After giving Catarina the speed she needed to keep up with the others, Malkai and Falchion quickly left the catacombs. Malkai himself chose to take on the form of a Falchion himself, albeit smaller than his partner, and the two flew out of the ruined temple as soon as Vivian got the door open. They were the first to get out and see their mounts make a hasty retreat, even the boar. Once the other two girls finally managed to get out of the temple, the building collapsed and sent a shockwave of sand and dust all around, burying itself once more.

Malkai flew down towards the two girls before changing back to his human form, just in time for Falchion to land on his head. Catarina was quick to start pointing out their troubles, to which Malkai only sneered. [color=00a651]”You are a very frightened woman. It’s a wonder that you’ve managed to survive this long without a panic attack. As you may have figured out, I am a druid. I know of a species of elephant native to desert regions that I can transform into. I can carry you both for as long as I can, though I cannot remain in that form all day. As for food and water, I can create water and I know much of nature, enough that with time I can forage some vegetation while we travel. Just don’t expect meat on the menu.”[/color] Of course getting a ride from the dragon would be best, but that’s assuming he’s still around. And Malkai wasn’t going to hold out on the hopes of a dragon just swooping in and saving them.

First thing Malkai did however was salvage what he could from their campsite. Given that he didn’t have anything himself, Malkai had plenty of room on his body to collect more loot. He was certain that he could sell the orc’s greatsword and the dwarf’s hammer for a pretty pay, possibly even more than what he’d get for finding the Chalice. Of course, there was the chalice too. Malkai cared very little about the ghost who allowed them to take the thing. Regardless of its approval or now Malkai intended to take the Chalice and leave. It wasn’t as if there was any other options that didn’t result in their deaths. Still, the Chalice of Silence was indeed a powerful object. An anti-magic field was the bane of all and any spellcasters, and even though Malkai relied on magic himself, he could take on even the likes of an archmage if he had that chalice. But Malkai didn’t intend to pick fights against wizards, so he was more concerned about getting this chalice to the city in one piece, and getting his pay.

After looting what he could he returned to the girls and pointed his hand in the general direction of where the city was. He a pretty good sense of direction, and while they may have to wander a bit, Malkai was confident he could lead them back to the city. [color=00a651]”If we are done complaining and aren’t waiting for a miracle, we should leave soon. I’m more concerned about banditry than nature.”[/color]

[hr]

Finally arriving to the city of Saphire, Veridis stretched his arms out and gave his prayer of thanks to Shelyn. He had taken a long boat ride to this gem in the sands, and it wasn’t the most pleasant experience. The boat was very crowded and they got attacked by pirates. Fortunately the ship was able to elude the pirates until the navy scared off the brigands. Thus finally being on dry land made Veridis happier than a dog with a steak.

But he didn't travel to Saphire to sightsee. Herr he would find adventure, friendship, and perhaps even love. A romanticized view, sure, but a man can dream. The best place to find a quest would be the taverns of course. Perhaps a peasant who would beg Veridis to save his village from raiders. Or perhaps a quest to delve into a dark dungeon and retrieve a sacred artifact. Anything was possible, though first Veridis needed to get to a tavern first.

Veridis then learned that the city of Saphire was very busy, and very crowded. He quickly found himself stuck in a mob of travelers, workers, and merchants trying to get somewhere. Veridis managed to escape the wave of bodies by ducking into an alley, bland much to his fortune he noticed signs leading to a tavern just on the other end of the alley. Veridis made his way over before he found more trouble. Or rather, trouble found him.

Stepping in front of Veridis were five young men, brandishing clubs and daggers. Behind him six more men arrived, one whom must have been part orc for he was massive, carrying a large scimitar in his hands instead of vicious dagger or sturdy club. They made their demands simple: Veridis would give them everything, or they would kill him. 

Veridis was no coward. When those pirates came he was one of the few passages who took to the deck and got ready for a fight, rallying alongside the other sailors and traveling warriors. But Veridis was no fool either. He was surrounded and outnumbered. He could take out two, maybe three of these men, but he would be overwhelmed regardless. He needed to use his words and wits to disuse this situation before it got worse.

That’s when someone else joined Veridis’s welcoming party. A woman of northern origins, given her fair skin and armor designed. A traveler much like Veridis, who didn’t appreciate the thieves accosting him. This gave Veridis a good opening to try and scare a few of these thugs off. [color=7ea7d8]”She is no mere beauty, gentlemen. She is a northern warrior, who has faced off against worse things than just brigands. Bears, ogres, dragons, and more. I have no doubt in my mind that if she could take that kind of monster with ease, people like you and me don’t stand a chance.”[/color] Veridis spoke confidently despite making a bluff. He didn’t know a thing about northern people, if this woman was really one. He wasn’t even sure if she was actually a warrior or not, though he did assume she was due to her armor and massive hammer.

[color=7ea7d8]”And just look at her equipment. Northern steel has always been forged to survive the clashing of steel, shattering weaker blades upon impact. Her hammer too is a weapon of mass destruction, capable of shattering glaciers that dare stand before her. Gentlemen, I can assure you, once she starts swinging your bodies will be glass to that hammer. But I am certain that this mighty warrior can show mercy, and I will hold no ill-will towards you if you simply leave in peace.”[/color] Veridis’s words slipped from his mouth like a fine wine, tasteful yet secretly intoxicating. Of course while he did let his words do most of the action, he subtly let his hand slide towards the handle of his rapier. If things still resulted in a fight, Veridis would not be caught off guard.