Journey of Four Souls

[Lark Windsong]

The streets of Calva'hal were bustling this time of year. It was early summer, and the flowers outside the city walls were in full bloom. Traders had traveled to the market square to sell their goods, others who were citizens had done the same. Farmers bartered their crops, bakers yelled out their breads. Even the fishermen, who had apparently gotten a good haul this year, were calling out to attract attention. Gypsies played in the middle of it all, their music filling the air from the fountain in the center and causing a lively mood.

For Lorna, it was a welcome change from the winter. Her blue eyes scanned the crowds as she walked down the streets; Much to the chagrin of her handmaiden, who viewed the commoners as disgusting. She hadn't really wanted to take anyone with her, but her adoptive father had insisted on her not going alone. Lorna could still remember the night that her entire world had changed. The night the demons had destroyed her village. She'd managed to make it out somehow, but she collapsed in the snow of that time, and woke up in the carriage of a then-young Duke.

Her adoptive father had sense become the Lord of Calva'hal. She had only been ten years old back then. Now, fourteen years later, she was a woman who, at all times, remembered those she'd lost. She watched as children played in the streets, and as one child called out for the other, a pleasant memory came to mind. She allowed herself to relish in it even as she moved to look at the jewelry a merchant was selling.

That memory suddenly vanished when she saw a particular necklace. Her eyes widened and she stared at it. The golden amulet with the pentegram symbol in the middle had been the same one she remembered her childhood friend, Vanya, had always worn. She couldn't move. It felt as if her breathing stopped, and as more memories flooded through her, she felt her blue eyes began to drain with tears.

"Vanya, Lorna!" Phyiss called as he ran toward the two of them, a happy smile on his face, blonde hair dancing at his shoulders. "Wait up! You're going to get in trouble if you go off too far!" He warned. As the oldest of the four of them, he'd always protected them.

She and Vanya ran through the woods outside their village, laughing and keeping just out of sight of the young man, only to pop out and surprise him before running off. He'd gotten rather annoyed with them that day.

Tears fell harder as the brief memory faded and she bowed her head, her raven black hair hiding the tears in her eyes.

[Rayn Night]

There were thing that Phyiss simply couldn’t understand from his comrades. For so many years, they had been stealing from those rich, egoistic bastards, grabbing whatever they could to help the community and themselves. Bandit, the only title that represented him ever since that fateful day. He remembered it clearly, a series of images flashed into his eyes as he grunted. The demons, those dark creatures had ruined his perfect childhood. They left nothing behind to speak of the event, all were dead but himself. He cried when he woke up from what seemed to be a nightmare, cried until his body could shed no more tears. Fourteen years ago… He had lost those he cared so much about. They were the unbreakable gang, like links in a chain. Nothing could shred these links apart but death… And it was what broke it that bound fourteen years ago. He still could see that agonizing day in his slumber, those fearsome creatures simply ripping his fellow town members into pieces…

Noticing that Phyiss’s eyes were blank, Red tapped him on the back, a hard slap to wake him up from his torments. The sudden pain in his back had set off the man, turned to eye the leader of the bandits. His intentions were for the well-being of the crew. Five of them, each specialized in their own expertise to make a perfect thief creed. He sighed is disappointment, looking ahead to not see the worried glance of his commander. He had seen him get mad about it, had almost cost them their lives when he was acting like such. The three others, not wanting to be part of this, simply made their way to the tavern, knowing that the two knew exactly where they would be heading for.

Cheer up lad, we need ya right now. This ain’t going to be an easy break and steal. We’ll need your full concentration tonight… Why don’t you walk around and enjoy your evening, it will do ya some good.

Another tap on the back and Red simply left him to do the things he needed to do. Although he hated the way he acted because of what happened to him as a child, he was one f the best at what he did. So, he needed to let the kid go sometimes, just to blow of some steam and regain his confidence. He’d come back and do as he always did; a good job.

Being left alone in the crowded streets, it left him time to think. What he did was for the good of people, he had this idea for a long time. But killing them; was it really necessary? Red had always told that if he didn’t do it, they would. The day he felt that dagger pierce through his shoulder blade, he knew that his leader was telling the truth. Yet, he felt that they should just steal them and then leave them alone. Every time he had argued with Red about it, it would fall with all of them getting drunk. So, it meant there was no chance in hell it would happen…

Walking along side these commoners, he regarded these people with narrowed eyes. This city was filled with all kind of people, so anyone one of them could be filthy rich. He would watch out for them. He had the strap over his sword undone, in case of quick dealing. He had other small items in reserve, but shouldn’t be used in public. He thought everything would make him at ease and make him forget… But his eyes locked onto an item that flooded his memories with that faithful day. A necklace, one he had seen been worn for a long time by Vanya.

It can’t be… How…

He was hit with a fury he couldn’t control. He managed to get something that belonged to one of his dead friends. His face tightened and he slowly walked toward the stand, trying to calm down… He was going to cause a commotion, but he needed to know… He walked up to the man that was selling this, grabbed him by his shirt and smashed him into his stand, gripping him hard.

How did you get this necklace! Where in the abyss were you able to get it! He let go one of his hands to point it at the necklace, hoping he would have some answers.

[Myztii]

Calva'hal, one of the loudest, most chaotic places around.. And she was stuck there. The music was playing loudly behind her as the troupe of gypsies danced in rythem. Shutting her eyes she stepped out and begain to twirl. The edges of the gypsy skirt she wore floated out about her has the strings and the flutes echoed across the area. Her hips, flowing gently with quick precise movements rocked with each note. The women behind her cheered in unison. Golden earrings glistened as they moved with the movements of her body.

The cheering croud around the dancers roared as the other women stepped to aline themselves with her movement. Lowered lashes gazed upwards as the sun hit her face, Vanya smiled brilliantly at her audiance. Someone from behind them threw two large fans into the air above the dancing women. They moved to each side of Vanya as she held her hands out to catch the fans, twirling in perfect motion, the fans in place of where the other four women floated their skirts. After several more moments the dance was over. Bowing lightly she stepped off the small stage and went to the man playing the strings. "I'm going for a walk.. I need to cool down my muscles." He nodded lightly and watched her turn away from the troupe.

As Vanya walked she spaced out glancing around the area. Noticing some children running around laughing and playing she froze. She didn't often come into towns or villages with the troupe that had found her back so many years ago, but she needed the money from her dancing. She remembed why.. The memories of her home burning came suddenly to mind. Her eyes glazed lightly as she could see and feel the heat of the flames whipping at her from different directions. She took a step back slowly, her subconciousness taking over for a moment. She could hear the screams of her village.

"Where are you?? Lorna!? Phyiss?! I can't find you! I can't find anyone!"

She had been coughing due to the smoke around her, it was clouding her vision and it had burned her eyes. She remembered seeing the men.. no, the demons in black. She watched helpless as a man was cut down not far before her. The black rider had riden towards her when something exploded near her, throwing her backwards into a pile of wood. She'd lost her memories for a while after that. In fact, she thought she'd been dead for a week. The gyspy woman that had been in the area that night had seen what had happened, and carried her to saftey right away.

Vanya didn't know what exactly caused the assault, she only knew that fourteen long years had passed and her friends and loved ones had died.. The gypsy woman, who had long since passed herself, had said it t'was impossible for anyone to have survived. A yelling man not far from her caught her attention, pulling her from her past.

Looking to what the man was yelling about. A necklace? She moved a little closer and tilted her head looking on his table as her eyes locked onto the golden emblem from her past. A hand flew to her throat, the other over her mouth as she gasped aloud. Tears piled on her lashes as memories flashed back through her mind. She no longer noticed the people around the table as she stared at the merchant.

"My...necklace.. how did you find this?" She asked in a strangled voice of shock and pain.

[Lark Windsong]

The sudden commotion the man made caused her to blink, coming out of her memories and tears to stare. She watched him for a long moment before regonition finally dawned on her and her eyes went wide. The merchant, who was stammering something about finding it at an old ruin, soon grew out of her thoughts, though, when she heard a soft voice from behind her speak up. She turned, seeing the woman who had spoken, and her expression brightened even further.

"Vanya," She muttered, before moving to bring the woman into an embrace. "I'm so happy to see you!" She said quietly. "It's Lorna, remember?" She gave her a wink as the merchant cried out for help and turned.

Her hands rose, her arms going around Phyiss's waist to hug him from behind; an old habit she'd had as a girl that she was too happy to break even then. She laughed a little, looking up at him.

"Let the poor man go, Shard." She grinned at him. "We'll get the necklace back."

[Rayn Night]

Old ruins… It meant that he either found it on the ground or with her dead body. The thought of her flesh scorched by the burning beams made his body shiver. However he had gotten it, he didn’t deserve to have such an item. Either way, he was going to get it if it meant taking his part of the crew’s share or by killing the man n front of everyone. It would sooth his soul to know he at least had something that belonged to one of his dear friends. He was bout to ask if he had found anyone in those ruins, any living being at all, but he heard a voice, one much more mature than the last time he had heard. He though tit was his mind playing tricks, his mental status wasn’t exactly what people would call stable. Trying to focus on the task, he was about to put the man through the whole stand and then ask his other question… But he felt arms around his waist.

The first instinct was to bring his arm up and blow an elbow into the ribs of whomever if behind him… But before he dropped, he heard that voice… Only a few people knew him by the name of Shard. He let go of the man and looked behind him, saw that beautiful, face. Lorna, it was her… She was alive. And within his sight, he saw the other girl he used to play with, the third of the four. Vanya… They were both alive. But how… How did they survive? He had been fortunate enough to have Red finding him half alive in the snow, bleeding to death. How did they manage to get out of that hellish day? His minds flooded with the possibilities… but he let go of those thoughts, instead lifted Lorna from the ground. He walked toward Vanya and took her in his arms too, smiling like he had never done before, shedding tears of joy.

Vanya… Lorna… I can’t believe you are both alive…

Red would have punched him in the face for such emotions in public, but for this, Red would understand. He had told him about his childhood stories, the time he spent with the three best friends he ever had. He knew what it was to have their childhood ripped away within seconds… He was simply glad that at least two out of the three were alive.

[Myztii]

Vanya stood in pure shock, her voice lodged in her throat as she watched Lorna move over and hug Shard. Her entire being filled with warmth as the realization hit her. They hadn't died? They were alive! She watched as he hugged Lorna up in his arms before looking to his face. Vanya had never seen Shard cry before. She reach out for him as he took her in his arms, her own wrapping around his neck tightly.

"But how?? The village.. There weren't supposed to be any other survivors.." Tears spilled down her cheeks as she looked from one of them to the other tilting her head. "Has anyone...else been found alive?" She hesitated asking the question.

"It's been so many years! I'm so happy that your both alright! Oh, I missed you guys!"

[Guru Gloin]

“Excuse me… Beg your pardon…” Toren called over the din of the market square, attempting to wade through the mass of patrons and hagglers, his words falling as unheeded as if he’d never uttered them to begin with. “Really, I have to get past!” he called, annoyance creeping into his voice. He had assumed that with the position of city guard, he might have been given at least a modicum of respect, but was rapidly learning that the opposite was true. He sighed.

After ten years of sailing, plundering and running from the noose, all Toren had wanted was a simple life, one that didn’t ask for spilled blood and flashing blades, but there was no denying that his skill set was… limited. It was either pick up a sword again, or join up with another merchant ship and find himself on the opposite end of the pirates’ blades. Luckily, places like Calva’hal were still taking on guards; thank any and all the Gods. He had left the sea behind him, along with whatever memories he had hoped would wash away.

An involuntary shudder passed down his spine at this thought, sparking a twinge of anger as he slammed the door on his past. He wouldn’t look. He couldn’t. Losing his patience, Toren raised his hands to cup over his mouth and bellowed into the crowd “CLEAR THE DAMN STREET!” and watched nonplussed as slowly, the citizens parted, looking startled. He guessed that the crow’s nest voice was one of those things that would stay with him. His spirits lifted slightly, and a half smirk on his lips, he set off through the mob.

His first official call as a warden was to a local jewelry shop, where apparently a few patrons had been making a scene. He expected that the situation would do little to relieve the tedium, but as he approached, he could scarcely believe his eyes. For a moment, he thought he had strayed into a dream, that his past had responded to its repression with full blown hallucination, but no. There they were, and there was no mistaking their voices.

Bits of conversation floated overhead as he approached, gently pushing other customers aside. “It’s Lorna, remember?” ”Vanya… Lorna… I can’t believe you are both alive…” “Has anyone else been found alive?”

“Why yes.” Replied Toren, grinning “It just so happens, I found three of them, only this morning.”

[Lark Windsong]

Lorna spun around at the sound of that voice. She had been about to tell Vanya that she hadn't heard or seen anything of the last of their group. And then his voice resonated like a horn over the hum of the crowd and she found herself face to face with an older version of the boy she knew from her past. Toren stood there, a grin on his face, as if he'd never left. Her heart leapt for joy at the sight of him, and her expression, which had started to sadden, broke into a wide grin.

"Toren!" She cried, running from where she was to jump into his arms and hug him tightly, ignoring the armor he wore. "It's really you!" She laughed, despite the tears that rolled down her cheeks at her joy. They were there. They were all there. From the ashes of death and destruction, somehow, miraculously, the four of them had made it through and found themselves standing in the same place.

It was only after she had released him that she noticed he was wearing the armor of her father. She grinned at that. He'd become a city guard! She almost laughed at the notion, though the thought crossed her mind to have him become her personal guard and replace the one who still shadowed her footsteps.

[Myztii]

Vanya turned startled as Toren's voice seemingly echoed through her head. She turned from Shard to glance back just in time to see Lorna's arms wrap around the younger of the two now grown men. Her hopeless expression lit up brilliantly as she glanced from one face to another. "It's amazing... We're all here." Her voice cracked a little from the emotions she had running through her.

She walked over and smiled to Toren tilting her head. "You've grown up so much. We all have. But it looks like life wasn't too hard. Was it?" She held her arms out as soon as Lorna stepped back and wrapped them around his neck to hug him tight. "I'm so glad that we all made it." Looking back to her other friends she brushed away the tears on her cheeks. "I knew that today would be a good day!"

[Rayn Night]

Had others survived…? That was a very interesting question. He hadn’t known what happened to the rest of the town’s inhabitants. The only thing he remembered was Red saying that he had found him lying in the snow, near a village that had been completely wiped out from any live or structure. So he couldn’t say if anyone else had survived, since Red had seen no one picking them up. But it left him wondering about a specific being, the last one that was apart of this crew of children. Toren… A good friend he could rely on, although as the eldest, he took care of most of them when they weren’t within the confines of their homes. Surely, fate had decided to keep the four of them alive, although would they ever meet him again. It was a question that ticked him, would wish to simply hear his voice again. It would be a broken soul put back together, unified once again…

Why yes. It just so happens, I found three of them, only this morning.

His eyes instantly looked away from anything else but where the voice was coming from. It was him… It had to be him. Who was the one who had been sophisticated enough to explain himself in such way... Lorna and Vanya had found him first, quickly guiding him toward a man wearing the armor of the guards of this city. He had become a city guard? There was this irony of them doing thing that were exactly the opposite, although their goals were the same. Slowly, he walked forth, realizing that they had all come to the same place, at the same time… They were finally one again. But for how long? They all had new lives now, which could interfere with their reunion… Ignoring this fact, he stepped forth to stand in front of this brother like man. He had grown quite a lot since the last time he had seen him, smiled lightly. Of course, the man was still a little shorter than he was; he would never get that over Phyiss. Presenting his hand forward, he mustered the words he would use as a kid, trying to remember old times.

I knew you were too tough to be knocked down by anything… It’s good to see you are still alive, brother.

They weren’t’ actually brothers, but he had always been close to him, considered him another part of him, just as the two ladies were. All a quarter of a soul, making one once more.