Omni5876

To Claim a Starting World

The big hunter gritted his teeth as the smaller frame of the man wolf betrayed its actual strength. It was taking all his skill and strength to keep it in check. Fighting an actual wolf or a human was much different that dealing with this creature. If you held a wolf by the back and prevented them from turning around, then their main weapons, which is their jaws, were nullified. Also, in this manner, you could prevent the harsh paw nails from tearing you up.

If fighting a human, then you analyze the way they fight and discern the weakness to exploit it. Arn had not been in many fights but he had been able to win because the prospect of injury is often a driving concern. The only way humans overcame this fear was through intoxication. Which then was another hinderance.

The creature however, was a challenge because it did not behave fully like a wolf. Wrestling it to the ground and keeping it there while avoiding bites and getting clawed was difficult. Despite not having teeth or claws as dangerous as an animal, the scratches he was suffering could turn deadly if infection set it.

The man wolf was fighting with all its might. There was not reasoning with him. In the wild, the only reason bodies are this close is either mating or a fight to the death. No doubt the creature thought it was the latter. Arn came to a conclusion that was risky.

Using a technique he had learned from a fur trader that had watched the big man get into a fight, he secure his own strong legs around the waist of the man wolf while mounted on him. He the rolled so that his own back was to the ground and the creature was looking up at the sky. Then, grasping the only thing he could, the very life like ears, he tugged backward.

The aim was to use his bigger frame to secure the man wolf and eventually slide his arm under the throat of the creature. Applying enough pressure, hopefully would make the creature loose consciousness. This would hopefully allow the young healer enough time to treat the wound and Arn enough time to secure the creature once it woke.

Jewel of the Skies

Name: Arn

Appearance:

Alias(es): Hellspawn

Age:36

Gender: Male

Description:

Height-5’9
Weight-180
Skin: Tan
Hair: darkish brown
eye colour: dark brown, almost makes it seem like he has no iris
build: Average build as fit as any regular military member

special features,

Magic Type: Mana

Role: Battlemage

Specialty: Elemental magic

Personality:
Quiet
Studious
knowlegable
Lack of sympathy\
Loves sweets
Hates Pirates, criminals, evil doers
Explosive when angered

Background:

Born of Hell’s Flames

Arn was born to a mother who had been sold to a brothel by pirates. He never knew why he had been allowed to live when other females merely killed the embryo in utero. Perhaps it was his mother’s need for somebody to truly love instead of the myriad of men who visited her bed.

Whatever the case, Arn grew in the rough and deadly environment of vice and vile. Despite this, he still thought that life had more to offer. He grew up really quick, always wanting to take care and protect his mother. He spent his time running from bullies and just trying to survive really. While he hid from the older kids, he would spend his time reading random books he found in the trash. His favorite was of oriental stories of men of valor, strength, and honor.

It was this mentality that steered him in the direction of trying to be a hero. It was one of time that a particularly violent customer visited his mother and he was hiding in the balcony that he attempted to act on his illusions of saving her from that life. He burst in while the man abused his mother. Arn tried to attack the man but ended up getting beat. His mother then tried to protect him and the drunk and angry man beat her unconscious. Thinking her dead, the young boy knocked the man down and in a feat of anger somehow activated his contact with Gea which manifested into an inferno.

Flames engulfed his hands which in turn devoured not only the violent man, but his mother and the building with all in it. Authorities would later report finding the crying boy holding the charred body of a female, his own hands sporting serious burns.

Learning to Temper the Fire

Eventually, it was discovered that the sad angry boy was adept in magic. He was recruited by the military and sent to study at the academy in Belisio. He was too dark, sad, and awkward to be of good social standing. However, he was able to forgo this with the sanctity of the vast library. It was here that he fully threw himself into learning all he could of magic. He felt that in some way, his mother’s sacrifice had unlocked this gift in him. It was a way for him to feel closer to her in a world where he felt alone. Due to his focus and innate gift, he was soon a top level student which meant he was in the focus of jealousy and bullying from less capable more influential students. Luckily for him, the military cared nothing for his lack of social know how. Instead, he went on to become the youngest battle mage so far.

Forged in the Fires of War.

Arn was no stranger to death and suffering even before he stepped into the battle field. However, he was too good of a killer even for his superiors. He specially seemed to be extra vicious against pirates or criminals. Many of his squad mates could swear they saw his dark eyes gleam with fire as he incinerated people who had been on the verge of surrendering. This and the fact he preferred fire attacks that earned him the nickname Hellspawn. He was headed towards a court martial when a Knight took him under his wing.

The only reason why Arn listened to him was because the knight reminded him of the oriental warriors he had read in his novels. The Knight taught Arn self control, temperance, and peace. Interestingly enough, this made him an even more efficient killing machine. However, this new facet was much more focused. He still felt no remorse in killing bad people, but his incidents of friendly fire were all but none existent. He won the trust of his squad mates and superiors but the nick name never went away. Indeed, many in the underworld still say the name in hushed tones.

Equipment:

Samurai armor fashioned battle vest that is made of Kevlar plates able to withstand small caliber bullets and some explosives.

Keeps Ornamental Daisho swords but that are still able to be used in battle

Abilities:

Flamethrower- His mana excites the atoms around him and engulfs his hands/feet in flame and able to expel it up to 15FT like a flame thrower

Burst- able to produce an outwardly expanding flame ball with the force of a claymore mine. Produces fire and concussion damage.

Rock Wall: Causes a concentrated seismic reaction that produces a rock wall up to 6ft tall and about 3ft thick.

Avalanche: Able to deteriorate an area of ground by cutting the Aether strings which will cause a collapse of about 3ft deep to an area of a bout 15ft.

Wind Bullet: Able to compress the air around him and fire it off at high velocities.

Wind Cushion: Focuses a high air pressure to form an upward force to slow the rate of descent. Especially effective if used with parachutes or other such devices.

Hydrocannon- synthesizes the moisture into a stream as powerful as a fireman’s hose.

Extra: (Optional)

Jewel of the Skies

Ok I fixed the fact that I had posted in the OOC. But since I am here I wanted to ask if you have ever used discord. If so, how can this be used to role play. Is it better, worse?

Broken Skies

All Arn could do was sigh deeply in resignation. It would be hard to make her believe his words. After all, there was no reason for her to truly trust him. They had shared much yes, but nothing has been proven or put to the test that would engender any such stead fast belief.

Still, it made the mage sad that a lovely lady like Eilis would doubt her own beauty but he knew that often, the closer you are to the trees its hard for you to see the forest.

"Thank you Arn, even though I can't really believe what you say, I know I put you in a bad spot because I asked for your opinion, with having little real confidence in a satisfying answer."

The master mage shook his head. “You need not apologize. I gave you my honest response. It is my regret that my given answer was not satisfactory. However, of one thing you can be sure. No matter how many times you ask me, the reply will be the same. If anything, my assessment may be further strengthened.”

There was a second or two of silence. Eilis broke it by fussing over his busted stitching. In fact, Arn had forgotten all about his ailments but as if his body was looking to betray him, the sudden attention the cuts got brough a slight grunt to the throat of the man as she examined the wounds.

He thankfully closed his eyes, a slight smirk on his face acknowledging her playful jab. The mage needed to concentrate on not complaining too much. An objection had started to formulate on his head but he knew that the playful order would very much turn serious if he tried to be stubborn and not allow her to help him.

With his eyes closed he did not see but felt her start her work. With a slight gasp he reacted to the magic that was being poured into him. Arn could feel Eilis. Not just the flow of magic itself but somehow, the energy belonged uniquely to her. The flow was like a soothing balm as it moved at an almost microscopic level. He could feel his body reacting. He could feel himself tensing but immediately relaxing as the healing warmth covered the wounds like gentle bandages.

Despite her commandment, he opened his eyes. He could see the glow and position of her hands matched the tingly feeling in his body. He was amazed. Very few people even had the knowledge of such procedures much less be able to so readily and efficiently perform this magical “healing”.

In truth, the process was more scientific than mystic. Eilis was pouring energy into Arn giving of herself to promote that natural healing that all bodies are capable of. This borrowed energy would provide the fuel and coax the cells into regenerating at speeds that it normally would not be able to. In other words, she was giving Arn her own life force. Such technique was dangerous due to the possibility of giving too much and if a person continued to do so, injury or death was even possible.

To be able to control her magic, let alone pour it so efficiently, was a matter to be praised. However, the mage worried that in her weakened state and the restrictions the tattoos posed, if he had understood her explanation correctly, could be harmful to the young woman.

As if to fullfill his concerns. He saw her weaken and immediately made a move to help her.

"I'm all right. Let me do this for you."

The mage was reluctant but he knew that she would not hear of it. He starting to realize that the young woman had a very stubborn streak. No doubt, this quality had kept her alive and going when others in her situation would have given in to desperation, or death.

“Ok, I will not stop you despite the fact that I am inclined to do” he told her in his own stubborn voice. “However, I will not let you do this alone. Allow me to do this with you.”

To emphasize his words, he closed his eyes again. This time, he concentrated on his own magical energy which he always felt was located near his solar plexus. In his minds eye, he could see his own energy, a sort of rich red, swirling like liquid flame.

He directed that energy at a steady stream towards his wounds. There, he felt Eilis own, like a sort of gentle breeze. The color was not completely clear to him but he knew it was there. As his magic reached hers, it swirled, combined and danced. The magic acted as if they were old friends coming together again.

The dance was playful and with much swirling, flowing and combining. He could feel his body reacting, the wounds felt itchy as new cells formed at speeds only achieved in the womb. Still, sooner or later the pair would tire. He placed a hand on hers.

Another hand he placed under her chin and lifted the face to look at him. “I thank you. Please, let this be enough for now. Not only am I concerned about your wellbeing but also, such quick healing might arise suspicions.”

He smiled at her. “As I have stated before. You are a mystery and I apologize before hand for my inability to stop myself from wanting to get to know you.”

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

Fer chuckled at the aggrieved reaction of Cole. He smiled even wider when to show humbleness his friend put forth the example that he was one of the select four heroes. The young shield shook his head at how ironic the comment sounded.

In his world, in his time, it would be like saying. I am only a rich person who was given a lot of money and am able to spend it however I want.

Despite the silliness of the current train of thought, Fer had to agree with his friend. They seemed to have not been selected due to some special skills they had or because they were the best suited. Indeed, the young hero had wondered why they seemed to have been chosen.

Their lack of knowledge about the most basic things in the world and their lack of knowledge about the weapons they now carried made them more of a liability than an asset. If they were truly all that stood between the waves and destruction, then this world was putting way too much faith on them.

Fer stopped smiling as his thoughts turned to that particular topic. Both he and Cole had been trying their best. He could not say anything about the other two heroes but he would not doubt them if they looked out only for themselves.

Cole had bravely and selflessly proclaimed that though he owed no allegiance to king, country or world, that he would protect them. Having fought in many harrowing battles in his previous world and just recently at the farm, the young shield knew that the price of freedom and peace was high.

He gave Cole a pat on the shoulder. “Sometimes my friend, surviving is winning.” His tone was friendly and resolute. “But as we have already promised to each other. We shall bear each other’s burdens and fight along each other as the pair that our weapons are. I do not follow you out of obligation. I walk with you and beside you.” He patted him again. “You can lean on me for support and I know you will do the same with me.”

Fer nodded to his friend. “I am ready, lets go pick up our winged friend.” He smirked again and whispered playfully. “I need a pretty face to look at after setting eyes on…” the young hero motioned with his head towards the veteran gladiator and smiled again.

Rise of the Shield Hero - From Another World

how dare Hans put you in with the same ilk as that lowly shield? Also, if the spear guy would have stayed I think your coordinated attacks would have been deadly @Whoami. Can you imagine two spears working in concert?

Broken Skies

the question brought an almost silly confused face to the Master Mage’s face. The man had to work at hyper speed to try and figure out what the young woman was asking. The words were said and his ears received the sounds but the meaning was lost to him. A second passed then two as he tried how to best formulate first the meaning of the question and second how to formulate his response.

Normally articulate and sure of what he said. He often meant what he said and said what he meant. There was no mistake in his communication with his fellow squad members and even between him and Evander. However, in this particular situation he was not sure if saying what he thought in his head was appropriate or it would be well received. The debate lasted another second or two. Finally, the voice of reason, having been silent for too long during his recent interactions with the lovely Eilis, managed to settle the dispute.

He cleared his throat and began in as comfortable a tone trying to emphasize the veracity of the words he was speaking. “If I understand your question correctly you believe that the tattoos you sport have warped your features in such a way that you think you have become grotesque.”

He placed a hand on her head and gently brushed back a few unruly strands that have fallen on her face. He studied what he been asked to evaluate. To his eyes, all he could see was a lovely skin and two jeweled eyes that looked up half glazed at him, the last remnants of Dark Sight seeming to disappear.

“I would like to assure you most strongly that this is not the case.” He traced the lines of tattoos, two smaller ones framing a third thicker one. His finger gently followed the contours of the lines, his callused hand slowly traversing the soft skin. He started at the crown of her head just at the hair line and followed it down to the ridge of her nose and down one side to her check down to her jaw. He fought the urge to continue down journey down the neck. Instead, he moved his hand and traced upward from the sleeve looking tattoo up her forearm to her shoulder.

To break the quickly becoming awkward silence when he remembered that she still could not see clearly he addressed her again.

“If nothing else, Eilis. They are quite captivating. Please forgive me for saying this but where it not for their harmful origins and function, they would be suitable adornment for a lady such as you.” He smiled down at her as he cleared his throat further. “Even as they are, I have to admit that I find myself wanting to closely examine them.” He cleared his throat again a bit embarrassed at his forwardness but too much had transpired between them to pay attention to propriety.

“When you have fully recovered your sight, I shall find you a proper reflective surface so that you can make your own conclusions. As it stands, all I see before me is a lovely lady.” He said in his most amicable and truthful tone.

He added. “And that is the truth”

Broken Skies

Tobi shrugged as Tyrhallan gave him the namebearer bit. The family name was not something so imperative in lesser families. While it was true that the young lad was the only male and the inheritor of the title and business, Tobi had never really had his heart set on it. Now with him being in the military and his chance of surviving until the end of his sentence, the probability of the name continuing was that much more diminished.

Still, he could understand why a person of the Knight Captain’s standing would care about passing on the legacy. The young mage had no doubt that the name carried with it all the weight of generations of great men and women.

There was a slight pause as Tyrhallan went through his ritualistic table setting and blessing. In his childhood his mother, a believer, had tried to instill in her children proper manners but had failed considerably of no fault of her own. Still, the young mage tried to be respectful and observed some decorum to the extent of closing his mouth to chew and not speaking with his mouth full.

Tobi listened to the silver haired man expose his own stance on leadership. A nod of his head after every point showed the Knight that the young man was still listening despite him shoveling bite after bite into his mouth.

The young mage did not really have any objections, but he knew that very few, if any, military leader, especially those of rank, followed what the lord was stating. Oh the gentry were quick to call up duty and responsibility when levying taxes or troops but often forgot those same tenets when it was their turn to protect and provide for their subordinates. Many nobles saw peasants as nothing more than expendable and labor.

Still, Tobi could appreciate that there were few that believed like Tyrhalland and his opinion of the man rose because of it. He shook his head when the Knight Captain excused himself as if this motion translated no need for apologies. After all, every man is at the very least entitled to their opinion.

He stopped chewing and became more attentive when Arn was brought up. The young mage dissected every word. Weighed every sentiment and took note of the tone in which the Knight Captain delivered his reasoning, but the mange found no lie or error in what was said. Finally, Tobi nodded agreeing with Tyrhallan that the current course of action was perhaps for the best.

The young mage offered his own sigh. He did not like the idea of parting from the side of such great a person as his reluctant mentor but he knew it was probably for the best. Swallowing his current bite of food the young man said in a melancholic tone. “You are right in both accounts. It is no secret that Captain Evander had it in for Master Arn. The fool thinks that there is this big plot brewing to embarrass him and seize control of the Shooting Stars. He has been looking for any excuse to send him to Court Martial. We both know that if that happens, it will not be a fair trail. A lowly noble he might be but Evander is still a noble. No offense”

The young man paused wanting to see if Lord Venray would come to the aid of a fellow noble. A few seconds passed and he continued, this time in an apologetic tone. “Regarding the young miss. I fear that I am not at liberty to say. But if Master Arn trust you as I think he does, the only reason he may not say anything is because he has given his word. He may not be a knight or of high birth but his word is his bond.” This last part was said a bit forceful as if to prevent or squash any comment to the contrary.

“All I will say is that I have never seen the man act the way he does. He may need help in the arena from somebody who is probably used to being around the female members of our society.” The young man offered a wink after his playful comment. But perhaps he was not too far off. Almost every member of the Shooting Stars knew that Arn had never even spoken to another female other than professionally.

Tobi was caught by surprise by the offering of the stone. He took it in his hand and looked at it. He turned it over a couple of times and traced the V etched into he stone. A look of puzzlement could be easily seen. Not wanting to cause any sort of embarrassment or affront he said in a almost confused tone “thank you?”

The young mage place the stone in his pocket. He was taking another bite when he noticed a familiar face in the crowd behind Tyrhallan. The young mage raised his hand and waved until he caught the attention of the other young lad, a Novice by the name of Lornian Carver. The flushed face showed he had been perhaps running. This was further confirmed by his gasps as he reached the table.

“huff huff. Where…the huff Hell have you been Tobi? Huff… Evander wants….your..huff ass. No, no, I huff mean he wants you …back now.” The young lad huffed away. Lornian was a bit on the chubby side and the strain has obviously been taxing.

Tobi chuckled “Catch your breath boy before you faint. Here have something to drink” The other pushed the cup away. “I..think huff he is serious Tobi we have to go”. Turning he suddenly caught sight of Tyrhallan and his eyes grew wider as he caught sight of the emblem in the chest of the man. He managed a stuttering “Pardon..my interruption Knight Captain..I I.”

Tobi placed a hand on the lad. “Its ok, relax Lorni. Captain Venray will not bite. He might give you a few days in the brig for the offense of not introducing yourself first but no more than a few days.” The other boy’s face turned pale and worried eyes regarded Tobi. “Relax man, I am just playing.”
Tobi then turned to the silver haired lord. “Please excuse me Captain Venray. I enjoyed your company and your meal. It appears I am summoned though. Please take care of Master Arn.” A questioning look started to form on Lornian’s face but Tobi just pushed the lad forward. “I’ll tell you later come on before Evander pops a vein and we have to clean up the mess.”

Lorni managed a stuttering “Excuse us” and was pushed away into the sea of bodies who were just as vibrant as it had been since the King’s speech. And just like that, Tyrhallan was alone with only a plate and the remnants of a chaotic meal as evidence of Tobi’s existence.

Broken Skies

Arn shook his head slightly at her self deprecation. How could she believe that? How could she not see how important she was? There was literally a group of high powered individuals who were looking for her. This may not be a very amiable point but it was logical. Also, his world had been turned upside down due to her. Had it not been for her, his life would continue to in the same straight and clear path that he was on.

Despite him being a collected and always composed person, the turmoil and uncertainty that she had brought in just the mere moments of knowing her stirred some deep need in him that he did not know he had. The mystery of her, her life, and the future was very appealing to the master mage.

His logical mind posed many questions and he wanted to follow each one but at this moment, he wanted to give her his full attention. Even this inner reflections, which he was used to doing all his life, seemed somehow in appropriate with her being next to her.

“Breathe Arn."

He smiled and he took a deep breath. His lungs filled with the air in the room and with something else. A slight hint of something else. Was it Her? He chasticed himself for the thought. It was not clear wetehr the feeling that she had arose in him were romantic. But he did feel drawn to her, connected to her, and he very much felt that not being with her would somehow be a great loss.

Yet, despite even the interactions which have brought them close and even opened doors into his soul that had been stuck shut, he still felt like a creep imagining that the sweet scent was somehow related to her.

To deviate his mental train from the current track which would only bring red flush to his face and quicken his heart, the battlemage decided to analyze the analogy she had presented.

“Bow and arrow?” He spoke the question softly more to himself. He was sure he had heard the words before but as the current world’s technology had more efficient and deadly munitions or projectiles, they had not been used in actual battle for millennia.

His quick mind searched through the archives of his mind for the reference in an over eager way to compensate for his previous thoughts. Immediately, his mind raced through references of military weapons. Putting all pieces together he understood what she meant. Alone, both were not very efficient. However, together they could be quite deadly. These were simple instruments and Arn liked nothing if not simplicity.

He smiled down at her and chuckled, this time more easily, at her mischievous glint on those eyes of hers. He could see his reflection in them and wondered if she would feel just at ease once her Dark Sight had passed. The master mage was not a vain person or even cared about looks but he felt that perhaps she may have an image in her mind that would dissipate once she actually beheld him.

He sighed in understanding. His own life was not something that he would gleefuly wish on somebody else. There had been many times in his young life when he wished him and his mother could live in a small house, she would wake up and make him breakfast and he would run along with his friends to some imaginary school.

He wondered if strife and challenges was all that people born with an affinity to magic could hope for. Here was a lovely young lady that had seen more pain that some soldiers and only those who had gone through similar circumstances could understand.

What he could not understand was the sudden concern in her face. Arn was glad she felt him trustworthy and safe. Was she perhaps doubting her own conclusions? What else could he do to reassure her. He wondered if he had said something wrong or something to bring up doubts in her. His own face morphed into one of concern.

"Forgive me, but I can't seem to let you go." She whispered before she leaned forward and closed her eyes placing a gentle kiss on his forehead.

The place where her lips touched his skin was the epicenter of a warm wave that spread outward to his whole body. He smiled at that. A warmth that was obvious radiated from his body. He felt a joy in hearing that. Eilis seemed to enjoy his company and not because of his destructive and weaponized potential. In fact he had done nothing more than be a human heating pad. Some part of his mind wondered at this phenomenon.

Normally it took concentration and tapping into the Aether to produce these thermal changes. Instead, the connection with her seemed to naturally cause a reaction that surpassed understanding. That analytical side of his brain wanted to study, to question, and to test. He wondered if their connection could work both ways and he could provoke changes in her.

His other side wanted to just stay still in the moment between them for eons. This side of his brain saw their connection as inevitable. Arn was not very familiar with this side. It made illogical and outlandish arguments. Yet, despite their definitive fallacy, the mage could not say they were wrong.

In the fraction of a second that the battle for control and command raged in his mind a truce was finally called and was embodies by a simple

“Nor I want to let you go either.”

Broken Skies

Tobi had started to panic again as he caught the playful end of the Knight Captain’s jab. He was about to launch into an apologetic rant with as much groveling and penitence when he caught the teasing smile. The young mage smiled back. “Very well Cap, you may call me Tobi. My dad was the true Tailor, I just carry the name.”

He looked down at the meaty pink serving that the silver haired knight placed on his plate. It certainly looked appetizing. Much better than the dried meat and synthetic stuff they had to eat. More often than not, the squad ate dry goods or rations meant more to be nutritional than actually enjoyed to be eaten.

He hoped that the fish along with the rest of his bounty were worthy of being perhaps his last meal. He had managed to get different varieties of tubbers, some fruits and colorful vegetables. He basically piled his plate high.

The young mage hoped he could sneak some of this food to his buddies in the barracks but knew that it would be very strange and hard to do so in the company of Tyrhallan. Like Arn, Tobi, cared and looked out for others despite their detached attitude. This was one of the reasons why Tobi brought them news and suffered reprimands to give them a much deserved laugh every now and then.

Tobi followed Tyrhallan. People were starting to congregated in groups, no doubt to discuss the news that King Aldred just dropped on everyone there. The young lad was enough of a veteran that he knew that worrying on an empty stomach would do no one any good.

He signaled to the Knight Captain with his head towards a table that could seat both of them which had been recently emptied. He stood on the side opposite the knight and waited for the other man to sit. The young mage may be irreverent and rebellious towards his own captain but he would show this man no such attitude.

Their conversation had stimulated him as much as the ones he had with Arn in matters of magic and philosophy. Here was a man who could answer his question about what the other side of the military forces thought. It was an unwritten rule that mages and knights did not mingle but this interaction seemed just as natural as any he had with mages.

Tobi dissected and digested the information that the Knight Captain had provided. As he sat and absently took bites of various dishes, he mulled the implications in his mind. Finally, he finished his bite and offered his own musings to the other man.

“I read in a book that leadership is the ability to inspire others to surpass their own limitations and often even surpass those that are currently in leadership.” He stopped measuring up Tyrhallan with eyes that suddenly seemed older than the young face betrayed.

“I agree with you that the King is a great leader. Not because he called us to action but because even if he is to die, ,he cemented in our minds a last image of him that will enable those surviving to continue the fight.” He took another bite of a red fruit which was soft, sweet and also acidy.

“This is how we feel about Master Mage Arn. Many in the Shooting Stars consider him a hero. To us he is what a battle mage should be. I follow him into battle again and again not because he is a master but because he inspires me to do my best.” His voice was soft and respectful.

“I have to ask Cap. Other than pissing Captain Evander off, why did you request Master Mage Arn’s transfer?” The young man’s eyes were narrowed. It was not that he did not trust Tyrhallan but in a sense, he felt the man was taking something valuable from them.

“Sure the Master Mage is some heavy fire power and can cause quite some damage on the battle field. But so can a heavy pulse cannon and I reckon the cannon will be easier to handle.” He sighed. “If you have not discussed this decision with him, you may find he does not like others to make choices for him. Just ask Captain Evander.” A slight smirk appeared on the boy’s face.

“You appear to be an honorable man. So I am sure your reasoning is good but I guess I feel a bit protective of the Master Mage.” Tobi shrugged and put more food in his mouth.

******************************

Arn was taken aback by Eilis’s comment. It registered to him slowly that she had felt that his identification as a weapon was a deprecating comment. His smile widened and he actually chuckled. The sound was strange even to him. This made him chuckle even more. His chest would shake and rumble. He did not at all dislike the feeling and wondered why he hand not done that before. Perhaps he had nobody he wanted to do that for?

In his mind, his ability to be useful was a pillar to his existence. He had been born the bastard child of a whore. He had lived the first part of his life just surviving for his mother and when she was gone it had left a big blank in his life. The reason he identified as a weapon was because of the teachings of his sword master. The old veteran who had taught him control and restraint and the honor in fighting. It was he who taught him that the life of a warrior must have meaning. Otherwise, the warrior is just a killer.

It had been an old belief that a warrior’s weapon was their soul. So he felt he was the soul and the fighting spirit of all those who were powerless, beginning with his mother and extending to the fallen members of his own squad.

He was a weapon that would cut down evil and would defend freedom. The political implications of the side he was fighting on was the most virtuous was not in debate. Those were debates for higher thinking order. He was only concerned with the black and white he could see such as pirates and brigands that needed to be brought down.

"You are a reason worth living for."

His musings came to an end as those words were spoken. His breath caught in his throat and he even doubted he had heard correctly.

But he had heard correctly. His sharp ears and sharp mind would not betray him so no matter how exhausted or in what pain he was in. in truth, his current health status had all but been forgotten and even the beeps and hums of the medical machinery had retired to the background.

Eilis’s confession had caught him unaware and hit him like a strong blow to the solar plexus. He felt he needed to breathe. The implication of what she was telling him flooded him like a wave of potent feelings. It was as if the damn had burst and a powerful wave of emotion fell on him like tsunami.

For a second, fear rose to the surface. Why would she say that? What did it mean? What was in store? Thankfully, a life of stoic and logical thinking managed to be the raft that navigated the feelings whirlpool that swirled inside him.

The senior mage took a deep, steadying breath. He looked down at the young lady. His eyes filled with emotion and tenderness. His voice spoke an almost choked but sweet tone.

“Eilis, all my life I have had a simple reason to live. I felt that I needed a reason to be alive. I felt that by being useful my life was not a waste. However, I did not know that I actually needed someone to live that life with. I am glad you are still here and that I got to meet you. This world would have lost too much with you gone.” He squeezed her hand.

This whole situation had escalated in magnitude that was hair rising and almost implausible but even to his pragmatic mind this all made sense. There was little else he was as completely sure about. “I will be by your side as I have already promised. It will be my honor to be your shield. Not as a disposable item but as a reason for my existence. I ask that you allow me this. I ask that you live this life it with me?”

He held his breath awaiting her response.