Zaphere

Two lone figures stood on top of one of the clay buildings watching the inquisitor leave after banishing a demon and destroying the object it was attached to. "Damn.... I didn't know the local clergy would have a inquisitor in the area...." The voice was female. They were cloaked in the normal attire of the desert. Rags and silk wrapping around their dark leather armor. The other looked to her and sighed. "No one did, our intel was wrong. If only that assassin carried out that contract." He said pausing. He looked away hearing the family mention the merchant. "Well that made thing even worse, you think the merchant can be trusted?" He asked her.

"No,... This is not going to well at all. Have our sister send a spider the merchants way. Have it kill only the merchant, nobody else." She answered.
"What if the inquisitor is there?" He responded.
To which she replied with. "Nobody else... Including him. We will have to cook something special for him." She sneered and then they moved off their separate ways. The male doing as the female ordered.

Fahran

Vivian saw with the help of the help from the goblin there was two more skeletons left. She took note that through the chaos. Her Darkness spell was fading. In only a couple more minutes the orb would be gone and the cover of the darkness would be lost. They had to be quick. Vivian sprinted towards one not noticing that one of the skulls she fit her hand into was no longer of use. That or she didn't care as she swung her fist at it. Its lower jaw cracking and shattering from the impact. It lunged at her with its long sword and she almost didn't dodge out if the way in time. The sword cutting through he leather armor and causing nothing more then stinging cut at her side. She swung again with her right breaking a few of it's ribs. It was about to swing again. It's arm raising up to strike. However, a crossbow bolt shot out nailing it's arm and pinning it to a wall.

The darkness spell suddenly ended. Light returning to the room. The faerie fire also ended it's duration. Garekk stood there loading another bolt into his crossbow. The remaining skeleton gave charge and he swung upwards nailing it with the but of his heavy crossbow sending it to the ground. He then rose his foot up and stomped down shattering it's skull. He then took aim at the skeleton Vivian was fighting and let fly. The bolt piercing it's skull and shattering it against the wall behind it.

Vivian turned around nodding in thanks. She then moved into the room that held. Sana, seeing she was alright and sighed. She then felt her heart sink a little seeing Ellis on the brink of death. His pale skin giving it away. "Garekk,... Get over here!.." She said. Garekk came over seeing the tiny halfling and frowned. Vivian attempted to pick up Ellis and proceeded to strap the little guy to the orc's back. "You look strong enough,... As soon as we are out of here we can properly take a look at him." She said. Garekk nodded and began to feel that he was trusted with something. It made him feel good inside.

The wraith took some heavy blows. Even a near miss from their weapons felt very painful to it. The attacks from Artos did not help it any. It dropped as if to it's knees. It's master abandoned it to die to these fleshlings. It screamed once more and lunged at Hugh despite it only needing to take one more hit from his holy weapon. One more solid hit and the wraith would be gone. The lightning did the most damage to it. Ontop of Hugh's hammer despite it only grazing it.

Deila awoke and lazily stretched until the bars stopped her. "What the hell?" Anger over took her, of all the nerve! She examined the bars and touched the cold metal. Some one would pay for this.

Her eyes adjusted to the dark and her ears picked up on the metal on metal sound as this Guy worked to free her from the cage. As Deila stepped out she Put her hand on her chest and said "Deila". She followed this new found ally to the cause of her imprisonment. Her eyes widen to the sight of such things. As the battle raged on between this new found group and these abominations it all became too munch. In combination with the enclosed space getting ever smaller she had summoned her will just to keep on her feet.

Seeing the actions of her savior to this smaller creature it was clear how to proceed with this moment. Deila held out her hands and closed her eyes. She spoke the words she had repeated so many times and could feel the energy warming her hands. The power would heal the creature, she hoped it would be enough.

Hugh fcused on destroying the wraith, lunging attack after attack. His determination to kill it was strong. He wanted to win too badly and he was too angry to lose. His mood was lightened a little, when he finally heard Sana speak. His face turned a little more sane, and he looked a little more cheerful. "A woman after my own heart." He said, responding to the words she spoke.

Hugh was not alone in this fight, as the capable magus let lose attacks from behind the wraith. The monster would go down soon enough. It went low for a little, almost as if it was trying to recover some energy. Hugh squared himself away with it and gave a menacing glare. "Be at peace." He said, swinging his hammer into the wraith as it lunged at him. The edge of his hammer met the creature in its last attack. It suddenly became like a mist as his hammer sunk into it. The wraith began to disappear. It drew back from him in agony and screamed, before disappearing in a wisp of smoke.

"You are at peace, suffering one. Your curse has been undone." He said, making a religious hand symbol across his chest as he said it. It was traditional of a paladin, and was a sign of respect for the dead. He was happy to see that the wraith was gone. Not only had it been a torment to others, but it was itself in torment.

Hugh dropped his hammer, leaving one hand on the handle. He slightly leaned on it as he felt the pains he had suffered from all the fighting sink in. He was going to feel very sore after today, but he had finished it. The others would clean up the remaining skeletons and Hugh could make sure Sana was alright. He smiled, thinking only that he had finally won against tragedy. He stood tall and proud, knowing that he might have a chance at peace one day. He thought of how it would feel to hold Sana again, like he had when she fell, from the sleepsong, into his arms.

Sana could not see as well as she would have liked but slowly her eyes began to adjust to the darkness with the help of the skeletons being lit up by the illusion of flame. The stone walls slightly reflecting the light and Drizzak still a ball of flame helped Sana see the outline of Hugh pummeling the wraith back, ever back; Artos coming in behind and striking. She watched Drizzak attack one skeleton, crushing its skull beneath his dragon feet.

Now that she was free of her binds she took a brief second to listen, hearing more of the group in the hallway. Somehow they had managed to get free and they were fighting not only to free themselves but to save her. She had fought with other groups before but she had never seen any group react to the capture of another like this; especially for a tainted gypsy. If things had been finished and calm, she might have been moved but this was not the time for reflecting anything but steel and spell. Reflecting and heartfelt thanks were a luxury that would have to wait until another time. Thankfully the darkness faded away and light returned.

Sana stood there for a moment as her eyes adjusted, her breath ragged from everything that had happened. What had all happened? So much carnage and yet she doubted it was over with. Seeing Ellis she nearly ran to him but then saw their newest addition attempting to heal the little one. She decided to stay back for she could be of no help with such things. Resting back against the wall she saw that the rest of the group had or was finishing off the last of the seen foes and took a deep breath.

Leaning over she rested her hands on her knees and coughed a bit. She was beaten up pretty badly. Sana possessed no armor; her clothing was nothing but boots, very short leather shorts and a leather halter top. Seventy-five percent of her flesh was exposed at all times. It was an amazingly effective ensemble most of the time, it kept her unhindered in her movement but it had its down side as well and it was showing. Her wrists were bleeding from the restraints she had been tied down with, back raw and torn up from being drug across the floor and slammed onto the table. The worst was her cheek; it had already turned deep blue and black from the Liches slap, a gash running from the corner of her eye to the tip of her chin. The wound trickled blood down her chin and neck.

It was all too much, she had been pushed to an edge but her body could not fail her now. They still had far to go. Adrenaline still was coursing through her veins, her heart pumping rapidly in her chest. She looked around as she righted herself and stood up fully, the world seeming to move in slow motion around her. Looking, as she slung her bow into its resting place, searching for a single figure. “Hugh,” she whispered.Finally she found him there and everything else seemed to fade away; breath deepening as her heart raced a little faster. She knew it wasn't the time for somethings but she suddenly knew how Ellyn felt when she tried to save the orc. Sometimes heart over rode common sense. She took a step, then another and another, until she was in full sprint; charging him as a smile fell on her lips and joy broke through her ragged facial expression. Leaping up as she got near him, one goal in mind; to close the distance to nothing as quickly as possible. At this point any distance between them was intolerable.

Sanas knees locked against his waist as she reached him; her feet pulled in and settled beneath her, thighs pressing against him to hold her in place. She didn’t care what was going on around them, what danger they may be in at that very moment or what anyone may say as they looked at them. Armor didn’t matter; weapons, blood, injury, nothing crossed her mind but him. Life was too short, too precious to wait. This mission had already proved to be more than they had bargained for. They could be dead by sun set; she refused to waste what could be a last moment, a last chance, with apprehension and questioning.

Within a heartbeat she had gone from being in one place so far away to being against him, the next beat her lips were pressed to his own with a fierce passion; soft yet hungry lips seeking his. Then finding them, claiming them. Each of her hands against his cheeks, fingers pulling him closer, as her eyes drifted closed savoring him. She rose up slightly, trying to deepen the kiss, her knees still holding her in place; tilting his head back slightly as she did. Her body trembled against his as she tasted him for the first time; fingers finding their way into his hair, a primal moan escaping from her chest.

The kiss made her feel as if time had stopped, making it last an eternity but it was only a brief moment. Quickly as she had placed her lips to his she broke the kiss slowly, ragged warm breaths falling over him as her eyes opened; lips still brushing his with a feathers touch, trembling. Pressing her forehead to his she stared into his eyes intently. There was no embarrassment, no shame, no questioning; just an unbridled want flashing through the amber flecks that were scattered through the deep rich color. Hands slid from his hair and cupped his face on either side, fingers shaking, running along his neck and jaw line as she spoke. “Mine,” she said in a ragged possessive voice laced with desire. Just that single word, nothing more, to let him know she wanted to be close to him as much as he had proved he wanted the same of her. Nothing else needed to be said.

Pressing her lips back to his once again, she took another kiss; softer, more delicate yet no less intense than the previous. The first had conveyed a deep desire, yearning, the heat of battle and the pain of being ripped apart. This one was caring and gentle. Slowly her legs unlocked from his sides, thighs sliding along his body before she placed her feet on the floor. Finding solid ground once again, she pulled back from the kiss, a deep need for him still flooding her eyes. “Mine,” she whispered once again, a single finger tracing his lips. Sana had held back everything that was coursing through her due to circumstance. Had they been alone she would have probably would have ravaged him right then and there with the same barbaric nature that had given him the strength and endurance to break free from his cage and fight his way to her.

Her finger slowly pulled away from his lips, resting her hands against his chest. She stood there, looking up at him; waiting to see if he would do or say anything. Would he push her away, reject her. She had just stolen two precious kisses from him, claimed him as her own rather arrogantly. Biting her bottom lip nervously she looked away for a moment before taking a deep breath and returning her gaze to him; awaiting whatever acceptance or rejection that would follow.

Hugh stood for a moment pondering all that he had done, taking in all the pain from his endeavor. He felt the soreness from his legs, and the sweat drip down from many different parts of his body. His back was soggy from the fighting, and his neck dripped beads of sweat. He was not completely exhausted, but he was certainly worked up, and definitely tired. His hands felt the gashes of the resistance placed on his weapon and the many cuts and scratches that laced his hands and arms stung from the sweat. His lower back was sore and his legs were tired, but he still stood.

His thoughts quickly drifted from his pain as he looked around in search of the girl who had stolen him. His eyes turned to worry, as the darkness seemed to have taken them all. His heart beat and he felt the stress building up as he couldn't see her, anywhere. But finally, in one moment, he found her. She was rushing to him. He felt himself about to leap for joy and charge towards her. Before he could let himself loose, he felt her pounce on him, putting her full weight on him. He felt himself reel back a little to hold himself steady, as he dropped his hammer on the ground to bring his hands to her back.

Once again he felt her skin. It felt scratched and bruised, but he still loved how it felt. It was still soft to his touch. His eyes began to tear up and tears slowly trickled down his face, as he felt her lips press against his. He breathed her in like he might lose her any second. He didn't want to let go. He didn't want to ever let go of her again. His face and his eyes were showing all of his emotion. He let his eyes close for the moment, concentrating on feeling her and breathing her in.

Every scent and touch, every feeling he gathered was a sign that both of them were still alive. He kept streaming tears of joy as he felt her pull back from the kiss. His eyes opened, taking the sight of her in. She was as beautiful as she had always been, perhaps she looked more beautiful to him now. All he cared about was that she was there. She looked at him and said one word, that made him want to hold her tighter. "Mine" was the word, as she pressed her forehead to his before kissing him once again.

His hair felt like it prickled to her touch, increasing in sensitivity. It was almost like he was trying to take all of her in. The tears would not stop as the moment was the happiest he had enjoyed in a very long time. He could be at peace with her there with him, her body with his. He felt her breathing, and the strength of her legs as she held tightly to him. At that moment in time, only this mattered. Not anyone around them, not the skeletons, not the lich, or the wraith, or even his past. He felt so weak as she pulled herself close to him, tasting him. He tasted her as well and it was sweet. It would linger on his lips for a long time.

As it felt like forever, like the moment could never end, she broke from the kiss, dropped her feet to the floor, and place her hands on his chest. He felt like he couldn't hold back, as the passion peaked inside him. He wanted to take her in all his power and ravish her, but he restrained himself. There were others watching and it would be ruined by others company. If he could have been alone with her, she would have felt the passion he held for her.

Finally it was his turn to reciprocate his feelings, and he took full advantage. He pulled her in close and wrapped his arms around her, strongly holding her. His hands rested on her lower back, touching the skin she showed so confidently. Her hands were still on his chest as it rose and fell from his quick breathing. He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, and tasting her again. His heart was racing and his mind spinning, as the moment stretched on. When he finally pulled back from her, looking her in the eyes, he simply said, "Mine."

As soon as the darkness spell faded she could finally see what was going on, she smirked as she finally moved out of Artos’s way and moved a safe distance away, her hands were numb again and she couldn’t play anything for a while until she had feeling in her hands once more, so she decided to do what she did previously and clutched her harp with both of her hands. Keeping herself guarded incase anyone came for her, well to be specific ‘charge’ at her. Her breath was getting heavier and she yawned lightly, hinting that she was getting tired from all the fighting, but knowingly won’t give up as a few more skeletons ran at her and lobbed their heads off with her once-again bad aiming.

Upon spotting Ellis however she gasped in shock seeing his badly damaged body and just stood there not attacking, she was upset because she hated seeing her friends hurt. And that was when her struggle began, a skeleton actually pushed her down and got on top of her while she was thinking of Elis's welfare. As she was about to stab her with his sword she crawled backwards and he stabbed the gap in between her legs, this sliced her dress so it appeared to have a slit through the middle which revealed her delicate but heavily bruised legs from all the tripping she did earlier, obviously there was a squeal but she was glad she wasn't harmed, she was also glad she was wearing the shorts Sana gave her which she thought of was a good luck charm.

As the skeleton raised his sword once more she crawled backwards furiously, standing up quicker than normal thanks to no more restrictions. gracefully prancing to get behind the skeleton she finally lobbed it’s head off in a confident manner.

Because of this struggle she didn’t notice the finishing off of the wraith but she did know this, she was losing her consciousness and that was never good. She eventually dropped to her knees as she saw Sana run to Hugh, finally showing their feelings for each other. She smiled upon seeing them ‘The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return...’ was her last words before she finally lost her consciousness...

"Awww".... She watched this display of affection. Obvious the leader would have a mate. The choice of alpha so clear even her enemies knew this simple truth. Deila must learn all she could of being strong in this world from this woman. She was a person of strength, to endure so munch and still have the submission from this male. Deila would commit herself to this pack and continue to serve until nothing more can be learned.
The group must accept her into their ranks, if these were animals she would be at home and know just what to do. Grandmother was the only other person she had followed up till now.

"People are curious creatures. Never are two of the same temperament." grandma would say. Deila must now face the tough task of reintegrating into humanity. She had munch to learn.

Varis placed his short sword in its sheath, dropping the other short sword as he stood over the dead skeleton. Well, the now actually dead skeleton, its numerous bones broken in two as he stomped on them. He slowly turned his head over to his allies, his face masked with a grim expression as it slowly turned, only to see the sight of Hugh and Sana... together. A very thin smile -- undetectable unless searched for -- touched the corner of his lips as he slowly walked on over to his group of allies, his grim expression returning as he stopped in his tracks, standing next to Artos.

"Dear word," Varis muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Artos to hear him. "Artos--" He stopped himself midway as he pronounced Artos' name. He slowly looked towards Artos, a slightly discerning look on his face before he turned back to the sight of Hugh and Sana. "... Magus, remind me... how many days has it been since this group met up? One? Two?"

Varis continued to stare at Hugh and Sana, the fighting over now that the main threat was gone. His brow was furrowed, his mind clouded as he slowly thought of what had just happened, what had just occurred just a moment ago, all due to this particular situation, all due to this damned situation that they were stuck in. It was almost as if he had just quickly crossed over all the supposed five stages of loss. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance. He went through all of those five stages in just a mere matter of minutes -- of course, thanks to the help of the damned singing elf.

Varis had much to think of, because just for one moment, one slight moment, he had shown himself vulnerable.

Sana stood there, body trembling as she awaited a word, an action, anything from Hugh. Then she noticed the tears and her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. He had held her so tight just a breath before but had it only been a knee jerk reaction to the heat of the moment? The man was paladin after all, perhaps fallen from grace, but one none the less. Had it finally dawned on him that atonement would forever have been beyond his grasp if she was his. They were from two different worlds; one of light, one of dark. Could more than a brief moment of time ever exist for them. Taking a deep breath she braced for the worst.

It did not come. What came was beyond reality and dream. His lips sought hers out, his arms embraced her; breath and tears falling over her. Fingers clenching, nails scratching at the armor that separated them. Breath caught in her chest as he kissed her, her eyes drifting close as she returned it; tasting him once again. Tasting the strength and resolve that resided deep within him.

Sana whimpered as he broke the kiss, her eyes slowly opening as a single word floated to ears. He had claimed her as his in the same way she had claimed him. Worry and fret faded from her features as a nervous laugh escaped lips swollen from the kiss. Her hands reaching up to his face, shaking fingers touching his skin as she nodded. "Yes," she replied to his claim. She was a much his as he was hers. Perhaps they could have more than a moment.

That moment was not now though as she heard Ellyns voice and the world came crashing in around her. Heading turning swiftly as she watched the sweet one fall into unconsciousness. "Ellyn!" she screamed as she broke from Hughs embrace, pushing his arms away from her. Kneeling quickly down as she pulled Ellyns head into her lap. "Bjoric! Vivian! Someone help! Two down now!" she bellowed referring to Ellis and Ellyn.

Sana looked and her eyes fell on Deila, seeing what she had tried to do for Ellis she pointed at Deila. "Deila!" she said quickly before pointing at Ellyn. She didn't know Delia or her history it being gypsy she had run across ferals in her youth. This woman fit those memories. Sana sought her mind for broken words she had been taught as a youth but could find none and opted for gestures. "Heal," she said as she pointed Ellyn, hoping she understood.

Sanas eyes narrowed at Varis' question. "In life time does not matter. Life is too short to wait for what would happen eventually just to make it more acceptable," she growled as she looked over to him.

Deila heard her name come from the alpha. "I must learn her title, now is not the time." she thought. Deila followed The alpha direction to the woman collapsed on the ground. Deila went and knelt down over this Ellyn, her eyes intently looking for wounds, blood, or bruising that would tell if an internal injury. For the time being Deila pulled out some herbs and put them in Ellyn's cheek. The spit would act as a drip and get the medicine to her slowly. Deila noticed the wounds on Ellyn's legs. She chewed up some of the same herb into a paste then placed the medicine on the bruises. She turned her gaze to the leader after her injured comrade was comfortable and gave a reassuring smile.

She stayed kneeling next to Ellyn. Deila put her hand on her chest and said "Deila". Then pointed back at the leader.

Ellis felt better from the healing ,but he still felt weak. Greatful that Vivian and Garekk were helping him. He felt strange though,... He felt different almost as if something foreign resided in his body. He shook his head and rose a hand. "I can walk on my own now." He said unstrapping himself from Garekk's back. It took him awhile to get his balance. He walked into the antechamber and felt he missed something rather cute. From observations everyone was alright. Well side from Ellyn passing out. Then he saw it,... In the center of the room of the antechamber was the chalice. He moved towards it stepping ever slowly until he was at the chalice. He rose up to his toes sliding it off and staring at it....
"I bet if we sold it to the right people we might gey more then 1k each from that mage... Or not." He said. Every step he made he felt more energy return to him. He then took it with him looking for the exit. What he saw was the Lich's sanctum to his right. Hmm bet there are some valuables in there. He moved towards it tossing the chalice to Hugh as he passed him.

When he entered the room he found notes that the dread lord made. He began reading them.

"I found the perfect vessel, a vessel that if my body was destroyed the mages guild would still bring me closer to them...."

He went a little wide eyed and looked to the chalice. No fucking way.... The chalice?... You clever bastard. He would wait before telling everyone the bad news. Perhaps the dwarf can confirm it. He placed the notes within his tunic for later reads. He then saw a spell tome. He flipped it open and read to see which kind of spell. It was a spell called shocking grasp from what he saw at the title. Artos will like this,... He then searched around the room for more goodies. Ellis then located a chest and opened it. What he found was a song book, and few other things. there where silver daggers.... Enough for the whole group to have one. "Oh this is so sweet now this team can be official with our matching daggers." He said as he took them out. Then he noticed some jewelry as well. This is where the thief in him started to work. He had a gift of appraising things and he knew one thing. The jewelry was not ordinary. Side from the fact they glowed in different colors. Odd enough each color was different. The colors consisted of; Red, Blue, White, Green, Crimson, yellow, black, magenta, cyan, and orange.

He pocketed those as well figuring he would distribute them among the group later. He then picked up the songbook and looked at the title. He didn't want Ellyn to get something that would fuck them over later on when she sang it. It was titled Bane of the Tenar'ri.... Tenar'ri.... wasnt that a certain class of demon? Perhaps it banished them or something. He took it after understanding it would be good for her to learn. He noticed nothing else of use though. It was all crap. He sighed and closed the chest taking the silver daggers, spellbook as well as songbook. He left the room and noticed the Shaman healing Ellyn. "One of these days the warm hearts of this group is going to fuck us over,... I know it." He said referencing to the shaman being allowed to heal Ellyn. Yes she helped him, but evil does a lot of good to the things it wishes to fool. He sighed and let it be,... he did have one extra dagger after all. Hugh being the closest he moved to him first.

"Here you go big fella,... found these in the chest over there. I think its cool that there was exactly ten daggers in there as well as a few other things which I will distribute later.... as in when we are not in this damned cursed city." He said..." See with the daggers we are all now officially a adventure party." With that said he moved to Artos handing him a dagger and the spellbook.

"The book should come in handy next time something gets too close to you." He said and then moved to the trio Sana, Ellyn, and Diela. "Here you guys go... daggers for everyone, also Sana hand this to Ellyn when she wakes up." He said handing them silver daggers. He gave Ellyn's to Sana as well including the song book. "I say Garekk carries her while we get out of here...." He then leaned and whispered to Sana. "Perhaps you can fake your legs being weak and get Hugh to carry you out all romantic like."

He moved away and turned to look at Sana again. "I mean if you want to get technical your ankles are pretty sore." He said allowed giving Hugh the hint to offer to carry her. Of all the teasing he did they are finally a thing. About damn time,... starting to think I should be a match maker then a thief. I could totally get paid for that too. He made his way to Varis next forgeting him when he was at Artos.

"Pardon me,.. here is your dagger, no if's or but's your part of our misfit crew now so take it. I saw some sticky stuff in that sanctum so don't make me glue it to you..." He said. He then moved over to Garekk and Vivian and handed them their daggers. "Thanks for trying to help me,... we can talk more on that later. You know campfire shit." He then moved over to Drizzak and handed him one. "Yes even you get one. You are a valued member to the group after all." He said as he darted back across the ante chamber to see the dwarf. He saved him for last mostly because he wanted to speak with him.

"Hey Bjoric,... here have this silver dagger. You know to solidify that we are all a team now." He said and then he leaned in. "Your a cleric right?... I read in some of the lich's notes that he has a vessel to chain his soul to. That vessel... your not going to like this. It think it's the chalice. In his notes he said he found a perfect vessel to fuck the mages guild over even if they managed to kill him. A vessel they would not expect. The mages guild wants the chalice right? good way to say fuck you to them would be to make them decide to want the chalice or destroy it to destroy him." He said.... He then looked to the chalice. "But make sure though with a detect evil spell or something."

With that he moved back into the ante chamber and sat himself down pulling out the jewelry... they are different colors soo... he looked at his group his eyes narrowing in thought. Hmmm... okay here is what I think.

Red=Artos
Blue= Hugh
White= Bjoric
Green= Tree lover... I mean Deila
Crimson= Sana
yellow= Me
black= Varis
magenta= Ellyn
cyan= Garekk
orange= Drizzak.
Violet= Vivian

There seperating them he proceed to hand those out as well. Saying simply... "Here, I think its enchanted so when we go into town we can find someone to identify it or maybe Artos can." Of course he replaced the name Artos with you when he got to the magus.

Vivian smiled as the little guy made their group a thing now. I suppose if the others didn't mind we could bad together and take future jobs or adventures together. She did not mind. Especially if the plan was to get the hell out of this desert. She thought with a smirk. She then moved over to Artos and Varis, forcibly dragging Garekk with her, after recieving the ring from Ellis. She put it on right away. What it did she did not know.
"Well Varis, good to see your trying to make friends. Well to the others anyways. I kind thought and felt special when it was just me you decided to socialize with." She said.

Garekk rose a brow... wait are these two going to be a thing? That would be odd. He shrugged and began to look at the earing the halfling gave him and sighed placing it in his ear. "Why did I have to get the Cyan colored one." He said.

.....Meanwhile back at the city

A spider had been summoned by a sorcerer named Danika. Her dark features hard to see through her visage. The spider looked closely like a large black widow spider with a red hourglass on its back and bottom. She gave it orders in a language unknown to the surface world. The spider paused for second taking in the orders. It's eyes darting all around. It then bowed its body and moved crawling out the window. The woman looked to the man who gave her her orders. "Tell Tonya that the spider is in the process of killing the merchant... no one will know of our plans. Especially no nosy Inquisitor...." She said.

The spider climbed quietly down and onto a roof top. The building it came from was a story larger then the one it landed on. Once more it quietly moved jumping from roof top to roof top with such ease. It did not take long before she spotted the merchant. On his way home from the market. There was not telling how long it would take for the inquisitor to find the man or how close he was to this location. The spider had to act quickly jumping to the building the merchant just passed by and quietly stepping down the side of it. The spider was on the streets now getting ever closer. It then reached out with it's leg spinning the merchant around and slamming its foot into the mans chest knocking him down. The man let out a scream but was quickly silenced by the spider spitting a sticky substance at the man's mouth. It then crawled over the man its large body almost as big as the man's. Her stinger sliding into place as she got into position and then she stabbed into his abdomen injecting the sweet venomous nectar. Another scream came from a old woman as she saw the situation. She then ran off as if to find the inquisitor himself. The spider would smile if it could. This was perfect, it moved into the darkness of the alley until it found a drain. It opened the drain and climbed inside closing the lid behind it. It vanished in the darkness and kept moving to properly hide. All it needed was to wait for its spell to end and it would vanish into nothing.

Tagged; Everyone in the party,

The ragged breathing grew stronger with each passing second, his profusedly bleeding arm didn't help and only served to make his eyes heavier .Not one to show weakness, he trudged on. The Wraith, while weakened was still a fast creature, although one more hit might destroy the wraith as it's speed has lessened over the course of the fight. As Hugh dropped his war-hammer, oozing with energy, upon the Wraith it began dissipating. As soon as it began, Artos sheathed Red Trinity back into her home and silently dispelled 'Mind's Eye'.

As soon as the battle was finished, The Marksman and Paladin, Sana and Hugh began embracing and further. Artos just averted his eyes from the Lovers clasp, "Look away children." he jested, subtle catching his breath. He also glanced at his arm that profusely bled, and tucked it away under his cloak. I'll heal that myself, later on he thought, noticing everyone's fatigued selves. Before he knew it, the half elf, Varis was by his side, asking something about the groups formation. He was about to open his mouth until Sana answered the question, "Hm, Well I'm not too sure myself since I joined a tad late." he replied, his vision becoming murkier with each second "I'd rather not have a debate here, Sana, it would be best if we cared for the injured for now."

Hearing Sena scream made Artos snap his eyes towards the fallen elf, Ellyn, he walked quickly to her side with a concerned look, the female who just recently joined was in the process of healing her. Her process of healing was interesting, Artos had read about it once but never seen it in fruition himself. He silently watched, looking down at the Shaman, "When you are done Shaman- no Deila, was it? I'll carry her back." he offered, another thought popped into Artos' head, "It's all well and good that we came out of this whole ordeal alive, but do any of you know the way out?" he asked, lightly shaking his head as his eyes were unconsciouly closing due to fatigue.

He quietly glanced at the Halfling. Artos felt some form of energy that didn't feel like his old one, but he quickly dismissed it as he being drained from the fight. His eyes went back to the Shaman healing Ellyn, silently observing the process. He also fought against the building stress and fatigue from the battle and injury, his arm leaking of blood under his cloak. Closing his eyes to catch himself and then opening them once again, the halfling suddenly appeared infront of him and handed him a silver dagger that seemed to glisten brightly under the dim lights of the chamber, and a crimson necklace that resembled his mutated eyes. "I- I'll try to identify it when we are out of this place." he stuttered because of the fatigue, also looking at the jewelry "Matches my eyes, huh?" he accidentally mumbled outloud, the soft glow of crimson reflecting on his pupils made his eyes seem darker than usual.

Varis, in his deep moment of concentration and thinking, absentmindedly grabbed both the dagger and the black gem from Ellis, nodding as he spoke, unaware of what he said as he placed his dagger into its scabbard. Varis slowly raised his finger to his cheek, prodding it slightly as his brow furrowed and his head lowered, his gaze settled on the ground as he thought the same thing over and over.

What the hell is wrong with me? Varis asked repeatedly, with every time he repeating, it became more of a statement than a question. I fail some stupid assassination and I cry like an orphaned child over it? He shook his head as he absentmindedly placed the black gem into one of the pockets that were located on the side of his hip, unaware that he himself was an "orphaned child." Hell are they going to do to me? Yell at me? This is my first failure. It's not like they'll send other assassins after me to "teach me a lesson..."

He scoffed before turning around, still in his deep thought of thinking. It appeared that his mindset was back, more or less due to Ellyn's wonderful song, but perhaps it was better to have Varis in his other, more depressed state than his normal state?

Hell, what ARE they going to do me? Varis prodded his cheek not once, not twice, not even thrice, but instead, four times. He let out a small, somewhat annoyed sigh before taking a step forward without even realizing he had done so. ... Nothing. They're going to do nothing... I swear, I'm going to kill that mage who sent us on this quest as soon as I see him,

"Well Varis, good to see your trying to make friends. Well to the others anyways. I kind thought and felt special when it was just me you decided to socialize with." Varis turned around at the sound of Vivian, staring at her with his eyebrow raised.

"Hell are friends?" Varis asked.

Perhaps it was better to have Varis in his other, more depressed state.

As Deila noticed the Guy with white hair watching her put the herbs on Ellyn. She waited for a word from the alpha. Deila also started feeling a tingle in her mouth from the herbs medicinal effects and quickly rinsed out her mouth with a swig from her water skin. Where the alpha went Deila followed.

This made Deila remember the grandmother how strong and sure she was of her place in the world. No matter where they traveled grandmother made it feel like she had mastery over the entire area. Not the harsh winters or the deadly serpent, nothing challenged grandmother. "Wisdom beats strength." Grandmother once said. "All creatures have a purpose. All creatures have three main goals but when you interfere with their goals you become an adversary. You must learn this young one. The best way to survive most of the wilds hardships is to expect them. When you Deila understand the nature of a creature why it exists, what role it plays in the lives of those around it you will know how not to be an enemy. I can only hope you learn this important lesson in order to survive as I have."

Deila did not miss grandmother. Her teachings were always with Deila. Every day she survived was a tribute to grandmothers memory....

Bjoric tried to stand as the fighting continued, he could hear Sana shouting but he'd just used too much of himself. When Ellyn began singing he felt some strength return to his limbs. Trying again he managed to get upright using the wall to help.

As he shuffled down the corridor he heard the fighting come to an end. He sighed with relief and leaned against the wall, trying to get some of his energy back. After a moment he heard small footsteps, looking up he saw Ellis approaching with a bag. He handed him a silver dagger, Bjoric nodded as he handed him the small blade and slipped it into his belt.

When Ellis told him of the Liches notes he frowned in concern. "Of course, I'll check if he's bound to the chalice. If not I'll search his sanctum for his phylactory."

With some of his strength returned he followed Ellis into the chamber with the rest of the party. He was glad to see Sana was no worse for wear, but he couldn't help but notice her injuries. Looking to the others he saw most of them were injured in some way. Ellis returned once more to hand him a piece of jewelry with a white gem in it, he believed the gem to be magical in nature and Bjoric agreed. He'd have to check once he got some rest. But first he had lich to find and he made his way to the room containing the chalice.

It was a good 5-10 minutes before Ellyn opened her eyes slowly but surely, everything was still blurry so she couldn’t see everything but she knew that her head was slightly held up by a pair of legs and that her own legs were damp. She tilted her head to the side and smiled at Sana before smiling at Daila. She was about to speak until she glanced over at Artos with a light blush appearing, ‘why does he look worried…?’ she asked herself ‘can’t he see i’m ok now and there's nothing to worry about?’

Because she woke up after Elis gave everyone their respective jewels and daggers she didn’t really know what was going on, all she knew was that Artos looked injured and she needed to help him.

She tried sitting up and grabbed her harp as fast as she could, worry in her eyes for Artos’s health but her head hurt, and quite frankly she couldn’t do anything in her weakened state ‘A-artos’ Was the words that came out of her mouth ‘he’s hiding his injuries’ she gasped out as blood dripped onto the floor behind him.

Sergei looked over the merchant who sold that cursed idol to that poor family from earlier. The man was erratically sprawled out on the ground in front of his stand, clearly deceased by his eyes rolled up behind his sockets and the mass of foamy saliva sprouting out of the man's open mouth. The Inquisitor's gaze shifted from the place to place, noting the details of the merchant's death. People and other merchants huddled up away the Inquisitor, keeping their distance as they watch him observe the scene.

"...You said a spider had done this?" queried Sergei

"Oh, ah, yes M'Lord." the old woman said, uneasiness in her voice. "I-I never seen anything quite like it. I was simply walking by his stand and he just started yelling, rolling over the stand 'ere. Before I knew it, he collapsed dead as a door nail. I knew these streets were at times suspicious but I-"

"Enough...You! Do not touch that statue. Leave it where it is..." the Inquisitor hissed just as a street urchin backed away before they could fold their grasps on one of the idols while no one was looking. He could sense the idols were tainted and didn't want yet another demon incursion.

Her tone was very recognizable to the Inquisitor. Whenever something happens and he becomes involved people begin to worry, usually for the right reasons. Being an Inquisitor had not made him many friends outside of the order usually due to his cold tone of speaking, his stone-still frown, and the occasional declarations of heresy. It was that last part people get antsy about, especially since one little piece of evidence could point directly at them, where they were innocent or not. The natural effect were witnesses or suspects overstating their facts, mixing it in with their opinions. This simply made them more suspicious; Inquisitors basically suspected everyone of heresy, they just simply needed the ammunition to prove it and unlucky to most, they were rather resourceful.

He then eyed the curled up husk of a large spider disturbingly as large as his hand a few feet beside the man. The arachnid's purplish pigmentation and natural markings conveyed its identity of the rare kind and very poisonous of the species. Oddly however, this specific species was not native to this hot climate. Perhaps it was an escaped addition to a living collection of exotic animals? A possibility but Sergei wasn't much in buying coincidences; his target lies dead and unable to voice a confession any more, especially not with all that venom-filled foam. He could resurrected the man and cure his body of ailments but more than likely, he would eventually condemned to the stake; a waste of his holy abilities.

Aside from the tainted statues he would eventually be addressing, the entire scene reeked of foul play. This merchant must have been murdered in order to prevent the disclosure of any important information. Sergei may be old but was far from being a foolish coot and his Inquisitorial introductions has since created the mental mandate to investigate the suspicion of the dark forces, even if there was only a slight hint. Something big was at play here and he was sure he was about to step deeper into it.

Looking back to the dead arachnid, its size and coloration would have been made highly noticeable. It seemed someone had delivered the eight-legged killer in secret before they arrived to the son-to-be dead man and dealt the dirty deed. Examining the marketplace, it was tightly packed with enclosed spaces and people traveling in every direction. The true assassin had to have been closed but considering Zaphere's hot environment, almost half of everyone in the city would be wearing cloaks of some sort and some of the other merchants would have been carrying plenty of supplies, all of which could have been used to hide the spider. Of course there were other options to but sadly he was on the opposite side of the street when the murder occurred; he had no reliable leads to go by and only the witnessed who observed the man's death. It was hardly enough information to go buy which bugged the Inquisitor profusely.

It was not in Sergei's best interests but he had to leave this case postponed due to lack of supporting evidence, despite his own virtual breakdown of the incident. For the moment, he would have to leave the murder to the local patrol whom probably had already arrived but have done nothing in fear of interfering with his own investigation. Sergei turned to the closer of the town guards whom nearly jumped jut as soon as he found the Inquisitor's gaze had set upon him.

"Y-yes M'Lord...?" the soldier anxiously asked.

"A death or possible murder has taken place here. Begin your own investigation and gather the evidence..." the Inquisitor ordered.

Sergei then turned to the former merchant's cursed wares still left undisturbed and accounted fore. Muttering an incantation, he cased a spell over the idols, creating a smooth radiating barrier around them. With the seal in place, there was no hope for the evil residing withing the idol's form to transfer vessels. Granted, here was too much to carry by himself to the local monastery but he simply claimed one of the idols for his own investigation before returning back to the guard.

"I want you to collect this merchant's ware and deliver them to the monastery. The clergy will know what to do with them."

"At once M'Lord!" said the soldier, nearly jumping into a salute.

Sergei eventually made his way out of the dispersing crowd at the guards began their examination of the scene. With the sealed idol in hand, the inquisitor set off to perform his hunt, using the evil in the small statue as a compass. Zaphere was a big town with many residents living in it. But with the scent of corruption in the air, the Inquisitor was now devoted to his new witch hunt. If the city had to burn hotter than the sun it was under before he located his wretched quarry, than so be it.

Hugh felt their hands drop, as the situation changed with the bard being in trouble. He snatched up his hammer and walked over, not certain what to do. He wondered if he could use his paladin healing powers and looked at his hands for a moment. They were dirty, cracked, blistered, and calloused from the fight. Before he could try it out, the shaman came over and performed some odd healing spells that appeared to work, making his powers unneeded.

He lowered himself to one knee, next to Sana. Her skin was torn and she was covered in scratches. She was bleeding from her wrists and ankles, and the sight made him somber. He focused on the wounds and without thinking laid both his hands on her body. Both hands began to glow as he swept his healing powers over her body. He didn't hold her as strongly as he had just a little bit ago, guiding his hands gently across her body. The wounds began to disappear, as fresh pink skin took its place.

The blood was still dried on her body, reminding him of another moment they had shared. "There. It should be better." He said, as he brought a hand to her face and placed it on her cheek. He finally stood up as Ellis passed him the silver dagger, and eventually a blue jewel.

His reaction to Ellis's teasing was a simple grunt and rolling his eyes. He gave Ellis one of his 'seriously?' looks as Ellis walked about his business. But it didn't matter to him. The teasing would never matter again. The passion they both appeared to hold for each other was too strong to be held back by embarrassment, if there even was any feelings of embarrassment.

Hugh felt pride. She had claimed him and he had claimed her. This was the reason he had given up being a paladin. He chose happiness over power.

Sana sat there, running fingers through Ellyns hair gently as Delia tended to the songstress. Thankfully Delia had picked up on what Sana wanted and she smiled at the feral one. As Delia pointed to herself and repeated her name and then pointed towards Sana she knew what she was asking. “Sana,” she said as she pressed her palm to her own chest. “Sana,” she repeated as she held her hand firm for a moment before reaching out and patting Delia gently on the shoulder in thanks, a soft smile on her tired features.

Perking a brow she pulled her hand away and took a look at her wrist, then the other. She was still bleeding and she could feel that her cheek was in no better condition as she felt blood still trickling from the gash that had widened since initial contact. Kissing, embraces, yelling had all worked together to irritate the wound. The blood had formed a thick path from the wound across her cheek, over her jawline, down her neck and was spreading over part of her chest, being lost under the leather top which she wore. She knew she would need it tended to soon enough, before infection set in. Her greatest worry was her eye sight. If the cut was not healed or clean, with it being so close to her eye, she could lose sight in that eye. For a marksman that was the kiss of death.

Shaking the thought away she lowered her wrist and went back to attending to Ellyn, nodding to Artos as he said he would carry her. “Very well,” she said sitting there. Soreness starting to set in as she rested on the cold floor. At Ellis’ tease she just laughed. “I can walk,” she said shaking her head, trying not to smile. “But I might fake it,” she whispered as she took the book to hold for Ellyn and both the daggers. Sliding one into her unused sheath at her side she made a mental note to find her own personal one soon as she could go through the rest of the gear that was left. Looking back over towards Artos she shook her head.

“No, but probably not the same way we came in, so we can cross that option out. Whatever the way out is, we need to move. That Lich gave up way too easy for my taste. Something is not sitting right,” she said thinking back to the feeling she would get in the pit of her stomach when something was off. Gypsy were raised to not only give deceit and trick people but to know when someone was trying to pull the wool over their own eyes. Sana had that feeling tugging at her insides; she didn’t like it one bit.

Looking back towards Ellis as he handed her a piece of jewelry she tilted her head to the side slightly. A crimson gem rested in an intricately silver woven arm cuff. Taking it she nodded and slid it up her right bicep, making sure it was snug in place. Moving her arm around slightly to ensure it would not compromise her movement nor impede her ability with a bow, she made a slight adjustment until she was satisfied. “Thanks,” she before resting her hand down to support herself as she leaned back slightly, her other hand still running through Ellyns hair. “Come on, wake up.”

Sana let out a sigh of relief as Ellyn slowly came to and sat up; rolling her eyes slightly as she tried to help Artos. “Ever the savior,” she teased as she rested her hand on Ellyns shoulder and watched her mouthed words. “Yeah, but he can stand and speak, which is more than I can say for you,” she stated flatly before handing over the dagger, the book and the gemmed jewelry. “These are for you, Ellis found them, might come in handy.” Taking a deep breath Sana sat there, looking at the rag tag band of troops that had formed. They had started with some, now had more; would more join along the way? Would one of them betray the others? They had fought together but it was for a common goal, far beyond just rescuing her; to free themselves. Now what would happen to them, would they carry on or would something else occur? Sana had always been distrusting, she knew better. Her people had taught her long ago a smile could sheath a hidden blade waiting to strike.

Sana felt hands on her body and turned to see Hugh next to her, feeling a warmth consume her. Not passion but caring as his hand began to glow her eyes widened; watching her wounds slowly close and feeling the bleeding cease. She let out a gentle sigh as his hand came to her cheek. Turning her head slightly she kissed his palm lightly as she took his hand in her own. “Thank you,” she whispered kindly before rising from her place. She still needed a clean-up but that would have to wait. Looking around she found her bag and slung it over her back before taking her bow and drawing an arrow from its quiver. Peeking down the hall and seeing the devastation she perked a brow before looking back at the group. “Damn…Nice carnage,” she said proudly to them.

‘But, but… Artos is more important’ Ellyn smiled softly at Sana as she said this before the marksman placed stuff in her hands, these things were very important for bard-like folk like her, a silver dagger, a song book and one of the most beautifulest circlets she has ever seen ‘oh wow...’ Ellyn smiled to herself as she kept examining it. It was simple yet the magenta jewel which decorated the centre intrigued her, placing it on her forehead softly she giggled. Noting how comfortable it felt despite it being silver.

Ellyn tried to get up slowly once more, despite the pain in her head (which was almost gone) she felt she could walk (even though she actually couldn’t) and then looked at her dagger as she struggled to find a place to put it. She admired this in beauty as she did so but was embarrassed that she couldn’t find a place to ‘sheathe’ it, as the others called it. Eyeing on Artos and Sana for suggestions as she looked through the new songbook.

This songbook looked very interesting, shocked that it had a very, VERY dangerous but useful song which was named ‘Bane of the Tenar'ri’ she gulped, could she really pull off a song like that?? it went up quite a few octives and it almost seemed opra-like ‘this is such a weird song...’ she thought to herself, Ellyn has actually heard of this song a long time ago while she was getting bullied. The most common sentence that was associated with it was ‘it may make others go insane’ but she knows that is just a rumor.

Looking to Artos she chuckled, hoping he wouldn't look as worried about her anymore, ‘I am still confused why he would worry about me...’ She thought in her head, not noticing she mimed this thought with her very own lips.