@Whoami not to worry. I mean Auriel has just been chilling at the library while me and Cole have been tackling the hard philosophical questions lol.
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Arn listened, her story stirring the depths of his soul. The maelstrom inside him shifted from anger, to murderous intent, to pain and sadness for the young girl, to self-loathing for forcing her to relieve those painful memories.
Yet, he was also glad for them. They painted a picture of the girl who he now held in her arms. It had been hubris to think that she was defenseless and thus needed his protection. He had forgotten the admiration that the man who had witnessed described her actions. As he listened, he found more and more respect for the young girl.
She was kind and sweet. Her concern was always with others. Eilis felt the pain of the world and would hold herself to blame as if she was the only reason the world bled. Yet Arn had seen how cruel this world could be and so had Eilis. Perhaps, that is why she clung to her belief that her presence hurt the people around her.
Even her justified killing of her tormentor further showed how pure she was. Arn never felt remorse for killing those who he deemed deserving of death. Yet she regrated taking life.
Her story also shed light to the people who might be hunting her. Ruthless was the theme of her story. These were a group that were powerful enough to be ruthless and had the backing of the empire to do it lawfully. This meant that the forces which were at Belisio’s door steps could very well be fanatics more than willing to deal out death and destruction to achieve their goals.
This information was definitely sensitive because it meant that perhaps negotiations were not possible. This also meant that he alone would not be enough to protect her. A group with such sadistic tendencies often operated in cells. Only thought the assurance of victory could such group have the benefit of being so sadistic.
Arn squeezed her hand in support and assurance. She was no longer alone. She no longer had to run. If she decided to fight, he would be by her side. He was still not sure why he had been so drawn to her but whatever the reason, it had cemented in his mind the need to protect her and assure her happiness.
He noticed she realized that she was able to see again. For one illogical second he worried she would find his look threatening and would be scared of him. He had never wondered or cared about how he looked but for a fleeting second he whished he looked more like Tyrhallan who was the epitome of a knight in shining armor.
The mage waited a second or two to see if Eilis would continue. When the lovely refugee did not he began in a soft and reassuring voice. “You say you are a coward but I have yet to find someone more courageous. It takes an unbelievable amount of courage to refuse to fight even at the expense of pain and suffering. The valuing life is not a weakness. Valuing peace is not a coward’s idea.” He practiced a wider smile, his face tried to protest, the motion not something it was used to producing but finally managed a lopsided sort of grin.
“You feel you are a liability because you have people after you. However, I can assure you that those who truly care about you do not see this as a deterrent. Rather, your plight is much more of an incentive to help you. You asked me before why I helped you and I did not know what to say before. I know now. I pledge myself to help you because you deserve happiness.”
He brushed back a loose lock of hair as she lowered her head. “You may deny it, but you do the same for others. If I recall correctly, you were willing to suffer so that others in that frigate might live. There was no reason for you to do so. In this same manner, I ask that you let me be by your side.”
The master mage looked past her as if talking to someone or even himself. “I have considered myself a weapon meant only to be used. However, now I see that I am to be a tool and a shield. I have protected some in my way. Now I have a reason strong enough to resolve myself to you.”
He cleared his throat. “I thank you for answering my question even though the memories are painful to you. I promise never again to ask you such a thing unless you yourself want to disclose them. You see, you are a mystery to me and if I am not careful I might cause you pain unwittingly.”
He sighed as he carefully selected his words. “But I promise you that I will do what I can to free you of these chains. To every lock there is a key. You deserve to be free.” He squeezed her hands in his. His voice firm but kind. “Would you let me help you?”
Yet, he was also glad for them. They painted a picture of the girl who he now held in her arms. It had been hubris to think that she was defenseless and thus needed his protection. He had forgotten the admiration that the man who had witnessed described her actions. As he listened, he found more and more respect for the young girl.
She was kind and sweet. Her concern was always with others. Eilis felt the pain of the world and would hold herself to blame as if she was the only reason the world bled. Yet Arn had seen how cruel this world could be and so had Eilis. Perhaps, that is why she clung to her belief that her presence hurt the people around her.
Even her justified killing of her tormentor further showed how pure she was. Arn never felt remorse for killing those who he deemed deserving of death. Yet she regrated taking life.
Her story also shed light to the people who might be hunting her. Ruthless was the theme of her story. These were a group that were powerful enough to be ruthless and had the backing of the empire to do it lawfully. This meant that the forces which were at Belisio’s door steps could very well be fanatics more than willing to deal out death and destruction to achieve their goals.
This information was definitely sensitive because it meant that perhaps negotiations were not possible. This also meant that he alone would not be enough to protect her. A group with such sadistic tendencies often operated in cells. Only thought the assurance of victory could such group have the benefit of being so sadistic.
Arn squeezed her hand in support and assurance. She was no longer alone. She no longer had to run. If she decided to fight, he would be by her side. He was still not sure why he had been so drawn to her but whatever the reason, it had cemented in his mind the need to protect her and assure her happiness.
He noticed she realized that she was able to see again. For one illogical second he worried she would find his look threatening and would be scared of him. He had never wondered or cared about how he looked but for a fleeting second he whished he looked more like Tyrhallan who was the epitome of a knight in shining armor.
The mage waited a second or two to see if Eilis would continue. When the lovely refugee did not he began in a soft and reassuring voice. “You say you are a coward but I have yet to find someone more courageous. It takes an unbelievable amount of courage to refuse to fight even at the expense of pain and suffering. The valuing life is not a weakness. Valuing peace is not a coward’s idea.” He practiced a wider smile, his face tried to protest, the motion not something it was used to producing but finally managed a lopsided sort of grin.
“You feel you are a liability because you have people after you. However, I can assure you that those who truly care about you do not see this as a deterrent. Rather, your plight is much more of an incentive to help you. You asked me before why I helped you and I did not know what to say before. I know now. I pledge myself to help you because you deserve happiness.”
He brushed back a loose lock of hair as she lowered her head. “You may deny it, but you do the same for others. If I recall correctly, you were willing to suffer so that others in that frigate might live. There was no reason for you to do so. In this same manner, I ask that you let me be by your side.”
The master mage looked past her as if talking to someone or even himself. “I have considered myself a weapon meant only to be used. However, now I see that I am to be a tool and a shield. I have protected some in my way. Now I have a reason strong enough to resolve myself to you.”
He cleared his throat. “I thank you for answering my question even though the memories are painful to you. I promise never again to ask you such a thing unless you yourself want to disclose them. You see, you are a mystery to me and if I am not careful I might cause you pain unwittingly.”
He sighed as he carefully selected his words. “But I promise you that I will do what I can to free you of these chains. To every lock there is a key. You deserve to be free.” He squeezed her hands in his. His voice firm but kind. “Would you let me help you?”
Fer considered the question posed to him. He had very little interaction with the spear who had left almost as quickly as he himself had appeared in this world. There seemed to be no animosity or bad blood in the departure. Indeed, the Spear had seemed level headed and even was able to pull an entourage with him which meant that at least some people of this world found him trustworthy.
He knew even less of the bow hero beside the comments of both Cole and Marcino. What he heard however, did not leave a good impression. As far as warriors went, apparently, she was very good. It was in the interaction between people that she seemed to be lacking. Fer was never one for sensibilities despite his usually calm and helpful attitude.
His friend was right, teamwork for the sake of survival, not just their own but of the world, would be critical. In truth, Fer had forgotten at times that two other heroes existed except for the time that Auriel or Cole mentioned them. He had enjoyed their small group’s dynamic. But his childish desires were trumped by cold hard real-world needs.
He sighed as he prepared to respond to Cole. His voice had a resigned tone that told of the unwillingness to do what his words said but his conviction to do it for the greater good. “IF there is a way to speak to them and IF we manage to get them to work with us in a sort of loose alliance. Our survival chances will increase. We do need more fire power Cole and just you and Auriel in the vanguard may not be enough.”
He paused for a second collecting his thoughts. If the bow was indeed such a jerk then her addition to the party might do more harm than good. But from what he had heard, the waves were named thus because they came in predictable and timed patterns. Perhaps there was a way to work with them during the waves and allow for the freedom of everyone following their own paths while in the lull between the waves.
“It would be great to have us work together in perfect synchrony but I don think that is possible. So, if we can at least fight in a loosely based plan with certain teams doing certain tasks then we should be able to fight effectively. It would take too much cooperation to fight efficiently but we can at least cover each other’s backs. I hope we can at least trust them enough for that.”
He looked at his fellow hero. “Do you think that you are charming enough to win them over to our side?” His tone was playful. “Or do you know them enough to perhaps offer some sort of deal or incentive?” Fer shrugged. “The least we can do is try and talk to them. If nothing comes of it, then we go back to being separate cells and hope that we survive.”
He knew even less of the bow hero beside the comments of both Cole and Marcino. What he heard however, did not leave a good impression. As far as warriors went, apparently, she was very good. It was in the interaction between people that she seemed to be lacking. Fer was never one for sensibilities despite his usually calm and helpful attitude.
His friend was right, teamwork for the sake of survival, not just their own but of the world, would be critical. In truth, Fer had forgotten at times that two other heroes existed except for the time that Auriel or Cole mentioned them. He had enjoyed their small group’s dynamic. But his childish desires were trumped by cold hard real-world needs.
He sighed as he prepared to respond to Cole. His voice had a resigned tone that told of the unwillingness to do what his words said but his conviction to do it for the greater good. “IF there is a way to speak to them and IF we manage to get them to work with us in a sort of loose alliance. Our survival chances will increase. We do need more fire power Cole and just you and Auriel in the vanguard may not be enough.”
He paused for a second collecting his thoughts. If the bow was indeed such a jerk then her addition to the party might do more harm than good. But from what he had heard, the waves were named thus because they came in predictable and timed patterns. Perhaps there was a way to work with them during the waves and allow for the freedom of everyone following their own paths while in the lull between the waves.
“It would be great to have us work together in perfect synchrony but I don think that is possible. So, if we can at least fight in a loosely based plan with certain teams doing certain tasks then we should be able to fight effectively. It would take too much cooperation to fight efficiently but we can at least cover each other’s backs. I hope we can at least trust them enough for that.”
He looked at his fellow hero. “Do you think that you are charming enough to win them over to our side?” His tone was playful. “Or do you know them enough to perhaps offer some sort of deal or incentive?” Fer shrugged. “The least we can do is try and talk to them. If nothing comes of it, then we go back to being separate cells and hope that we survive.”
Arn sighed. He had figured that the young girl, a healer, would try to save this unknown human wolf creature. His instincts had warned him before yet now stayed silent. What had that voice in the back of his mind been warning him about? Could this strange creature be the reason? The forest was also eerily silent as if all eyes were turned to the three by the creek. Arn took a steadying breath as he slowly set down his bow and arrow in the ground next to him.
He had asked the girl for a decision and though it annoyed him to be the one to get in the way of danger, still it needed to be done. He weighed his options. If the humanoid creature behaved or thought as a canine, taking control of the head would be the easiest method. However, unlike dogs, humans did not posses strong neck or jaw muscles and their bite width was lessened.
If the creature however, was more given to be have like a human, then Arn had to deal with tactics and wrestling that would involve punches, kicks etc. whatever the case, he figured that his bigger stature and the creature’s wounded state might provide some advantage. Arn proceeded to take off his cloak of furs revealing his well-muscled and scarred body. The cooling breeze tickled at his skin.
There was a slight moment of embarrassment and vulnerability. His eyes looked at the young girl out of the corner of his eye. He grunted and then collected himself. “I will try to grab it. It may be hard to fix the leg. I will try to hold it.”
With that, he proceeded towards the creature with his cloak in front of him like a blanket. His aim was to throw it over the creature and then jump on it while holding it into a bear hug from behind. This would protect them from bite or scratches and will leverage his bigger frame.
He had performed this technique many times before. Animals tended to lunge at the furs, which would unbalance them and provide an opening for Arn to merely fall on them, wrap arms and legs around the animals and subdue them. Having the extra pair of hands from Gwendoly could also help if they needed to somehow tie and secure the creature.
He had asked the girl for a decision and though it annoyed him to be the one to get in the way of danger, still it needed to be done. He weighed his options. If the humanoid creature behaved or thought as a canine, taking control of the head would be the easiest method. However, unlike dogs, humans did not posses strong neck or jaw muscles and their bite width was lessened.
If the creature however, was more given to be have like a human, then Arn had to deal with tactics and wrestling that would involve punches, kicks etc. whatever the case, he figured that his bigger stature and the creature’s wounded state might provide some advantage. Arn proceeded to take off his cloak of furs revealing his well-muscled and scarred body. The cooling breeze tickled at his skin.
There was a slight moment of embarrassment and vulnerability. His eyes looked at the young girl out of the corner of his eye. He grunted and then collected himself. “I will try to grab it. It may be hard to fix the leg. I will try to hold it.”
With that, he proceeded towards the creature with his cloak in front of him like a blanket. His aim was to throw it over the creature and then jump on it while holding it into a bear hug from behind. This would protect them from bite or scratches and will leverage his bigger frame.
He had performed this technique many times before. Animals tended to lunge at the furs, which would unbalance them and provide an opening for Arn to merely fall on them, wrap arms and legs around the animals and subdue them. Having the extra pair of hands from Gwendoly could also help if they needed to somehow tie and secure the creature.
my bad, for some reason i thought that @LadyRunic was next. I try to get something up to work with.
Tobi gulped to hydrate his troath that had gotten suddenly dry. His mind did indeed race with questions. Questions so fleeting and hard to pin down that the young mage felt he was trying to corral cats. He gulped a second time and asked in the best voice he could muster. “Um, Mr. Knight Captain Lord sir…” He stumble through his words.
He silently cursed himself. He had seen his father deal plenty of times with those of higher birth but he was never one to which florid and appropriate language came easy. Still, despite rank and birth there was a single point of similarity between the young mage and the silver haired hero.
Both men served as warriors in the armies that defended Belisio. They both had shed blood, lost friends, and fought to protect those they loved. Steeled by this knowledge and feeling a bit more on even ground with Tyrhallan the young man continued. “I have never met the king. However, it seemed to me that he was not himself. His words were meant to inspire us but do you think his speech was also a call for help?”
Tobi was cursed with a mind that was not suited to his lower middle class station. He was an abstract thinker that needed to be satiated with answers to questions most found disturbing, annoying, or horrifying. The only one who seemed to be able to overlook this flaw and actually pour back into that hungry vortex that was the mind of the young mage.
Curiosity more than actual brightness drove the young man to question. Instinct rather than insight caused him to see thing most did not. Indeed, he was praised as a scout and after mission analyst. He had assisted in developing procedures and tactics that had saved many lives and resources. The only reason why he had not been recruited to the intel corps was because his mouth had no filter or lock. He loved to chat and once the flood gates were open, it was extremely hard to close them.
“It is well known that despite not knowing the actual size of the Viemese army, Belisio may be hard pressed to actually stand toe to toe with them by numbers alone. I do feel that we have better skilled warriors, but those bastards have been wanting to beat our ass since their king got owned.” As he talked, his speech turned more to how he would talk to the junior members of the squad not a high-ranking military officer.
He walked next to the Knight Captain and continued his barrage of monologue as his body grabbed a serving plate, looked for this mythical salmon but had no idea what to look for. So instead, he grabbed what he thought would be good to eat.
“The king knows that if the wolf came knocking at our door that the fight would be a hard one but he also knows that even if we had our guts hanging out we would hold the shit in with one hand and ram a sword up their ass with the other.” His plate was starting to pile high with victiles. The squad members seldom ate as good, often field rations or whatever was left over from the officer’s own food.
“But tell me truthfully Cap, do you think that we are in trouble? IF so, then how best can we make those sons of bitches regret they came knocking at our door?”
*****
Arn shook his head as he quietly disagreed with her self blame. Eilis was a tender heart who felt that any wrong done in the world even remotely related to her was a burden she had to bear. The senior mage knew firsthand the place that road of self-depreciation led. However, he would not force his believes upon her. In time she would come to understand that the actions of others have consequences that should be shouldered by those who made the decision.
Instead, he said in a calm voice that offered comfort but was not condescending. “Your mother would have been no safer if you had stayed. If these people who are seeking you could take her life so easily, they would have done it either way. The fact that they had to resort to that forbidden spell is proof that she would not willingly give you away.” He kept on stroking her hair.
"Why are you so good to me? I am a refugee...an enemy..."
Arn stopped mid stroke. A look of confusion in his face. He opened his mouth to give an answer and then stopped and promptly shut his mouth to keep it from gapping open. His usually sharp and active mind spun its proverbial wheels trying to answer her question. So he did the only thing he could think of doing, he said the truth.
“To be painfully honest Eilis…” saying her name brought a sudden electrifying shudder to his warm body. He resumed his stroking as he pensively answered, more to himself than her. “..I am not too sure. You see, I have never been close to someone other than my mother. Yet even before I woke up, I saw you. I was not sure if I dreamt but I saw you. You were a glowing body in a sea of darkness. You felt small, scared, and alone. I believe at first, I thought I was looking at my mother. Then I thought it might have been an astral representation of myself.”
He cleared his throat nervously. His sudden rush of sharing his feelings made him feel defenseless and he did not like it. He also felt that he could be so with her. “I felt drawn to you. I felt like you and I were connected by ties not of blood or kin. I feel like I am meant to protect you. I don’t know why but I feel that I my purpose was to protect you.”
He shifted his body so that he could hold her by the shoulders and stare into her eyes. Even now, he could see that the Dark Sight was starting to fade. The glossy look of the eyes was starting to receded. She would soon be able to see blurry. This alone brough questions to his inquisitive mind and he marveled at her quick recovery.
Eilis must really be someone special to have drawn him so. He had forgotten all his own rules about getting involved with someone. He had opened up in a manner that made him feel like he would lose himself. He had changed so drastically that he was a stranger even to him. So, he echoed her question and the answer was a simple one that he gave her.
“I feel connected to you. Drawn to you…One with you.” As he did so, he pushed into the Aether trying to hold her essence as he held her body. Suddenly, he crashed into a force, a barrier of ice-cold feeling that made him gasp.
The battlemage had felt pain plenty of times before, some had even made him wish for death, but this pain tore into his very soul. He did not know if it was due to the connection that had started to grow between him an Eilis but any separation from her seemed to be painful.
This made him frown and look down at the now shivering form of his self-appointed protegee. A question formed in his mind and he hesitated to ask. However, he felt it was necessary. In an apologetic tone he mustered enough courage to ask. “Eilis, could you tell me about your magical tattoos?”
He silently cursed himself. He had seen his father deal plenty of times with those of higher birth but he was never one to which florid and appropriate language came easy. Still, despite rank and birth there was a single point of similarity between the young mage and the silver haired hero.
Both men served as warriors in the armies that defended Belisio. They both had shed blood, lost friends, and fought to protect those they loved. Steeled by this knowledge and feeling a bit more on even ground with Tyrhallan the young man continued. “I have never met the king. However, it seemed to me that he was not himself. His words were meant to inspire us but do you think his speech was also a call for help?”
Tobi was cursed with a mind that was not suited to his lower middle class station. He was an abstract thinker that needed to be satiated with answers to questions most found disturbing, annoying, or horrifying. The only one who seemed to be able to overlook this flaw and actually pour back into that hungry vortex that was the mind of the young mage.
Curiosity more than actual brightness drove the young man to question. Instinct rather than insight caused him to see thing most did not. Indeed, he was praised as a scout and after mission analyst. He had assisted in developing procedures and tactics that had saved many lives and resources. The only reason why he had not been recruited to the intel corps was because his mouth had no filter or lock. He loved to chat and once the flood gates were open, it was extremely hard to close them.
“It is well known that despite not knowing the actual size of the Viemese army, Belisio may be hard pressed to actually stand toe to toe with them by numbers alone. I do feel that we have better skilled warriors, but those bastards have been wanting to beat our ass since their king got owned.” As he talked, his speech turned more to how he would talk to the junior members of the squad not a high-ranking military officer.
He walked next to the Knight Captain and continued his barrage of monologue as his body grabbed a serving plate, looked for this mythical salmon but had no idea what to look for. So instead, he grabbed what he thought would be good to eat.
“The king knows that if the wolf came knocking at our door that the fight would be a hard one but he also knows that even if we had our guts hanging out we would hold the shit in with one hand and ram a sword up their ass with the other.” His plate was starting to pile high with victiles. The squad members seldom ate as good, often field rations or whatever was left over from the officer’s own food.
“But tell me truthfully Cap, do you think that we are in trouble? IF so, then how best can we make those sons of bitches regret they came knocking at our door?”
*****
Arn shook his head as he quietly disagreed with her self blame. Eilis was a tender heart who felt that any wrong done in the world even remotely related to her was a burden she had to bear. The senior mage knew firsthand the place that road of self-depreciation led. However, he would not force his believes upon her. In time she would come to understand that the actions of others have consequences that should be shouldered by those who made the decision.
Instead, he said in a calm voice that offered comfort but was not condescending. “Your mother would have been no safer if you had stayed. If these people who are seeking you could take her life so easily, they would have done it either way. The fact that they had to resort to that forbidden spell is proof that she would not willingly give you away.” He kept on stroking her hair.
"Why are you so good to me? I am a refugee...an enemy..."
Arn stopped mid stroke. A look of confusion in his face. He opened his mouth to give an answer and then stopped and promptly shut his mouth to keep it from gapping open. His usually sharp and active mind spun its proverbial wheels trying to answer her question. So he did the only thing he could think of doing, he said the truth.
“To be painfully honest Eilis…” saying her name brought a sudden electrifying shudder to his warm body. He resumed his stroking as he pensively answered, more to himself than her. “..I am not too sure. You see, I have never been close to someone other than my mother. Yet even before I woke up, I saw you. I was not sure if I dreamt but I saw you. You were a glowing body in a sea of darkness. You felt small, scared, and alone. I believe at first, I thought I was looking at my mother. Then I thought it might have been an astral representation of myself.”
He cleared his throat nervously. His sudden rush of sharing his feelings made him feel defenseless and he did not like it. He also felt that he could be so with her. “I felt drawn to you. I felt like you and I were connected by ties not of blood or kin. I feel like I am meant to protect you. I don’t know why but I feel that I my purpose was to protect you.”
He shifted his body so that he could hold her by the shoulders and stare into her eyes. Even now, he could see that the Dark Sight was starting to fade. The glossy look of the eyes was starting to receded. She would soon be able to see blurry. This alone brough questions to his inquisitive mind and he marveled at her quick recovery.
Eilis must really be someone special to have drawn him so. He had forgotten all his own rules about getting involved with someone. He had opened up in a manner that made him feel like he would lose himself. He had changed so drastically that he was a stranger even to him. So, he echoed her question and the answer was a simple one that he gave her.
“I feel connected to you. Drawn to you…One with you.” As he did so, he pushed into the Aether trying to hold her essence as he held her body. Suddenly, he crashed into a force, a barrier of ice-cold feeling that made him gasp.
The battlemage had felt pain plenty of times before, some had even made him wish for death, but this pain tore into his very soul. He did not know if it was due to the connection that had started to grow between him an Eilis but any separation from her seemed to be painful.
This made him frown and look down at the now shivering form of his self-appointed protegee. A question formed in his mind and he hesitated to ask. However, he felt it was necessary. In an apologetic tone he mustered enough courage to ask. “Eilis, could you tell me about your magical tattoos?”
Arn studied the wolf creature. His eyes made a reconnaissance trail from the top of the pelted head down to the creature’s wounded legs. Nothing made sense. It was as if the creature before him had been pieced together haphazardly from parts of humans and wolves that had been left over. The creature was neither human or animal. This made his approach that much more difficult. After all, if it could not understand human language then it would be hard to communicate with it. If it was not like an animal, then human thinking might get in the way of instinct that most animals had to detect threats.
The hunter evaluated the situation. He could see that the blood loss was weakening the creature. The creature knew it too. Most animals would try to remain threatening if surrounded who the perceived as predators or carrion eaters. Like a carrion eater, the human pair could wait until the creature loss consciousness. However, this plan could be dangerous to the creature as it may never wake up again.
Arn kept his low silhouette and backed away slowly until he was within ear shot of Gwendoly. He spoke loud enough of the young girl to hear but his tone was calm and relaxed. The creature might not understand them but the tone used could still cause alarm. “What would you like to do healer? I have never seen such a creature in my days.” He kept his eyes on the creature, the bow and arrowed lowered but still at the ready.
“It looks hurt. If we try to catch it, it might hurt more or hurt us. If we wait, it might die.” He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. “Could you help it? Or will I need to ease its pain?” He slightly moved his bow and arrow meaningfully.
The hunter could not bear to have an animal suffer. Putting a creature down would actually be humane. However, its human appearance might affect the view of the young girl. It is not very common or acceptable to do the same to a human.
Arn waited for the answer. It was not fair of him to place the burden of decision on the young lady but he felt like he could not take the decision himself. In a way, he was showing that he valued her judgment. Also, it was sort of a punishment too. He had asked her not to come. Now that she was here, she would have to share in the consequences of their decisions.
The hunter evaluated the situation. He could see that the blood loss was weakening the creature. The creature knew it too. Most animals would try to remain threatening if surrounded who the perceived as predators or carrion eaters. Like a carrion eater, the human pair could wait until the creature loss consciousness. However, this plan could be dangerous to the creature as it may never wake up again.
Arn kept his low silhouette and backed away slowly until he was within ear shot of Gwendoly. He spoke loud enough of the young girl to hear but his tone was calm and relaxed. The creature might not understand them but the tone used could still cause alarm. “What would you like to do healer? I have never seen such a creature in my days.” He kept his eyes on the creature, the bow and arrowed lowered but still at the ready.
“It looks hurt. If we try to catch it, it might hurt more or hurt us. If we wait, it might die.” He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes. “Could you help it? Or will I need to ease its pain?” He slightly moved his bow and arrow meaningfully.
The hunter could not bear to have an animal suffer. Putting a creature down would actually be humane. However, its human appearance might affect the view of the young girl. It is not very common or acceptable to do the same to a human.
Arn waited for the answer. It was not fair of him to place the burden of decision on the young lady but he felt like he could not take the decision himself. In a way, he was showing that he valued her judgment. Also, it was sort of a punishment too. He had asked her not to come. Now that she was here, she would have to share in the consequences of their decisions.
Arn’s eyes narrowed in concern as he noticed and felt the change in Eilis. A wall seemed to start building up between them. He could still feel her but she was more of an echo than an actual presence. His narrowed eyes morphed into that of anger as he came to understand what she meant.
It was entirely possible that some basics and historical literature about magic was shared between the two opposing kingdoms. After all, the life force of Gaia was the one thing that connected them all. No matter your believes as to the spiritual or scientific use of this connection, the fact that one existed was not in dispute.
He had read something of the sort many years ago. These practices were of course banned and carried with them some heavy penalties. Arn himself had been questioned as to his reading of the books. After a few weeks of being under surveillance, the monitors had felt he had only read the restricted book as a references.
However, the mechanics of the spell that Eilis suggested was not lost to him. If they were all connected to Gaia then those of the same blood or those with strong emotional ties to each other would have an even stronger connection. The mage understood her distress. As knowledgeable as she was with magic, there could have only been one way for the trace to be completed.
Arn moved closer to her and placed a protective hand on her shoulders. His head was comforting and energetic. Inside him, there was a maelstrom of feelings. He wanted to comfort her but he also wanted to burn those who had made her feel so.
His voice was calm but it rang with a truthfulness that could not be mistaken. “I am sorry for your loss. However, it is not your fault. We were given this life and weather you believe in pre destiny or if you believe it your own, there are choices that are not left up to us.”
He stroked her hair fondly. “The ones who have traced you may feel that they have you cornered and that there is nowhere for you to run.” His voice took a dangerous turn almost murderous. “However, you are not alone. Those who come for you instead come to their deaths”.
The fire in his eyes made those same eyes flare. He was not sure how or why but using the Aether, he started to push against the walls that the young girl had began to set up. She would have no need of walls, when he reached her, she would be protected and warmed by a sphear of flame that would turn to ash any who came near.
Tobi almost giggled at the scene being played out before him. The silver haired knight was a good foot or so taller than the rounder Evander. This in itself made the confrontation comedic, as if a stubborn child was arguing with a parent. Second, despite the pretense of outrage, the Mage Captain’s eyes would flicker with contained fear. Indeed, even Tobi shuddered once or twice at the restrained power of Tyrhallan.
The young mage committed everything to memory. Such a story would no doubt get more glorious and exaggerated when told in the barracks. Tobi was well liked by the others because he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. He already had gold with Arn and Eilis but this confrontation, was the golden egg of stories.
The back and forth was quite entertaining when suddenly Tobi all but managed to suppress a gasp as the Knight Captain requested the transfer of Arn. The young mage turned to the Lord Knight. Studying the man and wondering why. It was true that his senior was an asset in battle. His prowess was known through out the kingdom. Hell, there was even a secret shrine to him in the Cauldron that no teacher knew about. Those of lower birth regarded him almost as an emissary.
Was this request something more than just tactically focused? Did the Knight Captain mean to utilize Arn in a political way? It was well known that the Master Mage had been offered a position on the capital and had rejected it. The hellspawn was already a conundrum and many knew that he was hard to tame.
Tobi turned his attention back to Evander. The mage swallowed visibly. He was presented with a horrible decision. On the one hand, he could get rid to the direct opposition to his power. But that would mean that what little control he had over the men would all but disappear. However, if he did not turn Arn over, then Tyrhallan would force the matter via a duel and upon Evander’s death, still request for the transfer. While Evander had been given the rank of master and he could indeed be proficient with magic, he was not in the same league as the Knight Captain.
Frustration and anger could be clearly seen in the other man’s face as he came to the safest conclusion for his personal well being.
"Fine. FINE. You can have the man. You can deal with his insubordination and his blatant refusal to listen to command." He complained. "But I am 'warning you' Venray...if you take away my men from me again it will be my honour that will be insulted and you will pay for that then."
Tobi straigthend himself up as the Mage Captain addressed him with bile all but dripping from his every word. The young mage saluted smartly emulating a completely submissive and professional soldier. Evander stared at the young man with dark eyes and turned so quickly that the fancy black robes twirled dangerously around the man’s ankles.
Yet despite the young mage’s prayer, the Master Mage did not fall. Tobi turned to Tyrhallan and nodded his agreement that at least the other man was still alive. He followed the Knight Captain. The young mage’s mind raced with the probable reaction the news would have on the squad. They all saw Arn as a sort of good luck charm.
Sudenly Tobi wondered how Arn himself would react to the news. He cast a sideways glance towards the silver haired knight. Had Tryhallan asked his senior if he also wanted to change commands? Arn was notorious for hating being told what to do. He shrugged to himself. It was not up to him. Though, he hoped to be there when the news were delivered.
He stopped short as a crowd seemed to have been gathering into the galley. He wondered how good those damn fish where that it drew such a crowd. However, soon all fell silent as the recognizable voice of the King of Belisio rang over the speakers. A collective holding of breath ensued.
Tobi listened with growing awe and as the king finished speaking he turned up his young face to Tyrhallan as if seeking answers.
It was entirely possible that some basics and historical literature about magic was shared between the two opposing kingdoms. After all, the life force of Gaia was the one thing that connected them all. No matter your believes as to the spiritual or scientific use of this connection, the fact that one existed was not in dispute.
He had read something of the sort many years ago. These practices were of course banned and carried with them some heavy penalties. Arn himself had been questioned as to his reading of the books. After a few weeks of being under surveillance, the monitors had felt he had only read the restricted book as a references.
However, the mechanics of the spell that Eilis suggested was not lost to him. If they were all connected to Gaia then those of the same blood or those with strong emotional ties to each other would have an even stronger connection. The mage understood her distress. As knowledgeable as she was with magic, there could have only been one way for the trace to be completed.
Arn moved closer to her and placed a protective hand on her shoulders. His head was comforting and energetic. Inside him, there was a maelstrom of feelings. He wanted to comfort her but he also wanted to burn those who had made her feel so.
His voice was calm but it rang with a truthfulness that could not be mistaken. “I am sorry for your loss. However, it is not your fault. We were given this life and weather you believe in pre destiny or if you believe it your own, there are choices that are not left up to us.”
He stroked her hair fondly. “The ones who have traced you may feel that they have you cornered and that there is nowhere for you to run.” His voice took a dangerous turn almost murderous. “However, you are not alone. Those who come for you instead come to their deaths”.
The fire in his eyes made those same eyes flare. He was not sure how or why but using the Aether, he started to push against the walls that the young girl had began to set up. She would have no need of walls, when he reached her, she would be protected and warmed by a sphear of flame that would turn to ash any who came near.
Tobi almost giggled at the scene being played out before him. The silver haired knight was a good foot or so taller than the rounder Evander. This in itself made the confrontation comedic, as if a stubborn child was arguing with a parent. Second, despite the pretense of outrage, the Mage Captain’s eyes would flicker with contained fear. Indeed, even Tobi shuddered once or twice at the restrained power of Tyrhallan.
The young mage committed everything to memory. Such a story would no doubt get more glorious and exaggerated when told in the barracks. Tobi was well liked by the others because he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. He already had gold with Arn and Eilis but this confrontation, was the golden egg of stories.
The back and forth was quite entertaining when suddenly Tobi all but managed to suppress a gasp as the Knight Captain requested the transfer of Arn. The young mage turned to the Lord Knight. Studying the man and wondering why. It was true that his senior was an asset in battle. His prowess was known through out the kingdom. Hell, there was even a secret shrine to him in the Cauldron that no teacher knew about. Those of lower birth regarded him almost as an emissary.
Was this request something more than just tactically focused? Did the Knight Captain mean to utilize Arn in a political way? It was well known that the Master Mage had been offered a position on the capital and had rejected it. The hellspawn was already a conundrum and many knew that he was hard to tame.
Tobi turned his attention back to Evander. The mage swallowed visibly. He was presented with a horrible decision. On the one hand, he could get rid to the direct opposition to his power. But that would mean that what little control he had over the men would all but disappear. However, if he did not turn Arn over, then Tyrhallan would force the matter via a duel and upon Evander’s death, still request for the transfer. While Evander had been given the rank of master and he could indeed be proficient with magic, he was not in the same league as the Knight Captain.
Frustration and anger could be clearly seen in the other man’s face as he came to the safest conclusion for his personal well being.
"Fine. FINE. You can have the man. You can deal with his insubordination and his blatant refusal to listen to command." He complained. "But I am 'warning you' Venray...if you take away my men from me again it will be my honour that will be insulted and you will pay for that then."
Tobi straigthend himself up as the Mage Captain addressed him with bile all but dripping from his every word. The young mage saluted smartly emulating a completely submissive and professional soldier. Evander stared at the young man with dark eyes and turned so quickly that the fancy black robes twirled dangerously around the man’s ankles.
Yet despite the young mage’s prayer, the Master Mage did not fall. Tobi turned to Tyrhallan and nodded his agreement that at least the other man was still alive. He followed the Knight Captain. The young mage’s mind raced with the probable reaction the news would have on the squad. They all saw Arn as a sort of good luck charm.
Sudenly Tobi wondered how Arn himself would react to the news. He cast a sideways glance towards the silver haired knight. Had Tryhallan asked his senior if he also wanted to change commands? Arn was notorious for hating being told what to do. He shrugged to himself. It was not up to him. Though, he hoped to be there when the news were delivered.
He stopped short as a crowd seemed to have been gathering into the galley. He wondered how good those damn fish where that it drew such a crowd. However, soon all fell silent as the recognizable voice of the King of Belisio rang over the speakers. A collective holding of breath ensued.
Tobi listened with growing awe and as the king finished speaking he turned up his young face to Tyrhallan as if seeking answers.
Tobi swallowed nervously. His guild laden mind telling him that Tyrhallan was aware of his deception. He was sure that the knight was able to smell the truth like some sort of righteous canine.
An awkward smile appeared on Tobi’s face as the Knight Captain warned him of withholding information. He was sure that the man was honorable enough that he would not take any action against Arn but his loyalty to the senior mage prevented him from fully trusting the knight no matter how sincere his words were.
The silver haired knight was correct in stating the he was the exception to the attitudes of nobles. Tobi had yet to meet one that was interested in the protection and well being of those they ruled over. The young mage knew first hand. His father had been a successful tailor. Even catering to those of higher standing. As a young child the young mage had trained with his father and accompanied him to several rich house holds along with an older sister, Lidia.
She was a pretty little thing. Black haired with big almond shaped grey eyes and rosy lips that always displayed a smile. She was plain but it had been enough to catch the greedy eye of a noble. The man, Count Ernest, had tried to make advances on her. She had fought him off and as a result had pushed the man down some stairs. The count had not died but the offense would be enough to send his father to prison.
To prevent this Tobi had taken the blame. At 15 years old, he had been sent to prison but had the luck of having magic aptitude and was later sent to the Cauldron to study. He had not seen his family in years and he was sure they believed he was dead.
Sadness spread across the young mage’s face remembering and wishing he could trust Tyrhallan. He actually hoped that the lord was the beginning of a new generation of nobles that cared for their subjects.
As if to counter his willful ideas, the very personification of entrenched belief systems came hollering down the hall way. Many turned their heads and stepped out of the way as the black robed figure of the Shooting Stars captain huffed into view. The man was dressed in satin with gold embellishments. A gold insignia at his breast, marking him as the Captain of the Shooting Stars, sparkled importantly. No doubt, some poor novice had polished his hands raw trying to make the device gleam so.
Tyrhallan rose in the young man’s perception as he stood up to the vain Mage Captain. Evander was not as tall as the Knight Captain and had the added insult of having to look up at the silver haired warrior. Unlike the knight, Evander had short brownish hair that was slicked back. A hawk nose and ugly sunken eyes. He looked more like a black crow and in contrast, Tyrhallan looked like a majestic eagle.
Tobi allowed the pair to duke it out. Had he been able he would have sat down, propped his legs up and placed his hands behind his head to watch the show. It was rare to see the Shooting Star’s captain be put in his place. That is why he enjoyed so very much to be the messenger when he had to notify him of Arn’s rebellious actions. He felt that enduring getting books and other things thrown at him was worth the price to see the Lord Mage loose his shit.
*********************************
Arn was lost in thoughts ranging from how to get stronger faster, to the implications of the power that Eilis might possess that she would fear being used. He patted her head when she thanked him. He felt he had done nothing to earn that.
Indeed, there were few times he felt as powerless as now. Despite all his training and all his skills, he felt inadequate to protect her. He would have to come to Tyrhallan sooner or later. That would be a very awkward and hard conversation to have.
He felt her relax in his embrace and he closed his own eyes. His body complained about his wounds but he ignored it. He was steadying his own breathing when all of a sudden a cold stab that sent radiating painful pain through his body suddenly brought the peaceful scene to a stop.
Arn had never felt such pain. It was all he could to do stop himself from screaming. His eyes flung open and he looked around for the danger. He looked down at Eilis in desperate concern. He noticed the look in her face and his own concern increased. The pain vanishing but his body was still feeling the effects as nerves slowly relaxed after being exposed to that.
“What has happened?” the concern in his voice was palpable. He reached for her when the young lady laid down as if expecting to die. “I am here Eilis…I am here.” His professional tone was all but gone. He spoke to her as one does a sister, a daughter, or something else.
“I am not sure what that was. But I felt something.. If any one has hurt you…” He broke off. Rage started to bubble up in his stomach. His own hands clenched began to coat with fiery tongues. He calmed himself down. “I have promised you. I will stand by your side.” He placed a hand on her back as she lay in the fetal position. He concentrated and let the warmth fo the magic communicate his feelings and his conviction. “I you are no longer alone.”
An awkward smile appeared on Tobi’s face as the Knight Captain warned him of withholding information. He was sure that the man was honorable enough that he would not take any action against Arn but his loyalty to the senior mage prevented him from fully trusting the knight no matter how sincere his words were.
The silver haired knight was correct in stating the he was the exception to the attitudes of nobles. Tobi had yet to meet one that was interested in the protection and well being of those they ruled over. The young mage knew first hand. His father had been a successful tailor. Even catering to those of higher standing. As a young child the young mage had trained with his father and accompanied him to several rich house holds along with an older sister, Lidia.
She was a pretty little thing. Black haired with big almond shaped grey eyes and rosy lips that always displayed a smile. She was plain but it had been enough to catch the greedy eye of a noble. The man, Count Ernest, had tried to make advances on her. She had fought him off and as a result had pushed the man down some stairs. The count had not died but the offense would be enough to send his father to prison.
To prevent this Tobi had taken the blame. At 15 years old, he had been sent to prison but had the luck of having magic aptitude and was later sent to the Cauldron to study. He had not seen his family in years and he was sure they believed he was dead.
Sadness spread across the young mage’s face remembering and wishing he could trust Tyrhallan. He actually hoped that the lord was the beginning of a new generation of nobles that cared for their subjects.
As if to counter his willful ideas, the very personification of entrenched belief systems came hollering down the hall way. Many turned their heads and stepped out of the way as the black robed figure of the Shooting Stars captain huffed into view. The man was dressed in satin with gold embellishments. A gold insignia at his breast, marking him as the Captain of the Shooting Stars, sparkled importantly. No doubt, some poor novice had polished his hands raw trying to make the device gleam so.
Tyrhallan rose in the young man’s perception as he stood up to the vain Mage Captain. Evander was not as tall as the Knight Captain and had the added insult of having to look up at the silver haired warrior. Unlike the knight, Evander had short brownish hair that was slicked back. A hawk nose and ugly sunken eyes. He looked more like a black crow and in contrast, Tyrhallan looked like a majestic eagle.
Tobi allowed the pair to duke it out. Had he been able he would have sat down, propped his legs up and placed his hands behind his head to watch the show. It was rare to see the Shooting Star’s captain be put in his place. That is why he enjoyed so very much to be the messenger when he had to notify him of Arn’s rebellious actions. He felt that enduring getting books and other things thrown at him was worth the price to see the Lord Mage loose his shit.
*********************************
Arn was lost in thoughts ranging from how to get stronger faster, to the implications of the power that Eilis might possess that she would fear being used. He patted her head when she thanked him. He felt he had done nothing to earn that.
Indeed, there were few times he felt as powerless as now. Despite all his training and all his skills, he felt inadequate to protect her. He would have to come to Tyrhallan sooner or later. That would be a very awkward and hard conversation to have.
He felt her relax in his embrace and he closed his own eyes. His body complained about his wounds but he ignored it. He was steadying his own breathing when all of a sudden a cold stab that sent radiating painful pain through his body suddenly brought the peaceful scene to a stop.
Arn had never felt such pain. It was all he could to do stop himself from screaming. His eyes flung open and he looked around for the danger. He looked down at Eilis in desperate concern. He noticed the look in her face and his own concern increased. The pain vanishing but his body was still feeling the effects as nerves slowly relaxed after being exposed to that.
“What has happened?” the concern in his voice was palpable. He reached for her when the young lady laid down as if expecting to die. “I am here Eilis…I am here.” His professional tone was all but gone. He spoke to her as one does a sister, a daughter, or something else.
“I am not sure what that was. But I felt something.. If any one has hurt you…” He broke off. Rage started to bubble up in his stomach. His own hands clenched began to coat with fiery tongues. He calmed himself down. “I have promised you. I will stand by your side.” He placed a hand on her back as she lay in the fetal position. He concentrated and let the warmth fo the magic communicate his feelings and his conviction. “I you are no longer alone.”
Fer’s eyes narrowed. Apparently the emissaries were keeping eyes on more than just the heroes. He wondered what sort of play was going behind closed doors. He already felt uncomfortable knowing that he may be indirectly be used as a tool to further someone’s cause. Often, if the tools is kept in the dark then the person using the tool was not of honorable persuasion.
The mention of the Zeltoblian hero spiked his interest. If there was a personage important or powerful enough to be placed in the same category as them, he felt he should know more about them. He filed the reference to ask Auriel. He figured he could ask Marcino but the man had quickly changed the subject. This spiked the young hero’s interest even more. Was there a man that the gruff veteran actually looked up to?
Fer nodded as Marcino surprised them by taking the job free of charge. The hero had resigned himself to pay what was necessary. After all, amasing fortune would be useless if his ultimate goal was to return to his own world at the end of the waves or his time here.
When Cole mentioned he did not know where their angel winged companion had gone Fer offered as a way of explanation. “She went to the Cathedral and library to check on the Dragon Glass and try to find some information about the old powers or skills of the old heroes.” The young man shrugged. “I had asked her to see if she could dig up some information. I want to be of better use. However, so far, I have only been able to morph my shield and gained a small orange one from feeding my gem those balloon monsters we fought the other day.”
He seconded Cole’s mention of being ready. “If we can pick up Auriel on the way, I am ready to go too.”
The mention of the Zeltoblian hero spiked his interest. If there was a personage important or powerful enough to be placed in the same category as them, he felt he should know more about them. He filed the reference to ask Auriel. He figured he could ask Marcino but the man had quickly changed the subject. This spiked the young hero’s interest even more. Was there a man that the gruff veteran actually looked up to?
Fer nodded as Marcino surprised them by taking the job free of charge. The hero had resigned himself to pay what was necessary. After all, amasing fortune would be useless if his ultimate goal was to return to his own world at the end of the waves or his time here.
When Cole mentioned he did not know where their angel winged companion had gone Fer offered as a way of explanation. “She went to the Cathedral and library to check on the Dragon Glass and try to find some information about the old powers or skills of the old heroes.” The young man shrugged. “I had asked her to see if she could dig up some information. I want to be of better use. However, so far, I have only been able to morph my shield and gained a small orange one from feeding my gem those balloon monsters we fought the other day.”
He seconded Cole’s mention of being ready. “If we can pick up Auriel on the way, I am ready to go too.”
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