Lord of Azure Flame Chapter 22: The Hunt

[Script]

Luc Altair

So, Raemond hadn't seen the monk from earlier. Did that bode for well or ill? "Because it is logical to believe he might seek out nearby allies," Luc answered. The Cavalier doubted any concern for he other monk's well-being would be believed.

The monk spoke next to answer a question from the girl regarding the source of his injuries. Odd, that a demon would let him go--but the demons had displayed much in the way of inexplicable behavior before.

Could just one day go past without some form of nightmare was what began to play itself out? Raemond was trying to forcibly "escort" Beau to Ursibus! That had to stop immediately. "You are in no position to dictate whether someone should go monk," Luc explained.

[riariadne]

Chase stopped his mumbling when he heard a rather terrified scream. Viveka! Ugh, I just totally forgot about her like that...! Is she okay? With a strange sinking feeling, he went to the source of the cry and stopped when he saw her looking at a corpse, something like a corpse... "Viveka! Are you okay? Well, that's a dumb question, of course you're not okay, you're hurt really bad and you look terrified. You should get some help for you and Sunny too... Sorry for... not being of much use, I guess, and... um, maybe I should shut up..."

Edited January 7, 2011 by Haruhi Suzumiya

[Phoenix]

(Insert Relevant Title Here)

Chase figured out rather quickly that he wasn't helping the situation much. It was true, he wasn't very good for consoling, but for the moment he could still be a crying shoulder. That however didn't become apparent until Viv shot up and hugged him squeezing rather tightly. Deep down she knew she would have to work through the grief quickly, and bottling it up wasn't going to help her in the slightest.

[-Cynthia-]

Tristan heard some crying and some yelling about something or other, but figured it didn't involve him and so he decided to keep looking around. He thought he saw something shiny near one of the scorched-looking buildings and decided to check it out. There were two women there, one with green hair and one with blonde hair, both unconscious, but alive.

"Hey, weren't these two traveling with us?" he asked the rest of the group. "We probably shouldn't just leave them here."

With Jace gone, Morgan turned her attention back to Kaileen who had fallen to second priority due to discussing less important matters. "Yes, the woman with her baby behind me survived, as did that man" she said, pointing to Adam.

[Snike]

Cutting it close, Prince

Alex did not respond, heat flushing her cheeks for a few moments. Then, it passed, just as the prince turned to an abandoned building. A few minutes later, he asked the group about two women he had found in one of the buildings.

"... I will go check," the general replied, as she walked over to the building. Just as she rounded the corner, the woman could see the two women: Tessa, the healer, and the amnesiac Danielle, Derek's sister. With a bit of difficulty, the halberdier picked Danielle up, and gestured for someone to carry Tessa as she moved towards the thunder sage's horse.

[Inactive Account]

"Wait--" Arrin tried to pursue the horse that Beau had been slung over, but stumbled and fell. He picked himself up off the ground, and could only watch and hope that Luc would manage to stop them.

"I think I'm gonna be all right. Am I really that worrisome?" Kelas asked, scrambling into the saddle. Amari walked over, with Francis following, ready to go whenever Kelas was. "Glad you're all right, anyway."

"Do you not leave because you have lost companions?" Tanair asked, seeing Alex retrieve one of the group who had gone unnoticed. She walked over to where the woman had been found, and scooped up the girl who remained there, the same one that Helenos had chosen as an unwitting spy last time. She carried the girl back to the group. "Is this yours also? What else have you lost? I need you all to leave."

[Phoenix]

Isotov

Iso let out a staggered and forced laugh. To him it wasn't so much that Kelas herself made him worry a lot, though she often times did, it was simply that excluding Irina, she was the last person standing. Everyone else he ever cared for deeply was dead and gone, and the culprit was still out there and probably plotting to strike again.

Iso: It's not all you, Kelas ... I can't deny that I'm probably a little paranoid. In fact ... I'd ... better grab one of the horses so I can actually do what I said I'd do.

With that he began trying to decide which cavalry horse he would use. It wasn't as easy a decision as he would have first suspected.

[riariadne]

"Urk... Um, yeah, I don't think anything I can say would really help you, Viv, but could you please prevent another death and not strangle me?" he said rather weakly, frowning a bit.

[Inactive Account]

"Francis is right there, he's probably easier to handle than these ones," Kelas replied. "I forget who was telling me that I worry too much, but obviously we both do, and there's not room here for more than one person who worries too much so... yeah I don't even know where I was going with that joke," she trailed off. She was at least alert now, if still exhausted. "Guess we just wait for the others now."

[Phoenix]

Isotov

Though Kelas cut her joke short, Iso still laughed at it. A more genuine laugh this time.

Iso: Francis it is then ... and we can take shifts worrying I guess.

He quickly hopped up into the saddle and gave Francis a gentle stroke across his mane.

Iso: Hey, it's me again ... hope you don't mind me using you for transport again. (I'mmm talking to animals agaaaain. Oi.)

Viveka

She quickly loosened her grip about Chase and slowly let go.

Viveka: I'm sorry. I just ... there was no excuse for what happened.

She glared over at Jace for a moment and then turned back to Chase.

Viveka: I'll be alright. Thanks for being here. We should probably go like that dragon said anyway.

[the_whistler]

Heinz:

That man talking to Jace.... who is he anyway? frowning for a second. Double-checking to make sure his weapons were in order, he watched in amusement as first the Jerdonian cavalier charged at the hero, before the princess flew into rage at Jace's question of Shanice and Eric and passed out. So he doesn't care that his daughter remains with us, with the prince of Septimus no less? Interesting choice to chase after demons and Helenos, instead of running his country, although it seems we owe our lives to him.

Noting a flash of light out of the corner of his eye, Heinz saw the cavalier from Directus attempting to resolve the situation to no avail. Scowling in surprise as the monk ran away with the newly acquired healer, the man ran quickly towards his horse pacing around aimlessly nearby. Probably doesn't like the smell of rot much, he thought wryly before jumping on and chasing after the man. "The priest is dead?" he wondered out loud, seeing the remains. "Eh, saves us gold I suppose," urging Ralf to run faster. This boy might be necessary.

The General:

Conrad shook Viveka gently, hoping she would wake up soon. That was more than foolish, trying to attack Jace directly like that. He sighed, reevaluating his opinion of the cavalier. "To think he was one of the more capable ones too, and a friend of Viveka's." He frowned a bit as Chase came forwards, blundering in on the situation.

Opening his mouth to reprimand the archer, he stopped mid-breath, seeing the man could at least be of some comfort. "I'm sorry for your loss, Viveka," speaking solemnly. "But it seems we must go and grieve later, that dragon wants to cleanse the area," Conrad spoke, standing up. Giving the falcon knight and Veshkal a few moments to compose themselves and get ready, the general himself put back on his armor and mounted Thunderbolt.

Edited January 9, 2011 by the_whistler

[Phoenix]

Viveka

Well Conrad had pretty much reaffirmed what she had thought and mentioned. IT was definitely time to go. Another casualty though ... two actually since their inactive guide had been awkwardly slain evidenced by the scene close by. She shook her head, a bit frustrated but still keeping herself together. It really wasn't the time or place for her to be acting that way, not even for a moment. She quickly stood up.

Viveka: I'll be alright, Sir. Thank you. I know I'm one of the few people who didn't seemed to have a problem with him. I'll get Susann and then I'll be ready to go.

Doing as she said she walked the short distance to Susann who happened to be orbiting Bellerophon like a moon. She tilted her head at first but then quickly grabbed her pegasus' reins and led her away waving goodbye to Bellerophon as she did.

Viveka: Say hi to Tristan for me.

[Mercakete]

Was this becoming a habbit? Was his rider's urgency so great? Why had they been running for the past two days? Lantos didn't likke running at top speed. He was a distance runner and was used to travelling certain routes. Why the change? The poor horse just didn't understand as Raemond urged him to go faster, which was especially difficult with the usual human on his back and a smaller one practically dangling off his side. The girl had dismounted before and his rider was holding awkwardly onto the smaller one. Why was his lot in life suddenly something like this?

Beau had no idea who their persuer was, but he'd seen the man fighting on their side before. Not liking the idea of being trampled, he didn't squirm much and even held onto Raemond's arm, but was glad that someone was trying to reclaim him. Raemond, however, cast one look back and inwardly cursed his inability to fight while riding in general, let along while golding onto Beau. (Raechel wouldn't allow me to let anything happen to her student. He's a child who doesn't understand the danger he's in. He's simply being an arrogant noble who wants to do what he wants to do. Blast it, Beau... I'll do my best, but you're likely to be the death of me someday!)

[Balcerzak]

Tessa slowly came to to the sensation of being carried, instinctively, she tried her best to cling tighter to whomever was the transport, while her mind quickly flitted back over the recent past events:

Last night had seen more nightmares, despite her conversation with Lev. Sir Dustin had shown up and chided her, "I never taught you the sword so you could kill followers of The Lady!" and other similarly deserved chastisements had ensued, before the nature of dreams had swirled things on into other matters. She managed to deal with it reasonably well though, and upon waking had stayed firm in the resolution she'd made, to once again be strong and secure. She didn't like the uncertain and impotent feelings that had been plaguing her of late.

The group had set out for the short remaining distance to the site of the rumoured demonic infestation, and the likely final confrontation with Helenos, and Tessa had an important part to play, trusted with the Wyrmslayer from Morgan. However, things had not quite gone according to plan. As the swarms of undead had surged forth, she'd tried to circle around to flank the rot dragon, to get better access, while the others were distracting her headlong. Her plan failed miserably though, as liches and dead dogs cut her off from her target, and forced her back through their sheer numbers. Despite cutting down several she was soon pressed up against a doorway to a building, with little option but to try to take refuge inside, though she was apparently not the first to do so, as she saw Elle also within. Sanctuary was shortlived, though, as flames sprung up all around. Trevor finally reached his limit, and bolted free, trampling over several rotting dog beasts in his escape, leaving the two women inside the burning building. If the fire wasn't enough, parts of the structure began to collapse, and rubble began further sealing the exits. As the thought of being buried alive broke her mind a little, the memories just... stopped.

There was a bit of a warm earthy scent to her saviour, and when she peeked carefully out of half-open eyes, she saw first and foremost that the enclosing walls and collapsing building had been replaced with wide open spaces. As relief flooded through her, she relaxed noticeably, and focused in, close to her face, seeing that she was being carried by the lady with the magic feet, the dragon who'd been slumbering in her people's graveyard. Dredging her memory, she softly asked... "Tanair? ..." Coughing interrupted her from questioning any further, as she'd apparently inhaled a lot of smoke.

[Inactive Account]

"Yes," Tanair said simply. "I do not think you can walk?" She couldn't do anything for the girl's health, so she simply carried her over to the carriage and set her inside. Wondering if maybe it would get the humans to leave faster, she doubled back and picked up Arrin, depositing him in the carriage before he could snap out of his surprise and protest. "Is there some reason you do not listen to me and leave?" she asked the others.

"Hey, what--" Arrin began, then realized that protest was at this point unnecessary. Instead, he turned to Tessa. "Are you all right? What happened?"

[Phoenix]

Departure

Once Tanair began to lose her patience, the group was quickly hustled into action. With everyone who hadn't been slain gathered, the group departed Altenau leaving Tanair to her work. Their next destination lied a little ways further west.

During the trip, Irina killed yet another chicken and fed Niket the leaner parts while letting Kiev and the pink wyvern split the rest. Lev not having much room on Krinkov with both Morgan and the surviving mother present perched up on top of the cargo itself and simply read the whole time. Once they arrived at the next town he would grab one of the wyverns and go look for Tas himself.

The Next Town Over

Before them was the town of Worthington. Once there, they were able to locate an inn though it was suggested the group use more than one so there wouldn't be rooming complications or fights. The first step was to simply see what was available however. Levski took Kiev by the reins leaving Krinkov with the luggage and presumably guard duty as he flew off to search for Tas. He informed Morgan and others that he would be back soon.

OOC: I leave the rest of the details up to you guys :)

[Inactive Account]

It was a large and odd-looking party that the girl spotted while playing on the outskirts of Worthington. "Back in a mo'," she told her friends, and dashed off. If she got this much business for her uncle, the innkeeper of the Dancing Dove, there would surely be something good in it for her. "Uncle!" she shouted, running up the steps of the inn. It was evening, and the common room was beginning to fill, but the guest rooms were still reasonably vacant.

"What is it, lass?" the innkeeper called from another room.

"Customers! Lots of 'em! I think maybe they need a healer some of them, but there's a lot of them, and they's sure tired and hungry!"

"If it's refugees from Altenau or the capital I'm not sure how much I can do," the innkeeper replied; he hated to turn people away when they were in need, but he needed to keep food on his own table too. "Come on, then, let's see." He headed out to the main road. "Oddest bunch of refugees I've ever seen, if that's what they are... well, looks like they've got some military folk, they can probably pay," he muttered. "Hoy, travelers! Do you need lodgings or meals?" he called. "And what's the news? Do I guess rightly that you've come via Altenau? What happened there?"

[-Cynthia-]

"Demon dragon, most of the citizens turned into undead, most of the city burned down." Morgan answered the innkeeper. "How many rooms do you have?" she asked him.

Is this what an inn looks like? Hard to think that Burgosas rules over all these places I've never even been. Tristan thought to himself.

[Inactive Account]

"I s'pose that depends on what you had to do with it," the innkeeper replied. "Must say it's a bit interesting you survived. Did you lot kill the dragon, then?"

[-Cynthia-]

"We fought the dragon, she escaped." Morgan answered the innkeeper. "We survived, many others did not, probably due to their lack of weaponry or any sort of martial or magical skills. Having such abilities usually leads to survival when faced with adversity as opposed to being some unarmed weaver or somesuch."

[Phoenix]

Viveka

Did they kill the dragon? Not even close ... but it was probably best to not give them the impression that they had been saved or anything. She sat back in the saddle and let Morgan do the talking.

Irina and Isotov (holy crap I put her name first)

Irina had been playing with Niket and talking with Kiev and her pink wyvern throughout the trip and she didn't cease doing so. With Lev off to find Tas all she could do is mind the wyverns and eggs until the two of them returned.

Isotov meanwhile kept Francis right next to Kelas and her horse like he said he would. He didn't have much else he could do at the moment.

[Inactive Account]

"But you helped drive her off, that's somethin'," the innkeeper replied. This group seemed like they were at least trying to be heroic, and they probably had at least a little money. "Tell you what, we've got plenty of rooms and plenty of food, and I know a healer if you need one. I can give you a discount for going up against that beastie." He motioned for the group to follow him back to the inn.

"Wonderful," Kelas muttered. She'd managed to stay awake for the whole ride, but was more than ready to wash, eat, and sleep (though she couldn't guarantee that sleep wouldn't gain priority over eating.) "Least we got somewhere to sleep..." She kneed the cavalry horse forward, Amari following along.

[Dark Sage]

After having woken up after her healing, Reika felt terrific, like she could wrestle with Helenos. She moved quite gracefully now and lacked the pallor of ilness she had before. She no longer stumbled and it seemed like she was even in a relatively decent mood. Decent for her anyway.

All of this Alf took note as he puzzled over the change. He hadn't gotten the knives back and the dragon got away. Maybe she got them back herself or someone else did, but he wasn't sure. And they sure as hell wouldn't rebind her to them. Except maybe Morgan.

Either way, they were out of danger. At least as much as they could be, which put him in quite a chipper mood, as he was smiling beneath the mask.

"Thanks for letting me come along," Sadie said to Alf, also relieved of getting out of Altenau.

"Hey I don't have any authority here. Go thank our fearless leader Morgan there. Lady's brave enough to go after that dragon."

"Yeah, I should write a song about it. I just need an account of all the events though. If it's ok, I would like to stay with you guys. I don't have anywhere to go and I do know an awful bunch. I can fight too you know."

"Hey, like I said, I'm not the leader here. Go talk to Morgan if you'd like to come along with us for the ride."

Guess I should talk to Reika soon about how she's doing Alf thought. But there's also Aiya and Esphyr. I wonder how they are too.

[Purg]

The Dancing Dove. The name had caught his attention as he had entered a day ago. Unusual. Names didn't matter anymore. So long as there was a warm hearth and a steady supply of drink, he no longer cared. This didn't bode well - he should have taken this oddity as a sign and gone on to the next town, but he had grown weary of the road once again. He had decided to stay here, for a day, perhaps two, before he moved on.

By the end of the first night, he had forgotten that idea. Strong liquor had clouded his mind, and he had found a warm seat at the bar. He had been here before, he thought - perhaps when he had been an aspiring hero. The barman didn't recognize him, or if he did, he held his tongue. That was for the best - the days when he had been a traveling blade with more purpose than to keep himself hydrated were long, long past, and if anyone thought to remind him of then... He shook his head as he downed another glass. Forgetting was the only important thing.

Apparently a settlement to the east had been destroyed by some strange sorcery. Were he a younger man, he would have headed to Altenau already, to search for survivors. Not anymore. Not everyone could be saved, he came to realize. Rare were the times where his sword was drawn to save anyone but himself - he still found himself accosted by bandits and other threats, occasionally, but there weren't many who could keep pace with his old horse or block his strikes. As a young man, he had overextended himself, tried to save all he thought needed it. He had been defeated, betrayed, struck down more times than he cared to count. He wouldn't be again, if he could help it.

In his haze he noticed the innkeeper leave after sharing some shouted words with his apparent niece. A mass of travelers, or refugees. They could stay here. He shook his head.

He should have already left.

[Balcerzak]

Helios's wound from the Templar fight had still been giving him trouble, though Elle had done her best to tend him, bless her heart, her true skills lay elsewhere it seemed. Even had that not been the case though, the wind mage had been in no great hurry to face off with Helenos again. The first time had been a stunning defeat, and was apparently what had rendered him witless, and without memories that were only weeks later mostly recovered. Most of the fight he'd spent near the rear, only tackling the persistent and annoying dead that attempted to molest his place of relative safety. It wasn't as if he were afraid... no, certainly not! It was just that, well, all things had their proper time and place.

During the battle he'd kept watch, and noted those who were making the wise decisions, and those who simply foolishly rushed in. Luc and Viveka seemed to be solidly in the former category, as well as a handful of others, but when the pegasus knight suddenly changed from staying back and watching to flying in actively at the tendrils, perilously close to the rot dragon herself, he was a bit surprised. He'd never expected the military officer to take things into her own hands when only certain defeat awaited... The Directus count didn't betray expectations though, recognizing the situation, and finally trying to rally a retreat when things had seemed to reach the most impossible.

The aftermath was a bit of a mess, and honestly Helios had no idea what he should be doing at that stage. Times like this he was usually laying somewhere unconscious, so this was a new experience for him, and he floundered about uselessly. By the time he realized Dani/Elle was missing, it was when that General Alex had already returned with her, and he wouldn't quite describe their relationship as being on the best of terms. Better to let things lie, it seemed. They finally departed, and made the trek out to a neighboring town, and he followed along mostly in silence. As they were settling into things however, he looked around, found what he was looking for, and pulled up alongside to ask the question that was currently on his mind.

Viveka was still astride her pegasus, but Helios had ditched his own mount as soon as was prudent, so called up to her from below. "I just don't get it, what drove you to do it? Flying in so close like that, after having played it smart and hung back for awhile. Is it because you weren't around for the swamp fiasco? Didn't know what she was capable of?"