(sorry, I got a little carried away X3) Caboose is a bit of a mystery to the village of Crosshaven, he was found at night by a newly wed couple who were returning home after a little trip, Caboose was under the cover of a tree wrapped inside a small blue blanket just an hour or so away from Crosshaven on the side of the dirt road, he was just a baby, not even a year old, there was no sign of his parents. The young newly wed couple known as the Huntersuns looked around for a little for any indication of the parents before talking to each other about what they should do, they couldn't possibly leave the poor child by himself to become prey for wild animals, or worse. So they did the only logical thing and took the baby into their care until his actual parents were found. As a month went by, bad news found it's way to the Huntersuns, the boy's parents were found, dead only a few miles away from where he was found, it looked like the cause was murder, but the offenders were long gone without a trace. With the boy's parents dead, the Huntersuns took the boy into their family, and named him, as the years went by it was found out by the Huntersons the Caboose was special in more ways then one, he had incredible strength and stamina for his age, and a naturally fit body to go with it. But it was later found out Caboose had a 'slight' learning curve when it came to schooling, in the end he never finished his schooling, not that he quit, the teachers couldn't handle trying to teach him, but that didn't his adopted parents teaching him what they could, despite that he always managed to find a job to do around the village, with his strength he help with lifting various heavy objects that would at least take two or three people to move. Caboose was completely content with his life, but even so his adopted mother wanted him to live a long happy life with a family, his adopted father didn't think it was really necessary, seeing as how Caboose never appeared to be longing for a partner and was just happy to help around the village, even so Cabooses mother didn't entirely agree with her husband and thusly had a little something set up. On a day like any other, Caboose's mother had introduced him to a girl his age who also lived in the village, she was a girl who had taken a fancy to Caboose, and his mother had taken notice, when Caboose was working like any other day his mother had come by remind him he had something else to do before coming home, but before she had gotten to him she spotted a girl watching Caboose work from afar, Caboose's mother smiled ear to ear and decided to have a little chat with the girl. After about a week Caboose and the girl spent any free time they had with each other, he greatly enjoyed her company and she his, but their time together didn't go unnoticed by others, the girl with Caboose was quit the jewel to look at, Caboose didn't really care about how pretty she was, it was a plus for sure, but she was friendly and had a good heart and that's all that mattered to Caboose. But to others that wasn't the case, jealously rooted itself into the hearts of those who wanted her for themselves and they planned to make her their own through any means, it would be their greatest mistake. It was late after work, Caboose was walking the girl home, something they he'd been doing for a while now, then they were approached by to guy's from the village, roughly the same age as Caboose and they look physically intimidating, almost as much as Caboose, they attempted to convince the girl to leave Caboose to go with them, Caboose didn't really understand what was going on so the girl spoke for them, and refused the boys. Then the boy's changed their attitude with angry stares filled with jealously, it was then Caboose was blindsided from behind by two more boys and knocked to the ground with force that would have knocked a lesser man out cold, the girl tried to run to Caboose but was stopped by the two boys that hit Caboose, the girl was being manhandled by the two boys as they brought her over to the other two, they began to do vulgar acts, groping, prodding without her consent, even then when Caboose got back to his feet to go help her, it wasn't the thing that set him off. When the girl managed to get her right arm free she slapped the boy in front of her who was groping her chest, when she hit him he stared at her in shock before adopting an aggressive glare and slapping her with more force then she did leaving an instant bruise. At that moment something awakened deep within Caboose if only momentarily that slightly increased his muscle bulk, his speed and strength were nearly doubled as he charged at the offender, a look of sheer livid rage was in his eye's as he drew back his right hand and punched the boy in front of the girl with bone breaking force to the right side of his face sending him barreling down the dirt path and coming to a stop a dozen meters away, knocked out cold while bleeding from his mouth and nose. The other three boy's looked at their downed partner in crime before looking to see the eye's of rage gazing upon them, frozen in fear they couldn't escape what awaited them, the girl watched in a state of both fear and awe as Caboose nearly beat the offenders to death, she had stopped him by getting between the boy's and Caboose, reasoning that they had enough, as Caboose looked into her eye's he slowly calmed down, his muscle bulk went away before he passed out and collapsed to the ground. The girl brought Caboose home to his parents and she explained the situation, the three of them planed to talk to Caboose about it, but when he awoke he couldn't remember what happened after he seen the girl get slapped, later the next the next day the four boys who were in the wrong were punished for what they had done, and they promised they wouldn't do such a thing again out of fear of what happened to them the night before, it was then common knowledge to try and not to anger Caboose, which wasn't really a problem since nothing really angered him. As of recent Caboose had the thought of adventuring after overhearing some travelers tails of their journeys with stories of monsters and treasure, it sounded like fun to him, and like a good way to make more friends, which one could never have enough of, one story had caught his attention, one about this person called, the Seer.

Lucas was born far to the west, in a land where the success of a nobles family was dependent upon the skill of the houses swordsmen, with custom dictating that all disputes and matters are settled with duels. To prevent putting the nobility at risk, they and only they, are allowed to employ the talents of simple folk to fight their duels for them. With his parents being poor Lucas could barely remember them, as he was sold to 'House Riel' at a young age, and put to training as a swordsman immediately. When he reached the age of sixteen he was granted his first personal blade, a steel short sword which he had named 'Nightbane', a weapon that swiftly helped him earn a name for himself among the Houses. Lucrative offers were made to House Riel in return for the lads service, but the House had grown proud of their fierce fighter, publicly declaring him the best in all the lands and granting the young man the right to wear their name. Word soon got to the king, of a small house, boasting of having the finest swordsman in the lands, wishing to see so for himself, he journeyed to their home and offered to buy the swordsmen from them, but in their arrogance they declined. The refusal was seen as an insult and direct challenge to the kings authority, using his influence he had the house stripped of its lands and titles and sent into exile. Young Lucas stuck with the family as they traveled east through the hinterlands with what little possessions remained to them, but inexperience with the rigors of travel led to the death of many, with once loyal house guards turning bandit. Wounded from his ordeals and attempts to crush the mutiny of his fellow swordsman, Lucas was left behind by those whom had escaped the battle unscathed, and had been forced to leave behind those too sick or frail to keep up. Eventually Barren earth gave way to lush grass, than fields of corn, Lucas collapsed at the feet of the first person he had seen in days, shortly passing out afterward. The man who had found him, a local farmer of the township of Crosshaven, helped nurse him back to health and offered lodgings to the young man in return for help with work around the farm. He accepted immediately and worked many a season for his savior, but in his heart he longed to return to his homeland and slay the man who ruined his House, yet found he knew not the way home.

Memory: 7 years old
Kendall was supposed to watch me. We went out to the pond behind the house. It was frozen over due to the bitter cold that engulfed the Gate that winter. I admit, perhaps I was being a bit if a nag. But then Kendall left. She was called over by some friends, Maribel or something like that, and a boy. Yet again, I was left to entertain myself. Honestly though, I preferred it this way. I remember Kendall would always tease me. I remember I was wearing my new shoes. Mama had Katalina take me to go get fitted for them. They were horrible against the cold weather, but then again, they were supposed to be for parties and fancy outings. My feet were freezing as I glided across the ice. Even then I was graceful on my feet. Though this is me and I may not have a clear picture of that. Something caught my eye. Something that was in the ice, but I never got a clear view. I crouched down to get a better look. The ice cracked, water gushed up and into my lungs. I began to freeze from the inside out. I can't even tell you where the shooting pain of ice cold originated, all I know was that within, what seemed like a matter of short moments, I was numb all over and the only thing I felt was the life being shoved out of my body by the cold. Patches of ice surrounded me, I tried my hardest to grasp onto one and pull myself out, but I was so cold I could barely feel my fingers. It was cold. It got dark. To feel like I was one with the cold water that surrounded me . I screamed. Or at least I tried to. Or, at the very least I thought i did. There were sounds. Was it me? I don't even remember being pulled out of the ice. There was a lot of screaming, and then, nothing. I awoke in the infirmary. Katalina found me wailing about. I had fallen in. It took her and one other to pull me out. Kendall was no where to be found. And the next morning at breakfast, it was as if nothing happened.

Memory: 12 years old
I met a cute boy, his name was Krystofer. He was new in town. I went to say hello and introduce myself. Kendall beat me to him. They're dating now. My friend Rose says it's only a matter of time before she gets sick of him. Rose is my best friend. My only friend really. Thank the gods for Rose.

Memory: 15 years old
Winter is upon us again, thank the gods it is almost over. I got into another argument with mother again. Oh if I received a coin for every time I heard the words ‘if only you were more like your sister’. ‘You’d go places’, she’d often finish that sentence with … I was sick nearly the entire winter. Being stuck in bed on your birthday is -not- fun. But Katalina made me this wonderful cake. Chocolate mousse with a light caramel coffee icing. Oh, I don’t know what she used to make this or even where she got them from. But I have decided, I am going to learn. May the gods bring me peace this year to come.

Memory: 17 years old
“May the gods grant me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.” A prayer I've been repeating over and over again these past few nights. I've tried to keep the peace. I've tried to keep my distance, but these thoughts I've had, they are driving me insane. I feel trapped, suffocated, alone. I often daydream, picturing myself ripping her heart from her chest. I'll hold it in my hand for a few moments, watching the intricate details of life work in such wondrous ways. The thump thump between my fingers, it grows weaker as my grasp on the organ grows tighter. I revel at the sight of blood trailing down my arm as I hold her heart, triumphantly, in the air. I've begged and pleaded with the Gods that they must stop. I’ll be traveling to the Temple downtown in the morning. I've packed a bag and don’t plan on coming back until I've received some sort of answer.

~ * ~
“I awoke from another nightmare. This had to have been the worst there was so far. Pain, so much pain. I sat in a pool of blood, feeling quite content, though all I saw was this hideous monster. Something had overtaken me and all I can hear, all I can feel was the pain of others around me. Lets not think about that now, I’ve too much to do today. Drenched in my own sweat, I tumble out of bed, struggling to find my feet. I look in the mirror. What a mess. Red ragged hair devouring my face, sweeping down to the middle of my back. Large black circles envelop my eyes which have become quite puffy I can barely see through them. The pale blue that once sparkled now seemed dull, more grey than anything, only speckled with light blue through out. Weeks of an improper diet has left the girl with once healthy curves to stand, gazing at skin and bones in the large and elegant mirror that adorned her room. How could I have let this happen. No more … no more.”

Lillia took a few extra minutes to get ready today. Her hair twisted into neat braids, tucked tightly into a bun which sat between her ears. Her gown was neatly pressed and flowed against her thin figure quite elegantly. The gown itself was a light blue trimmed in white lace. A corset top trimmed her figure, tapered sleeves released themselves at her elbows, allowing a thin piece of lace to escape and flow about to her fingertips. It was a dress fit for a lady of the court, an especially odd dress for her to wear on an ordinary Thursday. Though no one made a comment or question regarding her choice, and she went about the day doing as she pleased as normal. She spent the first few hours of the early morning in the garden reading.

Breakfast was finally called for which she reported for promptly. Eggs in a basket cooked over medium with crispy bacon and potatoes, finished off with a tall glass of freshly squeezed juice, her favorite breakfast meal. Lillia took her time eating, savoring each bite. The yoke of the egg spilled over her toast slowly as she cut into her food. She watched as it oozed out, staining the white dish, the colors of her food mixing slowly. She watched, fascinated, though after realizing her stare at the wondrous meal, she quickly took back to eating it. The afternoon was quickly upon them, which meant various chores had to be done before dinner. But Lillia had other plans for the afternoon.

~~*~~

She traveled to the various gardens around the manor, took solace within the woods picking berries and various other herbs. Though the anxiety was fiercely building inside her, she walked through the day even keeled and calm. Hiding in the shadows of the afternoon sun, she crept back to her room, successfully keeping herself from wandering eyes. “Tis time” she whispered to herself as she locked her door. With a deep inhale, she turned to her workstation of herbs and vials and went to work. Butterflies made their way through her stomach, ejecting from her in the form of giddy giggles as she carefully mixed and molded. Her hands trembled as she held the finished product in her hand. She couldn't help but smile, her release would be upon her soon enough.

It was already 5 in the evening, they’d be calling for dinner soon. She had to make her move or delay another day. There was one thing that would steal her sister from her chores, afternoon lemonade - a treat just before dinner, and their little secret. They had been doing lemonades at dusk now for a few months. It was the only time that Lillia really got to spend with her sister, bonding time. But it was already too late and she knew she couldn't turn back now. Her life would be forfeit if she did and all that she truly wanted was to live in peace. No longer tormented by dark thoughts and cruel words or the harshness of her cold childhood. That winter was certainly the coldest in more ways than one. It was time for summer and this was her ticket. After carefully mixing in the toxin into Kendall’s lemonade, she met her sister outside the stables for their bonding tradition, taking with her a small boot dagger and a pair of gloves tucked within her belt.

~~*~~

Lillia watched as her sister drank up her lemonade, she must’ve been real thirsty as she took the whole glass down within one gulp. Kendall narrowed her eyes as she tried to focus on the objects around them, gripping onto the stool as her knees finally gave and she tumbled to the floor. Lillia watched with glee, a grin slipping on her face, a sly look of satisfaction as she pulled the gloves on, fixing her fingers in each slip of cloth. Kendall gasped for breath, trying desperately to feed off the air trying to stay alive. Her arms began to flail wildly as Lillia pounced, wrapping her hands around the girls neck, her fingers squeezing down one by one on the young girl’s airway. She moves herself up, sitting upright on top of Kendall. Leaning low, she pulls the dagger from her boot, examining the shiny blade. Orange, red and blue radiate within the room as the evening sun sets, the light shooting in all directions as it bounces off the blade of the dagger. In one swift move, Lillia plunges the dagger into Kendall’s heart, again and again, her blood making jagged patterns within the hay beneath their bodies. A deep maniacal laugh escaped Lillia in this moment. She remained on top of the carcass that was once her sister for a long moment, reveling in her accomplishment. Neither Kendall nor Lillia would be attending dinner that night.

The aftermath however, had never crossed her mind, at least not until a loud thud came from inside the stables startling her. Thankfully no one was there. She had to get rid of her dress, she had to stage an attack. She ran down towards the river, ripping through the rose bushes and tearing through the dirt, tumbling down the hills and into the ice cold water that flowed into the creek. She had to make it believable to divert all attention from her. When they finally found her, she was unconscious and barely alive, nearly frozen to death. This was her second ‘accident’ in the ice. Who knew that the cold of the water would seep so deep into her heart allowing nothing else to live there other than bitterness and resentment. But her sister’s blood had sparked something within her, a feeling that she will never forget. Her parents flocked with grief, and that night was the first night in months that she had slept. A long, deep and peaceful sleep.

~ * ~