[IC] Flames of War ( Rystelle x Ragnarok)

[Ragnarok]

The flames of war burned around the towering giant of the battlefield. Ragnarok easily stood three heads above the elven army before him. His army swathed around him like a torrent of death and blood. The screams of the innocent rang out in the night as a canopy of sound that was almost like music if paired with the clashing of blades and the rain of blood. His eyes glowed as if they were forged from the fires of hell, his face a mess of scars that crisscrossed and cut jagged lines in his expression which for the most part was complacent even in the heart of the battle. A single arrow was loosed at his head which he batted aside and watched as his minions tore the archer apart from the limbs. His own scream adding to the music. His voice rang out above the battle. " ARMY! FULL MARCH!" His command a guttural cry that was tipped with anger. Every demon under his command new that instantly the battle was over and they continued their pattern of destruction into the elven city slaughtering every civilian who was unlucky enough to stay behind

As the night sky lit up with the city torn asunder Ragnarok took his leave from the battle, his pitch black helm tucked under his arm as he walked over the corpses of friend and foe as if they were a rug. Each step was met with a healthy crack of bones and a not so gentle spray of blood and other bodily fluids. The war tent overlooked the city and it was dyed crimson red to signify their victory over this land. The demon parted the tent flaps and made his way into the covering that smelled faintly of sulfur and ashes. " Ahhh Ragnarok. Such a fitting captain for such a fitting victory. Not a single soul lives of the elven swine." The voice cut through the air like a knife on a glass plate, or a blade being run across limestone. " Lucifer. It is not a pleasure to see you in my chair, looking over my victories for your master. Out with your message and be on your way."
Ragnarok laid his massive claymore, forged from blackened steel, on the table between then to illustrate his point. Of course the vile little man shrunk back even further and seemingly melted off the chair as Ragna took his spot. " Belial asks for your personal assistance in acquiring a certain target for him. He will reward you handsomly. 100 times the spoils of this battle if you bring a certain half breed to him."

"Half-breed?" Ragna raised his eyebrow at that. " What would our illustrious king want with a half-breed?" Lucifer let out a sneer and laughed. " It is not your job to question. Only accept or den..." Ragna hit the little demon, sending him flying across the tent in a spray of blood. " You do not tell me my place, Slave, Tell your master I accept. Give me the name of the defiled and it will be done." Lucifer stood up shakily from the hit, using the table as a crutch. " Her name is Lydianna. That is all. Also don't involve your armies in this. It must be subtle. Think of it as a chall..." His obnoxious voice was cut off as he moved through the portal back to the kings castle.

Ragna's most trusted adviser moved from the shadows. Another small demon whose proficiency with daggers and poisons left nothing questioned. " Will your truly go on this quest on your own? You aren't exactly the most hidden of fellows." His voice was almost as hidden as he was in the darkness, nothing more then a whisper. Without answering Ragna donned his helm and sheathed his blade before walking out of the tent." I give acting command of my armies over to you. Stay here and hold this city till I return. Do with it as you see fit and do with my army as you will with your experiments. I leave now." He turned and started leaving the battlefield, but one of many that he has left unburdened by what he has done. His black armor clinking with every step as he ran through the ideas of where to start. One place came to mind. "Termina"

[Rystelle]

On the outskirts of Termina was a field used by city guards for drill and practice. It was open to the public on certain days, however, and it was there that one young woman in particular often spent her spare time. She was there now, alone on the archery range practicing with her bow. She stood at a rather average height, slightly shorter than an elf, but not as short as some of the human females. Besides the height difference Lydianna's elf blood showed prominently. Her eyes were a bright shade of apple green not found in humans, her long hair tied back in a ponytail to keep it out of her face was pure white, her ears tapered into a point, and despite the look of hardened concentration on her face she was beautiful--though far be it from anyone to tell her so for she scorned being doted upon merely for her looks. Rather Lydianna preferred to be appreciated for her sharp eye, her quick draw, her steady hand in the midst of battle.

Less a city guard and more of a sword for hire Lydianna often helped to chase away bandits and other ne'er-do-wells who sought trouble with Termina or other peaceful towns--what few there were. Although being a sword for hire, the need or want of money was less of a driving factor for Lydianna than was simply ridding the world of the more depraved and ruthless men terrorizing it. That being said she traveled where she pleased and tended to answer to her own consciousness and moral compass more than the orders of others. She traveled alone of her own volition--a dangerous thing to do even for professional soldiers--yet managed to survive, if not thrive, in the war-torn world in which she lived. While she traveled wherever she felt she was needed, Lydianna often returned to Termina. Here it was easy to get her needed supplies and information, or simply to take a break and recuperate for a bit. For now she was in Termina because she had been turned away from her own kind when she had offered to help them fight off the horde of demons that they were at war with. Perhaps hers was only a single set of hands, but they were still a set more that could have helped. And what did her people the elves do? Turn her away because she was a cross-breed. The elves were a proud race and did not easily take to outsiders. To them her human blood made her lesser to them, not even useful enough to serve as fodder in their front lines. Frustrated, Lydianna had returned to Termina. That had been a few weeks ago now, yet her anger at the stupidity of the elves had hardly ebbed.

"Let them die if they so wish," Lydianna muttered angrily to herself as she pulled back her bow then released an arrow. It flew straight and true, hitting the practice dummy in the heart like she had known it would. Dozens of other arrows were already embedded into the dummy in several vital areas: the heart, neck, eyes, and general head area. "Foolish bastards. The whole lot of them." Lydianna made to retrieve her arrows having just spent her last one. As she gathered them she muttered angrily to herself while trying to also force herself to see reason. Even if the elves didn't need her, there were others elsewhere who would have need of her skills. Feeling slightly calmer from having released some of her pent-up anger, Lydianna made the trek back to Termina.

Once inside the city she navigated her way through the maze of streets and alleys to the inn on one of the poorer sides of town where she was staying. It was dirty with only a straw mattress laid on the floor and a cracked bowl used to hold water to wash with, but it was cheap and gave her what she needed: a place to sleep. Nodding to the innkeeper, a ragged looking man with a thin frame and scraggly beard, Lydianna retrieved her room key and tromped up the steps to the second floor where her room was located. Alone in her room, she set aside her bow and quiver and sword and knife before pulling off her leather boots and belt and flopping onto the dirty mattress with the intent of taking a quick nap before finding something decent to eat. After she would sleuth around to find out if there were any trouble makers in the area that she might be able to eliminate. Closing her almost luminescent green eyes, Lydianna waited for sleep to come.

[Ragnarok]

Ragna has never been one for getting inpatient however with the shear number of bandits he encountered on the trip to the 'great city' of Termina was preposterous. He figured his blade tasted the blood of over two hundred poor souls on his short journey though the elven lands. Luckily for him though a single demon doesn't garner the attention of the Elf kings army. He reflected on that as he leaned against a great oak tree cleaning his claymore for the hundredth time. With a slight smile of success he sheathed the mammoth weapon and resumed his journey. The bodies of the five bandits left to rot in the afternoon sun after being torn asunder by their own greed and folly. " It is strange. For bandits to be so close to the city of Termina. Normally they do a better job cleaning up the lessers." He spoke to the darkness, or more specifically a hell hound of his own. A precious ally that has saved him from a few binds. it's skin was midnight black with cracks of red running along it's entire body almost like cooling magma. It glanced up at it's master and let out a low whine of agreement before contently returning to the severed arm in it's maw.

As the gates of Termina loomed just over the next crest, Ragna was flanked by a good fifty of the cities guard. The senior most one. A striking fellow that seemed to be as big as Ragnarok stepped forward with his axe un-slung and in hand. "We don't get too many demons around here. And not so soon after what your kind did to that poor city. What brings you here, Hellspawn." His voice was thick with disgust and it almost was like he spit every word as an insult. Ragnarok merely smiled and removed his helm. " I ask for forgiveness for what my less...sociable brethren have done to the lands of the elves recently. However I held no sway in that as I have been on a mission to retrieve ores for my fathers smithy from the dwarves in this fine city. I hope that is ok?" His lie came forth as easily as the truth did anymore, perhaps even easier. The guardsmen looked the big fellow up and down before asking him to hand over his blade and armor, stating both could be picked up from the west gate when he was leaving. Ragna complied without issue, stripping down to a pair of black slacks and matching shirt that hung loosely over his body hiding the scars. A lengthy steel chain was wrapped around the demon generals left arm. " I wish to inform you that my hound is out here feasting on the carcass of a bandit that tried to rob me of my purse. I hope that is acceptable?" A few guards visibly blanched but the lead one merely nodded and parted letting Ragna continue his quest.

As Ragnarok passed through the gates he looked up at the craftsmanship of the walls. 'surely these could weather any attack from any race. A true masterpiece of engineering in this troubled time.' He thought solemnly before the city burning to the ground, the same gates that are meant to protect the people locking them in for their fiery death within. He could almost taste the melting flesh off of some of the elves. They had the best taste. Though dwarves were a little bit more meaty and could actually fill him. He chuckled at that and watched as a few people shot him glares as if he was going to do something to them. He walked aimlessly through the city. His feet scuffing the stone beneath him and his chain clanking gently with every step. After the sun had gone down and the cities more vile facade took to the streets Ragna stopped in front of a bar called the 'Demons rest' Amusing name considering it looked like a burned out building with boarded up windows and locks on the inside and outside in case the brawling got too intense.

He walked up to the door and pushed it in having to slouch and turn to fit in the doorway meant for humans. His scarred skin was enough to turn a few eyes, though his human skin hue added to that affect. Along with his demonic gaze he looked every bit human as he did demon. A striking combination considering the possibilities. He looked around the dimly lit establishment and say a few notable faces as well as two or three harlots looking for late night coin from drunkards. Sitting in the darkened corner of the bar he waited till the wench, A small human girl that was filling out nicely mind you, brought him a mug of ale. He dropped two coins on the table which she snatched up quicker then a hell hound to a fresh kill. The girls eyes lit up when she saw that coins were gold. " Keep my meeting secret and keep my thirst quenched and the excess is yours wench. Now off with you." He waved her off and she happily obliged with a slight spring in her step.

As if on queue a voice spoke from the seat across from him. " General. If you act nice to the humans, you might give us demons a good name." It led off with a chuckle as Ragnarok turned and faced an ugly demon whose face was twisted beyond recognition. Three eyes stared at the mighty demon, each taking a turn to blink. It's mouth moved in oblong paternes as parts of it were fused together. It's flesh was milky colour and it bubbled in places as if it were water. Ragnarok took a moment to reflect how lucky he was to not inherit his fathers more... demonic attributes besides his size. " I take it you garnered the information I require?" A nod and a pause before the little demon spoke. " There are three lydianna's in this city that are half-breeds, eight lydia's that are half-breeds, and two establishments that would be able to relieve any pressure you are feeling away from your...ah...concubine." Ragna looked over the demons features before letting out a loud laugh that shook the table. " Very good." He dropped a few more coins on the table which was snatched away yet again with the same eagerness. " Coin is the medium between all races. The poor snatch it up and the rich dole it out." Ragna's lips parted as he downed the piss poor ale in one solid gulp, setting the glass down with care as to not break it. " Where are they located."

"Well the one I think you are looking for....She....has a record of dealing with the cities miscreants. So I would...ah...humbly suggest causing some trouble in the poorer districts if you wish to draw her out." Ragna looked amazed for a second before replacing it with a glare of disinterest . " How deep does your web weave, ugly little demon spawn?" The creature before him broke out into a pointed toothed grin Or at least as well as it could mangage with three places of it's mouth being melted together. " It is as you said. The poor snatch up coin. Even the medium class snatch it up. The city watch is easy." With one last grimace Ragna got up and left the establishment, not even bothering to see where the info brooker disappeared to. He stepped out into the night air and started moving towards his goal once more.

[Rystelle]

Dusk fell and instantly Lydianna was wide awake. Rolling out of bed she changed the clothes she was wearing for something cleaner--a pair of black pants with loose legs, a dark red shirt with long half-sleeves that covered the underside of her arm but left open the forearm, and an earth brown traveling cloak. She pulled on her knee-high leather boots again, her belt, and set her weapons in their proper places. Out the room she went, making sure to lock it. She didn't have many possessions but what she currently carried and a few changes of clothes, but she didn't want it getting stolen. Returning the key to the inn keeper she told him, "I'll be back tonight," before sweeping out the door and into the night air which was already beginning to cool.

Lydianna made her way through the city hood up, head down, eyes open. She wasn't looking for trouble--not right now, anyway--but she didn't want to attract attention either. She walked leisurely as did civilians and was in no rush to find where she was going. Eventually she came to a tavern that she remembered served decent food, a place called the Lucky Maiden. She entered and found an empty table to sit at. Putting aside her weaponry she beckoned a tavern maid over and ordered a bowl of stew and some non-alcoholic cider. They came soon enough and Lydianna gave the girl her coin. The maid disappeared and Lydianna was left to eat in peace. As she consumed her meal she kept her ears open to hear the conversations buzzing around her.

"Did you hear about the elves?" One man asked another. "They say the demons rolled right over a large fraction of the elf king's army." Lydianna scoffed to herself. So the elves were failing. It came as no surprise given the fact that they had no allies to help due to their own choice. Tuning out of that conversation and into another one she heard, "--Trouble in the East. Supposedly there's a group of bandits stealing from farmers." Mentally Lydianna made a mental note to check out that bit of information. She had just finished her meal and cider and had stood up to go talk to the old man who had been talking about bandits when something happened.

The door of the Lucky Maiden burst open and there stood a young boy sweating hard and out of breath. The patrons of the Lucky Maiden ushered the boy in quickly and gave him some cider which he quickly downed. When the boy had caught his breath he managed to gasp out, "T-trouble. In the southern district around the poor houses. B-big demon." Lydianna didn't need to hear any more. She snatched up her weapons and was sprinting through the door and down the road even as she put them on. Some of the patrons of the Lucky Maiden simply watched her go, or else turned back to their food and games not seeking any trouble, but others flooded out and made their way to the southern district of Termina to see the cause of the threat and possibly do what they may to help.

Reaching the end of the street Lydianna vaulted onto a stack of barrels outside a barrel maker's and jumped onto the roof of the shop. She ran across the rooftops, leaping from one building to another, climbing higher and lower at certain times, jumping over voids both small and large. Finally she reached the southern district where the poor houses were located. The area was a mess. Building were damaged, carts overturned, a few bodies littered the street. Following the path of destruction while still on the rooftops Lydianna drew her bow. Finally she spotted the cause of the trouble--a large demon with surprisingly light skin. The city guard had yet to arrive and the people below were panicking, trampling over each other as they tried to get away from the rampaging demon.

He had his back to her and seemed to be concentrating on the people below. Taking this as her chance Lydianna raised her bow and aimed for his back. Calling out to draw the demon's attention away from the civilians so they could have time to escape she shouted, "Hey, there, you great flaming ass! Why don't you pick on someone who can actually fight you!?" Quickly Lydianna leased the arrow and let it fly toward the demon. She wasted no time in drawing, knocking, and loosing another bow with almost lightning speed. She wasn't as fast as a pure elf, but she was far faster than a human.

[Ragnarok]

If there was one thing Ragna could say he was good at. It was causing chaos. The poor people around him scattered like fly's away from a swatter. The swath of bodies that tried to defend their homes surrounded the demon warrior. However each and everyone still breathed. He made sure not to do to much damage so at most he would have to pay a fine and swear to not do it again. Then the old wooden cabbage cart rolled into him knocking him over and rolling over his body before flipping and spilling it's contents down the path. Those not running away from the demon came like a horde of rats picking up as many heads they could before scurrying out of the way. The spectacle amused Ragna more then the combat. Not that fighting poor people was much entertainment. Yet still he pushed on taking note of the lack of city guards in this district to stop fights and the such.

Still no sign of any half-elf that wanted to stop the chaos, Ragna started even more. Every cart he passed he flipped over, sometimes throwing them into buildings. Screams started to echo as one of the homes caught fire. "Oh? A poor fellow dropped an oil lamp. Deary they really should be careful with those things." He smiled before continuing forward on his path of destruction humming a happy tune from his childhood. Soon several ragged people with blunt knives and one with a cleaver confronted him. " Stop this at once, demon, This is a place for all races to gather and be happy. Why must you seek to destroy it and the lives of those in it?" Ragna paused for a second and thought crossed over his features. " I merely seek a guardian to your poor folk, I have not killed anyone, nor have I permanently destroyed anyone's homes. If I wanted to. The entire city would be up in flames. So leave me to my chaos and I promise to forget your little folly of confronting me." He waved them off and everyone besides the one who talked quickly left. 'Cleaver fellow' paled as Ragna walked up to him. Easily towering a good two feet over the poor human he smiled a toothy grin at the human. " It's been a while since I've tasted human flesh. you mind if I taste yours? That or you can leave."

Taking the demons advice, the human quickly skirted away like the rest of them. As he started to move forward Ragna heard the girls voice and then the subtle twang of an arrow being loosed.He dropped the current person he was holding by the neck to the ground, watching the man crumple against the stone street before rolling out of the first arrows path only to be hit in the shoulder by the second one. Cursing he dove behind a wall, his hand wrapping around the shaft of the arrow before ripping it out of his shoulder. Dark blue blood ran down his arm. Coating the chain making it slippery He carefully peeked his head from his very meager cover. " I take offense to that. I'm not those beasts from the southern molten lands. My ass is quite cool to be perfectly honest. Now that you are here. I haven't killed any humans yet. And I would like to not destroy my only vacation spot. So put your bow down. I will walk out. And we can chat, Half-breed." Wincing slightly at the arrow wound he walked around the corner with his hands behind his back. " I assume you are Lydia?"

[Rystelle]

Lydianna scoffed at his words. Him calling her a half-breed? It was obvious from the coloration of his skin and his relatively normal facial features that he was no pure-blood himself. It was true that he had not killed anyone as those bodies she had seen had merely been people huddling in corners and doors to escape his notice, or else had only been knocked out. But regardless of the demon's words she did not lower her bow. She knew the city guard wouldn't bother coming to defend this area. The people here had no means to pay them for protection and therefore generally had to protect themselves. But none of them were experienced fighters who could take on the demon before them. That was why Lydianna was there.

Hearing the demon say her name--or at least a shortened version of it--she grew wary. Sure, there were plenty of other Lydiannas and Lydias in the city for it wasn't that uncommon a name. But how many of them would run right into danger to protect others? If he knew her name and that she would respond to the trouble he caused, that meant he had actively been searching for her. Why, she knew not.

Lydianna lowered her bow but still held the arrow in place. Studying the demon for a while with narrow eyes, she tried to discern his movements to tell if he may have any tricks up his sleeve. "Stay where you are," she demanded. "We can talk right here. State your business, demon, and then begone for my patience with you is already running thin."

[Ragnarok]

Ragna put on an amused smile as he sat down in the middle of the street. " Oh how illustrious of you to hear my humble request." He winced slightly at the wound on his shoulder and the hole in his shirt. " You know. This was my favorite shirt. It is a shame now that it has a hole in it." He shook his head and turned his attention back toward the half-elf before him. " Ah so you are the Lydianna I am searching for. I have a few questions for you then a request of course." He shifted slightly before continuing. "Lydianna, Is Lydia fine? No...that isn't my question. Ah. Damnit..." He closed his ruby eyes and rubbed his temples. " I forgot my questions. Anyway."

He stood up once more with the chain around his left arm uncoiling to the ground like a snake ready to strike. " In order of the demon kings personal request, and his purse, I humbly ask that you accompany me to his throne so that he may talk with you. You have my word that you shall not be harmed on the journey if you accept my aid. However if you deny me..." His voice was cut off by warning bells sounding along the walls of the great city. Instantly the walls seemed to flood with soldiers holding bows yet he could not hear what was being said. What you could hear though was an army outside of the city, More so running without order rather then marching. " The flood of demon soldiers comes here?" He cursed to himself before looking at the girl.

"Lydianna, An army of demons are marching upon this city. You probably know from experience what the demonic armies do to the cities they capture, and what they will do to this one if they get through. In fact they don't have to get through. Rather they will use this as a...God damn it!" he let out a string of curses, yelling about a demon named Abaddon. As if on cue five hell hounds came bounding down the street towards him. " So Lydia, about my request. Would you please accompany me to the demon kings abode as well as draw away this demon menace from this city?" He favored her with a smile before whipping the chain out at the first hell hound to jump at him, the serrated edges tearing into the black matted flesh of the beast. With another practiced pull the beast was torn apart in a shower of blood and limbs and the chain was wrapping around the next one before it could bite at him.His free hand was around the throat of the third dog and the last two started to whimper and back up. Because I have a feeling that this threat is here for you. Just as I am. Though I suppose you don't have to listen to..." he started to talk to himself as two more corpses were dropped around his feet, and he held out his hand in mock compliance. " Join me?"

[Rystelle]

Raising her bow again Lydia quickly loosed a volley of arrows that tore straight through the head and necks of the remaining two hell hounds. They fell where they had stood, retreating away from the demon who had so easily slain their brethren. She had not killed the hounds to help the demon, however. She had merely been worried that they might attack her or innocent civilians. Still Lydia sighed heavily. She had no choice, she realized. And one single threat was a better odd than many. She didn't have the power or skills to take on a small army even if it was a disorganized one. Why where demons looking for her anyway? And which ones? Lydia hadn't crossed paths with any demons recently, and she managed to abstain from garnering enemies. Yet here she was with demons hot on her tail. If her leaving the city would lead the demons away, then so be it. Although Lydianna had no wish to die her life was just one singularity. It was better to protect the many.

"Fine," she spat angrily. She hated being cornered like this. "I will follow you to your lord, but you must keep your promise that no harm will come to me." She noticed that he had not guaranteed her a safe return, but she did not press the matter. Time was running out. She could hear the first wave of demons crashing against the outer wall. Quickly Lydia hung her bow on her back. Then she walked to the edge of the roof she was standing on and dropped down since the building was relatively low to the ground and was thus a rather small drop. Walking up to the demon she drew her broadsword, using one hand to wield it. She did not raise her sword against him but had instead drawn it in case she needed to fight against other demons.

Not many people would confidently walk up to a threatening demon and stare him in the eyes. But Lydia had no such qualms and she walked past the carcasses of the hell hounds and stopped right in front of the demon sent to retrieve her. She looked directly into his eyes even though she had to crane her neck to do so. Her luminescent green eyes met his fiery ones and she stated without fear, "Know that I do not trust you and if you give me reason to kill you I will. But for now there's no choice but to work together. Let's get out of here and see your master. I have questions of my own I wish to hear the answers to." So saying, she put her free hand in the demon's outstretched one.

[Ragnarok]

The faintest of smiles played on Ragnarok's lips as she took down the two remaining hell hounds with ease thinking how useful she could be to him. But that was another time in the future not set for now. Shaking the thoughts off he watched as she meandered her way off the roof and over to him, walking forth with confidence and not a trace of fear. Soon she got close enough and the shing of her sword coming out of the sheath become audible and for half a second Ragna thought she meant to gut him but that idea was quickly placated when she simply just stared up into his eyes with unblinking emeralds.

"Do not trust me? My I am offended by your course of words. But fear not." He let out a exasperated sigh. " I shan't give you a reason to guy me. However you call that old man my master one more time, and I will be the one doing the gutting. He pays me as I am not a full demon. More of a....whelp among whelps. The only reason I am here is for the money. Else I would be sitting in my own land without issue." Ragnarok could say he wasn't used to touching others with flesh. He was more used to being touched by their blood when it sprayed from their dying bodies. So when she took his hand he was more then questioning the young half-elf's brashness. " I...wasn't...actually..." He stammered out, flustered. Ragna mentally reeled back wondering why he was so taken aback at the girls actions, or more importantly, why he was embarrassed.

None the less, He simply let her hand slip out of his and started moving towards the west gate. " First and foremost, I need my armor and weapon if we want to get safely to Belial. Soo what is the quickest way to the west gate?" He asked her in a calm tone, his left thumb rolling over the chain links of his deadly weapon as if it were nothing more then a piece of metal. It dragged behind him as he moved down the street that was starting to fill up with civilians in wonderment at the dead hounds before them and at the burning scene behind Ragnarok. The screams of the innocent echoed out already with the moon sitting up high as if watching the spectacle with front row seats. Soon the scent of burning bodies reached and flooded Ragnarok's senses and he knew it was going to be a close one on escaping from Abaddon. " They are moving faster then I thought they would."

[Rystelle]

Lydianna made a note not to call his employer 'master' again unless he seriously began to irk her. Still she smirked at the demon's discomfort, having purposefully put her hand in his just to see him squirm, and felt only a further satisfaction, rather than frustration, when he simply let her hand drop. That, she thought to herself, is for being such a nuisance. As much as Lydia would have liked to continue to poke fun at the demon, time was running out fast. They had to move immediately. She followed after the demon who was already heading to the western gate to retrieve his possessions. It temporarily made her think of her own belongings tucked away at the inn she was rooming at, but since it was just clothing she pushed it out of her mind and concentrated on the shortest route to the western gate.

"This way," Lydia commanded, turning down a small road that fed out to Merchant's Square on Termina Way. Termina Way was the main road in Termina and it ran through the city in the shape of a cross, each end coming out at a northern, southern, eastern, or western gate, with the middle in the center of the city where Termina square was located. As the two ran together they garnered stares of interest and confusion even as people were fleeing into their homes in a feeble attempt to protect themselves from the oncoming horde of demons. Dodging around carts and merchant stalls as they popped out onto Merchant's Square they flew around the corner and found themselves on the road they needed that led to the western gate.

"Just a little further!" She declared, suddenly pivoting around a merchant who was taking a little too long to find shelter. A few moments more and the western gate appeared before them. Lydia let out a groan. In an attempt to barricade the city at least a dozen guards were hard at work turning the enormous levers that would drop the metal door into its place in the gate entrance. If they weren't quick they would be stuck in the city. "Hurry up or we're screwed!" Not waiting for a reply Lydia put on a burst of speed and rushed the gate. Several guards ran out to stop her but she slipped past them, bending back and allowing herself to slide underneath the gate and into the world outside. She turned to see if the demon had made it out.

[Ragnarok]

Ragnarok followed the lead of the girl in front of him as she started down a small road that seemed to branch out into a market area. As he followed behind he took note of the obfuscated citizens that stopped to stare at the pair as they made their way through the crowded road. He watched her as she gracefully maneuvered around every cart and stall that happened to be in the way. Instead of following her lead he merely knocked them down or out of the way respectively. "Damn merchants." He grumbled to himself before picking a merchant up by the collar and tossing him aside.

Ahead of them guards worked hard at the gates to close the massive metal door in an attempt to staunch the demonic threat. In an instant Lydianna was out of the gate and turned around. However not being as agile as her Ragnarok was left with brawling with the armored and armed guards to get through. Cursing he dodged the first guards weapon and put him down with a punch to the chest. " Where is my weapon!?" The demon's rage vibrated around him as the guard from his entry blocked his path with the claymore, sheathed, and on the ground by the gate. His cleaver was in hand and he flipped it skillfully. The blade swung in wide, heavy, circles with the firelight glinting off of it.
"Get out of my city, Demon, I know not whether you brought this threat, but if you are running with this girl. Leave." Ragnarok did not need to be told twice and as much as he hated to run from a fight his mission was first and foremost. So he made a quick dash forward since the guards did not let up on the lowering of the gate Ragnarok dove between the crack of the door, his hand grasping the hilt of his massive blade, his massive body just making it through without getting crushed or impaled by the gates spikes.

Silently he stood up and dusted himself off mentally cursing the loss of his armor. " I am getting real sick of diving around." He muttered more to himself then his new traveling companion. The sky over the city was painted red with flame. The night was filled with screams and battle. In front of them was the darkness of the forest. A gaping maw waiting to swallow them whole till the return of the light which wasn't far off. " Also did you forget I am a warrior and not used to these sudden exercises in agility." He panted out as he was leaning against his blade. His free hand traced the runes that were carved into the sheath. 'Let the darkness consume you only when you tire of the light'

" Let us be off I suppose." He managed when he caught his breath. "Time is of the essance and all that. More so now that I think my father just tried to have me killed by my brother. I swear. The issues in my family. Though I am only a..." He stopped talking when he realized he was rambling. " AH. I tend to ramble occasionally, and as such I hope you can deal with it for a little while as we move towards the Dwarven kingdom." He hefted up his blade onto his shoulder wincing slightly at the forgotten arrow wound before moving forward.

[Rystelle]

It would be a lie if Lydianna said that she hadn't hoped that her demon companion wouldn't make it through the gates in time. But he did and there was nothing she could do about it. However, she could enjoy the fact that he was having to fight for breath while she hadn't even seemed to have broken a sweat. When he said that he wasn't used to sudden exercises in agility she mockingly scoffed. Lydia herself could run for the better part of a day before tiring, and she could also last in battle for a longer time than any human could due to her elven blood which made her far more resilient than the humans, although her human blood kept her from performing as well as a full-blooded elf.

She listened to him ramble on, one eyebrow going up in slight surprise at the mention of his family trying to kill him. Pulling her sword from the ground where she had buried its tip in order to lean on it, Lydia cleaned the edge of the blade on her shirt as they began to move forward, halfway listening to his words.. "I'm sure I've put up with worse than your ramblings," Lydia replied without any mockery this time. As they started toward the forest Lydia took notice of her demon companion wincing at the arrow wound she had left in his shoulder. While inwardly she smirked at having wounded him and would have gladly left the wound unattended simply for being a thorn in her side, Lydia knew it would be better to heal it. If they were going to have a long journey she would prefer her demon companion be able to fight any attackers and not be slowed down by a festering wound.

Returning her sword to its sheath, she took a small container from a pouch hanging off her belt. She unscrewed the lid and told the demon, "Stay still for a minute." Without giving him reason she stepped close to him again and took a bit of sweet-smelling cream from the container, which she rubbed over his wound. Then she pressed her hand against the wound and muttered something in the elven tongue. She felt his skin grow hot beneath her hand for a moment, then it cooled back to his normal body temperature. She took her hand away and the wound was healed. "There," she said, stepping back and returning the cream to her pouch before pulling out a rag to wipe the remainder off her hand. "Now we can go."

She set off toward the forest again, drawing her sword once more in case any immediate threat should show itself. But for a time it was nothing but her and her new companion walking through the muted woods. After a while she realized that she didn't know what to call him. He knew her name, but she didn't know his. That bothered her. "What's your name?" She asked as they trekked through the woods. She wasn't asking to be friendly. Rather Lydia didn't want to continuously say, "Hey, you!" or "Demon!" when addressing him. Having a name to call him by would simply make things easier on their long journey.

[Ragnarok]

The scoff that came from her lips made him want to slap the elf knowing that he could easily best her in strength if not in speed. However for the sake of his purse being made heavier he simply sighed and resigned to listen to her mockery where it showed. " Aye, you may have put up with worse, however my rambling can get you in trouble because I happen to be quite loose lipped in some sections of my life." He started to walk forward but was stopped by her words. Looking silently over his shoulder he saw her apply a rather decedent smelling paste to his arrow wound which managed to sting slightly. Then she placed her hand on the wound which sent little tendrils of fire through his shoulder. Wincing slightly he bit his lip to bear it without grunting. Soon though it began to heat up and cool down, leaving just a ghost of the pain throbbing right where the wound was. "Thank you, Lydianna." He managed to say without choking on the words of gratitude.

Ragnarok walked silently alongside the girl who held her blade as if she was prepared for anything. His own blade was slung across his back in a expertly crafted iron and leather sheath. He felt no need to draw it unless the danger was right in front of his eyes and judging from the chaos in Termina, every bandit with at least two chromosomes would be running as far away from the lovely flood of demonic soldiers. However this walk was a peaceful quiet. The only real sound was the wind gently wafting through the tree's which bent oh so gently against the force that could kill entire cities. After a long while in the awkard silence, the half-elf's voice broke Ragna from his revelry of the world around him. " Hmm? Oh my name. Ragnarok, or simply Ragna if Ragnarok is ''too end of the world'' esque for you." He lightly chuckled at his own words before returning back to the blessed silence. 'Damn talking to this halfie is annoying.' He grumbled inside his head.

After another spell of silence this time Ragnarok broke it. " I was planning on staying at the dwarven city of Fengonhien before catching a ride through the mountains to the demons territory. From there it should be pretty smooth unless of course my family is trying to kill me. Then we may have to go the long way around to avoid giving Abaddon and Mephesto the home field advantage. If so we may need to get some supplies from the dwarves to survive the trek through Elven territory. Cause as far as I know. They don't like half-breeds almost as much as they hate demons? right?" he glanced over at the girl.

[Rystelle]

After Ragnarok gave his name they fell back into silence. Feeling that they were safe for the moment Lydianna returned her sword to the sheath that hung at her side. It was quiet for so long that she was able to enjoy the peace of the forest, though she did keep an ear out for anyone trying to sneak up for him. Eventually the silence was broken, but it was simply Ragnarok informing her of his plan for their journey. She felt it was a good one until she heard mention of the elves. She was still a bit bitter about being turned away, and Ragna's mention of their hatred for half-breeds only stirred her anger further. It was true. The elves hated half-breeds almost as much as they hated demons. Elves were so focused on purity in all aspects that they even extended that favoritism to the very blood that ran through a person's veins. It did not matter what manner of being you were--elf, human, or dwarf for example--so long as you were fully that type of being the elves had no quarrel with you. But if you were a cross-breed of any sort? Then they treated you as if you were nothing more than the dirt beneath their feet. Less than that, even, since elves worshiped the earth. Even Lydianna's own father had left when he found that he had gotten her mother pregnant. He had loved her mother because she was a pure human, but to have a child that was a mix of two races... In her father's eyes Lydianna was an abomination.

She was shaking with rage as she recalled her worthless father, the man who had abandoned her and her mother, leaving her mother to give birth alone and then die of heartbreak only a few years later. She clenched her teeth, balled her fists, remembering the scorn and disgust in the eyes of the elves when she had gone to offer them help, only to be turned away because she was a half-breed and therefore worthless. No, indeed she did not want to venture into elf territory.

"Let your family not meet us so that I may not have to meet mine," Lydia hissed angrily. She began to walk faster, picking up her pace to try to relieve even an iota of frustration she felt. She hoped that Ragna would keep silent for a time so that she could try to cool her head, but if need be she was ready to take his mockery.

[Ragnarok]

Ragnarok was observing the girls reaction as he spoke and noticed her entire posture change at the mention of his family. Her fist's balled up till they turned white in anger. Her entire body seemingly shook at whatever unspoken memory rocked her mind. Soon her steps took up a new fever to escape the memory. Ragnarok wordless followed behind her for some time before his voice came out, unbidden by his mind, and rather then carrying the demonic tinge it carried a more lighter human tone.

"My father is a pure blood demon of the kings court. My brothers were birthed by some of the finest pure blooded demons. I. I was birthed from a slave who my father bought because she looked like a pure blood. It was soon evident that she wasn't by how long she was pregnant. She was a half blood birthed by the unbidden human and demon relationship. After I was birthed my father put my mother in the horse stables like some kind of livestock. For four years she nursed me till she became to sick to do so..." He paused and place his hand on Lydianna's shoulder to stop her. " She died like an animal and I have striven every day of my life to kill that bastard of a father. Just as they have striven to kill me. I just want you to know that you are not alone in your sorrow's. And as much as you despise me, know that I suffered just as you have."

He gently patted her shoulder before shifting past her and continuing down the road his hands at his sides, his own thoughts now brewing on his mind as well as the demon war machine in the east marching closer to them. He knew that there would be scouts before the border to either confirm their destination, or more then likely to try and kill them. He wondered if it was for the better to just not tell Lydianna what he thought was going to happen and just see how she reacted to the situation at hand. A subtle smirk played on his lips at the idea, quickly banishing the ill mood just moments before.

[Rystelle]

Lydia couldn't say that she wasn't surprised at the ruthlessness of Ragnarok's family. Demons were notorious for being ruthless, even to their own kind at times. However, Lydia knew enough to know that the treatment of Ragna and his mother was terrible even by demon standards and was on par with how the elves treated half-breeds. In that aspect their two races could be very much alike. What did surprise Lydia was Ragna's willingness to share this information unbidden, the relative gentleness he exuded when he pat her shoulder, the empathy he exhibited. She watched him carefully as he slipped past her and began to see him in a different light. That wasn't to say that she trusted him--she still didn't know why demons had summoned her and if she would ever make it back to Termina alive--but the at least felt that they may be able to tolerate each other more.

Shoulders slumping, her anger seeming to fade away, Lydia took a deep breath and let it out to further relieve herself--and to prepare her for what she was about to say. "Thanks, Ragna," she said simply as she followed behind him. He didn't know if he would accept her thanks for even acknowledge it, but Lydia had at least needed to say it. After all, he had thanked her for healing a wound that she had caused. They might not like each other, but being able to tolerate each other and work together would be necessary in their long journey if neither of them was to kill the other.

[Ragnarok]

Ragna smiled a small sly grin before quickly banishing it away and muttering 'you're welcome.' to her from over his shoulder. Then they continued to walk in silence for the good portion of the night before the Demon stopped and knelt low, his demonic eyes flaring slightly in the clouded night. In the distance the crackle of fire could be heard, and the light could be seen wafting through the woods. Five demon's sat around it with what looked like a human torso cooking over the fire with blood sizzling in the embers. They were fully armored and geared to fight Ragna due to the spears that sat by their sides. The blades were painted black against the fire light as if coated in a viscous liquid that sucked in the light. They jested as a moan could be heard even from where the two travelers sat. " Shit it looks like they caught two people. Ones dead...but I think we can save the other one." He mumbled into his shirt before standing up.

" When I give the signal. Take the two closer to us out. Ok?" With that order he slinked into the darkness, pretty much melding except for his eyes which still burned fiercely until he closed them and used his other sense to work his way through the woods. While not being as stealthy as an elf, he still had a great number of years eluding his family in his little quest to survive childhood. Sneaking, Ragna moved around the fire and moved forward through the brush entering the fire light. His eyes were open and they seemed to leave trails as he stepped over the girl chained to a tree by a rusty chain that dug into her neck that would obviously leave marks. She wimpered as the first scout was sliced in half before he could stand. Using the momentum of his strike he switched hands and lopped the head off the second one, and ending with the blade embedded in the chest of the third one. the third demon's spear clanked against the dirt floor as the last two demons stood with spears brandished and pointed at him. His own blade was placed backhanded to cover his body from any serious attack as he waited for them to drop.

[Rystelle]

Lydia would be lying if she said that Ragna himself suggesting they save the girl from the demons didn't take her by surprise. Not many demons, or even half-demons,ever showed as much kindness or mercy as Ragna had shown today. She realized she may have to reevaluate her thoughts of him. Yet at the same time Lydia did not completely believe what she was seeing. Every single word and action from Ragna so far that day could have just been a elaborate facade. Regardless of whether she believed in the half-demon's kindness, they would at least save the girl.

She hid herself in the shadows as she waited for the signal from Ragna. Her eyes had no trouble seeing in the dark and so she was able to trace his every movements. She could see his eyes burning like pin-pricks of fire, almost appearing to leave trails. Soon he was upon the pack of demons and had dispatched a majority of them. The last two had been left for her. They fell moments after Ragna had killed the others, each demon with an arrow through his skull. Lowering her bow Lydia stepped out of the shadow and into the light of the campfire. "A weak pack, it would seem," she observed to Ragna. Turning to the girl she knelt down to undo the chain on her neck. "Are you alright?" Lydia asked her as she tossed away the chain. The girl only trembled, tears threatening at the corners of her eyes. Pulling a waterskin from her belt Lydia gave it to the girl so she could drink some before using more of it to clean the girl's wounds. She applied the same ointment as she had used on Ragna earlier, then spoke the healing incantation. When that was done Lydia pressed two fingers to the girl's forehead and mumbled some words in the elvish tongue. The girl slumped sideways and Lydia caught her and gently lowered her to the ground, taking off her own cloak and folding it up to give the girl a pillow.

"I thought it would be best if she got some sleep," Lydia said, finding another cloak to draw over the girl. "I made it so she wouldn't dream. We should get rid of the bodies--both human and demon. No need to have them lying around attracting wolves and other predators. And given that there's already a campfire going we can probably just stop here for the night."

[Ragnarok]

"Sleep is sometimes the best medicine for the victims of my people." He spoke silently as his eyes washed over the five corpses. " These were not weak. They were completely taken by surprise which was to our luck. If they were alert they would have killed us long before we killed them." He smiled darkly before he grabbed two of them by the breastplates and throwing them into the thicket. " I wouldn't recommend staying here. We are close enough to the dwarven border we can get there before the sun comes up. Shortly after there is a fort that will lodge us." he paused to heave two more bodies out of the small clearing. " Staying here would only allow them to get closer. I don't mean to push you past your limits....Actually. Yeah lets stay here." He waved his hand in a few circles before taking the torso of who he assumed was the girls escort and tossing it along the other bodies.

" This is as good a place as any I suppose for you to get to rest. I'll stand watch till the morrow comes and wake you if they come over the horizon." He sat down next to the fire, resting his head against one of the great oak trees that surrounded them. His own fiery eyes staring into the cracking fire that licked the dark sky. His hands rubbing against the spear's edge. The inky black surface bringing a dark scowl across his face before throwing it to the side. " These spears are from my fathers personal armory. So it is true that he wants to kill me. So...many questions..."

In the demon kings black castle, a lone sole stood on one of the many balconies looking over the war torn land. " Son why must you run. Death will come to you if you let it. Just stop being a thorn in my side. " The demons cloak twirled around him as he walked back inside to his audience with the king. He knelt down against the cold stone floor keeping his head low from the king's gaze. " M'lord, I have sent my other sons to roust out the demon that is planning to kill you and it is my own half-breed bastard. my armies are currently in pursuit and he is moving across the dwarven lands. " The demon king's sunken eyes looked down on Ragna's father. " Do as you must, but you know if he broaches me with my request. I shall relieve him of any transgressions. I need that half-elf!" He stood up and waved the noble away before disappearing through a door.

[Rystelle]

Lydia stood and looked at Ragna for a time after he had sat down. She had mostly suggested that they stop for the night due to the girl. But then again, they had a horde of demons breathing down their necks and Ragna's family was after him. As he had said the dwarven borders were close by. Even if Lydia carried the girl--she wasn't simply going to leave her in the forest--she knew she'd be able to make it.

Removing her bow and quiver she pushed them at Ragnarok. "Carry these for me...please," she said, adding the last part after a moment's hesitation. Without any explanation she went over to the girl. She lifted her up and set her against the tree, retrieved her cloak and put it back on, then put the other one around the girl. Turning around while crouching down she grabbed the girl's arms and pulled them over her shoulders, shifting the weight until the girl was laying on Lydia's back. Then she grabbed hold of the sleeping girl's legs to keep her in place and stood up with little effort, shifting so the girl had settled into a good position on her back. Lydia whispered a few words and a sudden gust of cold air killed the fire, leaving them in darkness.

"Let's get going," Lydia said. "Like you said we can make it to the dwarven lands before sunup. We can leave this girl with them and they'll get her where she needs to go. ...I find you rather interesting, and we're not all that dissimilar as you put it. No need to give your family even an extra second to catch up with us, eh, Ragna?" She smirked a bit, but it was not entirely unfriendly.