Lord of Azure Flame Chapter 23: Rest and Resolve

[Phoenix]

Worthington

The night eventually passed and the next morning dawned on the Crimson Brigade. Inside the Dancing Dove inn, some were awake, some were beginning to wake, and some were still asleep. Levski sat at a table with his legs crossed and lying across the top of it. Not appropriate but he would cease doing it once he wasn't the only person sitting there anymore. While relaxing he wrote down some things on a piece of parchment and occasionally drank from a cup of water sitting next to his legs on the table.

Irina had woken up a bit earlier than she usually did but made the most of it getting her morning routines out of the way and heading off to see the wyverns while it was still early. She also wanted to get breakfast herself after tending to the wyverns and she needed to clean her armor as well. Her lance was also on her mind. It probably needed some special attention too after all those battles. Cleaning was simple enough for her, but she knew it was getting close to the time where she would either have to get a polishing stone or replace the lance head altogether.

There remains now only three of us. Only three of us have come this far, and seen the horrible fates that befall and will continue to befall our brethren. My former associates now closest of friends finally believe as I do ... that the end is nigh. We have only a short time before one of the precious links in our friendship is cut as yet another of us is whisked off to meet their end. Then there will be only two ... and should I yet live, how grim my final days will be. Should I be the last? Greatest of torment. To be the last cry, the last tear shed of the captives that were. The last chronicler of this terrible tale. I wish this fate on no one.

Kiev was beginning to become even more annoyed with that one chicken in the cage that kept bawking too much. He wanted to eat that one a long time ago but Irina kept picking out the wrong chickens. He supposed it didn't matter since there were only three of them left. With her feeding him and the pink one chickens the noisy one would be gone sometime within the next couple of meals. Then they could get new chickens, or preferably rabbits. Rabbits were quieter ... though humans never seemed to sell them. That was troubling to Kiev.

Viveka spent the entire night trapped in her own nightmares and when she woke up, she didn't bother getting out of bed. She mumbled a bit to herself and then lied back down staring at the ceiling for an hour, her thoughts revolving around the past.

In the stables Susann eventually woke up but didn't move. She checked on Tobe by gently raising her wing. He wasn't frozen underneath so she had done a good job. She was very upset though. Neither Viveka nor the father had come to take their child to a warmer place. No one but her was protecting him and it had her nearly furious. If she saw either her rider or the father she would give them a whinnying to for certain. This was no way to treat a good little child.

Irvinheim

Meanwhile ... stuff happened in Irvinheim.

[Ether]

as the world of Ixion's mind faded, and the pair reappeared in Irvinheim, Damian managed to pick out Ixion's words.

"Yeah, I know what you want me to do. And I will do it. I doubt it will be easy, but I never expected this to be. But it is necessary, and that is all there is for it." Damian said, confirming Ixion's words.

"Although, Ixion. With all of your prowess in the arts of Elder magic, I was wondering. You mentioned before long distance communications... would it be possible for me to speak to a few people from the group of wielders? I think it will help me if I can hear them again before I proceed..."

**************

The town of Worthington. It seemed a decent enough place, and the Crimson Brigade had stopped there for the night. Esphyr had brought food, but Aiya had not touched it. She didn't feel like eating, and allowed Alferis to eat her share before she left the two.

Nearby, Charlotte and Viveka were speaking, first of Pary's death.

'I can't say his death exactly saddens me... he was a horrid man, a crooked man, but still, to die in that way... I suppose he didn't deserve it... he did save me a few times... I guess he wasn't all bad.'

The topic of their discussion shifted to the war, to Jerdon. The alcohol in Aiya's own hand stopped halfway to her lips. The social commentary was not inaccurate, Aiya noted, and she herself couldn't say she agreed with her homeland's choice to invade Septimus... stopping Jace was a noble end, but...

'...it isn't my place to question it, I guess.'

The issues ran too deep, too far into politics and fancy words.

'I'm just a soldier, a blade to strike the enemies of my country, a shield to protect it's people... even if I knew the roots of this invasion, what could I do about it? No one would listen to the opinions of a single soldier, and one body, one soul, cannot fight an army... say all you want about the power of one... what power does one really have alone?'

Aiya sighed, as Derek pulled Viveka away and brought her to sleep. Throwing a gold coin to the barkeep, Aiya retrieved a bottle of Rum from the man, swigging it solemnly as she began to walk away from the bar.

The night passed slowly for Aiya, as the rum slowly dissapeared from the bottle as the night passed. Morbid thoughts, combined with self-doubt and alcohol did not bode well for the Haltonian soldier, as she walked about the hall in the early morning light, haggard and looking as though she had just departed a street brawl. The recently emptied bottle hung uselessly in her right hand as Aiya stumbled along, eventually shuffling into something solid. This something seemed to be Arrin, and the sudden obstruction combined with her lack of motor skills in her current state found Aiya flat on her back on the floor, groaning incomprehensively.

[Phoenix]

The Laboratory

Ixion: Long range communication is not my strong suite, and I'm almost certain you aren't interested in the one method I do excel at due to its intrusive nature. Communication wouldn't be much of an issue if those people carried a relay of some kind with them, yet they don't, so you need an alternative method. I suppose the method we must use depends on just how directly you intend to speak with them.

[Inactive Account]

Arrin hadn't slept very well despite being tired, and found himself waking early. The issue of their prisoner bothered him... but there wasn't any use worrying about it until all related parties were up. Thus, he turned to studying to take his mind off it. Eventually he realized that he was hungry, and headed for the kitchen, eyes still on the notes he was reading through.

Not looking where he was going, he came to an abrupt halt when he collided with Aiya. He stumbled back a bit. "Ah, I'm sorry! Are you--" He broke off, realizing that Aiya had just... fallen over. "Goodness, are you all right?" he fretted, bending down to offer her a hand up.

---------------------------------------------

Kelas awoke feeling much improved. She stretched, then hunted about for a change of clothes. Her laundry hadn't got back yet-- probably still drying-- so all that remained was the dress from Burgosas. She grimaced: she hadn't realized that she'd even brought it along. It was all that was intact and clean, though, so she grumbled and donned it; it wasn't really formal enough to be out-of-place (she realized that she probably had been mistaken for a servant at the ball itself.) "Definitely got to mend and replace things today," she muttered, heading downstairs. In addition to clothes, she needed more arrows, and it couldn't hurt to restock on vulneraries and travel food... she should also see what Arrin needed. She also needed to talk to Tobe about selling the horses the boy had collected.

Well, no use doing any of that on an empty stomach. She tied back her hair and headed downstairs, looking for breakfast.

---------------------------------------------

Tobe awoke covered in feathers. Had Nat or one of the other boys stolen someone's comforter again, and left it to blame him-- no, he wasn't in the palace anymore, he realized. The feathers belonged to Susann, who had draped a wing over him, presumably to keep him warm. "Aw, thanks," he mumbled, hugging the pegasus around the neck for a moment. Then he scrambled out and looked around. The other stable boys were going around with food for the horses. Well, he could help with that. He grabbed a bucket and set to work.

OOC: Timewise, Kelas coming downstairs is a little while after Arrin collides with Aiya.

[Ether]

'Why is everything... fuzzy?' With a disgruntled moan, Aiya opened her eyes to a blanked out and nearly unintelligible world. She could pick out a voice, but not what it was saying, and the person saying it was too vague in her eyes to be recognized.

"Wha's goi-*hick* on? Why do you look like a a weird j-jumble of colours, whoever you are?" Aiya muttered, attempting to get herself off the ground, and failing, landing on her back.

The jostling started a small cough, which lead to a heave, and a small puddle of vomit on the ground, luckily on the side opposite Arrin, and far enough from her own form that she did not fall into it.

"Doesh anyone even care?" She asked no one in particular, completely forgetting about the encounter and lying on the ground solemnly.

****************

"A relay, huh?" Damian thought about it, recalling discussion from before his departure.

"What about Spirit Dolls? I know there are a few floating around within the group, would you be able to connect to one of those?"

[Inactive Account]

"Aah! I don't think you're okay!" Arrin exclaimed uselessly. "Come on, I'll help you up, I think you need to lie down somewhere... are you drunk?" Again he reached for Aiya's hand, waving with his other hand to one of the inn staff, who rolled his eyes-- just another drunk-- and went for some cleaning supplies.

[Phoenix]

Ixion

Ixion: Spirit dolls tend to need binding to someone before working properly and already bound ones are almost useless for others but I suppose if they have an unbound spirit doll I could work with that. Forcing a message through may cause a distortion however. I would also need to locate it.

Thinking for a moment, he was beginning to want to reconsider his intrusive method.

Ixion: I will admit though that using a spirit doll complicates things slightly. I would much rather make use of the mana threads linking you to me, and me to several members with them currently.

[Dark Sage]

The night seemed to go for a long time for Reika. Thinking about the money was boring and it made her worry a little on what was going to happen with the group who hired her. Sleep did not come at all to her for awhile and she wasn't at all hungry. She just felt too energetic and to settle down.

She heard a door open and saw a blonde haired girl wearing robes and carrying a lyre. She looked familiar, though Reika couldn't put her finger on where she saw her.

That's right, I saw her when we were fleeing from Burgosas Reika realized upon further reflection. She sighed and lay back in bed hoping the girl would ignore her.

"Hello there. Um, you were one of the people who helped drive out that dragon right?"

Nuts.

"You guys must be amazing to be able to face her and survive. I mean, I know you had help but still, you guys could probably beat her on your own if you were even stronger."

"Listen girly," Reika growled. "We're not amazing, we just managed to survive out of blind dumb luck. We were lucky people managed to pass by who happened to be strong enough to help." Reika knew this from picking up snatches of conversation and she wasn't in the mood at all to talk about the dragon, or even much talking in general.

"Well it was still good of you to try to make an attempt. I mean, did you try to go out and fight a dragon or wander in? Either way it was still noble of you."

"Lady, these people were stupid and crazy enough to go after the oversized lizard on their own initiative. And don't call me a hero or them heroes. Of course some people would say that we're nothing more than a mob of thugs, arsonists, psychopaths, thieves, murderers and liars. That's completely unfair. We are a mob of thugs, arsonists, psychopaths, thieves, murderers and liars who also have the support of different military officials from different countries. Most of us, especially the leader, are under the delusion we are doing good for the world undertaking this dumb and suicidal quest to kill the Lord of Azure Flame. In reality, everyone was probably better off if we just never met each other. Wherever they go, a wave of destruction follows. You heard of the Fire Bandits? That's who a good chunk of the other people are. And I don't think they feel guilty about it at all. They're completely convinced what they're doing is ok or not their fault and are always justifying their morals under some pretense of "the greater good", to which I say that maybe some demons were active, but they're a hell of a lot more active now than they were when we started this quest."

"Um...I...uh....I...." Sadie said uncomfortably, wringing her hands, staring at Reika nervously.

"Well, um, they did save my life. And they, um, uh..."

"Just don't presume to know everything you blithering idiot. Keep your mouth shut. If you want to come along, that's ok, just don't make stuff up like you did just now."

"Ok...I'm sorry, miss...?"

"Reika. Now shut up, I'm trying to get to sleep."

"Ok, I'm sorry."

They both stared up at the ceiling lying on their beds until after an hour, they fell asleep. When Alf arrived upstairs, he found a spare bed and collapsed immediately on it, a smile on his face.

[i}Should probably ask Reika about how she's doing and what happened in the battle. But I'm so sleepy...[/i]

With that, Alf fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.

---------

Next Morning

Alf had gotten up to see Sadie and Reika sleeping in beds near each other, Reika tossing around while Sadie was perfectly still.

Ok, I've put this up as long as I can thought Alf, going to Reika and shaking her.

"Uh? Whozzat? You betterhave good reasurmph wake me..." she mumbled, her face turned away from Alf and into the pillow.

"It's me Alf. We got some business to discuss that I've put off long enough."

"Gurggghhh....what time is it?"

"I don't know, it's pretty early out I guess."

"Did you have to wake me know?" she said irritably, rubbing her eyes.

"Well better sooner than later, as my old leader always said."

"Hmmph."

[Ether]

"Use the threads connecting us, and threads connecting you to the others? How would you go about that?" Damian asked, curious on the technique.

*********************

"Drunk?" Aiya croaked out, managing to catch part of Arrin's words.

"Probly, yeah." Aiya mumbled, feeling a hand grasp her own. Taking Arrin's hand instinctively, still not quite sure what was going on, Aiya felt she could trust this man... yes, it was definitely a male, though he seemed young... a boy perhaps? Either way, he had not yet tried anything, which was better than to be expected of most considering her situation...

"Whas goin on in the world?" Aiya asked, her ramblings from earlier coming back out of nowhere, this time directed at Arrin.

[Phoenix]

Ixion

Ixion: As I said, it would be rather intrusive, though I suppose I don't have to force anyone to do anything. It seems that only one person in that group that I'm linked to who is even conscious at the moment is ... Viveka. Not my first choice but I suppose she would do. Instead of trying to force her to do anything here I could have her relay whatever it is you want to say to them.

[Inactive Account]

"It's morning, were you up all night--? Come on, let's get you to your room, you need to sleep," Arrin continued, beginning to lead Aiya towards the stairs. "Come on..." He seriously hoped Aiya could make it up the stairs; he wasn't confident in his ability to carry someone almost as tall and much more muscled than he was.

[the_whistler]

OOC: At night. Meaning before the morning.

Too honest for his own good, maybe, leading the man into the inn, figuring someone else would eventually put the horses away. Grabbing the plate from the table, Heinz pushed the monk up the stairs and into one of the empty rooms. Cutting the ropes binding his wrists the thief pushed the plate of food roughly into the monk's hands. "Probably cooled off by now, but it shouldn't taste too bad," shrugging his shoulders as he went downstairs to pick up another plate of food for himself.

Heinz ladled some soup into his bowl before adding a few pieces of bread and meat onto a clean plate. Most of the party appeared to have already disappeared upstairs, and he certainly intended to follow soon enough. "Been awhile since we last stopped somewhere," he muttered, bringing his food upstairs. I'll need to replace some clothing and equipment tomorrow, but I can't drag him around with me, frowning as he pushed open the door of the occupied room with his foot.

Edited January 15, 2011 by the_whistler

[Phoenix]

Levski

Once people started showing up here and there, Lev put his legs down from the table acquiescing to a more acceptable sitting style. Once he heard more footsteps coming down the stairs he got curious and took one little peek knowing the figure would be in view once he did. Surprisingly the peek turned into a long amused stare as Kelas appeared wearing her ball dress. He couldn't say nothing. He was sure this would be the last time she would ever walk the earth in the thing.

Lev: Heeeey, that's a nice look, Kelas. You even have a figure. I didn't know you still had that thing. Show it to Iso too when you get a chance now that he can see.

He ended with a slight wink.

Sunny

Susann was surprised to see more than one human child around, but they seemed to be helping the adults ... wherever they were. She figured that Tobe would be alright so long as no unfamiliar or threatening individuals came along. Though she was still tempted to at least chew off her rein and unhitch herself. Her rider was too untrusting, meanwhile she leaves it to her to protect her own child. The frustration building up again she snorted quietly to herself.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Phoenix

[Inactive Account]

"What--" Kelas' face went almost the same color as the dress, and her hands curled into fists. She'd hit over less... but then she generally hit when there was some amount of menace implied, this was probably just annoying-- compromise, if he said something else ridiculous she could hit him. Instead she crossed her arms. "What are you t-- never mind not going to ask--" She began to turn away. Definitely need to resupply, she thought.

[Phoenix]

Levski

Levski frowned a bit. Kelas seemed not only embarrassed but a bit annoyed as well.

Lev: Whaaaat? You hate compliments or something?

He sighed before continuing.

Lev: Ah well. Take that however you want, but I don't think you should be embarrassed about anything. Frankly I like the dress. (We need more dresses.)

[Ether]

Arrin's efforts were valiant, and he had successfully managed to lead Aiya to the staircase, but the endeavor seemed lost at that point.

Not realizing what exactly he wanted her to do, Aiya's feet dragged on the stairs as Arrin tried to get her up the staircase, and she fell to her knees several steps up.

"Whacha doin?" Aiya slurred, arm draped around Arrin's shoulder for support.

*************

"So, because of a connection you have with Viveka... I'm not even going to bother with the specifics of why, I doubt it matters at this point, you can send my messages to her, which she can then relay to whomever?" Damian inquired, checking to see if he had the idea right.

[Inactive Account]

Well, he wasn't pressing the issue, at least. Kelas shook her head and turned away, heading to get breakfast. The sooner she could replace or mend her regular clothes, the better... that sort of attention might not be as dangerous in a group, but that didn't make her comfortable with it.

-----------------------------

"Come on, please try to keep walking," Arrin asked Aiya. "I'm trying to get you to somewhere you can rest safely, but I don't know if I can carry you."

Edited January 15, 2011 by Kiryn

[Phoenix]

Ixion

Ixion: It is also an option to relay you to her, in which case I don't need to deal with any potential hostility directly ... which is preferable. Though you will have some explaining to do.

[Ether]

"Hmmn? West?" Aiya slurred, arm still around Arrin's shoulder.

"Oh... rest... hehe... that m-*hick* sense." Aiya said with realization, as the tiredness hit her like a truck.

"Rest sounds good... night whoever you are." Aiya said, drifting off where she stood on the staircase, Arrin clamped in her grip, held against her chest as she collapsed onto the stairs in sudden sleep.

*************

"I suppose that will do." Damian replied.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Azusa Nakano

[Mercakete]

The monk was surprised when his bonds were cut and he was handed some food, though he was still clearly under guard. Raemond still found the humor in it, however. He appreciated the dinner and ate quietly.

The next morning, Raemond awoke with some disappointment. It was early, as was his habbit, but he remembered that he was not in Ursibus. There would be no morning bells, now stroll in the cool, misty air of the courtyard, no listening in seclusion as the distant choior practiced... No, today was a day of judgement: a day when a practicioner of the dark arts would decide what would become of him. Any number of things could happen. He might be interrogated, executed, brought allong as a prisoner... The monk was sure that other possabilities exsisted, but he thought only with a sort of dreadful passiveness about those. (What happened in Altenau?) It certainly was calmer than when he'd tried his hand at purging it...

[spoiler=When the saints go marching in]

As the monk entered the nearly silent town, a slight breeze kicked up as if to foreshadow a great threat. A good distance away from the man, several of the lich hounds lurked. Each growled before bursting out from the alleyways! All three of them began charging at the monk aiming to tackle and tear him limb from limb!

(So, you are testing me with these... Or are you underestamating me?) Raemond lifted one hand to the fastest-approching hound while the other hand held his shine tome. "Seek these demonic appendages and make them burn in their master's grasp!" Immediately, three balls of light shot from the monk's hand, each blasting an undead hound with speed and tact. (Every moment the demon keeps his or her energy tied to them will be a moment of pain and strife.)

"It is better to let these pawns rest. Darkness cannot mend where light had seered," the monk said aloud as he continued his casual but wary walk deeper into Altenau.

As the hounds began yelping and rolling around on the ground scorched by the light, the noise from the scene drew the larger undead hordes ever closer. Some of them had already begun to appear, staggering into view from out of every building and alleyway. Soon an undead cavalier rushed out to the front of the emerging horde and raised his sword high above his head! It immediately broke off to the cavalier's surprise. Staring at the remaining bits of his arm and then at his dead hand still clasping the sword on the ground, he grunted and kicked the horse into a charge anyway. They both still had their teeth and claws!

"Having second thoughts about how much energy to put into these?" Raemond asked aloud before raising his hand again and performing simpler, smaller spells. One attacked the undead horse's heart and a second attack targeted the back of the undead cavelier's neck. "I am sure you served your master well in life. May you not be forced into this other's service any longer."

He continued maiming the undead around him with small, presice spells so he did not use too much energy, all the while stepping closer to the source of their unnatural steps. (The closer I get, the more parilous the advercaries, I'm sure. This does not yet seem to difficult for me to handle, however.)

As the cavalier fell, the more agile abominations appeared, mostly more lich hounds, but soon dozens who were not undead but merely hostages to the dragon appeared out from the crowd. They stood at the front obscuring the view of the true enemy as they were forced to walk forward toward the monk. Meanwhile the lich hounds left open view and moved along the far sides of rooftops and adjacent streets hoping to flank the monk during his next assault.

(How sorrowful that the demon would use human hostages... I cannot make acceptions. I must destroy this evil...which means my resolve cannot falter.) "Forgive me, citizens of Altenau," Raemond spoke to them, keeping his eyes on the ground and his senses up, "If I must... I will cause you pain or I will take your lives and free them from this slavemaster."

With that, he continued his assault, attacking whichever opponent was coming at him with the greatest speed at a time. "When will you face me yourself, demon?!"

(Even that will not cause this one to waver? Fool, this trap, is not meant for you. If you will not flee, and you will not be taken alive ... then perish!)

Suddenly a loud rumbling shook the entire town. All of the hordes not strong in balance to stumbled or fell as the ground began to crack in numerous places. From the cracks emerged hundreds upon hundreds of tendrils that had been lying in wait. A large mass of them left the ground altogether and began clumping together until a massive creature was formed. Standing at twenty feet and brandishing scythe tipped arms, it was the largest combatant in the city. The undead nearby backed away as the heavily armored beast roared and began charging toward the monk. Close by the lich hounds had moved into position and reappeared on his left and right side also charging in.

(Well, now I'm fairly certain I'm looking death in the face. This is beyond me. If I had a team or if this was my only foe, then maybe... But there is no time for speculation!) The monk sent up a brilliant blaze of an attack right into the looming monster's face. As he was turning to run, he fired off several smaller attacks to where the scythes turned into arms, hoping to disarm the fiend somewhat. A wide, sweeping attack of light cut down the dogs that were after him and he bolted for the town's entrence. (At least I know where my light touches, the demon cannot regenerate... All the same, I'd best hurry if I want to escape unscathed... Regeneration is one thing, but if can still sprout weapons where my light has not touched.)

Being too slow to keep pace, the remaining horde began to spread out and return to wandering aimlessly while the lich hounds that were not close enough to be struck by the wave continued their relentless pursuit! The massive creature left behind roared in rage letting the seered bits of rot fall to the ground and decay as new tendrils appeared and latched onto its body replacing them in seconds! Whether or not it could catch up, the creature took off running stomping across the ground after the monk. The hounds were much closer though threatening to get a grip on him and drag him to the ground!

"Well! Aren't you handy?" scoffed Raemond in slight annoyance at the hounds before letting loose annother wave of light. (I have to keep them away from me. If I can hold them off unil I can get out of this city, then I should be able to escape. Ah!) The ground was trembling underfoot. (I can feel that mass getting closer. It'll cut me in half if I let it.)

With a lunge, Raemond turned and slid on his heel, letting loose a massive bast of light aimed directly at the giant monster's core. Without even seeing if it struck, he completed the sliding, once-around spin, landing on his other foot in a complete, wide stride. The shot had been fired mid-turn so he hadn't lost any ground my performing the quick manuver. Now he was running again. (If that monster falls, I'll know if it's annother puppet or the actual demon based on what happens to these hounds and those undead, humanlike creatures.)

The blast aimed back at the rampaging monster blew a massive hole through its chest stopping it cold. The beast's huge arms fell piercing into the ground and anchoring it in place as it stopped moving. The last hounds in the area were blown back as well by the wave of light.

(It stopped?) Raemond slid to a halt and twisted his body so that he was looking behind himself but still at least somewhat facing the town's entrence, waiting to see what would happen next. He smiled a little, seeing the defeated monster. (I sacrificed my accuracy for all that power... I can't believe it worked. Is Altenau safe, though?) He turned his attention to the undead horde. If they had fallen as well, then the demon was vanquished. If they were still standing, then the defeated monster had simply been annother piece on the chessboard.

The beast was barely moving at all and the lich hounds rolled around furiously trying to get the remnants of light magic off of them and to no avail. As the hordes continued to spread out, the ground began to shake once more and several new cracks appeared. The new breaks in the ground kept appearing in a long crooked line all the way up to just a few meters in front of the fleeing monk. More and more tendrils began to spring up from underneath the ground aiming to ensnare him!

Raemond's somewhat-satisfied expression quickly shifted into a glare as he refocussed, turned the little bit he had to and broke into a dash for the town's entrence. (The demon is still quite alive. This is too fine a nest for it to give up, however. If I can make it out of the city, I should be able to escape and return to Ursibus with my report.) Shifting his eyes back to the approching tendrils and fissure, the monk muttered, "You're giving me some difficulty.."

(I'll try this quickly.) As he ran, Raemond half-turned to face the tendrils and fired a ball of light over the fissure, aiming to cut the tendrils like grass. However, for that moment he slowed down some and wasn't watching where he was going. After he fired, his attention was back to the entrence and his speed returned.

As the monk severed the tendrils forming behind him, those not caught in the attack quickly lashed out like whips sending small crystalized rot arrows straight at the him! The cracks in the earth began to go on even further going out ahead of the man and over to the entrance. Tendrils would soon spring up from there aiming to cut off his escape!

(Well... This is rather bad... Knowing how to make a shield of light magic would definately come in handy here. Too bad that technique is beyond me. I certainly hope I don't die. Let's see... Attacks from behind and a snare from before. If I am to attack defensively, which one should I choose? If I am ensnared, then that will likely be the end of me. If I am pierced from behind that certainly cannot be good for my health. Yet, I must choose. Well, thinking it through...) The monk was running as quickly as he could already and the tendrils in front of him were fast-approching. Using the same technique as before, the monk released a wave of light magic and leaped over where the tendrils between him and the gate had been...but not without consequence.

As the final obstacles blocking his path were removed, two arrows pierced into his back! The hordes gave up their pursuit and remained within the city.

(Humans ...)

The pain was instant as the unnatural arrows flew under his coat and making two holes in his tunic underneath it. When he landed, the pain bolted through his body, throwing him off-balance. With a small cry, the monk fell onto his forearms and knees. (That...hurts... I'd better get these out quickly...) Reaching behind himself, he knew that the arrows would not come out cleanly. Taking a deep breath and preparing himself, Raemond gripped the first arrow and yanked it out, tearing his flesh to arround double the size of the piercing before. Only a small sound of pain came from his throat before he tossed the arrow back over Altenau's threshold. He had to reach his other arm over his shoulder to tear out the other arrow. This experience was also quite painful.

Taking off his white coat quick enough that he didn't get any blood on it, the monk got off his knees and began walking away from the city. (I won't ask Lantos to come to me... Though I need water and staunching this bleeding would be only beneficial. I don't think I can ride like this. It seems that I will have to take a detour. Perhaps I can find aid in a nearby town on my way back to Ursibus.)

After he'd walked some ways back towards his horse down the road, the dread and fear from the encounter with the demon finally hit the monk. (By the spirits that was far too parilous! I understand how it was easier for me to move around since I was the only one there but sending a lone monk after a foe so powerful?! Oh my... How did I survive? Oh goodness...) A wave of diziness also struck. (How...much blood have I lost? Agh... Water will help. Having a priest around would certainly have been conveniant. I should have brought a vulnerary. Ah well. I will have to dress my wounds with what I have. This distance is greater than I recall. Of course, when I walked to Altenau I was in good health. This is my lot. ... Come to think on it, I should not have pulled the arrows out, but rather destroyed them with my magic. Then their demonic effects would not have been able to take hold and I would not have these gaping holes in my back. Retrospect, why so unkind? Well, if I survive this, I will be sure to apply that method if I must.)

When he finally made it to Lantos, the horse was nervous. He smelled his rider's blood. The human was not in any sort of good shape. However, the man simply stroked his neck to calm him and took his water. He certainly did drink a lot of it before placing it back into its place. He also placed his folded, white coat over Lantos' back and rummaged through the saddlebags for bandages. Once he found them, the monk took off his bloodied tunic and sloppily wrapped himself with the bandages. After he'd put his tunic back on -- not bothering to tuck it under the sash around his waist -- Raemond took Lantos' reigns and began leading him away. Lantos, for one, was glad to be getting away from that frightening place up ahead and wondered why the human had wanted to visit there. It certinaly hadn't been good for him.

(That was a powerful demon. I'm lucky I escaped with my life. Then I had the good fortune to be found by that girl...only to be brought to the very group who killed Althea and the others.) The image of Althea being run through by the girl from the night before flashed in Raemond's mind before he banished it yet again. (I've failed my task. Did they kill the demon? Drive it off?) Tessa's words eachoed in his mind. ("But it was also difficult to be your friend's killer as well. Suppose we'll be suffering this one together now, won't we..." Perhaps, if your leader shows mercy for a reason I cannot understand.) Again, he waved the thoughts off. (It was difficult, says she... ... Considering her age, I can accept that. She isn't malicious, yet...she is not the uaual soul. Even so...to be Althea's killer... This girl is mightier than her quiet demeanor suggests. Life's puzzles... Will they again be mine when the sun rises tomorrow?) Smiling at his unspoken question, he answered it silently. (Unlikely. Even so, will this be such a terrible end? If this group is so adamant about the protection of my surrogate nephiew, then he might be in good hands. I appologize for failing to report, sister. I'm sorry for failing my task, Grand Cleric. And my remorse for failing to help you, even a little, after promising to do so, Althea... ... Well, that is how life goes...yet it is even harder to keep a cheerful, peaceful spirit...when the harm befalls those you care for rather than upon yourself. I must assume that Altenau was freed. As for my humble life... Well, I'll see what becomes of me.)

And so, Raemond quietly waited, beginning to quietly hum the tune of a familliar hymn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When he got back the previous night, Namid refused to let Tas check his injurries. So, there was nothing left to do but tend to himself. He nearly cleared the table of food the night before, finally showing just how hungry he was. After that, he took a much-appreciated bath, washed his clothes and determined to buy annother set or two the following day if he could afford it. Though the hot water made his sores and scratches sting, it was all for the better. Only after he was clean and fed did Namid let Tas tend to him which included feeding and watering.

"Your shoulder's still a little swollen," muttered Tas as he gave his wyvern a checkup, "and there's still a few scratches... But all and all, blindness asside, you're fine. No flying tomorrow unless we move out, though." Namid snorted. He hated being confined to the ground. Even so, he knew Tas was right. Giving a little growl, though, Namid bumpped his nose against Tas' sensitive shoulder. Whincing, the rider patted his mount's snout. "I know, I know... I'll take it easy, too. I should have most of my vision back by tomorrow. I'll ask Irina how the eggs and Niket are doing then."

Satisfied, Namid raised a wing for Tas to curl up under and both wyvern and rider fell asleep.

The next morning, the first order of business was eating breakfast and grabbing something for Namid. When he entered the inn, he found Lev sitting at the table. "Good morning, Lev," he greeted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When he work up, the first thing Beau did was take annother bath. He had no idea who'd used the room he slept in before him, after all, and he wasn't certain as to how regularly the rooms were cleaned. Then he switched back into the clothes he'd washed the night before and washed his spare set, now leaving them to dry. However, he refrained from his priestly coat once more and thusly looked as crisp and regal as he had after his first bath at the inn. Satisfied, he set about his first order of business: locating Arrin and asking if he'd decided to accompany him on his outing or not. His search ended at the staircase leading into the diningroom. However, the sight was veaguely disgustuing. "...Why are you escorting a drunken woman with vomit dripping from her chin up a staircase?" he asked, a little stunned.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Mercakete

[Inactive Account]

"Come on, Aiya, wake up--" Arrin pleaded. "Er... someone help?" He looked up and down the stairs, seeing nobody. He tried to drag Aiya up another step, then realized that Beau had appeared. "Ah, morning, Beau... I sort of, well, I literally ran into Aiya, and realized she needed help. She seems to have been up all night, I don't know why... is anyone up who could maybe carry her?" he asked, a slight note of desperation in his voice.

[Phoenix]

Ixion---Viveka

Ixion: Alright then. Close your eyes, let go of these surroundings completely, and when I tell you, speak. If you see or hear anything else that isn't me, do not be alarmed or you might break off from the interaction. You're simply seeing through someone else.

With that Ixion closed his eyes and began carefully working the energies around and putting the threads into perfect harmony with himself as the central relay. Within a few moments, both men could see and hear what was going on around Viveka, who herself was hopelessly staring at the ceiling with a grim look on her face.

Ixion: ... go ahead, Damian.

Levski

Lev looked over to the entrance when he heard his name called from that direction. It was Tas. That prompted a modest grin from the wyvern lord.

Lev: Hey. Feeling any better, Tas? Uh, same question regarding Namid.

[Mercakete]

Tas nodded and replied, "Namid's doing much better. I think he can see the difference between light and shadow now and though I wouldn't advise any flying today, his shoulder's not swollen anymore and his scratches aren't even worth a second glance. I've recovered somewhat, too, though everything's still a little blurry and I'm kind of stiff. I was just going to get some breakfast for Namid and myself."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beau had no idea why Arrin was being so insistant on being so helpful. (Maybe he'll grow out of it someday... In the meantime, though...) "Don't strain yourself," Beau advised, "I'll see if I can find anyone..." With that, he began wandering the hall, searching for anyone who'd be willing to help with the drunken wyvern lord. He not only knew he couldn't himself, but knew he wouldn't. He was clean and he was going to stay that way for a while yet.

Edited January 15, 2011 by Mercakete

[Phoenix]

Levski

Lev: We shouldn't be needing to fly anywhere for anything today so Namid and all the other wyverns can and really ought to just rest. As for us ... well Kelas had the right idea ... especially with the dress. Relax, or get much needed things done while you can. Once we're on the road again, we're on the road. Mind your wounds though.

Lev's last bit was accompanied by a slight warning gesture.

[Inactive Account]

Arrin continued to struggle to drag Aiya upstairs. He couldn't very well just leave her there, after all...