Hey peeps, hope the holidays have been taking care of you. I want to let you know I will be on vacation from 29Dec-10Jan. If I dont see you Happy New year to all.
Arn had retraced his steps back to the Inn by the Sea. Ironically, this was the same inn that his target princess was staying at. Maybe the would have run into each other. If the young dwarf had returned promptly enough to see the giant of dragonborn with demi human in tow or if he had returned late enough past midnight when the light elf princess had given up search for the white-haired lass that had so passionately left causing the entire group to follow and leave him gawking at the aftermath.
His short legs moved him along at an even pace. He had no rush to return to the Inn and he was actually trying to still find Bowyn. His promise to Rue not having been forgotten. Thankfully, as he rounded the corner he noticed that not only Bowyn and Rue but two other person’s waited outside the Inn. The soldier took a step towards the group and then his whole body went rigid as if he had been struck by some sort of spell. He felt a heavy weight that was proceeding from his heart.
The cause? Rue’s friendly greeting to all when she approached. It was obvious, even at that distance, that the white haired lass was happy to see her friend. The other two people seemed to also welcome her. All in all, the party seemed to be well acquainted with each other. Arn could not bring himself to darken the obvious light mood. He took a step back, then another and finally turned and headed back the way he had come. The young medic found another stall or two that offered street snacks and he nibbled on them absently. Food was always welcomed, at least that is how dwarf’s thought.
Eventually, the meandering streets found him back at the sea side Inn. This time, there was no cheerful group. “They probably went to enjoy themselves” He figured to himself. He pushed open the weathered door and realized the group would probably occupy the rooms rented by the pretty winter fairy. “After all, they are friends, why would they not stay together?” He reasoned again. His steps were heavy as he moved to the innkeeper and requested a room on his own.
The young dwarf made his way towards his room. There was naught else to do but lay down and go to sleep. The morrow would bring a different day. He came into his new small room. Taking off his armor he laid back unto the adequate bed. Looking up onto the rafters, he placed his hands behind his head and sighed.
His mind raced. Here he was alone. The prospect had a dreary resonance. A dwarven Legion draws its strength from the unity and uniformity of the dwarves in it. Each member relies on the dwarf to the left and right of them. To the front and rear of them. Very little has changed in the long centuries of training. This means that a young dwarf such as he and a veteran such as his father,….foster father?...the term was confusing, could operate in synch.
“A legionnaire alone is no more than a pebble to be tossed but a legion is a mountain, strong and steady.” He repeated the lesson’s learned as a young cadet. So why had the king….his father?, the term was confusing, had sent him alone? Unknown to him, he could sympathize with the humans. Despite being an Avalian, even Riverport was an unknown world to him. Far from the old rites and customs of his people. Dwarves never truly strayed too far from home. Those that did were a different breed.
Despite his vast amount of differences from his own people, Arn was very much a dwarf. He needed the company of like minded individuals. He needed their support. He needed to feel like he could support them. He was not good being a pebble that could roll along a river and find itself in the ocean. He very much enjoyed being part of the mountain and would have been happy.
Sleep did not come easy. If it even came at all. Last thing he knew, he was staring up at the ceiling hoping that Rue would not worry about him not coming back. Next, he woke to the sounds of wood groaning. It sounded as if somebody was trying to twist the rafters off from the room next door. Whatever it was, it was heavy enough for the wood to beg for mercy.
Dawn light began pouring from the slight holes in the old window dressings heralding the beginning of a new day. The young soldier sighed again and woke up feeling wearier than when he had laid down the night before. Finding the basin and jar of water on the small dresser in front of his bed, he rinsed off the travel dirt and worry from the day before. He took extra care to freshen up his red beard and brushed his hair into a half ponytail.
He wore a dark red tunic over black pants and a padded black brigandine with silver studs. He swung his thick leather belt round him and let the two hand axes in their sheathes. The soldier knew that he may not need them but it may help forward his image of a soldier. If he had need of them, the pair of axes would serve him well in a close combat situation. He took one last look at himself in the polished brass mirror and sighed again.
Arn opened the door. He was not sure if he hoped to run into the winter fairies of if he dreaded it. After all, he had stayed in the same inn so perhaps there was a unconscious part of him that still hoped for a glimpse of his former travel companions. Again he hoped Rue would not be too worried and walked off. He did not know what lay ahead of him. He did not know what would be his end. He did not know where his meeting with the light elven princes would lead him. All he knew and could do was follow yet another lesson he had learned as a cadet “march…put one foot in front of the other. Simple as that.”
It was a queer sight. The heavenly bodies watching down upon the small group of survivors as one might the comings and goings of ants. These lives, so fragile, so easily snuffed out, were nothing compared to the eons that the small twinkling starts had lived. Even through the Aether, Arn had seen their meager energy dim in comparison to the astral bodies.
Still, life, however meager, is precious. More so, those of friends and family. Made even more so by the bonds of affection that few know are also reflected in the unseen Threads. What people call love or loyalty has a direct correlation in the magical binds. This is the reason why lovers yearn to be close to one another, why friends can sense anything amiss, and why family is so fiercely loyal. These Threads pass life force between those they bind. They share the same energy and as such, are bound.
If Arn could have known that his Thread to a Knight Captain of the noble Venray family would be so intertwined before proctoring the battle between the Crimson Baron and the Spider, the master mage would have doubted it very much. Both men were as different as could be expected. Tyrhallan was dutiful and of high birth. Arn was a whore’s son and cared nothing for duty more than for results. Yet, they both had bonded over the responsibility of protecting a blonde simple girl.
At least that is what Eilis thought of herself. For the master mage, she could not be more important. Even now, he could not accurately explain why. It went beyond the normal comprehension of relationships. She was not a fried. Not family. Yet, to him, she was more than that. It was almost as if she was part of him. How can you truly explain why you need a part of your soul?
“You’re worse off than I am. You’ve always safeguarded me...let me do something back for you for once.”
His pretty charge was definitely as stubborn as him. The weakened master mage tried to wave her off more than once but her lovely face would scrunch in a look of stubborn appeal. No one in his entire life had so much sway over him….other than his mother. Begrudgingly Arn allowed her to tend to him. He used her small hand to get down from their mount.
“But I’ll keep my own limits in mind. If you want to be of use you...you...you can... keep me warm.”
With almost a resigned sigh he let her pour her warm and peaceful energy into him. He drank it greedily, though he would never let Eilis see it. Though she may feel it. The master mage basked in the flow of the energy as one does the pouring of a hot pitcher of bath water over tense muscles. Remembering his end of the bargain he wrapped his arms around her as they sat on the rocky ground. His big arms having no problem enshrouding her.
As they sat there, it almost seem to Arn as if the flow of energy was two way. Sort of a like the flow and ebb of the tides. While his was only a trickle at the moment, Eilis should be able to feel his own cool energy enter her. His was like the plunging into a fresh pool of a natural spring. It made the warmth of his arms feel that much nicer. The contrast was perplexing. After all, the master mage was not called the Hellspawn for nothing. Yet, it seemed that under the rolling fires, there was a cool center that had only bleed for the young blonde lass.
“Arn...please remember...whatever happens...I don’t want you to…”
The quiver could be felt in more than just her voice. There was a strumming in the Aether as her worries caused the flow of energy to falter. Arn moved one hand from her shoulder blades where it had rested to her head. “Shhhh” He said weakly and softly. He did not need to say more. The warmth radiating from him began to soothe. He knew what she meant. She did not want to see him hurt. She did not want them to go so far for her. How could he let her see that she was worth that and more? Not only because she was a formidable tool that could be used to a horrific proportions but mainly because in all his life he had never truly had a reason to die.
Now he had her…
He sat there with her, letting both their energies mingle. She was healing more than his body, but she may never know that. In truth, the was scared to let her know that. Scared that it would drive her away. In truth, he was scared he even felt that way. Never in all the times he had faced death, and there had been plenty, did he fear to die more than now. He did not fear death…Arn feared the emptiness of the darkness after having felt Eilis’s light.
Tobi stole a few glances and an insolent smirk spread on his cheeks. Who would have thought that the ice cold master mage so revered and feared by many of the Shootings Stars would be so meek and malleable. He imagined the scandal when he told….when he told… His smile vanished. Who was he to tell? Many of his friends, maybe all, of them were dead. Who knows if any remained. He had seen Lornias and the others fall.
A sudden knot stuck in his throat and he turned away into the darkness to swallow it down. He looked into the firmament and saw the arc of light left by a passing shooting star. He sighed, the squad was aptly named. Just like their name sake, his friends had burst magnificently for a second or two before their light extinguished. However, those who have chanced to wish upon a falling star know that the memory never fades.
He heard the crunch of gravel underfoot and hastily wiped the treasonous tears that threatened to pour forth from the rim of his eyes and sniffled away his feelings. Turning slightly he noticed the Brightwind lass. “I am not the smartest man around but even I know its not time for us to change the watch yet.” He managed to say without the strain in his throat showing.
“Oh shut up. I cant be expected to sleep. Might as well do something useful. You can go to sleep if you like relieve me later.” Alexa told the young mage trying to sound annoyed but there was a difference in her voice. Normally, the trickster would jab and under cut at her with sarcasm and wit. Even he could gather that she was concerned and worried.
“Well, I don’t feel like sleeping either. So that wont do.” He looked at her knowing that she would also balk at him showing any sort of kindness. “Tell you what, we can sit back to back and keep watch. That way, if we fall asleep the other will know.” He patted the ground next to him. “Though I bet you will close those pretty eyes before I do mine. Those long lashes must be heavy my lady.”
Alexa pursed her mouth and her yes shot daggers at him. “I’ll have you know that I am a knight, a full true knight. I have stood many a watch in conditions far worse than this.” She huffed as she sat and pressed his back against his unceremoniously.
“Ouch, mind your armor your ladyness.” Tobi objected as the cold iron of her breast plate dug into his back. Once she was settled the two sat silent for a little while. Finally Tobi cut the silence. “I lost many friends today.” He turned his head slightly towards her. “I am sure you did too. But, I promise you. It will not be in vain. We will make those Viemese bastards pay.”
“Shut up.” She said, though not as harshly as she normally would. “I know….” She almost whispered as she looked upon the thousand of little stars looking down up on her and the small group of survivors.
Fer almost chuckled at Cole’s fatherly explanation regarding the woes and dangers of not conforming to social norms when Rivia eagerly stated he would teach the pair of heroes. Perhaps the Sword was younger than he but in this short time, his partner had seemed to mature into a veritable hero. In essence Cole was the de facto father figure. Then again, perhaps the blonde lad had always been this stoic and weight of the world on his shoulders type of guy. It occurred to him that he knew practically nothing of his fellow hero. The idea did not sit well with him. Their whole group was built upon trust and blind faith.
The shield shook his head to clear it of the dark thoughts that were starting to take roots in his mind. Cole’s explanation regarding the sensitivity of nobles did not help any. Here was a young lady basically willing to risk her life in defense of a kingdom which had people that cared only for appearances. Unconsciously he squeezed the wolf girl’s hand slightly. He felt a sort of kinship with Rivia. He had felt the same looks fall upon him merely for being the user of the shield.
His companion’s smile warmed even his heart. Not really because he was inspired by his speech but because he knew that Cole believed every word he was saying. Fer was beginning to believe that his mission was not only to conquer the waves and return home but to ensure that Cole lived up to the expectations he was putting on himself. After all, a shield is meant to protect. Be it soft flesh or heroic dreams. Speaking of dreams, it seemed that the wolf girl had dreams of her own. What those dreams could be, Fer did not know but he could guess that they had to do with victory and glory. The almost innocent smile on her face made him remember his own little brother. He had been full of dreams. Again his hand squeezed Rivia’s unconsciously. Was he perhaps feeling some sort of sadness and fear for the girl’s future?
He sensed the young wolf girl looking up at him and even his tanned face became red but he did not let go. The young hero had interlaced his fingers on hers to show solidarity. It suddenly occurred to him that this was the way lovers held hands while walking round the central town plaza after Sunday service or during a Fair night. His cheeks felt impossibly hot and he turned away from the tilted questioning head of Rivia.
Thankfully Cole came to the rescue, ever the hero. Apparently his speech inspired the demi human who whole heartedly agreed with his blonde companion’s decry of being the protectors of the realm and the victors of the waves to come. The distraction was enough to allow Fer to let go of the young girl’s hand as smoothly as he could.
"Then can Ferr and Cole teach Rivia? Human dances that is. Rivia wants to fit in and not be a nuisance or hassle. It's what Father always wanted."
It appeared his retreat would not be as so easily attained. He had hoped to let Cole take lead. It seemed he was comfortable around girls. Fer, despite his outward behavior, was not too comfortable around the fairer sex. In fact, the only reason why he was able to function with Auriel around was because he saw her as an devine being more than a female.
Rivia had also been a safe bet to be around. Rough and tomboyish with her cute ears and fluffy tail she seemed more of a pet than a girl. It was not until he noticed he how his hand holding could be misconstrued and her looking up at him with her big grey eyes and soft face that he acknowledged she was a girl. The young shield had been all for dancing and cavorting to enjoy the festivities that were supposedly in their honor. But now, his confidence was slowly deserting him like sand trickling out a sack cloth bag with a tear in it.
"And if we can't dance together...then could we take turns?"
He gulped. His throat feeling suddenly dry. Fer’s eyes turned to once more seek support or rescue from the gleaming Sword Hero. He almost made a silent plea to his companion. It was not that he had anything against a demi human. In fact, he was curious about the unique mix between human and beast. It was things like this that reminded him he was in a fantasy world.
Still, a lad could still be shy around demi human lasses just the same. No amount of magic could change that. No magic could save him from this awkward situation except maybe Cole’s uncanny heroism and knack for winning hearts over due to his magnanimity and natural gravity or perhaps the sudden appearance of a divine being crashing through the banquet hall doors to draw attention elsewhere. Thankfully, Cole, true to his calling managed to diffuse the situation. Then again, maybe he made it a bit worse. As the Sword hero explained the intimacies and closeness of the dance he used as an example, it made Fer have to acknowledge that no matter what, he would be in a very personal distance to his partner….whomever it may be. His own eyes regarded the lords and ladies dancing in the hall. These, he knew, had trained since childhood for such events. They glided effortlessly through he dancing floor as if on ice.
Suddenly, a realization came to mind. Rivia would not be like one of those ladies thinking they were being courted. The young wolf girl would more likely than not transpose what Cole was saying into a sort of martial training. If one looked at it, the dancers were nothing more than trained fighters performing a mock dance like he had witnessed in his own town where dancers swung machetes at each other .
This realization seemed to strengthened the Shield’s resolve. Especially because Cole mentioned how some dancers might be adding the romantic element to their shared experience. The young Shield hero looked in Rivia’s direction trying to see if he could guess what she was thinking. When his blonde companion mentioned food Fer almost praised him for his ability to divert the young girl’s attention from the awkwardness of the dance as it stood to something that was logical and could be accomplished without any hidden meaning.
Fer particularly appreciated how Cole had given him the opportunity to break away by agreeing that he was indeed a glutton and that a cart of food might be more interesting than a social dance. However, he wondered how Rivia might see it. This appeared to be her first interaction with humans and the young hero did not want her opinion and view, especially of the Legendary Heroes, to sour. His baritone voice spoke up easily enough. “Honestly, my only aim is to get to know our new companion more. If that means dancing then so be it. If it means sharing a meal and breaking bread together, I am up for that too. So Rivia, it appears that it falls to you to choose and for me and Cole to oblige.”
The small group rested upon the floating rock, nothing more than broken apart land that floated in the Sea of Sky. Only gravity of the surrounding earth mass keeping it from flying off into the Deep sky and drift off into the blackness of space. Weary and ragged, each one of them had been spent to their limits. Still, each was stubborn enough to give their own lives in the defense of the others. Unseen by natural eyes, the Threads that bound them together were beginning to thicken.
Alexa had seen battle wounds before, even in training, accidents tended to happen. However, to her green horn eyes, the silver haired captain’s wound was grievous. Skilled hands dressed the wound. The damaged eye packaged with clean bandages making sure that the stubborn lord knight would not try to use it.
Tobi smiled his gratitude at Eilis as she placed her hands upon his temples. He knew exactly what she was doing. The few times members of the Shooting Stars has been lucky enough to keep a healer long enough in the squad before they were snatched up to work as battle field medics all did the same thing. Much like Arn, he felt a lovely warm glow into his very being. The warmth seemed to overpower the burning hot sensation he had after overloading his Thread. “Thank you miss Eilis. That will do. Don’t want to hog all your attention.” He said looking in the direction of his master mage.
He phished at the comment of his stunt trying to feighn humbleness but his face showing evidence that he liked being praised. “Well, Master Arn taught me well. He always knew that little stunt would come in handy. None of us ever figured out how but I guess we now know.” He said, his smile showing he was well pleased.
The young mage’s sharp young eyes did not miss the blush that tinged her face. Of course, he had seen Arn break many a young lady’s heart. Some just a pretty or perhaps even more than his master’s young charge. Yet, there was something different here. He could tell that either she had not revealed her true feelings for Arn or the master mage did not mind reciprocating those feelings. His hawk like eyes narrowed and a smirk appeared on his face. “Interesting…” he thought. “It seems the Hellspawn has found his fallen angel.”
Before he realized it, he drafted up a plan to tell the others. Then he remembered that Lornias and the others were dead probably all of them. A sickening knot was felt in his stomach. Looking towards the weakened battle mage he breathed in a shivering breath. There was nothing left for him behind in the husk of Belisio. His father and sister may face death or slavery. Even if he tried to save them, there was not much he could do. From what he overheard, perhaps the tattooed beauty could be the secret weapon to turn all of this around. “It’s worth a shot.” The young mage thought massaging his sore muscles. His young eyes watched the blonde girl make her way back to Arn.
The master mage issued her a concerned look. “Don’t exhaust yourself Eilis. You still have wounds that need healing. You need all the energy you can get.” His face was still pale and he sat lopsided on the mount they had shared. Seeing her worried face he tried to give her an encouraging smile. “Don’t worry young one. I feel better than I look and that young hooligan is just milking it. He likes pretty girls fuzzing over him.” His voice was still weak but he tried to infuse it with comfort. Reaching into a pouch much like Tobi’s, he withdrew a leaf similar to the one the young lad had popped into his mouth and offered it to the lovely blonde. “Here, chew on this. It tastes horrible but should help with the mending.”
Not a few yards away, Alexa could not help but look extremely worried for her lord. It was her turn to blush slightly even though she tried to remain stoic as the taller man placed a hand on her shoulder and praised her efforts. She mumbled something about just doing her duty and lowered her face to hide her quickly heating up cheeks. However, her face looked back up at him when he started to say he was no longer her commanding officer.
Distress was plain on her face as she feared he would dismiss her. Her mouth trembled trying as her mind came up with a myriad of excused she would say in the even he did order her to return to Belisio. When he finished speaking, Alexa blurted out. “My lord. My family has served the Venrays for over two hundred years….My..my father would skin my hide if I abandoned you now. You will ever my captain and my lord. I shall follow you no matter what….even …even if you order me not to.” That last part was said in an almost begging tone.
If she would have mustered more courage, she would have lunged at him and hugged him like a little girl. Thankfully, her training triumphed and instead she issued him a sharp salute. Holding it for a second or two she felt foolish and dropped her arm to her side. Not knowing what to do she moved to her mount trying to escape her shame.
When Tyrhallan mentioned resting Tobi groan his agreement as he got off the teal colored wyrm. “You don’t have to twist my arm. I feel like I could fall off just sitting there.” As Alexa neared the mount he said teasingly. “We can share a blanket…you know cus of body warmth and since we don’t have many to pass around.”
The lady knight bumped him out of the way unceremoniously as she removed the saddle from her mount. “Shut up fool and get out of the way if you are not going to help.” She was red in the face but it was more from embarrassment than actual annoyance. A novice to battle she may be but the knight training was efficient. She soon had her mount fed, her bed roll spread and was passing around some field rations. The blonde all but threw Tobi’s portion to him.
Arn struggled to get off but would try to wave off any help from Eilis. Not because he was proud but he figured he would hurt the girl if he fell on her. Try as he might, however, he was too weak to unsaddle his mount. Alexa, seeing this huffed and walked over to help Eilis if the young woman tried to do it herself. “I got this take care of the master mage.” She said a bit icy. For some reason, the lady knight was still annoyed at all the attention and familiarity with which Tyrhallan addressed her.
“Thank you Lady Brightwind.” Arn managed to say before he sat heavily onto the cold dusty ground. “We are going to have to keep a watch Tyrhallan and we will not be able to rest too long despite our current state. I agree with you that the braving the dangers of the Sea of Sky so weakened is risky, but it would be even worse to be caught by those two dark witches.” He said his voice still making him breath hard after he spoke.
Tobi peeped up from where he was sitting. “I will take the first watch. I am weak but not as bad as Master Arn or Mr. Lord Knight Captain. Alexa can take the second watch. By that time, the pretty little night lights should be out.” He looked around to see if there would be any objections as he took a bite of the jerky and crackers he had gotten from the lady knight.
Fate was a fickle friend. Often, one was not even acquainted with the lady but still suffered the consequences of her whims. The young dwarf had already been caught in the chaotic winds like a leaf in a maelstrom. First the revelation of his parentage and subsequent responsibilities none had prepared him for. Next the sudden broken ties of failed new friendships. Now, the highly unlikely meeting with the very person he was ordered to aid accompanied by the fore told humans that were the only hope of Avalia against the twins and as of yet unknown dark demonic forces.
It had taken gargantuan conviction from Arn to even muster the courage to approach a stunning beauty such as Annya. A strong sense of duty and a hint of magnetic attraction had helped. However, the fateful meeting was not to be easy or uneventful no matter how much the medic would have liked it to be. The unfortunate meeting between fiery red head knee and the testicles of penitent elvish man had brought a crow. Apparently more companions of the princess showed up. A man, who looked like another elf but was much less good looking that even the grimacing stall owner that had harassed the ladies, stepped up to save prevent any further damage to the man’s pride and family jewels.
Behind him, a hulking brute of a lizard followed. Crowds were beginning to gather too but to Arn and his captivated eyes, only Annya mattered. That was until the white haired beauty that had been near the elven princess began to scream in frustration. Not even the young soldier escaped her verbal assault. ”Congratulations dude, you found her.” Arn opened his mouth to try and explain or excuse himself but was not given the chance. Apparently, she was upset at the turn of events and the actions of her companion and stormed off.
So much commotion, so many voices that the young soldier felt he may be back on the battle field. Thankfully, thanks to his experience in battle fields, he was able to keep as calm and controlled as he possibly could taking note of the things around him. The white haired girl seemed to him to be as emotionally charged as the winter fairy lad. She also had white hair, could she perhaps be a winter fairy too? The comment regarding wanting alcohol and fresh air did seem to be parallel to that of Bowyn’s comment before he left their room.
The fiery headed girl who had delivered such a devastating blow to the Elven man radiated anger so palpable that Arn could swear he could feel its heat. There was something in her eyes that should have warned the man against antagonizing her. Even a fool should have been able to see that the young woman was not to be messed with. Unfortunately, it seemed the stall owner had found out the hard way. The young dwarf made a mental note.
The male who had approached her and taken control of the situation had an air bout him that could only be possessed by a skilled fighter. The scar on the man’s face could hardly be explained by any other profession. But it was the man’s voice that made Arn assume that the man was some sort of warrior and possibly a soldier or adventurer. There was a commanding tone in it that had been tailored to make troops obey in the din of battle.
Lastly, the huge lizard. Even a blind man could guess that one’s profession. Strong arms, body like that could not belong to anything short of a warrior, a blacksmith, or some sort of pit fighter. His bellows began to disperse the onlookers who had taken interested and bebang to crowd in search of free entertainment. Arn felt very small compared to the big creature.
Finally, Princess Annya seemed to notice he was there. Her big eyes turned to him and the young dwarf stiffened. Her melodic voiced ask her simple question yet, the dwarf could not muster any sort of intelligible response. Instead, he gave her the barest of nods, his eyes wide and staring. Perhaps it was this, or perhaps it was the storming of the white haired lass that drew those lovely eyes away from him and her sweet voice to address her companions.
”Young dwarf, let us meet for breakfast at Surfside Cafe tomorrow morning at nine. I have a responsibility to these girls. Please enjoy the company of my friends Ismael and Kharne. “
The young medic again could only nod at her request unable to deny her but not lucid enough to offer any sort of argument if he had wanted to. He watched the elven princess follow behind the white haired lass who had disappeared into the crowd. Turnign towards those of her companions that were left he shifted his head between the man and the lizard. He felt his voice returning but before anything could come from his lips, the lizard man cleanly hefted the man on his shoulders and walked off.
Arn had been so low under his field of vision that the big lizard mand probably did not see him. Either way, the young soldier was suddenly left there alone after the majority of the people had been forcefully dispersed by the dragon kin and others left on their own after the free show had ended. Only he and the whimpering elven man who was groaning and holdin onto the endge of his stall for support. The young dwarf huffed not aware he had been holding his breath.
“Well shit…” he said under his breath. But not all had been in vain. He had found the princess and gotten an audience. Now he needed to see if Rue had better luck than him at finding Bowyn. His boots felt heavy, or it could just have been his heart as he made his way back towards the river front inn they were staying at.
Arn was floating in the immense vastness of the Aether. Ribbons of light, the Thread that bound all things together, criss crossed this expanse as luminous bridges. A pair of darks pecks marred the ethereal beauty of the tapestry before him. Black as they were, they could not hope to match the sheer void that had been the shadow of Tourmaline. Yet, he had sense no dread or evil from the man other than what a mortal feels in the face of an eruption or striking lighting. These two shades however, made him feel a sense of disgust. As if their existence alone was an affront to Gia herself.
The soft light that represented his lovely protégé became entangled with black tendrils as the black witches' magic tried to claim her. The in corporeal spirit of the master mage gritted his teeth. His gaze shifted to the light blue speck that was Tobi. Had his young squad mate failed to hear him? A sudden pull of Aether magic towards the young Shooting Star gave him the answer to the unasked question. Even in this spirit realm, the battle mage could feel the result of the powerful spell that the young mage cast. A blinding burst of light, like the exploding of many suns, bathed a big area around them. Even he had to turn his head as he felt the heat rush past him. Or was it his mortal body which had felt the burst?
The scream of one of the dark sisters filtered to his astral ears as if through water. He saw them flicker as if the bright light from Tobi almost extinguished their shadow existence. No shadow can bear the coming of light. The muffled commands of the silver haired Venray shouted urgently. Arn himself urged the group towards safety.
After his release of magic, Tobin was all but spent and he slumped back into the saddle behind the blonde. He groaned as he felt his very veins hot like iron pokers. Through his clenched teeth he hissed his own urgings. “Let get the hell out of here” The young mage told the lady knight. Thankfully, Alexa was quick to the take and spurred her teal mount on. The wyrm screeched and began to pump powerfully, the leathery wings shooting her through the air. The two other mounts followed her lead. None, not even Arn in his spirit state, saw that Tyrhallan had been bequeted a good bye kiss.
Probably sensing the urgency in their riders, the wyrms plunged towards the Deep Sky like banshees out of one of the hells. Arn’s body reactively grabbed Eilis tighter around the waist and slumped forward. He groaned, his mouth too clumsy to offer any words of encouragement that the astral master mage wanted to convey to his charge. He wanted to tell her he would protect her. He wanted to reassure her that they would be ok. But even this was wistful wishing. Only the strong wings of their mounts could assure that now.
Tobi basically mirrored his comatose master but he was able to complain audibly. “Fuck….remind me never to do that again…” he groaned, his body feeling like it would melt. Sweat coated his body only to be dried by the cold air as they approached the Sea of Sky making him shiver. Alexa guided her mount expertly. Heard his voice in her ear as he slumped against her. “You complain to much mage” She said but there was no true sharpness in her tone. “But you did well” she half turned a tiny smile on her fair face. “Damn…” Tobi said in mock disbelief. “I think that is the nicest thing you have said to me.” Alexa turned her face forward again but not before he saw the smile widen. “Oh shut up.” Was all she said.
When Eilis landed their wyrm, she only found a still passed out mage. He did not seem to be in any danger but his face was contorted in a look of consternation or stubbornness, perhaps both. If he had know that she meant to give him some of her energy he would have scowled and scolded her. The young lady needed to recover as much as he. The streaks of blood she had left on his robe proof of that.
He cursed in his astral form and a groan could be heard from his physical one as he felt the sweet warmth of her own life force seep into him. Arn wanted to be upset but her energy flowed through him like sweet warm wine on a cold morning. There was something delightful about letting the energy course through is body. It was almost as if strands of her hair fell upon his face and her arms encircled him. Still, he would not abide her sharing too much. Thankfully, or perhaps woefully, the lovely maid’s attention was drawn elsewhere and he felt the flow stop.
"Tyrhallan!" The concern in the voice of his lovely protégé reverberated through the Thread that connected the two of them. His incorporeal eyes could not really tell what was the issue but he could see a slight dimming in the red glow of the Knight Captain. Their conversation filtered to him as if he was at the bottom of a deep well. It was muffled and at times he head to strain to hear but he could get the gist of it. Their Venray benefactor had been injured. Tyrhallan was trying to make Eilis feel at ease but Arn knew that any true veteran of battle would take each wound seriously. There was nothing worse than loosing an arm because a simple cut was not tended to.
Alexa also noticed the blood that had been masked by the red tint of the red lord’s crimson armor. “My Lord!” Her young voice exclaimied. She fumbled for the med kit that every rider had strapped to the saddle of their mount. Producing it the blonde rushed forward to help with the aid. There was a slight sweep of her eyes upon Eilis wondering why a seemingly unimportant woman was being so familiar with a Belisian lord of high stature such as the Venray.
Tobi remained in the saddle, a groan or two escaping his lips. “Go ahead….I am fine…(grunt) no need to worry about us…(groan) lowly mages.” He turned towards his master mage. Arn remained in a state of sleep. “As always, Arn has the right idea.” While the women fussed over the hansome, albeit now one eyed, Knight Captain, Tobi reached into a pouch around his waist. He produced a leaf from it and proceeded to chew on it. The young mage made a face. The taste was bitter and it almost made him gag. However, it was known to help mages heal after prolonged use of magic. Hence the leaf’s unofficial name of Thread Balm.
As the young Brightwind cleaned and began to dress the wound, she could not help but overhear the conversation between the Venray lord and the tatoed lady who seemed to be more than what she was. Her blue eyes measured Eilis up. There was perhaps a tinge of jealousy in those sky blue eyes masked by blonde eyelashes. After all, not only was the Knight Captain a legend and paragon for all knights but it was logical that the young lady had perhaps developed feelings for him after seeing him from a far in bannermen gatherings and such.
The female knight’s eyes kept on trying to find the hidden meaning behind Eilis. Why would such obviously powerful woman want her enough to pluck her from the battle field? Why would a strong mage, whom Alexa wanted to guess was the one called Hellspawn, be her companion? Why was Tyrhallan so familiar and obviously protecting her? These questions flew around her mind like a battalion of wyrm mounted knights with no clear leader or direction. Her attention was brought back from her musings by being addressed directkly by the tattoed woman.
Tobi waved aside her concern and misgivings and Tyrhallan’s speech regarding duty and a warrior’s dance with death. “IF you are important for Arn you are important for me.” He said with a shrug as if that explained everything. Turning to see if the master mage was still asleep he added. “Besides, I don’t think I could deal with a mopping master mage after his lady is killed.” A smirk appeared on his face.
“You need not bother yourself with such worries Tobi” Came a voice that was tired and husky. The young mage winced as if he had been struck in the back of the head shrugging his shoulders as if trying to protect it from the incoming blow. He gingerly turned to see one eye on the Master mage open. A nervous chuckle escaped the young lad. “Oh Hey Master Arn….glad to see you are good. I was joking of course. Trying to see if you was ok.” The young mage only received a grunt in response.
Alexa stiffened and with a haughty look replied her own reasons. “I follow Captain Venray. Where he goes, I shall.” Her tone was cold. Who did this commoner think she was assuming that she meant anything to her? Without giving Eilis another look, the blonde turned back to Tyrhallan’ and his dressing. “You are hurt bad my lord. This dressing is the best I can do for now but we will need to make some sort of poultice to ensure no infection sets in.” She meant to go with him. How many knights could claim they went on mission with a Venray.
Arn sat weakly on his saddle. “It appears we could all use a rest….but unfortunately we must move on. I doubt those dark witches….will stop hunting us.” His voice came in gasps. His face was pale. The master mage knew that Tyrhallan would agree with him. Their only refuge now seemed to lay in the Sea of Sky and the Deep Sky’s cold blakness beyod. If this was the beginning of the journey, only the gods knew what lay beyond. If Arn had been a religious man, he would have prayed for favor, safety, and protection. As it was, he hoped that all the sacrifices that had been made would be worthy it. One look at his lovely charge however, solidified his resolution.