least, important enough to warrant interrogation.

"While you heal yourself, I believe you can talk," he began. "With that said, explain yourself. Your name, your affiliation, everything you possibly can. Please."

Rose left eye contact with him.
She looked at her leg.
It was a grisly wound. The wood spike tore clean through the bone. The blood had clotted somewhat. Rose numbed the site and pried out the spike. Blood immediately began reddening the earth.
"My name is Rose Fairmont," she began as she profiled her gene code into the spell matrix. "I acquired a Master's Degree in Pneumatherapy and a Minor in Alchemy from Durvain University, and I joined the National Healer Guild shortly thereafter. After a brief stint in the army, I became obsessed with learning the secrets of Resurrection."

Rose combined the gene code in the memory spell with a stitching spell. With a slight application of the finger, she directed her energies to the bone first.
"I'd heard that Lady Grey, the so-called 'Hermit of the North,' had discovered a technique for True Resurrection. I'm not sure whether you're aware, but bringing back people who are long-dead is the final goal of the spiritual healing sciences, the previously unattainable end point of all medical research. Normally, we healers would dismiss such rumors out of hand, but Lady Grey is not some nameless nobody. She was renowned for her incredible breakthroughs in Shadow Magic before King Dragan made it illegal, and her works were peer-reviewed by the most respected names in the field."

With the bone reconstructed, she began rebuilding the flesh around it, blood vessels first. Once the vessels were connected, she destroyed the clots and resumed work on the muscle and skin. "I picked her to be my mentor. Her tasks were easy enough at first. Gather these herbs, collect this much biomatter. I could usually work out what she was doing after a day or two of study. I'm not sure when things went downhill; I think it was when she started asking me to collect animals for her to experiment on."

Rose halted her healing work and looked up at Solomon. "I swear to you, she resurrected animals that were dead for hours, days even. I saw it with my own eyes!"
She resumed stitching the muscle and skin. "I wanted to learn to do that too. But it requires knowledge of advanced Shadow Magic, and studying it is just as illegal as practicing it. So first I lobbied, then protested, then stole, then aided in assassinations, then...well, here I am. I guess I always knew it was wrong, but it's hard to stop or go back once you've started."

"It's pathetic, really."

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon listened to every word intently. His eyes widened when he heard grey lady, but stayed quiet until she was finished. "And yet here you are, talking to a man you just murdered in a casual conversation. There is some chance of going back." He reassured her. It sounded like he spoke from experience, but didn't expand upon it further, instead, he took a deep breath. He seemed to be thinking of not what to say, but how to say it.

I guess the two would see it eventually.

"So, about the Grey Lady. She came here and brought me back from the abyss, and she gave me this mark as well." He showed the two the mark on his hand. He knew exactly what it was. Everyone did. Even then, he didn't show it like he was showing off, but like some embarrassing birthmark. As soon as he showed it, he sighed and went back to previous sitting position, wrapping some fabric that was ripped from his robes around his right hand, covering the mark.

"I'm not exactly an animal that had been dead for days, but it's still rather impressive, I guess." He shrugged, half joking.

[Thinslayer]

Rose tilted her head. "Gray lady?...No...no no no no no, it wasn't Lady Grey you saw! She's called a hermit for a reason. Did this lady have silver hair? I think I saw her right before she knocked me out. That was Lady Erudessa Durvain herself! You should have gotten her autograph. She's the Last Immortal, the pioneer of Semi-Resurrection and the mother of modern healing arts. She doesn't know how to perform a True Resurrection, but she can do everything else."

She finished work on her leg and tested it with some bending exercises. "When you lose bodily integrity, like when you're beheaded or your heart is destroyed, you die. It takes your spirit about seven seconds to detach, after which your soul flies to the afteelife and death is permanent. Lady Durvain figured out how to save people during those seven seconds."

Rose braced on the ground and got to her feet. "True Resurrection is a momumental task. One would first have to bridge the great gulf between the our side of the spiritual realm and the after-side, then infiltrate Hades, the holding cell where all departed souls are kept, steal away the souls you want, guide them back, and reattach them. That's like going to another continent on the other side of the world, finding an exact location there without a map, breaking into a foreign prison, and doing it all with only your leg and blindfolded. It may be within the realm of possibility, but it's generally better to prevent loss of the soul in the first place."

She brushed back a few hairs and stared up at the night sky. "I'm not convinced it was all worth it. I want to believe it was, or else I can never undo the damage I've done. How else can I go back?"

[awkwarddingo]

The numerous questions Solomon had about the afterlife were put on hold with Rose's last question as she stared at the night sky. He brushed his hair back and looked up at Rose. He remembered the words she spoke to him as he died. The apology and the promise of bringing him back once she had the power to. He wondered if she made that promise to many others. He stood up and faced those emerald green eyes of hers.

"You can come with us." He finally offered. "I do not exactly know what our next move is for the morning, but we will be facing a long, dangerous road. I am not saying I can offer you redemption or penance for everything you have done. All I can give right now is a choice for you. And no. I don't think you'll backstab us. Travel with us, or go your own way."

Solomon had walked many roads in his lifetime, mostly that of a more literal nature. There were times, though, where he was given the same exact choice he gave to Rose. He saw those choices as blessings, not necessarily an easy way out, but a virtuous one. She at least deserved that, if nothing else, he thought

[Thinslayer]

Rose's breath hitched.

This man had effectively forgiven her. She dropped to her knees and prostrated herself to the ground before him.
"Please let me follow! But I will- I will abide by your decision."

Princess Amalthea scoffed and folded her arms. "What a load of bull. She's just trying to get close to you so she can kill you, since she failed the last time. Don't be fooled by her innocent face - she's a scheming assassin. I would know; she chased me halfway across the country."

Rose pressed her forehead further into the dirt.

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon looked down at Rose, a little surprised that she would humble herself like that. He then looked at Amalthea. He understood her decision not to trust, but there was little he could bring himself to do in this matter "I wont just kill her. And we cannot just leave her" He paused and brushed back his hair again. He leaned to Amalthea to whisper. "I have as much reason not to trust her as you, but... I can't explain it, but I swear on my life and yours that she will not kill us. I will not ask you to trust her. I am humbly requesting you to trust me, though."

He leaned back and looked at Rose again. "That wasn't necessary, Rose. You don't have to bow or anything of the sort. You will have to answer some question, however. Amalthea said you had been chasing her for months. I know she's the princess, but you went to impressive lengths if you chased her for so long. And how did your people know I was involved? Were we being watched in the village? Are we being watched now?" Despite trusting Rose enough to not tie her arms and legs and hold her prisoner, he showed some skepticism towards the assassin.

[Thinslayer]

Rose released an audible sigh at Solomon's decision not to kill or leave her. His question prompted an embarrassed smile. "Since they left me to rot, I'm not sure what information I have is accurate. However, as much as I can tell, nobody but me realized you were involved, and I only suspected it when I learned that an unconscious princess who fell off a cliff somehow got up and walked it off. I and my men were assigned to be the capturing squad, but I soon worked out that Lady Grey was having a cavalry platoon tail me to ensure mission success if I messed up. If Lady Durvain was present here, I'd bet anything they'll have spies follow up to track her activity. If we're not being watched now, we will be."

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon did not like what he heard, with that possibility of them being watched. "We can't stay in one spot then." He realized. "Not for too long, at least. We should rest until the early morning, just as the sun is rising, if we can time it."

He sat down again, fatigue now catching up to him. "Gods, so much has happened today..." He sighed. "Amalthea, how are you holding up in all this?" He kicked himself for not asking that earlier. So much happened. The inn, his death, resurrection, the brand, waking to a burning town. He hoped she was taking it better than he was. He had gotten past denial of this whole ordeal rather quickly, but he still felt... numbed, and he hated that. He wanted to feel the loss, so that it would drive him to do something rather than being at a loss of action, with nothing to do but pass out on the grass.

[Thinslayer]

"We can't stay in one spot then," Solomon decided. "Not for too long, at least. We should rest until the early morning, just as the sun is rising, if we can time it."
Rose stood up and brushed off the dirt and leaves. "Agreed. I can keep watch for the night, if that's okay."

Solomon sat down to catch his breath. "Gods, so much has happened today!" he exclaimed. And it was true - he'd met and rescued a real life princess, fought assassins, died, and rescued his killer from a fire. Like the gentleman he was, though, his thoughts turned towards the Princess. "Amalthea, how are you holding up in all this?"

Amalthea exhaled loudly and sat on the ground beside him. "Considering that I've barely had a good night's sleep in months and was nearly murdered, I could be doing worse. I felt so helpless back there at the inn. While you were fighting for me with everything you had, I could only sit back and wait for results. What I regret most, though, is not bringing a weapon. I can swordfight pretty well, but I'm nearly useless in a fight otherwise."

She glared at Rose. "You, however, are a royal pain. I don't know what Solomon sees in you. You're just a killer to me, and that's all you'll ever be."

Rose cringed. She bowed herself to the earth before the princess. "You have every right to be angry. You've tried so hard to live up to your birth and fought tooth and nail to gain the respect of the court. You didn't deserve to be hunted down like a dog. I have treated you far beneath your station, and truly, I deserve to be hanged. If forgiveness is too much to ask, I will be content with tolerance in your noble presence. Just please, I beg you, do not cast me out."

The princess sat there, stunned by the assassin's apology. "Well- um, ah, yes, I see. Behave yourself from now on. I've got my eye on you."

Rose's face brightened.

Amalthea coughed into her fist. "I guess we should call it a day, then. I say we camp here until dawn."

Rose pointed to a bowl-shaped rock formation in the mountainside. "Solomon, you're the experienced courier here. What do you think of that area? We won't be easily seen from most directions except directly above."

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon nodded. "Yes, the only downside would be getting in and out." He observed "If someone were to sneak there way in the rock formation with none of us taking notice, we would be trapped." He looked back at Rose. "Let's be sure that does not happen."

And with that, Solomon began his way towards the rock formation. "Earth looks safe enough. Yes. This will make a fine campsite."

He turned back at the two girls and smiled. "Also, it is good seeing you two not at each other's throats. Let's hope we all find each other trustworthy enough to have a decent night's rest. We all need it." He said, looking down into the bowl. "Looks like a few places with pointed rocks. Will make it easier to climb out..." He remembered the busted leg Rose has -or had- and all the injuries the princess dealt with. "Do either of you need help on the descent? Tonight's happenings did a number on you both."

[Thinslayer]

Solomon nodded. "Yes, the only downside would be getting in and out. If someone were to sneak their way in the rock formation with none of us taking notice, we would be trapped." He looked at Rose. "Let's be sure that does not happen," he added.
"Understood" came the spritely reply.
Solomon started for the campsite. "Earth looks safe enough. Yes. This will make a fine campsite."

Rose started analyzing the terrain in detail. The bowl itself wasn't particularly deep or steep; it was, however, wide enough that the sides could completely obsure a person lying down from observers at ground level, and a person sitting up from observers near the base. Enemies entering the bowl would have to climb a little ways, granting defenders a critical height advantage. With the mountain at their backs, they could only be surrounded on up to three sides.

On the flipside, the mountain gray clashed with the princess's bright colors and Rose's dark colors, so if they were ever spotted, the bowl's stealth advantage would be negated. That feature was exactly what made it ideal - no one would expect them to take cover in such a revealing position. Most scouts would search the forest.

The forest stretched out along the northern horizon and touched the mountain cliffs to the east. If enemy scouts somehow knew their position and didn't want to be spotted, approaching from the southern farmlands would be most unexpected, but it would take them an extra day to circle around the mountain to get there; hence, the scouts would most likely emerge from the northern forest. The nearby town, while ruined by fire, could still serve as adequate cover in a pinch should the trio need to make a hasty retreat.

The most difficult wildcard would be archers. Whatever advantages the mountain bowl offered, it would provide precious little cover against determined ballistic assault, unlike a forest hideout. With their best retreat option being only plains and farmland for miles, they'd be sitting ducks against trained snipers. Ideally, Rose hoped never to be spotted in the first place, harking back to the primary advantage of the mountain bowl.

Camouflage would be a good idea in case spotters in the mountains decided to look down. Rose whipped off her cloak and rubbed it the dirt with her boot. After about half a minute of this, she put it back on.

Amalthea raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?" she hissed.
Rose shrugged. "For camo," she whispered. "You weren't exactly hard to spot over the last five months, Your Highness."
The princess released a gutteral "ugh" and muttered a sarcastic apology.
Solomon glanced back at the two girls. "Also, it is good seeing you two not at each other's throats. Let's hope we all find each other trustworthy enough to have a decent night's rest. We all need it."
When his back was turned, Rose put a hand to her throat and pretended to choke, earning an amused snort from the princess.

A moment later, the princess copied the motion, and it was Rose's turn to snicker.

They clambered up to the bowl and looked in. Solomon remarked, "Looks like a few places with pointed rocks. Will make it easier to climb out."
Rose peered down and tested one foot in. It was about as steep as she surmised - adequate for cover, wide enough for the three to sleep comfortably.
Solomon glanced back again at the two girls. "Do either of you need help on the descent? Tonight's happenings did a number on you both."
Amalthea shook her head and danced inside. "Nope!"
Rose put her other foot in and skated down. "Thank you, I can manage."

The two brushed out a couple seats and made themselves comfortable. Rose extended a hand to Solomon. "Do you need help on the descent?" Her pursed lips struggled to hold back a rising smile.

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon chuckled and took the hand out of courtesy, letting himself be led in to the bowl. "Why thank you." He nodded politely. When he was inside the bowl, he did as the girls did and made himself comfortable, sitting down. He laid his staff down next to him and leaned back.

Solomon had never been on the run before. He was never chased. Ambushed, all the time, but never chased, forced to hide as he was now. His colorless robes did not do much to camouflage him inside the rocky area, and whatever colors he did have, being a grey-blue, only made him more visible. He never liked taking routes through wilderness, though he was no stranger to them. He preferred roads where disguises mattered and camouflage was never considered. He looked down at his robes. It seemed like all the turmoil did have the perk of dirtying his outfit. Mud and blood everywhere, leaving stains that will linger forever.

After getting comfortable, he took the wraps off the mark given to him by Durvain and observed it. In spite of everything, most of his thoughts, other than the well being of Rose and Amalthea, were on this mark. Does this mark given to him at what he assumed was random entitle him to the fate of a hero, a vanquisher of all evil? What was this evil he would face? The Fellmorans? He didn't like the idea a whole nation would have evil intentions? possibly just a portion of them. What would others think of this mark?

Speaking of, he glanced at the two. "Rose, Thea?" He started, then showed them the mark. "I just... I know what this is but-" He sighed, unable to find proper words. There was a lot he wanted to say. Asking questions, getting answers. Those had been a driving point for the last few hours, once the safety of the two was assured for a time. He also felt like their protector. He couldn't afford to be vocally curious if it meant showing his cluelessness, or worse, weakness. "What do you think others would say about this thing?"

[Thinslayer]

Rose never figured him to have an electric touch. There was strength in his hand, the kind that left her wondering what it would be like if he didn't let go. It was the strength of a man who knew the fragility of women, who recognized his own power and made sure it would never harm her.

It made her heart flutter.
Rose let out a short laugh and absent-mindedly ran her fingers down her hair.

Once settled down, Solomon unwrapped his right hand. "Rose, Thea?" he announced, "I just...I know what this is, but..." On the back of his hand was a unique diamond star design. The girls gasped.

Princess Amalthea squealed with delight after a moment. So, he's hot, strong, kind, and now a hero? Sign me up! She picked up his hand and hugged it to her cheek. "You have the Mark of the Hero! So amazing! Oh, I should have known you'd qualify for it! You're so amazing, Solomon!"

Rose merely grinned. This will make him a valuable asset to any country that can win his loyalty. He'll need someone he can trust to give him solid strategic advice from now on. I'll have to start drafting a list of candidates when I get back to the capital.
"Well, you're about to become popular one way or another, that much is certain," she remarked at last. "It also makes training easier. Maybe you can get her highness to show you how to shoot?"

Amalthea seemed to love that idea, judging from her gaping mouth. "Yes! Oh, yes please! Let me train you, Solomon!"

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon got a bit flustered from the attention the two gave him. Given what the two were saying, he was still unsure whether this was a blessing or a curse. And then they mentioned him being trained to shoot.

He looked at them both, surprised. "You mean with a bow and arrows? I've never been keen on them. I prefer my staff... but if it will make you two happy, I could learn." Solomon then had an idea, and laughed at its stupidity, but it wasn't something he should keep silent. "Do you think that our enemies would just drop their weapons, turn tail, and retreat if they saw that I had the mark." He said, chuckling at the absurdity of it.

[Thinslayer]

Solomon looked between both girls, surprised at the idea of being trained in archery. "You mean with a bow and arrows? I've never been keen on them. I prefer my staff."
"No, I mean with a bow and swords, silly, like that one character from the Fate: Stayed Night novel," Rose replied, that smile creeping up her cheeks again. "Yes, with a bow and arrows. Archery with a staff doesn't work very well in my experience." She palmed his shoulder and giggled. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't tease you. Seriously though, the Mark of the Hero supposedly gives you the ability to never forget anything you learn. You could master anything you want in a heartbeat. Archery training will give you an invaluable advantage over our enemies. I'm not much good at it, or at fighting in general, but the Princess is a dead shot. She could whip you into shape in a matter of hours or days."

The princess nodded, arms folded and eyes closed in mock solemnity. "Mmm hmm. I'm an expert at shooting with the bow and arrow. I'd make you a master in no time!"

Rose chuckled. "Not tonight, though, not when it's pitch-dark. I say we get some rest."
Amalthea scooted over to Solomon and laid her head on his legs. "I claim the Hero's lap!"
A spark of jealousy came and went. "Enjoy. I'll keep watch as promised."
"I'm not the only one enjoying it, I hope?" The princess asked, deliberately fidgeted over the more sensitive part of his lap before turning up to look at Solomon.

Rose rolled her eyes and settled into a prone position.
I don't really deserve him anyway.

After a few moments of silence, Solomon asked, "Do you think that our enemies would just drop their weapons, turn tail, and retreat if they saw that I had the mark?"
Rose glanced back at him and deadpanned. "No." After a moment's thought, she added: "They might, but then I'd be more worried about what happens afterwards. Why, do you have an idea?"

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon turned quite the spectacular shade of red when Amalthea rested on his lap. "I don't mean any offense to you, princess, but I would rather sleep alone tonight." He stated, after seeing as how this might be hurtful, he scrambled to think up an excuse. "Well.... because -um- when it is my turn to take watch, I don't want to wake you. I don't want any one person staying up all night taking watch duty after all." He then took off his upper robes, going bare chested but still wearing pants, of course. "If you need a pillow, however, you may have these for the night. Sorry if they're a bit -you know- bloody."

Good job, Solomon.

When Rose asked about his absurd idea about the mark, he couldn't help but crack a smile again. "I really don't want to use it as a get out of execution order. It was only a jest. Anyways, I might just have to pick up on a few more skills, maybe even some magic, if what you say is true." He made himself comfortable on one of the smoother parts of the bowl. "Wake me in a few hours, Rose, and I'll take watch."

[Thinslayer]

"I don't mean any offense to you, princess, but I would rather sleep alone tonight."
Amalthea sat up, eyes wide. She covered her mouth and looked about ready to cry.
Solomon hurried to come up with an excuse. "Well.... because -um- when it is my turn to take watch, I don't want to wake you. I don't want any one person staying up all night taking watch duty after all."

He then removed his shirt.

Amalthea continued to stare at him with widened eyes, but this time for a completely different reason. She chewed on her lip as she studied the subtle strength in his broad shoulders and trained arms. She released a soft moan as she admired the way his breasts shifted and heaved with his every movement. The princess had to bite on her thumb to stop herself from making any more noises. For once in her life, she found herself at a loss for words.

Eventually, she composed herself enough to croak, "I could stay up all night watching you," earning a swift kick in the thigh from Rose. "Ow! You did that on purpose!" Amalthea squeaked, trying her hardest not to shout.
"Sorry. I didn't realize you were sitting so close."
The princess kicked back at Rose's thigh in retaliation, but failed to get any reaction from the focused girl. That only annoyed the princess, so she tried again. Rose looked back and deadpanned at her. "Seriously?"
Amalthea shrank back. "Sorry," she murmured. She took Solomon's shirt for a pillow and contented herself to stare at his beautiful chest until sleep overcame her.

Once the gentle snoring started, Rose glanced at Solomon again. She gave him a once-over and smirked. "I can see why she fancied you. Consider letting her sleep on your lap next time, please. We'll all sleep better if you're the only one aroused, instead of all three of us. I'll wake you in a few hours as requested." She winked and resumed watching the horizon.

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon shook his head and smirked. "Fancies me?" He tilted his head, being sure not to talk loud enough for Amalthea to wake up. "She... I don't know... She probably feels that way because of all the commotion today. I don't see myself as a likely suitor to anyone. Not now, anyways." He tries that excuse. "So much could happen between now and the end of our journey. There's already so much to think about already."

He took a deep breath and laid his head on a patch of dirt. "I need some rest. I'll take over watch in a few hours." He said in a dismissive tone. He really didn't want to be impolite, but it was either that or pass out in a few seconds. He could barely keep his eyes open. That said, all the thoughts that kept him awake faded for a while, bar one...

Wait! What did she mean by all three of us being aroused?!

[Thinslayer]

He awoke to the uncomfortable feeling of being shaken.

Rose put a finger over his lips and pointed. Two shadowy figures picked through the farmlands in the distance. "They certainly took their time," Rose whispered. "I took the liberty of locating the princess's bow and arrows while you slept. I'm glad I did, or we'd have been discovered by now. As long as we lie low, we'll stay out of trouble. Their path takes them away from our location. If you want to fight them, though, I'll need some time to set a trap. The town ruins have some excellent splinter points I could use to make skewers with."

She exhaled slowly and risked a glance at Solomon. "I'm thinking we should avoid a fight, but I'll defer to your judgment."

[awkwarddingo]

Solomon watched the two figures, remaining hidden in the bowl. "Let them pass." he quietly whispered. "If they stray too close, then we'll attack. But for now, let's keep our heads down..." He grabbed his staff, just in case.