Abysmal Souls Chapter 1: Soul Eater

[Kanami]

Snow flakes falling from the heavens indicated that it once again that time of the year in Sapphire. A time which many found irritating, a season when there was little profit to be made as roads became treacherous, and plantlike shriveled away or hid itself underneath a blanket of snow. A lone wagon made its way from Alifer to Estarna, an uncommon sight this time of the year as lack of business forced most families in Sapphire to hole up in their houses and spend time with their loved ones.

Or that's what Carrion had been told earlier, it might be a season for families to get together for some, but for others it was just another day, only colder. her mind wandered back to the image of a young boy she'd seen in Alifer. For some, it was also their last day as the cold didn't take kindly to those who couldn't afford to hide away in their comfy warm homes. She'd contemplated burying the boy, but she'd decided against it, knowing her luck someone would probably have seen her and she'd be behind bars, accused of murder if she had stuck around any longer. Instead she'd opted to wrap the boy in her own coat and left him there for someone else to find. A decisions she'd started regretting as the cold started getting to her soon after.

Plus, that confident smug look on Lady Marriane's face was enough to get her blood boiling. She'd come to Sapphire in hopes that the vast network of the Rozenford family would have the information she seeked, but being the merchant Marriane was, she'd put a price on whatever it was that she knew. A price Carrion wasn't able to pay. Her funds had dwindled over the past week since she'd left her home. Her hidden estate near Melorem trashed and pillaged by common bandits.

She'd be lying if she said she didn't resent the bandits, but she hadn't really tried to stop them, instead she'd remained hidden in the corner of her own room, wondering if her life had come to an end. If the bandits had found her then she'd probably have let them do whatever with her body, she'd pretty much been an empty shell anyway. Fortunately the bandits had left without touching her room. Probably fearing the presence of the Crimson witch. She'd probably have remained in that corner for the rest of her life if she hadn't been given certain information she now thrived on from her small companion.

"Faye" she whispered, stroking her tome fondly, getting a weird look from one of the occupants of the wagon, but not really caring. She'd sooner die then admit it, but she was really grateful towards her small friend. Silence indicated that the spirit of the tome was either sleeping or refused to come out. Most likely the former considering the spirits nature.

Figuring that her companion wouldn't be coming out anytime soon, her eyes wandered to the other occupants of the wagon. In the far corner sat a tall handsome man, though some would debate her tastes as the man jade hair was accompanied by several protrusion, and the cramped wings growing out of the mans back clearly indicated that the man was an Anri. Carrion wasn't sure whether it was the cold or if it was the way the man had been forced to bend his wings, but he seemed rather uncomfortable, shuffling about as if doing so would have some sort of effect. Whatever he tried, it wouldn't fix the low ceiling on this damned wagon.

Beside him sat a girl who'd caught Carrions interest initially, or rather, the girl who possessed the tome that had caught her interest. It was clear that tome wasn't one of those mass produced pieces of junk they sold for ridiculous prices. And Carrion had hoped that it was something akin to her own tome, but after trying to sense out the magical structure of the tome earlier, it was clear that the tome wasn't anything like her own. Either way, the girl too seemed like something was bothering her. She'd occasionally pick up her tome, flip through a few pages, before mumbling something and snapping it shut again. Originally Carrion had assumed the girl was trying to keep herself busy to ignore the cold, but maybe she her eyes reflected an active mind which seemed to be working out some complex problem.

On the opposite side sat a kid who seemed to young to be in the business, though Carrion had been renowned across the land at the boys age, she found it hard to believe that the boy Ormis? was as powerful as she'd been. She overheard the boys name earlier from their employer who seemed to know the boy from a previous job. Apparently this wasn't the boys first job, though that wasn't much of a surprise, considering the look in his eyes. Youth his age often reflected a burning desire to prove themselves, or excitement over the adventure that lay ahead. But this kid, his eyes seemed dead, as if something had snuffed his enthusiasm somewhere along the line. Though that wasn't an uncommon trait in kids his age. Killing another for gold wasn't unbearable, but most would probably not consider it to be fun.

In between the kid and herself was another boy, though this one was obviously a few years older then the other. Carrion could have sworn she'd smelled cooking spices coming from the mans clothes earlier, but she doubted that a mercenary would be using spices. Most didn't even know how to cook beyond making a fire and throwing whatever they'd found over the fire. The man had tried to strike up a conversation several times in the last hour, conversations that Carrion had no intentions of responding too, she had no intentions of getting to know these civilians who'd most likely be dead in a few hours.

She couldn't judge the Anri, but the girl looked like she belonged in Pravna's library studying, the boy didn't seemed too young, and if the guy beside her didn't seem too skilled at all. Sapphire was clearly short on competent mercenaries this time of the year. A slight problem for Carrion as she wasn't exactly the exactly a fighter herself once battle started. Her only hope was for that huge brute of a man sitting on the opposite side of the wagon to herself.

The man had announced himself as "Greg" earlier, claiming to be the strongest man alive in Sapphire, a claim which had resulted in someone scoffing, but she wasn't sure who was responsible for that response. Either way the self appointed leader of the group had been snoring his face off for the last hour, preventing anyone else from getting any sleep. Even if she blocked her ears, the stench of alcohol would sneak into her nose making her feel sick. She'd contemplated killing Greg in his sleep several time over the past hour, she hadn't slept in several days now and what sleep she'd managed this past week hadn't been very relaxing. The dark circles under her eyes probably could be seen a mile away, and she noticed more then one of the members looking at her with concern. Though that concern might be because they were drawing connections between her crimson red hair, and the rumors of the crimson witch coming back from the dead.

She smirked at the idea, before glancing over the group, and then letting her eyes glance outside towards the flakes of snow which fell from the dark clouds above. She'd been staring at snow for several years now, five years ago she'd been childish enough to enjoy playing in the snow. A soft fluffy white flakes had always made her comfortable, intrigued by the beauty she'd sit by her window back at her estate just watching it fall, but this year the snow seemed harder, uncaring and ice cold. Something which she'd never really minded. Closing her eyes, she tried to imagine the smiling face of her brother, and after succeeding she felt her body relax slightly, she could feel sleep coming on now, and any sleep, even if it was for a few second was welcome at this stage. As her body became less tense, she slumped against the wall, her breathing becoming soft as she dreamed of better times.

[roymbrog]

Winter, the best time of year in Susan’s opinion. Of course, that was when she was warm at home with her family, not in the freezing cold working a mercenary job. The story of how she ended up here started a few weeks ago when her brother found a dusty old tome in the attic and started tinkering with different methods of using it. With how many old tomes her mother had and Airik’s love of inventing this was not an unusual occurrence, and Susan saw no significance in agreeing to test out the modifications. The thought that winter was near hadn’t occurred to her as the mercenary guild her brother contacted rarely gave her jobs before spring.

Unfortunately this time had been different. She nearly fell over in shock when she found out she’d be working in the middle of winter, in Sapphire no less. Not one to go back on her word she followed through, even if she did whine and complain about it the entire week before she left. Once she’d arrived she’d been sent off in a cart full of strangers to who knew where, and it was obvious she wasn't too thrilled about it.

Now, even wearing two layers of pants, a fur lined coat and boots, and a cloak, she was still cold. The other passengers seemed to be in similar condition, by the looks of it. She didn’t pay much attention to the two human mercenaries, they looked like common sellswords to her and she’d seen enough to those to know most of them were selfish, arrogant, or both. The woman with the crimson hair plain creeped her out, but no matter how much she thought on the matter should couldn’t place why. It may have had something to do with the tome; it may have been the way she was looking at the tome. Either way, she didn’t want anything to do with the stranger. That left the vulgar man with the overinflated ego and the Anri beside her. She chose the Anri for the obvious reasons of not being asleep and smelly.

Starting up a conversation was easier said than done, however, and she was left for a while trying to figure out what to say. After several minutes of flipping through her tome and reciting incantations from it quietly to pass the time, she gave up and said the first thing that came to mind. “…Cold?” Great start, they would surely think she was an articulate genius now! Or not. She wanted to slap herself in embarrassment, but instead tried to look as sincere as possible.

Edited March 28, 2011 by roymbrog

[CT075]

Ormis grinned, looking around at the group of people in the wagon with him. He'd grown used to the temperature drop quite quickly compared to the others. By the looks of it, he was the only one not bothered by the cold.

Sizing up his companions, he deemed everyone but the sleeping man and the girl with red hair to be no threat, and he planned on challenging Greg as soon as he got an opportunity. The other girl, though, she creeped him out a little. Best to stay away until he could figure out how she worked. The Anri was just that, a cursed man regardless of how strong he looked. Ormis figured he could take him without much fuss. The other girl was a mage, he was sure of that. Still no problem.

That left the guy sitting to his left. He looked to be only a few years older than Ormis himself, and there seemed to be the scent of spices coming from him as well. That was almost enough to catch his interest, though Ormis would never admit it. He'd wanted to learn to cook a few years back, but then he went out and got a job at the guild.

His smile faltered when he realized that he'd have to deal with these people until they reached their destination… wherever that was. Now that Ormis thought of it, he didn't know where they were going. He had a vague memory of his employer telling him, but he was too focused on the part about bandits to really remember what he said."

"Does anyone have any idea where in blazes we're headed?"

[Nanami Touko]

Why am I here?

Adrian let out a long grown, shuffling in his place within the cramped wagon. He wasn't groaning about the cold, no no. He'd lived in Sapphire his entire life, so this was normal for him. It actually amused him, a little, to see all these other people struggling with the chilling weather.

What he was groaning about was this mercenary mission, and why he had actually chosen to join it. He had his reasons. He needed to fight to become stronger, so he could track down his family. He needed to learn how to be a mercenary, and how to act in missions like these. But, joining into a group he knew nothing about, and a mission he knew hardly anything about? He was beginning to question his reasons, and it would be quite obvious to any onlooker than he was having some kind of mental dilemma. Speaking of onlookers, he noticed the girl with the red hair scanning the passengers. He gave her a once over, shrugging; figuring she was nothing special. He did like her hair, though. Strange colors in hair was something that was not very common where he was from. Then again, where he was from, everything was mundane.

He glanced at everyone else, as well. A myriad of different customers were littered about, most not seeming like they wanted to talk. He'd tried to start a conversation with a few of them before: both girls with their tomes, and the boy sitting near him, but none of them seemed particularly interested in him, or his topics. Much to his dismay, the boy sitting next to him growled a question, causing him to almost jump into the person on his other side.

"Geez, d'you have to yell?" He barked, giving the kid a stern glance. He took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of his spices. He'd kept them on him, in case he got the chance to cook. Having enough in his sack to make a nice meal was comforting.

[Kanami]

Greg's beauty sleep was brought to an abrupt end due to someones unnecessarily loud voice asking where they were heading. Years of being a mercenary had helped his mind awaken faster then that of an average man. "Haha, took the job without knowing what you were gonna be doin' huh" he laughed at the boy who seemed more then slightly agitated.

"Huntin' bandits lad, what else there to do this time of the year? Clearin' roads?" he barked following it up with a hearty laugh. A laugh that reeked of booze, a laugh which was situated right above Susans head.

"Don't you all worry though, The great Greg's here to take care of things, you just sit back and not get in my way, right?" he boasted arrogantly, clearly thinking that the other occupants weren't suitable for the job. The red head in the corner seemed capable, but she'd fallen asleep much to Gregs relief. He didn't know for sure yet, but he'd heard the rumors of the Crimson Witch, and he wasn't ready to be eaten by any wench any time soon.

[Nanami Touko]

Who's this? He's terrifying, that's for sure he thought, as his eyes darted over to the hulking man that had suddenly awoken, hiding the grimace that quickly appeared on his lips. This man was truly frightening, and Adrian only hoped that there weren't worse on the bandit's side. Though, the comment about clearing roads made a small smile crack through his grimace. Yeah, sure. You can joke about it, but I've actually had to DO it before.

"So, what can you tell us about these bandits? They're nothing special, right?" Admittedly, this was his first time actually going to fight against bandits. He had fought against people in his village in practice, of course, but not against these ruffians.

The man's comment stung a little, but for only a moment, since... he was right. Adrian probably would end up getting in the way, but he would still try, if he had to.

Edited March 29, 2011 by seph1212

[Kanami]

"They're special alright, they get to die by awesome hands!" Greg bellowed, glad to have another chance to boast his greatness.

"Nothing else special 'bout them, hear they've been pillagin' a few villages here and there, but that about it" he stated simply. Clearly having been used to this type of work, and the only one who seemed capable his ego was inflating itself.

He noticed a change in the air when he mentioned that he'd be taking care of things, and decided he didn't want the others stabbing him in the back when he was occupied. "Don't worry lads, Ima family man, be more then happy to share the prize even if you can't do shit, some of you look like you could use a extra layer of clothing anyway" he stated glancing at Carrion. "All you need to do is buy me a drink when it's all over, though you cute lassie can pay me in a different way if you want" he said giving Susan a wink.

[Zsword]

I hate cramped spaces. I hate cramped spaces. I hate cramped spaces. I hate... Was all Zwool could think about for... most of the trip, when he wasn't thinking about where he was. He had naturally taken his opinions of everyone he was travelling with. First up was the lady with red hair, everyone else had been giving her some form of odd look throughout the trip, he didn't know why. She seemed nice enough if not a little to herself, and he could respect that, after all, he didn't feel all that welcomed either... or that might be the lack of wingspace getting to him.

Then there was the two scented men of opposite statures... and demeanors apperantly. One scents was rather pleasing (if not a little over bearing), it reminded him of times of times he didn't remember... that the memories were there, but he couldn't draw upon them. A man who smelled so pleasant couldn't be all that bad. Then by that logic, the large, loud lug in the corner would probably be an absolute abomination to know for extended periods of time. The third man in the group, didn't seem to have much of anything to make an opinion off of, so he couldn't be to bad. Then there was the other girl in the cart, who also didn't seem to suggest being anything special... and was talking to Zwool, if only but a single word.

He tried to straighten out his posture, only to regret it as it pressed his wings against the side of the cart. "Oh uh... not really, just uh... not a lot of space..." he said, trying to re-adjust his Claidheamh Mor on his back to something more comfortable, which was destined to fail. He eventually gave up on it and began to nervously re-adjust his Gauntlet as he tried to choose his words. "you? you look a little uh... chilly, yourself though..."

[CT075]

"What, you trying to pick a fight with me?"

Ormis hated it when people, especially other mercenaries, looked down on him because of his age. He could feel his anger rising, and didn't really feel like controlling it. Trying to resist grabbing his sword, Ormis instead contented himself with simply standing up and getting in Greg's face, the closer the better.

Geez, how much booze does this guy drink? he wondered, trying not to gag.

"What, so you think that just because you know how to hold your liquor that you can just do whatever you want? Don't ignore me just because I'm young or I'll kick your ass!"

Ormis's voice rose to a yell. Something about this Greg guy was bothering him, and he was contemplating just to take his sword and teach him a lesson right now.

Then the wagon hit a little bump in the road, and Ormis lost his balance, landing face first into the opposite wall from where he had been sitting.

"Oof!"

[roymbrog]

Susan was thankful the other passengers hadn’t noticed her awkwardness. Or maybe they just didn’t care. Or they may had noticed it, and just not let on that they had. Lost in thought worrying about that stupid issue, it took her a moment to realize the Anri had spoken back. “Yeah, this cart is pretty small,” she replied, and chuckled nervously. “I am a little chilly, I’m not used to being out so long in this weather…” She mumbled a bit at the end and rubbed her arms trying to warm herself more, if only a little.

Preoccupied with the cold, she tried to ignore the two yelling mercenaries, and did pretty well until she smelt something foul above her. She cringed, held her nose, and tried to shuffle closer to the Anri, which was as far as she could get from the arrogant fool. The only useful thing she gained from his words was exactly what it was they were doing; the rest just added to his description of self-absorbed jerk.

He winked at her and she started feeling nauseous. “I’m not paying you at all, and especially not in that way. I doubt you’ll be paid at all, actually, the men with the biggest egos always seem to fall first,” she said with obvious distaste and much more confidence then she actually felt. She may have been scared of him, but even she knew a well-placed dagger would stop him if he tried anything. She fingered the hilt of hers though it was more for comfort than preparation.

OOC: Selfish question, but can this be before Cam's post? I don't have time to edit it right now. If not, I'll fix it later.

Edited March 29, 2011 by roymbrog

[CT075]

((S'alright with me.))

[Nanami Touko]

Hey, she can actually talk Adrian noted, as one of the girls shot back at the man. Her reaction quite surprised him; he figured a girl her size would be terrified of this man. He was still wary, and wouldn't want to get into a fight with him. The boy sitting next to Adrian seemed quite fine with it though, as Adrian watched him get into the old mercenary's face. Great. This is perfect; we're gonna kill each other before the bandits do.

He had to think of something quick, wanting to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible. "Hey, come on, guys. Can we at least wait until we've torn the bandits apart to do the same to each other? Why don't we get to know each other a little better, instead?" Awesome. I'm the mother of this group. A fake little smile moved its way onto his face, as he laughed uncomfortably. "I'm Adrian, mercenary, chef, and resident Saph. Uh... What about you?" He asked, nodding his head at the girl who'd retorted to the old merc. This is going to go wrong somehow, I know it.

OOC:I've got no problem with it either, Roym.

Edited March 29, 2011 by seph1212

[Kanami]

(OoC: Not a problem roy, if anyone else want to do something like that, just leave an OoC note, however don't contradict or significantly effect what the older post your skipping says.)

Greg eyed the girl up and down, short temper, but she did have a nice backside. He didn't really care for the girls insult, "Don't worry lass, no need to be shy, Great Greg understands" he said giving the girl a sly smile before he was rudely interrupted by the little boy.

Greg had reached for his sword as the young brat started getting a bit too active, he didn't mind others trying to prove their worth, but this kid clearly needed to be knocked into place. Whether it be a stroke of fortune or misfortune, a bump in the road took care of the brat as he slammed face first into the wall.

"Your young and reckless lad, wont last long if you don't keep your temper in check, seen many lads like you die cause they pointed their swords in the wrong direction, and it ain't by my hand either" Adrians mediation made Greg smirk, "Yeah boys like that last longer, know what they're doin', now when to back off and them types"

Edited March 29, 2011 by Kanami

[CT075]

Pulling his face out of the wall, Ormis shook his head, clearing it.

"You trying to start something here?"

Ormis couldn't believe this guy. He almost reminded him of that other guy from before... except louder and more arrogant. He took a moment to smolder, then dug around in his bag, feeling for the hilt of his sword.

Yes!

He grabbed the sword, pulling it out, ready to swing it... only to drop the shattered remains of his first sword, embarrassed.

"Hmph."

Gathering up the remains of his old blade, Ormis slumped down again, sullen. He was glad that he'd grabbed the wrong thing, as actually lunging at Greg with a real blade would have had worse consequences.

Edited March 30, 2011 by Camtech075

[Kanami]

You'd think Greg would have been enraged at some kid trying to point his sword at him, but Greg had either grown used to it, or maybe he was still under the influence of alcohol and lacked the ability to care. He did take not of the shattered sword though.

He stared at the sword, at Ormis, back at the sword, and then scoffed. The kid had probably gone against someone at least twice his skill to have that done to his sword. Either that or the kid really was stupid and had snapped it himself in some silly exercise.

Camtech: "Hmph"

Greg: "Heh"

The silence that had befallen the wagon slowly started to show signs of leaving as the tension in the air was weakened. Though hostile glances continued to be directed at Greg from several occupants.

[roymbrog]

Susan took note of Adrian’s name, status as cook, and that he tried to act as mediator before she had to focus on restraining herself from doing anything rash or violent to “Great Greg”. Fight or flight was kicking in and it wasn’t as if she could go somewhere else. The overeager boy already attacked the nuisance and ended up making a fool of himself and she was making sure she didn't do the same.

As the tension surrounding the small cart faded, however, Susan saw it as a better time to answer Adrian’s question. “Susan, mercenary, and quite possibly the only healer here,” she said, glancing pointedly at Greg, the only one who’d been rude to her so far. The way things were going, the only ones she’d want to heal were Adrian and the Anri guy, and she wasn’t even entirely sure her tome could do that.

[Kanami]

"The Great Greg needs no petty mages healin', as proud of these scars as I am of my skills" he boasted not noticing the icy glare the girl was giving him. "Healin' and defendin' be the weak ones job anyway, true men fight on the front lines." He stated proudly as her showed off his scars again.

Seeing as how everyone was introducing themselves, Greg decided to do the same, "I doubt any of you need tellin' but I'm the Great Greg, strongest and bestest mercenary in all of Sapphire, do you good to be on my good side" he stated as if this was the first time he'd introduced himself.

"Doubt you're worth rememberin lad, but I'd like to remember the name of brash kids like yourself, just in case you actually prove yourself to be somethin' useful oneday" Greg stated directing his question at Ormis.

Edited March 30, 2011 by Kanami

[CT075]

"Name's Ormis. Rember it well, 'cause I'll be greater than you some day. Preferably sooner as opposed to later."

Ormis grinned again, knowing Greg would react to that with either scorn or laughter.

"I'm pretty good with a sword, and I'm a crack shot with a throwing knife, too."

Edited March 30, 2011 by Camtech075

[Kanami]

"You're a crack shot with jokes too lad" he laughed as Greg had grown accustomed to young mercs shooting their mouth off to take the boys words seriously. The boy obviously knew he'd made a joke as well as he was grinning at his own joke.

"Should focus on what you can do, which'd be staying alive in the upcomin' battle." Greg stated, looking around at the others who seemed to have either lost interest, or simply given up on Gregs ramblings, but Greg didn't care, he was used to it. Instead he decided that he'd catch the interest of the others by telling the others about his great accomplishments. Nothing better then listening to the feats of a great hero to pass the time, right?

[Nanami Touko]

The cart was getting a little to tense for him, so he took a deep breath, letting the smell of his spices calm him down. He didn't think it would work for anyone else, but maybe if he could keep with being level headed, then he could keep everyone else from fighting long enough to get to their destination. Or he could at least try. Susan's commment got him on edge, though.

One healer. One. Healer. We're screwed...

Adrian chuckled a bit, a little more nervous. Do NOT get her on your bad side. Act normal, be a nice guy, make sure you don't piss her off. His mind raced for a moment, before settling back down as his spice scents wafted their way back into his nose. He was glad for bringing these, because he'd probably be a nervous wreck without them. He noticed the tome she was carrying, and got curious. "So, you're a healer, right? How does your tome work?"

Of course, Greg bellowed once he had asked his question. He didn't like this Greg fellow much, and hoped he would shut up for a bit. He scowled at him for a moment when his back was turned, before sighing and decided that having Greg hold a grudge on him for his own immaturity would be foolish. listening to Greg and Ormis argue wasn't that enjoyable either. He hoped that this ride wouldn't take much longer, if they were going to keep at it. And there was still the sleeping girl, who was beginning to interest him more and more, if only because she hadn't said anything. She WAS sleeping, so of course she hadn't. He was wishing she would wake up soon; maybe join the conversation.

Edited March 30, 2011 by seph1212

[CT075]

"Of course, yeah, sure."

Ormis used the opportunity to sit down in his original spot again, tossing the broken hilt of his sword in his own hand. Clearly everyone in the wagon thought him a fool, and they were probably right, not that Ormis would admit it to anyone.

"So, back to my original question. Where the hell are we going, and how much longer are we gonna be stuck in here?"

[Zsword]

Zwool just sat down and stayed quiet as everyone else went along with there bickering and socializing... he didin't feal like talking unless it was needed. He pressed his left hand on the gem on his right gauntlet and smiled weakly, even with the cold air it was warm... it amazed him how it could do that, though he did wonder what it did.. and why he had it. All he knew was that he wasn't suppose to take it off, so he wouldn't. Simple.

[roymbrog]

Yes, of course Greg didn’t need healers. Just like he was a strong as ten men, killed mobs of bandits all by his lonesome, and whatever other crap he’d been spewing the last few minutes. Let him and the other mercenary talk, at least it kept him busy enough to leave her alone. She turned her attention to the other merc, but as an expert on being antsy herself, she realized she may have made the kid worry about the lack of healers. It wouldn’t be a good idea to tell him she had no idea if the tome’s healing would work on more than small wounds.

“Yes, I am something of a part time healer, though this tome is something new to me. As a variation on an ice tome, it manipulates the moisture in the air and earth, though in a liquid rather than solid state. I couldn’t tell you all mechanics behind it or why it works differently. I wasn’t told myself,” she explained, and opened the tome to one of the few pages she’d memorized. She recited the magic quietly until a small sphere of water began forming above her open palm. It was only a small demonstration, but she figured it was the best way to show what she knew.

[Nanami Touko]

Ormis continued to bellow, and Adrian was getting sick of it. Greg seemed to have stopped talking for the moment, and that was saving his sanity. He looked back over at Susan, trying to focus more on their conversation. It was at least intelligent and interesting, and magic had been something he'd wanted to learn, eventually. Of course, getting one explanation from one mage wouldn't teach him, but it would take his mind off of the belligerents.

His fears waned as she explained how her tome worked to him. He followed her description as well as any normal person would, and got the gist of it, but his eyes lit up as she formed the water in her hand. "Wow, that's amazing!" He smiled like a small child being handed a present, as the magic truly did impress him; he hadn't seen anything like it before. "You say you can't control it that well yet, but it seems like you've got a handle on it, to me. D'you know anymore magic, other than what's in your tome?" His oblivious questions would probably make her laugh at him, but he truly didn't know.

[Kanami]

"Fire..." a monotonous voice stated, getting the attention of some of the people in the wagon, Carrion had just awoken from her nap, or perhaps she'd been awake the whole time as any signs of disorientation failed to show on her face.

Greg sensed something to, he couldn't understand what the red haired woman was talking about when she stated fire, but there was definitely something nearby which wasn't quite right. "It's like the silence before a battle" he stated gruffly, his arrogance and good mood vanishing in a second to be replaced by a mask of alertness. Drawing his weapon as he was closest to the back of the wagon.

Carrion however kept her tome on her lap, emotion failing to show on her face.