To Slay a Dragon (FA - Open)

[Eltharion]

(OOC: Just a fun hack and slash, feel free to PM me if you have any specific goals for the thread.)

The nameless city faded into the background as Eltharion strode through the darkness of the night. The new moon gave blissful rest to a world too dominated with bright lights and glaring distortions.

In his hand, Galithan'as pulsed with unnatural darkness, Eltharion let the blade drag through the sparse grass, smiling as he watched it's magical blight spread through the weeds, warping their growth before his very eyes.

He expected others to join him on this quest. The rewards were too great for them to stay away. With great risk, he thought, comes the greatest reward. Eltharion knew already that word was spreading of his guild and their goals. After this conquest, there will be none who do not know of us. All will be warned that the final ascension approaches.

[Jaelith Ripple-Rift]

Scrabbling through the dusty grass as quickly as she could, Jaelith muttered blasphemous exclamations regarding the shortcomings associated with being so small. Her task of following him became much easier when she stumbled upon a line of putrid blight that snaked through the grass. Following it, she quickly caught up to the tall, slender elf. "He's a man." She observed, a small amount of awe touching her heart over the fact that she would be so close to such a powerful figure. Go ahead, the voice encouraged her, remember, you must earn his trust, and his respect. Accomplish this, girl, and you will give me the power I deserve. You want that, don't you? She nodded quickly as she prepared herself to approach him. She spoke to people rarely, and she couldn't ever remember speaking to a man before.

Stepping out to the edge of his vision she opened her mouth and spoke. Excuse me...

[Eltharion]

Having reached the pinnacle of the hill, Eltharion paused to reflect upon the landscape. It swept around in gentle waves, a brilliant contrast to the harsh battle that lay ahead. A quick glance revealed nothing to Eltharion's eyes, and he presumed he was alone. Straightening his armour, the elf shifted uncomfortably as the sun began to rise in the distance, piercing the darkness, causing it to bleed through the sky.

The quiet moment of reflection was interrupted by a presence that caused Eltharion's spine to tingle. Though not blessed with the wytch sight, he was able to sense it in others. Unable to discern the bearer's intent, Eltharion knew he would have to act first and ask questions later. Squeezing the shaft of the spear in his hand, he thought: If there is anything other than fetid slime left later...

With impossible reflexes Eltharion spun around, whipping the spear through the air, intending to cut his assailant's neck. With his dire weapon, a scratch was all that it would take to seal the wytch's doom.

To Eltharion's great surprise his swing failed to destroy his stalker. In fact, he had missed her by almost an entire foot. Looking down at the extremely young elf, Eltharion was stunned by the gravity of what he had almost done. As he silently watched her, her eyes grew large. Looking more startled than he, she stood stock-still. The standoff ended abruptly when she seemed to suddenly regain her composure, and began to speak.

[Taelriath]

The sun had just begun it's daily journey when Taelriath stopped for a moment's rest. He had been travelling for several hours now, but he enjoyed the silence of solitude broken only by the occassional calls of birds.

Taelriath raised the fabric to cover his lower face and raised his hood, he was ready to start moving again.

He was making good time, though he stayed to the forest's western edges when ere he came to an open space. Not only was it better for staying unnoticed to stay in the shadows along the eastern fringes of any field, but Taelriath found the shadows more comfortable.

Taelriath was drawing closer to the area where the "Son of Shadow" supposedly had been staying (according to the road signs the town was only a few kilometers distant).

Suddenly Taelriath noticed movement up ahead. Chaining a few words together Taelriath started to veil himself in shadows but he was too late. The man had been watching him from within the trees for an unknown length of time, and was now approaching. Taelriath noticed that the man's approach was not the only sound present. There were also footsteps from behind.

Taelriath cursed himself for not paying attention to his surroundings more, loosening the peace loops holding his daggers in their sheaths.

Good day kind sir, the first man started, I was wondering if you had any gold you could spare for two young men, down on their luck?

I am sorry, but I do not presently have any coin to spare replied Taelriath.

I think we may just have to convince this man how serious our need of coin is brother rumbled a voice from the second man, still not visible behind Taelriath.

That one sounds big Taeilriath thought to himself...

Yes, I think we shall brother.

The first man drew his sword quickly as the man from behind tried to grab at Taelriath. Taelriath quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding the strong arms that lunged for him, then lunged at the first attacker, knifes already borne in his hands.

The swordsman tried desparately to chop at him, but Taelriath was already twisting to his side, rolling away from the blade, even as the first knife sank into the first man's diaphragm. The man doubled over, having trouble breathing.

The second man would be more of a challenge... surprise was not on Taelriath's side anymore, and this one was big...

As Taelriath landed he tried to tumble into a crouch ready for the second attacker, but an ill tempered root caught his foot and drove him hard into the base of a tree. By the time Taelriath looked up, the hood and cloth shifted to uselessness in hiding his face, the second man had him by the shirt and was in the process of throwing him to the ground. A struggle ensued. Taelriath worked as best he could to bring the knife to bear on the brute, but the man grabbed his arm and slowly worked the knife toward Taelriath's heart, grinning as he slowly won. The blade inched closer.. closer.. closer.. it was poised right above the flesh. Taelriath's muscles burned under the strain of keeping the sheer force of the man in check... soon it would be over. Taelriath bared his teeth as the knife poked his flesh, and at that moment something strange happened.

A bright object shot through the sky, shedding stong light... the large man was distracted by the flash just enough.. now was his chance...

Taelriath grabbed in the grass for the other dagger with his right hand, it's cold steel sending a shiver of pure elation up his arm.

The man realized his distraction and started to reapply pressure to the dagger... just as the other knife slammed into his temple...

As the dead body rolled off Taelriath he glanced over seeing the first man still in the process of dying. Soon his struggles would be over...

[Jaelith Ripple-Rift]

With barely a moment to react, Jaelith flung her hand up, projecting a wall of pure force to protect her head from the savage swing of the tall elf. It was unneeded, however, as the spear sailed over her head, a stinging reminder of her short stature. Pained by this unintentional insult, Jaelith stood still, staring at the impressive figure of Eltharion. The silence was broken, as his voice appeared in her head. What are you waiting for, girl? Speak to him. His heart is already compromised by the harm he intended you, now exploit it.

Snapping her attention away from the soothing voice in her head, she looked deep into Eltharion's eyes, searching for the words that would move him. Are you Elth... Eltharon? She intentionally fumbled his name, hoping the effect would enhance her appearance as a weak child. His cautious nod revealed little to her, she would have to try harder. The people in the city said you would help me. At this, his eyes widened. Fearing he would think the worst, she quickly disarmed the situation. They said you were a soldier of Foret, our great protector, and that you would shelter me, as he shelters you. A smile of undecipherable origin crossed his face as he nodded. I may indeed be able to do that for you, young one. But first, what is your name? And show me your power.

That he could discern that she had power unnerved the small elf, but she could deceive him yet. Jaelith... Jaelith Ripple-Rift, she said. And this, she continued, is all I can do. Feigning intense concentration, she threw a glittering cantrip into the sky. It blazed colourful, but was nothing more than a flashy show. Hoping it would fool the elf, she looked at him, waiting for his response.

[Taelriath]

Taelriath stood up and, taking a hankercheif he had found on the body of the bandit swordsman, wiped his face of blood, then he cleaned his hands and daggers. The blood which had gotten on his cloathes would have to wait to be washed out, but there was mercifully little for what he had done.

It seemed the big one hadn't had much bloodflow to his brain in the first place.

Dropping the hankercheif Taelriath readjusted his hood and replaced the cloth to cover his lower face while he retired to the shade of the tree which had almost cost him his life. The sun was ever moving, and Taelriath did not want to be caught in the light of day with only a few minor spells and two daggers to protect him. Sitting with his back against the trunk he went over the fight, heartbeat to heartbeat, looking for his mistakes, ensuring that he would be more careful next time. He also recalled the mysterious light in the sky which had been his saving grace.

Could it be that he did it... that he has returned his protective gaze to me? Taelriath thought.

No, he has abandoned me... I know this for certain... he was not there when I needed him most. Even this can not compare. I will seek out the source of this strange light, and I will prove that it was not him.

Just then, a smile crossed his lips, hidden from the world...

in the shadows...

[Eltharion]

Eltharion quietly listened to the young child prattle about the Foretian offices which she believed he would fulfill. I would be surprised if you could find someone in any city who would say such a thing of me. Just because I shroud myself in his colours does not mean I shelter myself in his armour. Dismissing his rebuttal of her words, he responded to her request with polite acknowledgement. Wanting to give her a stronger test of honesty, he asked her to reveal her magical prowess to him. After offering her name, she proceeded to fling a meagre ball of incandescence into the sky, professing it was the extent of her power. Looking into her expectant eyes, Eltharion showed no sign of his thoughts.

That is impressive for one so small as you. he said, smiling encouragingly. Indeed, outside of humans, it is impressive for one so young to lie so sincerely. His thoughts locked safely away, Eltharion vowed to keep this girl at arms length until he understood her purpose. Better an enemy I can watch, he thought, beckoning her close.

Jaelith. You should stay within the bounds of my protection. However, he paused, this would force her to further reveal what motivated her deceit, I think you should not follow me now, though. I am embarking on a dangerous quest, and one with such meagre powers such as yourself may find her way into more trouble than she can deal with.

Waiting to see how she would react, he carefully leaned his weight onto Galithan'as, pressing a froth of blight out of the ground where it's putrid point plunged into the earth.

[Taelriath]

Taelriath traced the trajectory of the light he had seen cross the sky overhead as best he could, extrapolating which direction he should travel in. When he was assured he had the right direction he started moving off through the bush, the undergrowth thin enough that he moved at a decent pace.

A short time afterward Taelriath was emerging from the bushes onto an open area.. a plain with tall grasses it seemed. Above the grasses he could discern the upper body of an elf.

That was short Taelriath mused to himself. I'm not even all that far from the town I was trying to get to..

Abyss... I shouldn't even be that much delayed in finding the guy once I'm done here.

Taelriath drew his hood a little farther and lowered the cloth across his lower face, striding toward the man in the midst of the feild. Out of a pocket he retreived his gloves, black like the rest of his ensemble. Finishing putting the gloves on he neared the other man, who seemed to be looking at something in the grasses. A few meters distant, he was just about to speak as a shrill noise erupted from the grasses where the man had been staring.

[Jaelith Ripple-Rift]

Jaelith eyed the pestilent ground where his spear rested. Clearly his weapon was exceedingly dangerous...and thus valuable. However, he was obviously taken in by her excellent display of weakness. His body language indicated a certain level of trust which he accorded her. 'Perhaps he judges my size of my brain based on the size of the rest of me', she thought.

His suggestion that she leave and wait for him in town was simply the soft-hearted request of a sentimental fool. 'How can this man manage to feed himself in the city?', she wondered, 'let alone amass any sort of following?'. However, she knew better than to respond on her own. This was clearly an important question, and it was possible he would want her to respond in a way that she would not, herself.

Feigning deep thought, she strained to hear his voice. Then, like a beacon of light in a storm, his guiding words formed in her head.

Accepting his command, she returned to her role as deceiver, masterfully delivering a web of lies which would certainly control Eltharion, ensuring he acted in accordance with her wishes. I...I can't. She offered. Eltharion's face remained unchanged. There's a man...in town. He watches for me coming and going. Letting her eyes tremble with fear, she continued, her voice wavering: he does...bad things...to me. Her last line delivered barely above a whisper, she burst into the loudest, most pathetic tears she could manage, shrilly crying out in carefully planned abandon.

Eltharion's face contorted with emotion. Clearly he had fallen for her deception in it's entirety. 'You're mine...' she thought, gleefully. Catching her mistake, she corrected herself. 'You're his.'

[Taelriath]

At the sudden noise in the grass Taelriath reacted on instinct crouching to both avoid any incoming object and to hide in the grass, then leaping as far to the side as he could with a roll to regain a crouch to stay hidden.

The noise stopped.

Taelriath heard no movement... nothing was coming after him. It almost seemed as though nothing took notice of him. How could that be! He must have tripped some sort of ward to alert the figure on the plains... parhaps the elf had only been an illusion which, in conjunction with the light, was supposed to draw attention to the spot to set off a trap or provide oppourtunity for an ambush... Still, he should have been blasted by whatever mage had laid the trap in that case, or at least have been studded with quarrels.

He didn't have it right... Something else had happened, of that he was certain.

I will listen a while longer before I rise... just to be safe.

The daggers which had found their ways to his hands during the tumble were slowly lowered... then, as he listened to what unfolded, put away.

[DeviusZwei]

Devius woke with a start as a man shook him by the arm. Looking up and wiping the sleep from his eyes, Devius realised where he was.

"Hey barkeep, bring me another."

"And what the hell do you want?"

Devius glared at the man who had woke him. The man looked like infantry of some nation. He was all ready for battle, dressed in armor, sword in sheath.

"Forgive me sire, but I heard... I hear you are a demon. They say you have done things even the devil would not brag of. Is it true? Are you DeviusZwei of the Eaters?"

Devius grabbed his drink from the barkeep and tossed some gold coin on the bar. Looking back to the man, his face turned to an expression of disgust.

"The Eaters are all dead. DeviusZwei is dead with them. He died in the fall of his empire. And yes, I am him, and he is the devil.

The man began to sweat and he looked nervous.

"Sire, do you know of the quest to slay a dragon? I wish to slay him, and become a famous knight, like you sire. I beg of you, assist me, and I assure you the rewards will be great."

Devius tried not to look interested. Chugging down the rest of his ale, he signalled the barkeep once more.

"Yeah I don't do that kind of stuff anymore. And even if I did, I wouldn't help you. Nobody ever helped me. You can go get killed on your own. You don't need me there to help with your suicide."

The man looked angry now. He began to shake as he spoke.

"Well what do you do now? Sit here in this bar and drink all day and night? I should have known you were useless, like they say. Bah, suicide? We shall see. I will slay the dragon and then all will know my name. Perhaps I should kill you now for speaking such blasphemy."

The man drew his sword, placing the tip on Devius's neck and pushing just enough to break the skin. Devius finished his ale, then looked down at the blood running down his neck and chest.

"I thought I told you I'm the devil?"

Jumping to his feet, Devius grimaced in pain as the man shoved his sword deep into Devius's chest. Devius grabbed the man by the throat with one hand, grabbing his sword with the other. Looking down at the blade planted firmly in his chest, Devius leaned in close to the man's face, smiling to bear his vampire fangs.

"Come on! I'm already dead you jackass! And you stab me with this bronze sword?! What the hell did you think was gonna happen?!"

Devius released the man's neck, grabbing his sword-hand, and breaking it like a stick. Taking the man's sword by the handle, he pulled it from his torso.

"And now you shall die by your own blade."

With one great swing, the man's head fell to the floor, followed by his dead body. Devius sat back down at the bar. The barkeep was calmly polishing a glass, which he then filled with Devius's favorite drink, RedRum. He slid it to Devius, and Devius drank it down, took a bow, and tossed some coin on the bar.

Grabbing the dead body and the head off the floor, Devius turned for the door.

"Don't worry Frances, I'll take the trash out. I'm off to kill a dragon, so have some RedRum ready when I get back."

The barkeep smiled as he watched Devius leave.

[Eltharion]

Watching Jaelith's prying eyes, Eltharion struggled to understand her. She seemed to react to every action he made, instantly. And yet she seems constantly distracted, he observed. Listening calmly to the horrific story she offered him, he felt pangs of sorrow in his stomach. Even though he had his doubts about her, the story she told was a painful one to imagine.

Letting this emotion flow across his face, Eltharion resolved to let Jaelith seem in control. He knew it would provide him the best vantage from which to watch her, and he suspected she would soon grow complacent enough to let him view who she really was.

Whether she would regret that, remained to be seen.

Your words speak deeply of your strength, small one. Let us go then, you and I.

I can wait no longer here, so I guess this quest was meant for us alone. A strange smile crossed her face as he uttered these words.

And what strange fellows we make... he thought.

[Taelriath]

There had been talk from the elf of a little one.

Mabey the elf was accompanied by an imp, or a child. A dwarf of some kind parhaps.

It mattered not, the elven voice had seemed kind, and the words said made the mysterious figure seem likely to listen to reason. It would be a simple matter then, to confront this pair (if there were not more of the little ones hidden in the grass somewhere), then he would have his answers and be on his way. This day had been stressful enough already and Taelriath was ready to find a dark corner of some god-forsaken inn to rest at.

Realizing that the figures were likely to move farther away from the town he intended to travel to, Taelriath brushed the dirt from his cloak and quickly rose, hoping that the pair would not see him doing so and become suspicious of his motives.

It seemed that Taelriath's run of luck was holding, if a little capricious... He still could not see the small one, and the elf had not turned in his direction yet.

The man turned.

The man caught him out of the corner of his eye as Taelriath spoke.

Good morning. It rolled off the tounge in eloquent elvish; to which the man started slightly, responding in a slightly different fashion.

My name is Taelriath he continued in a softer tone, knowing that this man was slightly agitated and carried a long weapon.

A few heartbeats passed.

The man replied to the second delivery in a less agitated manner, easing Taelriath's strong urge to feel the reassurance of a weapon in his hands as well. It didn't help however, that he still could not see the little one...

Taelriath pressed on. I am sorry to have bothered you, but I was wondering if you might know anything about a strange light that passed overhead a few minutes ago. I seem to be... indebted to whatever caused the phenomenon, and it would also aid me greatly if you might be able to tell me what you may know of the whereabouts of a man who goes by the name Eltharion...

[Ranin the Red]

A swirling of dust was all that fortold his coming.

This body...this manifestation always pleased him.

He paused a moment and relished in the blood he felt pumping through him. Flexing his arms and stretching them to the skies, a slight groan escaped.

His gaze panned his body. A fragile membranous tissue all that stood between him and nonexistance. He stroked the lithe right arm with his left, felt the ripple of taunt muscles beneath. He couldn't help but smile as he gazed upon himself. His chest, tight and strong, the deep green hide of his protruding belly, ample indication of a life dedicated to sampling finer ales. A fine fine mortal.

The sound of commotion broke him from his contemplation.

He had appeared in a lightly wooded area, on a small crest overlooking an open span of sparse grasses, brown and dried. He noticed the other vegetation around him was browning as well and thought it quite an enchanting spot. He was reaching for a handful of the dry earth, there was comfort there, when the sounds brought about his attentions.

He could not see, only heard the stamping of hooves growing louder, the rattling of a carriage, the "Heeya" of a rider crisp in the air. More sounds now, more hoofbeats. A chase?

He moved behind a jutting stump, realizing, not modest in the slightest that he was not clothed and could not hope to fend off an attack. Scooping up a fist sized rock in one hand, a gnarled branch in the other he crouched and waited.

The scene below him took shape as a two pulled carriage entered the western edge of the clearing, followed closely by two riders. Heads bored down over their mounts he could not make them out.

A manling, likely human though hard to gauge at this distance, rode atop the carriage weilding a large whip. The two mounts, lathered in glistening sweat, heads hung in exhaustion, took the strikes and the "Heeyas" as if they were flies...This chase would not last long he thought.

As if on queue the leftmost horse stumbled, the sheer weight of its body pulling the other down hard. It seemed a large hand had lifted the backend of the carriage and tossed it. Slamming into the dead weight of the horses it toppled forward headlong landing on the tripped mounts. The coachman was tossed a good thirty feet, and did not seem to move.

The trailing two riders reigned in their mounts. The one in the lead, yes they were human he could see now, dismounted quickly and headed towards the carriages proprietor and with a deft strike, only the glinting of light off metal told of the certainty of the carriage riders demise.

The other had dismounted and had picked his way into, and out of the carriage. He now held a box and carried it towards the murderer, arms high and pressed as if he carried a great weight.

It was then he noticed movement from within the carriage, there had been something in there that live he marvelled. How it had survived the tumultuous flip he had no idea.

The two men with their prize were fully engaged in getting at the boxes contents and did not seem to notice as a form dragged itself from what was left of the overturned carriage and onto the clearings earth. The form did not appear healthy, he could see the red of blood in what was once a very white gown on the figure. If it were not dead it would be soon. The sounds of scraping flesh on wood drew the murderers attention to the carriage. The form had made it halfway out of the wreckage and was now prostrate and unmoving.

He could not make out the words of the two but saw indeed mouths moving, the murderer motioned to his compatriot. Both mounted quickly, the box nowhere to be seen.

If not for the fact that both riders now seemed to beeline towards him he would not have acted. Had they spied him? He did not know. He did know however that the box getter seemed a perfect fit, and a breeze had picked up, he gazed at goosebumps forming on his bent knees. I wonder whats in that box?

[Jaelith Ripple-Rift]

A warm blanket of smug security embraced Jaelith's insides. Assured of her success in controlling Eltharion, she was rewarded with a sense of confidence, no doubt augmented by him, as a congratulations on her victory.

Just as she was about to agree to his suggestion to depart, she felt a strange presence. Unbinding her strongest energies, she crouched, ready to spring like a grathsnor snare at the first sign of danger.

A voice, as mysterious as the presence, broke the stalemate. Moving so that she could see the speaker, Jaelith wavered with exhaustion. Holding so much power unchanneled was difficult work for her, and she was visibly wearied by it. The speaker was difficult to recognize, his clothing and his very...presence, obscured his features.

The man quickly introduced himself. It seemed that he was a fool who believed in the significance of Eltharion. 'At least it will be another fool to shield myself with', Jaelith thought. A second rush of gratification crossed her mind as the man spoke of his reliance upon her simple cantrip of light. Exulting, she relaxed her hold on the magic. "Controlling these two will be easier than I thought."

[Sael the Wandering One]

Confusion is swirling around me like the blowing leaves of autumn...

The pale human staggered out of the forest in a state of weakened delirium. She could not recall how long she had been trapped in the maze of trees and clinging vines, nor had she any clue as to why she was there in the first place.

White robes hung off her meagre form like towels draped over an elm branch to dry. Green triangles hemmed the sleeves of her garment, causing her hands to seem to float from the trees, disembodied from her arms.

The unintentional symbolism of this article of clothing was strikingly accurate. The girl groped forward through a world she could barely perceive. Finally staggering to her knees, she collapsed, her face flat against the ground. Each breath she took swirled a small eddy of dust away from her lips. Focusing her eyes on a solitary ant as it made it's way through the grass, she faded out of the consciousness of her mind, and into the realm of her memory.

A war zone in some unknown realm. Warriors gliding silently between trees. Strange creatures, born of magic strode beside her. Where they stepped, wild abundance flourished, as though the earth tried to attach medals of flower and leaf to their legs with each step. Sidhe, a voice explained. It was her own. As they broke through into a clearing, their enemy became visible. Several Centaur beast-goaders had led a pus elemental into the forest. It's every step was that of disease and desolation. As the Sidhe engaged in battle, she prepared herself for her horrible duties. The elemental lashed a bloated limb at the largest of the magical fae, casting it aside. Quickly, the girl ran over to it and enveloped it in a warm glow from her hands. Moments later, the fallen sidhe had recovered and was striking off towards the beast again.

It was quickly overwhelmed by the mass of Sidhe warriors. They swarmed over it like ants, stabbing it again and again with their blades, the natural blooms of their cloven feet festered against the skin of the pus elemental, protecting them from it's infectious filth.

Suddenly, from the flanking copse of trees, a large scarred centaur bound forward. In it's hands was a long spear, which it deftly wielded around it's torso. As it plunged into the mass of Sidhe, it's blade lashed out, gashing those who ventured too close. To the girl's horror, those touched by his blade rotted before her eyes, their wounds shrugging off her most powerful healing. Finally, the beast was felled. Silence filled the clearing, punctuated only by the audible decay of the magically wounded Sidhe.

As she faded from the memory, she could see the blight spreading from the sidhe into the ground. Large black circles of desecration pooled out like otherworldly blood, seeping into the ground. Waking up, the girl felt strangely renewed, though she didn't remember it, she was always rested after a piece of her shattered memory returned to her.

[Eltharion]

A startling voice behind Eltharion caused him to twitch ever so visibly. By the flayed skin of Barnabas, why do they always come from behind? He wondered, exasperated.

Suddenly, a tremendous flux of power swarmed into Jaelith's body. This girl will be the death of us all Eltharion smirked to himself.

Before Eltharion could turn and face the man, he spoke, in exquisite elvish. As he introduced himself, Eltharion slowly turned to face the figure. Though his face was hidden, Eltharion could tell by the man's stature and stance that he was not used to being seen in the light of day.

Listening to the man as he awkwardly spilled his thoughts, Eltharion smiled. Another ally for the darkness...perhaps. The girl, still pulsing with energy, had given Eltharion an edge of mistrust which he feared would stick to everyone he met.

As the man -- as Taelriath finished speaking, Eltharion smiled as disarmingly as possible and responded.

The light, Taelriath, was this young one. Gesturing to Jaelith, Eltharion noticed how weak she looked. Ah, not as strong as I thought, then? She cast it to illustrate her power to me, quite impressive I'd say, she's already saving lives. An undistinguishably false smile crossed Eltharion's face as he commended Jaelith.

As for Eltharion, it would seem it's your lucky day, for I am the very man you seek. Smiling in anticipation of Taelriath's surprise, Eltharion concluded their standstill with a more genuine smile. But come, the day is aging and we still stand here. I trust you can use those daggers for more than just preparing your food. The smell of blood hung heavy on Taelriath. Waiting for the reply, Eltharion sighed inwardly. Please don't lie to me, I've had enough of that today he thought.

[Taelriath]

The man had pointed to a child.

Perhaps Taelriath’s luck was not holding. He had just found himself indebted to a young girl. She had saved him and he was honour bound to do the same for her…

It was laughable, considering the depths to which he had fallen, that he still held honour in such high regard. Perhaps that was what sustained him, made things alright, made the failings less noticeable… he did not have time to have thought on this however, since the man had moved on, revealing a second surprise.

Taelriath’s eyes widend and he nearly wobbled off balance. A slight disturbance of wind flopping his cloak back from his body gave what Taelriath hoped was enough of an excuse for the swaying those words had caused in him.

This meeting seemed fated, like in one of those old legends where heros would band together on short whims and go off to right wrongs and slay mighty beasts. First the man had made the girl produce the light in the sky -saving Taelriath from being slain by his own dagger- and now the man he faced turned out to be the very same man he sought!

This was a little much, but Taelriath knew the man was going to continue talking so he focused around the odd circumstances he found himself in, reminding himself that he must keep himself controlled…

… the day is aging and we still stand here. I trust you can use those daggers for more than just preparing your food. Eltharion was saying when Taelriath had regained his focus.

It pained Taelriath to have the conversation turn so quickly to the topic it had. So Taelriath thought to himself, he noticed the daggers when the wind blew my cloak back…. Taelriath could still smell the blood darkening a patch of his already black clothing, I guess it was only a matter of time before this came up… Best to get it over with.

The fight with the bandits resurfaced in Taelriath’s mind as he spoke, I would rather it not come to that.

…I would prefer not to use these blades on my food either, but people must learn to deal with things they do not enjoy. Taelriath’s gaze drifted back toward the woods then settled on the bloodstain momentarily before rising back to meet Eltharion’s.

A small moment passed before Taelriath expressed his agreement with Eltharion’s intentions to move from this particular spot, Yes, I believe it best we move on as well… the sun is rising and it is getting hot standing where we are. In fact, I hope it does not offend that I shall now tread off to the shade of yonder trees… black clothing, you understand.

Taelriath tried to hide his discomfort of being so exposed…

I wonder where these two are headed… Taelriath mused as he turned toward the shady trees. Then he smiled.

It couldn’t be much worse than the town anyways…

[Jaelith Ripple-Rift]

Jaelith silently listened to the men exchange words. Their discussion was dull, so she began to let her mind wander. It was strange that Leto had not spoken to her in some time. She was not used to being cut off from the God for so long. He only did this when he was very busy, and he always warned her before he vanished.

The new one, Taelriath, seemed shady to her. He was always fidgeting uncomfortably. Looking about and pausing when he spoke. "You'll never deceive anyone that way", she thought. "You've got to be more natural about it."

Still, the man's behaviour intrigued her. Most especially, his mention of being indebted to her. Another bit of control she had. One more tool in her arsenal. She was exceedingly powerful for a reason; while men may be smarter and stronger than her, she never discarded a weapon that was still of use.

Forcing a juvenile giggle, she bounded ahead of the two elves towards the trees. Her feigned enthusiasm for accompanying Taelriath would cover her genuine indifference towards him well. She didn't want her apathy to dull the blade of his promise, after all.

[Taelriath]

The young girl had bounded off ahead of Taelriath with unbridalled enthusiasm, racing ahead for the trees.

This girl is gong to be the end of me... she saved me from a blade to the heart even as she ensnared me in the arduous task of keeping her from killing herself. Taelriath joggeed off after the young elf.

Catching up with the young one below the trees Taelriath caught her shoulder, slowing her pace gently and brought her around to look at him as he knelt down. Her face still held a jovial expression but there was some emotion in her eyes that Taelriath couldn't quite place. Pulling the cloth from his lower face: What might your name be milady? Taelriath hoped that calling this child a lady would appeal to childhood fantasies she might have of being a princess or being saved by a knight, making his task of communicating with her easier. The girl answered his question, performing a curtsy to continue the game. Well, Jaelith I think it would be best if a fair lady such as yourself remained within sight of Eltharion or I. It would pain me greatly if anything should happen to you.

Taelriath stood up, looking down at Jaelith for a moment. This is probably the time of day you would be eating breakfast, is it not? Not pausing for an answer Taelriath drew forth a peice of dense bread one of the bandits had been carrying and handed it to Jaelith, who looked at it dubiously. Go ahead, it is only that heavy so trail-goers need to eat less of it. It even seems to have bits of nuts in it, he stated pointing at the broken end of the loaf, smiling gently.

I hope this will occupy her for a short while. Parhaps it will give me time to talk to this man without worrying about her.

Taelriath removed his gloves and returned them to the pocket he had retreived them from when entering the field as he heard the crunching sound of Eltharion's approach.

[Jaelith Ripple-Rift]

Jaelith slowed her pace. The new elf gently held her shoulder, restraining her. Trying to burst with joviality, she smiled at Taelriath.

"What might your name be milady?"

The words stopped Jaelith. She felt her mask flicker for a moment. "Lady?" The praise confused her. Leto never used that word to describe any girl, most especially not her. A bubble of happiness surprised Jaelith as it built in her stomach. She weakly offered her name as she waited for Leto to provide her guidance. Jaelith.

Taelriath continued his confusing words. Jaelith was mesmerized by the casual praise he seemed to offer her. Every word went against everything she had learned. Looking at him blankly, she felt a genuine stroke of shyness creep across her face. Her shame at being so easily mastered caused a complimentary blush to cover her face. She waited for him to burst into her thoughts and punish her for her comprehensive weakness. Still, nothing happened.

Barely able to acknowledge the food her offered to her, Jaelith awkwardly fell backwards, sitting on the ground. She accepted the food, and idly munched it. Seeing that Eltharion had finally caught up, she stood again. Obediently walking between the two, she tried to be as peaceful as she could. She couldn't afford to be a distraction to these two now, she felt the turmoil of Taelriath's words in her stomach still. She needed to resolve her confusion, so that she wasn't taken by surprise a second time.

[Ranin the Red]

The lead rider, the "box getter" and his crony were approximately two hundred yards from him and moving in fast. They in fact had not seen him he was certain now. The manling in the lead seemed preoccupied his eyes seemed almost closed. The manling behind would glance back every second or so as if expecting something behind.

Looking to his right, a worn area where surely the riders would head, he spied a large gnarled carcus of a tree that he thought might serve him. He scampered quickly from where he crouched and nimbly up the base of the tree. The bark peeled away as he inched his way to a spot where he was certain he would be at height above the mounted men. They were fifty yards away now, and he could smell the sickly sweet smell of them. These must be nobles of some sort, at least the lead rider, a scent of lilac mixed with another spice, those oils used by some of the manlings of wealthier courts to hide their stink.

He did not fancy the mounts these rode, he much preferred the more grounded dynamic of his kinds war goats. More stable and less prone to rear at the scent of a predator. He sniffed his pits and crotch, quickly rubbing both areas roughly with the dead bark in the hopes of staving off the horses identifying him to their masters.

The lead rider was below him now, the second feet behind.

He sprung atop the trailing rider knocking him to the ground, the man letting out a cry as he flew to the ground, the liquid smack of his head on a jutting rock brought a quick grin to Ranin. "One down," he mumbled to himself.

He was certain the lead rider would have heard the cry and reared about to face Ranin in defence of his fallen comrade. He was wrong however, the lead rider had heard but instead of rearing and charging instead bore down and rode on.

He had almost managed to remove the fallen riders blade that had hung at his side but instead had almost unseated himself from the mount below, who bucked erratically at this new rider. A quick blow to the mounts head and a growl were all it needed to calm itself. "Move cow," he screamed digging his bare feet into the horses sides. The chase was on.

[Ranin the Red]

The mount was already tired and though he was smaller in stature then the previous rider he certainly weighed at least twice the manlings weight and the horse panted heavily below him, the man ahead slowly gaining distance.

He thought it odd the man had yet to glance back to guage the distance. Possibly his hearing was so acute that he knew he was gaining.

Ranin could not know that whatever dwelt within the box was slowly taking over the "box getter", insideously pulling the manling deeper into its power. Drawing him slowly under its power, a lulling song to the wielder, words soothing and warm spoke of great power and conquest, drawing strength from blood that flowed so near.

Sensing that something was amiss, the way the man was bowed over his own mount and the increasingly heavy pants below made Ranin aware that he needed to act quickly.

Green knuckles pale with a heavy grip on the rock he had found earlier, the other clenched deeply into the mounts mane, "Ride ye bow legged mule" he growled, digging his feet deeper still into the sweat laden sides of the mount. "Ye'll be stew tiz eve cow," with a heavy hand he swatted the hind quarter of the mount, the blow drawing blood from the beleaguered animal. It seemed enough, with a pain filled whinny the mount bore forward closing the gap to within twenty yards. "Close enough to swat that baztard" he thought, he hoped, "elze this chaze be for naught and I'll run through the hillz nekkid like a baby kobald."

He arched back, chest muscles taut, bringing his arm back he willed the stone forward and let loose with all the strength and focus he had. Just as the rock left his hand the horse buckled below sending Ranin flying. Suprised and unaware that his throw had hit its mark he cursed men and their weak beasts just as everything faded to sweet blackness.

[Eltharion]

Taelriath's response was surprising to Eltharion. It was genuine, that much was obvious, but it was clearly not complete. Looking at the pale elf, Eltharion tried his best to quickly judge Taelriath. You are not found wanting...

Noting the degree to which Taleriath wished to escape to the shade of the trees, Eltharion smiled. Interesting, elf.

As Jaelith departed, and Taelriath followed behind, Eltharion walked slowly, following the two. Taking the moments to reflect, he wondered what manner of trouble they would create...or defuse, he conceded.

Finally catching up to them, Eltharion strode to one side of Jaelith, ensuring Taelriath was on the other. Carefully flanking her, he spoke to them both. There is a large dragon who lives in a cave, a short distance from here. We should reach it shortly after nightfall. Facing the two of them, he smiled. The perfect time to strike. We must destroy it. It has...several possessions which I need. Smiling wryly, Eltharion held his spear in front of him, ready for immediate use. I'm sure it will be worth all our troubles.

Also, Jaelith, be careful. I don't want you getting hurt by anything Eltharion smirked inwardly. Go ahead, keep playing. He thought, waiting to see how Jaelith would take his words.

[Taelriath]

Eltharion, upon arriving, moved to stand an the far side of Jaelith. Perhaps he does not trust me yet. Probably a good thing.

There is a large dragon who lives in a cave, a short distance from here. Taelriath's fingers instinctively twitched toward his blades.

At least this man knows the area. If we had stumbled too close we would have been killed for certain.

We should reach it shortly after nightfall. The perfect time to strike. Eltharion held his spear out ahead of him in an obviously expert fashion, despite the lack of tension in the man's voice, making this display oddly casual.

Taelriath could not believe what his senses told him, it was worse than Taelriath thought, this man was not insane... he was confident. Attacking any dragon, much less an adult, was suicide under regular conditions, but Taelriath realized with a mix of admiration for Eltharion and abject horror that they would succeed.

Eltharion continued to speak but Taelriath couldn't hear him past the thoughts thundering through his head. After a few moments he came to a decision.

I will continue on this course, and when it is through I will know what type of man Eltharion is for certain. I will decide whether he deserves my loyalty then, but I must be careful. I would not cross this man for less reason than I could allow myself to be slain for.

Taelriath regarded Eltharion a moment as the man set off, Taelriath matched Eltharion's stride, Jaelith still between, as they continued into the afternoon on their journey.

There were very few words exchanged between the three, all lost in their own thoughts or some minor preoccupation during most of the walking. After one particular short break in the traveling (and there were many such rests for the small elf to keep up reliably) Taelriath was thinking about the task which was soon at hand. Turning to Eltharion he spoke.

Tell me, what do you know about this dragon?