Heirot

Thread started by Eslin on January 7th, 2005

Eslin:

Reserved:Emora Deen: Shinobu, Kyosuke: Kyosuke, Nickole: Nickole, Zenmusha: Vladimir, Emora Deen: Talon, Mizuki: Kaze. I am regreted to inform you that anymore people and this thing would get REALLY confusing!!!
[glow=blue,2,300]Sinead looked at Talon very seriously. Maybe he could prove himself going to the boarder. She really didn't want to hinder him from finding Tenele either. "Talon, you may accompany Kaze to the boarder. I can't wait to her about all the things you'll do. You might want to talk a few things over with Auron about your Knighthood."

Auron looked at him. "Yes, I will talk to him, but it will wait till after he is back from the boarder. He must earn my respect once again."

Sinead looked at both Kaze and Talon. “If there isn’t anything else you’d like to discuses I'll have a servant show your chambers. There are others here also. You can meet them tomorrow. If you don’t stumble upon one on your way to you chambers. They will also accompany you to the boarder. I hope you have a good evening.”

Sinead nodded to the servant that had been serving drinks. The servant walked to the door while saying, “This way please," she beckoned them towards the door.


Mizuki:

OC: Oh crap, Talon knows Kaze as Colette!...lol but oh well, we'll see how he reacts to this different name.

IC: Kaze winced as Sinead said her true name. She prayed Talon wouldn't recongize it and call her out.

“This way please.” the servant said. Kaze glanced at Talon to see his reaction. So far he seemed unphased. Kaze didn't dare correct the Queen, she would feel strange if she did.

When she gathered that Talon didn't know the name, she followed the servant. She was gratefull that she could help her Queen, even more gratefull that she hasn't given her up to her village's authorities. 'Maybe she knows the truth.' Kaze thought.

Emora:

Talon smiled and nodded towards the King. He then looked to the Queen. "If you don't mind my Queen, I shall reside the night in my sisters house. I have some clothes there and hopefully she hasn't done anything to my old room," he said and smiled at a memory. "Good bye for now, my Queen..."

When the servant showed them out he decided to part with Kaze in the hall. "Well, I bid you good night. Until tomorrow," Talon said and smiled as he gave a bow of his head. He turned and began to walk away.

Mizuki:

Kaze bowed her head in return. She was almost sad that he wouldn't stay in the castle but... oh the Fates! Maybe this was better.

The servant shwoed her to her room. Lots of gold and cream colors made her feel safe and at home. The bed was luxurious and soft with silk cream colored sheets. The servant left telling her if she needed anything she should just ask. The servant even pointed her to some night cloths. Kaze didn't expect that but put them on anyway.

The nightgown swept the floor, pearl colored sleeveless gown. Kze undid and brushed her hair. Her hair was so long it was almost unmanagable. Wavy from it's braid. Next she crawled into the bed but kept her staff near. As safe as she felt, she still couldn't take the risk of being unprotected. She had heard about some No Life King that was a seducer... that would be the last thing she needed.

Emora:


Talon sat on the couch in Tenele's empty home. Where was Essy and Chrine, the normal maids who tended to Tenele...

Yes, Talon had grown increasingly worried about his sister once he actually took a good look around her house. Many things were different... like the dining room furniture for instance. There was a long deep scratch in the marble flooring of Tenele's training room as if some one had dragged a sword around it and one of the paintings were destroyed and leaning against the wall. He couldn't help but feel that it was the work of her so called "lover."

What had the people in the palace said? Oh, yes... His name was Vladimir Dracul... a No Life King and a vampire under the Queen's command. He had heard of Vlad before when he was knight, but had never met the man. He had heard many things about him, one being that he was insane.

How did Tenele ever become a lover to him? Talon was just finding it very unbelievable and the more he thought about it the more he knew he would have to meet this No Life King.

Tenele would most likely kick him in the head for nosing around in her personal life, but he just couldn't help being protective of her.

It was late by the time Talon went to bed and he knew he should have gone earlier, but his thoughts had been troubled by present things. He went to his room, which he found had been turned into a guest room. He bathed and then climbed into the bed, waiting on the morning...

Mizuki:

When Kaze woke up she got out of bed and washed her face and scrubbed her teeth. She changed back into her cloths...but for some reason didn't bother with her hair.

"Meh... Not right now." she said to herself then went to stare out the window. She had absolutly no idea what to do next. Was she to wait for the Queen to send them on their way? She wondered about the group ahead of them that they might meet.

Eventually she dove into daydreams that had nothing to do with her current situation....

Emora:


Talon woke the next morning to find that it would be a very bright and sunny day. The sun filtered down through the windows on the bed and woke him. He rose from his bed and dressed in his usual black attire with the boots and gloves to match. His long silver hair glistened in the morning sun as he departed from Tenele’s house, leaving it in the same state it had been in when he arrived. Empty and quiet.

Many people gathered in the city streets working there usual businesses. Lords, ladies, and many other high ranking officials flocked to the palace for there usual meetings and business affairs. It had been a long time since he been at the meetings of the nobleman’s. It had been a long time since he had did much of anything that had to do with the affairs of state.

Talon found himself asking more and more what the fight had been about. Why had his sister all the sudden taken a dislike for him. He couldn’t remember anything he had said to her that could have made her so mad. He didn’t even remember what had made him so mad he left the Knights Order and his sister in Ighten. He knew it had been the wrong choice. He knew full well it had been. But, there was nothing he could do about it now.

Talon made his way down one of the many halls in the palace, looking for the one known as Vladimir or the one known as Kaze. Now she was a peculiar sort of person. He guessed that she had lied to him about her name, probably still felt a great deal of distrust because of his clothes. In a way he thought she should question her mental stability for being afraid of a person just because of there clothes. Then again he could see where she was coming from. If a person was traumatized to a certain extent you could be afraid of clothes.

Mizuki:

Kaze finally woke up from her state of daydreaming when a certain... unwanted memory past through her mind. She still had yet to braid her hair...but she was just being too lazy to care. So it was loose and extremly long down her back.

Bored, her exited her room, maybe she should just explore for a while? She walked down the hall and knew this was a mistake.

"Why do they make everything mazes?!" she commented almost annoyed. Glowering at the walls and every turn she came to, she tried finding her way through these halls.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke had gotten bored with the conversation between Shinobu and their new guide and decided to wander off. Of course, doing that meant he wasn't paying attention to where he was going, and soon found himself lost... again. Sighing the samurai walked up and down the hallways, hoping he would find something that looked familiar.

As he walked down another hallway, he noticed an elven woman walking around, looking around the same way that he was looking. "You lost too?" he called out, still cheerful all the same. The feminine looking man was hoping that she wasn't, for if she was, then he wouldn't be able to ask for directions.

Zenmusha:

Vlad had been busy lecturing Essy and Chrine in the arts of vampirism int the dungeons, hence their absence from Tenele's house. They were learning quickly, and he praised them after the lesson, what was a rare thing for him. Much to his surprise, it was dawn by the time they were done. Both sides were so entangled, they lost track of time.

Telling them to rest, he walked to meet the irritating daylight. Now in his normal garbs, he cruised with his trademark grin, shivering in glee as every man, woman and child stared in terror at him. And then... he caught a familiar smell... It was a bloodtype very simillar to... Tenele's?

Vlad knew better than to come to the rash conclusion that it was her... After all, she was away and would only be back a bit longer. Still, he went to investigate the source, and caught up with a young man very similler to Tenele in some ways. "Hmmm... You remind me of someone... May I have your name?"

Emora:


Talon turned his head towards the voice and towards the man who had a grin that seemed to be plastered to his face. Talon tilted his head, noticing the fangs... and pale exterior. He held out his hand for the man to shake. "Sir Talon Raider... and you might be?" he inquired, arching an elegant eyebrow.

He was a vampire, that was for sure. But, was he the Vampire that Talon sought to question.




Shinobu walked down the hall, wondering the castle. She wore her elegant kimono with the lovely flowers, but still hadn't bothered to pull her long black hair up. She spotted the one known as Vladimir conversing with another man in the hall. She began to make her way to them.

Mizuki:

Kaze walked around til a woman called out to her. At least... she thought it was a woman. "Lost? Well...yes unfortunantly." She smiled though no one could see it under her scarf and brushed a peice of hair from her face. 'Oops,' she thought. 'I didn't braid it... damn.' Kaze hated her hair down but she felt lazy this morning... she didn't think she'd run into anyone. Kaze sighed and walked up to the newcomer.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke sighed. "Darn, I was hoping I could ask for directions," he said. Then, looking cheerful again, he decided to introduce himself, "I'm Kyosuke Yamato, pleased to meet you." The cheerful, feminine looking samurai bowed slightly at the waist to the woman.

He looked down one hallway, and then another and found himself still completely lost. "I don't suppose you know your way to the guest rooms, do you?" he asked with a hope that maybe she just couldn't find her way back to her own room.

Zenmusha:

Vlad was beginning to grow upset at the aqquaintance. From his name, he could deduce that he was Tenele's brother, or at least someone from her family. And from past experience, brothers were also very uptight when it came to their sisters... He still had a couple of bruises from encounters in his mortal life.

Still, right now he couldn't leave him permanently maimed, now could he? "Allow me to introduce myself. I am know by many names in the boarder... The Impalling Prince, The Cruel, God's Punishment, The Black Plague, Asshole, Maniac, Jerk, and an endless lithany of swears that I dare not mention. But, around here I'm know as...." He waited for a moment for dramatic purposes, and then bowed elaboratelly. "Vladimir Dracul, the mad bloodsucker."

Emora:


Talon looked at the elaborately bowed vampire as he came up and he didn't really know what to say at first. THIS was the vampire that was his sister's lover? And he had been called all those things? There had to be some reason behind it. Was he actually like that? That was most definitely not good.

He couldn't be those things. Tenele didn't like men like that. Though, he hadn't seen Tenele in so long she could have changed. What had she become to like man called, God's Punishment?

"Tell me, please do tell me, you do not know my sister Tenele," he said out loud and then shook his head quickly. "I'm sorry, forgive my rudeness. You just don't understand the things I have heard about you in Lowight..." He bowed his head in respect. "Please forgive my outburst."

Until he found out if this vampire was truly like the villagers said he would not persecute him...





"Lord Dracul," Shinobu called as she reached them and came to stand at the side of both Vladimir and Talon. She looked back and forth to them with a questioning look. She had a feeling of tension for some reason. "Have you seen my body guard, Kyosuke? I was going to ask if he was ready to leave. I must get to the Shogun... our home is in danger..." Her red tented eyes looked to the vampire, having finally got used to him, though he made her uncomfortable slightly....

Mizuki:

Kaze mentally slapped herself. 'It's a guy!' she thought feeling rather stupid. But under her scarf she put on a cheerful face, which was stupid since it couldn't be seen, and bowed in return.

"Kaze Uindo. I just came from the gest rooms." she said straigtening. "But this place is rather a maze." she turned around to study the halls and see if she knew the way back to the rooms. "Well, I was going to meet up with Talon but I guess I can show you the guest rooms. Now let's see..." she beckoned Kyosuke to follw her down the winding halls.

"What brings you to the palace?" Kaze asked him. She wondered if he was part of the other group going to the boarder, she also wondered if she would find Talon in these halls but she doubted it since they were such mazes. "That and have you by any chance run into a man named Sir Talon Raider?" Her staff clicked lightly on the marble floors as they walked. Her feet barely made a sound from the soft yet strong boots that laced their way up her legs and her loose hair glimmered from the torches brightly lighting all the halls. 'Least I'll get back to my room and get it back in it's braid. I can't believe I was so lazy and didn't do it.' she thought.

Kyosuke:

"Thanks," Kyosuke replied, relieved that he would find his way back to his room. He really much prefered the simplicity and beauty of the manors of Ongoreth, one story housing and many outside walkways. He followed the woman down the hallway.

"I'm here with my lord on a search for the Shogun of Ongoreth," he explained. "We have urgent news to deliver to him and we need to find him soon."

The samurai continued following the woman down the hall and hoped that she really knew where she was going. "And as for Sir Talon Raider, I've never heard of him before."

Mizuki:

"The Shogun dissapeared?!" Kaze exclaimed turning to him. She couldn't believe that the Shogun would just dissapeare like that but... things were possible. They turned down a hall and Kaze gasped. "Wow, I found it!" they had found the rooms much to Kaze's surprise, she thought she'd get them even more lost.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke developed a slight twitch when he heard Kaze's gasp of surprise. "Actually, I'm not sure if he disappeared really, but the Queen knew where he was so I don't suppose I can call it a disappearance," Kyosuke explained. "And should I take a guess that you actually weren't sure where you were going and were just hoping that you'd get to the guest rooms successfully?" Kyosuke actually didn't mind that much. One way or the other he would have gotten more lost, this way he managed to get his way back, even if it was through luck.

Mizuki:

"Actually, I'm not sure if he disappeared really, but the Queen knew where he was so I don't suppose I can call it a disappearance, And should I take a guess that you actually weren't sure where you were going and were just hoping that you'd get to the guest rooms successfully?" Kyosuke said. Kaze blushed under her scarf and laughed nervously.
"Eh hehehe... well I got us here didn't I?" she said. "Ummm... well, good luck with your mission!" she smiled under her sarf and went to enter her room again before she stopped. "Wait... where's your room? I'm Just curious because... uh.... well... I was just wondering if you got yourself situated we could somehow roam the halls so I could find my partner... I'll bring string so we don't get lost!"

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke looked around for a bit. "Actually, I don't know where my room is," he laughed, almost embarrassed. "As long as we can find our way back here, I suppose I'll eventually find it, so it's fine if I roam the halls with you for now." The samurai smiled cheerfully. "So hurry up and grab the string so we can get going!"

Mizuki:

Kaze laughed and invited him into her room, if he would go in. Quickly she braided her hair and found a spool of red thread in a drawer of her bearu. She figured it may be in case people needed to mend cloths. She arched a brow at Kyosuke.

"What?" she asked. "I was actually serious about the string!" she exclaimed in good humor. "Come..." she tied one end of the string to the outter doorknob then held the spool losly in her hands as they roamed the halls. Her braid gently swayed behind her back and she took delight in the company Kyosuke gave her. "Have you been here long?" she asked him.

Kyosuke:

"I arrived here one or two days ago," Kyosuke replied.
"Not sure, I was out for a bit." (OOC: Plus that part of the RP took place waaaay too long ago for me to remember) He followed the woman down the hallways. "I never would have learned my way around the castle. I always much prefered Ongoreth architecture."

Mizuki:

Kaze listened to him, feeling the thread slide out from her fingers to make the trail. "I never would have learned my way around the castle. I always much prefered Ongoreth architecture." he said.
"Oh? I've never seen Ongoreth really," she replied then laughed lightly. "If I have, I don't remember. In my travels I have seen so many things they all mix together now. I've only arrived just yesterday." she turned down a hall and saw a group of people concersing, the first one she recongized was Talon. "Oh! There's Talon!" she pointed out the tall silver haired man dressed in black to Kyosuke.


"TAlon!" she called out to get his attention as they approached him.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke noted that an Ongoreth woman was with them. "Ah, Shinobu-dono," he called out, waving cheerfully. He followed Kaze and approached the group of people conversing. "No more attempts on your life I assume?" he joked.

Eslin:

OOC: We're working on getting this thread moving again.

IC: Sinead sat on her throne thinking. She needed to see Talon. If she were a cat, her tail would have been swishing; there was a problem. She clapped her hands together and sighed in frustration. A servant, hearing the clap, thought that the Queen had been summoning her,
"Yes, my lady?" Sinead looked at the servant, and she decided that she need her after all.
"I'd like for you to summon Talon here, please."
"Yes, my lady, I'll go get him now." Sinead watched the servant disappear thought the doble doors leading into the room. As they swung shut she thought about what she needed. She wondered if this was a good plan or not....

Emora:


Talon looked to Kaze and smiled charmingly as he always did. He bowed his head politely out of respect. About the time he was going to tell her something a woman came to him and whispered into his ear that the queen wanted to meet with him. He turned to his companions, noting the Ongorethian man, which he greeted with a polite nod.

He cleared his throat. “The Queen has summoned me and I must report to her. Lady Shinobu, Kaze.” He bowed to both the women and turned slightly, looking back to Vlad. He couldn’t believe his sister had fallen for a vampire.



Shinobu smiled to Kyosuke as he greeted her. “No, it’s been perfectly peaceful for once.” She smiled softly, very glad for the peace. It meant Kyosuke would be safe and wouldn’t have to be hurt by anyone who tried to kill her.

“No ninjas dropping in I presume?”<br>

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke sighed. "It's been boring, and I can't even train as hard as I normally do because of the wound on my back," the samurai replied. "Last time I fight in a crowd of pirates with a vampire loose. I sorta wish ninjas were attacking, because that would give me an excuse to fight and tear my stitches." The samurai grinned happily as he normally did.

Mizuki:

Kaze's hidden smile faded. It bugged her that she finally found him then had to be separated from him again. She sighed and shrugged. 'Oh well.' she thought. She turned to the new people that Kyosuke was talking to and noted them. One was a vampire... that was for sure. 'I stay away from that then.' She turned her attention and smiled kindly to the woman. She bowed in respect and introducted herself.

"I am Kaze Uindo." she said.

Eslin:

The woman who had been sent to guide Talon turned and said,
"Follow me please." She then guided him through the twist and turns of the palace's hallways. Under her sure guidance, they soon came to a long hall. The double doors to the throne room were halfway down the hall. The woman stopped Talon in front of them and said to him, "Wait here. I'll announce to the Queen that you’re here." The woman slipped into the double doors, and they silently closed behind her, leaving Talon outside. "My Queen I've brought him." Sinead looked down at the woman from her throne. She waved an impatient hand indicating her to bring him in. The woman went back out and said, “You may enter now.” She then held one of the doors open for him.

Emora:


Talon followed the servant and waited to be announced. He wondered what the Queen would have to say to him after just speaking with him the other day. When the woman returned he made his way into the room where the queen awaited him. When he saw her he bowed his head in respect, standing at attention.


“You may call me Shinobu,” she replied politely and placed her hands in front of her before bowing. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” Shinobu’s eyes returned to Kyosuke with a warm smile coming to her lips. “And you better not do anything to break those stitches, I’ll get angry.” She couldn’t think of a single thing she could do to Kyosuke, because she didn’t hurt people the loved. Yes, Kyosuke was very close to her so she guessed she could consider the fact she loved him, but not in an intimate way…<br>

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke sighed again. "Fine fine," he replied, though still cheerful in nature. "I suppose I should listen to the words I told you about healing faster if I don't aggrivate them." The feminine looking man twiddled with the katanas at his waist slight.

He then turned to Kaze. "So Kaze, what brings you to Lowight anyway?" he asked.

Mizuki:

"What brings me to Lowlight?" Kaze repeated his questionto herself. She thought about it, not truely sure she should tell them but Kyosuke told her why he was here so...

"Well, I'm here to lead a mission to the boarder for the Queen. I think we are still waiting for some more recruits though..." She looked at the ground looking as if she was interested at the enchanted cloth shoes on her feet.

Eslin:

OOC: Did you know that when you press the tab button and some other button(I've yet to figure out which one I think it's enter) that it will post? It makes it a pain the rear-end when you try to tab over, and then it post what you have typed so far, and your not through. I think I've done it about three times on this one post.

IN: Sinead watched as Talon entered the throne room. She wonder if she could trust him or not. After all he was a deserter. She nodded to him when he bowed his head. He was very respectful with it. She thought maybe she could trust him. She stood up and gracefully descended the stairs that led up to the throne. She walked over to where Talon was standing and addressed him.
"I'm glad that you've come. I have a favor to ask you, but I'm wondering if you can be trusted. I suppose if you do this well I might can trust you again. If you fail, then the chances of me ever thrusting you again are slim." She paused for a moment allowing this to sink it. "I can't let Vlad go to the border. I need him hear for something else." She tired to be vague. It was none of his business. "Vlad was to be the guide to the boarder, but I've decided that I will ask him to stay here. That leaves no guide in the party. I'd like for you to fill that position. Will you?"


Emora:


Talon kept his temper in check. Even after explaining himself he was still seen as a deserter. "My Queen, I never deserted your army or your kingdom. I merely left to finish my alchemy training. But, if you would like me to earn my trust back, I shall."

A silver strand of hair fell in front of his handsome face. "What is the job you would have me do?" he asked politely, a charming smile coming to his lips.

Well, since this Vladimir wasn't going along that meant he could talk with his sister without his interruptions... This was looking better...

Kyosuke:

"I see," Kyosuke replied. He wasn't sure if that was the whole truth, but it didn't matter that much to him. "Well, I've already told you what Shinobu-dono and I are for." He said, "but I'm travelling with her because I'm her bodyguard."

Mizuki:

"Bodyguard eh?" Kaze said amused. She smiled under her scarf. "Well then Kyosuke protect her well." She warily eyed the vampire again then broke the eye contact. "I think I would like to find the gardens, I'm uneasy in castles."

Kaze's golden eyes shone brightly telling she was truthfull about being uneasy here, she even shuddered a bit.

Kyosuke:


Kyosuke shrugged. "Well, you know I'm as helpless as you when it comes to finding my way around the castle. I'd get lost... again. I've already gotten lost several times today. Maybe Shinobu-dono could lead us there," the samurai said. He then looked back at the trail of string that would lead us back to the guest rooms. "And I think we shouldn't use string anymore." He pointed at all the maids and servants tripping over the string.

Eslin:

Sinead was aware that her statement had angered Talon. Maybe he could be trusted.
"I would like for you to take Vlad's spot as Shinobu's guide. She's from Ongoreth,
so she doesn’t know her way around Ighten. She's searching for her Shogun. I would be happy if you went with her, and helped her. You'd still be in the same group as Kaze. I think that you'll find the Shogun before you get to the boarder. Sinobu will be with the Shogun then. You can decided if you want to go with Kaze or come back. Either is fine. I think I will find trust in you again. If you do everything right...”

Emora:


Talon bowed his head to his queen in respect. “Despite what you think of me, I will serve you well. Try having a little faith in the people who work for you…” He smiled softly. “I will lead Kaze and the Lady Shinobu, along with her bodyguard to the Border to meet their Shogun.”<br>
“My Queen, if it is all right I would like to stay there, to help my sister. It has been quite a while since I last saw her… and the last time I did see her we didn’t part on good terms… If that is all right of course. I will make sure that these people reach the Border safely.”<br>


Shinobu smiled to Kyosuke and Kaze. “I’m not to sure where to go either…” she said looking around. “I think the rooms are… this way…” Shinobu pointed down a long hall that had a slight curve in it… “Or… this way…” She pointed to an empty hall that led to a staircase going down. “I have no idea…”

Shinobu walked up to a maid dusting a statue of Sinead’s mother. “Miss… Could you point me in the direction of the guest rooms?” The woman seemed to not understand her too well, because of her accent… But, the woman pointed to the hall where the staircase. “Thank you…”

Shinobu returned to her bodyguard and his new friend. “Well, as far as I can tell from the ladies pointing… it’s that way.”<br>

Nickole:

C'mon, Sinead... C'mon...

The small blue fairy was fairly pulsating with light. Sweating bullets, she wished silently that Sinead would break the news to the others.
If it's going to be a bad reception, I'd might as well get it over withshe thought.

Mizuki:

Kaze looked in the direction the woman was pointing.
She smiled and said, "Yes but I want the gardens. Or at least something with a nice outside setting..." she thought for a second and looked at the remaining spool of thread in her hand.

Besides the fact that it seemed to be tripping people... she kind of needed this. She held it up to show them.

"Well, shall I use this as we find our way through this maze of a castle?" she laughed softly from under her scarf.

Eslin:

Sinead smiled at Talon. Her trust had already begun to return....slowly "I'm sorry that I seem to have so little trust in you, but if you do this right, then I'll not lose faith in you again."

“My Queen, if it is all right I would like to stay there, to help my sister. It has been quite a while since I last saw her… and the last time I did see her we didn’t part on good terms… If that is all right of course. I will make sure that these people reach the Border safely.” Sinead heard those words and the tone of his voice melted her heart. He really did care for his sister, and Tenele was one of her favorite Maidens.

Sinead’s smile brightened "Of course you may stay and help your sister. I see nothing wrong with that. It's your duty to her." Sinead's face became serious. "Just remember to come back," she held his eyes for a moment."Oh and Talon, if you ever leave your sister again, I suggest you always do it all good terms. That’s always good advice when dealing with sisters." She winked at him.

The she remembered something. "There's another reason I asked you to come here. You're going to have another member in the party. She’s small, and you'll hardly notice her. I think she needs to be introduced to everyone, so that they can get use to her. Her name is Nickole, and she is a two and a half inch fairy. She’s going to be my little spy since she can go places everyone else can’t. When I see her I’ll send her to you, and you can introduce her to the rest of the party. She’s really a great person I’m sure she’s nervous about meeting everyone. Just assure her that she has nothing to fear.” She stood there for a moment in thought. “That will be all I have. If there is anything you need for the journey, please let me know.”<br>
OOC: If you've went looking for Nickole's character, you probably had a hard time finding it. That's because it's was under the title Utopia. I've modified it, and if anyone wants to read up on her it should be easy to find now.


Emora:


Talon took all that the Queen said in and bowed his head. “I will watch out of her, my Queen,” he said kindly and smiled. He stood up straight, his black clothes rustling. He was very handsome and almost imposing, but he knew he could never make the Queen of Ighten feel fear. He didn’t mean to make those think he was imposing. He was just powerful and wore black. That was all. He wasn’t cruel or anything.

“My lady, might I ask you a question concerning my sister? Is it true that she and the vampire known as Vladimir Dracul are lovers? I have heard rumors and even he himself claims so… I’m sorry, but it seems sudden to me. Could he have seduced her into this delusion?” Talon was very over protective of his sister, partly why the fought a lot. Tenele could very well handle herself, she had proven this many times.


Shinobu smiled to Kaze and looked to Kyosuke. “You might want to wrap it up just encase you need it later. I think we can find the gardens, besides wouldn’t it be nice to wonder such a beautiful place?” she asked and looked around. The palace was remarkable. It was beautiful in every way.

Shinobu met Kyosuke’s eyes and she smiled warmly at him.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke shrugged. "It's nice wandering around this castle until you get hopelessly lost," he muttered, but he had a bright smile on his face anyway. "But I seem to recall from yesterday that the garden was that way," he added and pointed in a direction, "So that means we should go that way." The samurai pointed in the opposite direction he had pointed in before.

Mizuki:

Kaze was a tad confused at why he would point the other way. After blinking a few times she finally understood.

"Ah yes," she said. She guessed that with maze castle's, going in the opposite diretion was the only way to get to where you want. Quickly, she rolled up the thread that was still conviniently tripping people along its way. After some minutes it was finally all rolled up and Kaze slipped it in her pocket.

"Lead the way Kyosuke?" she spoke humorously.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke wondered if the two realized that what he implied was that since his sense of direction here was pointing to one way, it may not have been the best thing to follow that, seeing as it had gotten him lost for the last few days here. Instead of taking the responsibility of leading the two, he decided to put it off on his lord, "Er, why don't you lead the way instead Shinobu-dono?" he asked.

Eslin:

The Queen admired how imposing Talon could be. She thought about how useful that could be. "Thank you," she said when he told her he'd watch out for Nickole. "I'm sure you'll meet her soon."

Sinead looked Talon in the eyes. She wasn’t smiling anymore. She wondered how he would take the news. “Talon, I’m going to have to tell you that it is true. I don’t think he seduced her. You need to talk to her.” Sinead didn’t think that talk would go well. “Talon, don’t go into that conversation with a hothead. You might need to consider that Tenele is a big girl now. She might know what she’s doing, but that is something you will have to decided when you find her.” Sinead smiled. She knew that Talon would soon win his way back into her good graces.

“If you have need of any supplies please feel free to ask.”

Emora:


Talon smiled and bowed his head to his queen, then turned to leave the room. He left with many thoughts going around in his head. Many of which had to do with his sister that he hadn’t seen in many years. She was in love with a vampire of her own free will? Hadn’t Tenele learned her lesson with vampires? She hadn’t ever exactly had good luck with them… But, then again not many people did.

Talon walked off the find the group he would be leading to the Border and tell them they would be leaving as soon as supplies were ready.


Shinobu look to Kyosuke and made a face like, “Why me?!” Shinobu didn’t know her way around the palace… but she guessed she was going to learn. Shinobu began to walk through the halls until she came to two large wooden doors with golden suns on them. She pulled on one of the doors and it opened up to a cement stare case leading to a large wall with two very, very large metal and wood doors with the same sun symbol. The gates were open to the garden and there were two guards standing on either side of the gate way. There were flowers of many colors on the other side of the gate. “I’m guessing that is the gardens?”<br>

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke smiled really brightly. "Well, if me or Kaze-san tried to find this place, we would be looking for it still, and it'd be a week later," he said. "We probably would have ended up going in circles unless we used a string again, or marks. I don't think the staff would be happy with either."

Mizuki:

Kaze gave a laugh at how the two were acting and followed Shinobu through the halls and to the doors that they found. She admired the carvings on the doors and how the crafter was able to make the delicate turns of the sun carving. When the doors opened to the gardens Kaze gave out a sigh of relief from under the scarf about her face and turned her bright, happy eyes to Kyosuke and Shinobu.

"Well shall we?" she said brightly.


Eslin:

Briena slipped through the corridors of the palace. She was wearing an enchantment that would keep her looking like a woods elf with pale skin, long blonde hair, and pale blue eyes. She had just put the enchantment on, so it wouldn't wear away for a while. She smiled sadistically to herself. Her prey was somewhere in this palace. If only she could avoid that darned vampire.

She was about to turn a corner when she heard a bright voice say,"Well shall we?"

Breina stopped and stood still using her assassin’s skills to make sure that the other people wouldn’t be aware that she was there. She stood and listened, hoping that she would hear what she had been looking for. She smiled again. Everyone would pay.

Emora:



Shinobu smiled to Kaze and nodded. They set off for towards the gates to the garden. She stopped when she heard her name being called. “Lady Shinobu,” she turned to find the man named Talon walking towards them as they just reached the gate and were about to enter into the paradise beyond.


Talon smiled to the group. “Everything’s ready to go… Tell me the supplies you will need and I will have them ready as soon as possible and we will be able to leave as early as this afternoon if you like.”<br>

Eslin:

Briena couldn't help but smile at what she'd heard. “Lady Shinobu,” that name was like a dark tune in her ears. She had finally located her prey.

She stood deathly still and listiend. She wasn't ready to kill anyone yet. She needed to be careful. She wanted this job to turn out good. She thought back to the demon. It had to.

The the rest of waht that new voice had said came to her. “Everything’s ready to go… Tell me the supplies you will need and I will have them ready as soon as possible and we will be able to leave as early as this afternoon if you like.” So, Sinobu would be leaving soon. Briena thought how perfect it was turning out. Shinobu was really much safer here in the palace.

Briena stood there waiting for a few more moments to see what would happen. She was about to go meet her newest victaim, but she needed waited for the right time. She had to be careful. There was no margin of error.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke noted that there was a presence of maliciousness nearby, but chose not to act on it just yet. He didn't even let his smile falter. For all he knew, it was a maid who had found out that her lover was cheating on her. The samurai turned his attention back to the task at hand. "Uh, I have no need for much," he said. He still had the supplies that they packed from Shinobu's manor, and he was sure that Shinobu would order a replinishing of the food herself, or someone else would bring more supplies.

Nickole:

Sinead had instructed Nickole to go to the gardens, and Nickole had smiled as she fluttered up to plant a butterfly kiss on Sinead's forehead to tell her "sister" goodbye. No fairy is particularly fond of good-byes.

Now, she sat happily among the flowers in the Queen's garden. She truly was a fairy, she realized as she sat there on the yellow center with the orange petals suppoeting her. Shaded by the leaves of the flowers above, Nickole felt that she could sit there all day, but her serene quite was soon broken by the voices of her assumed fellow travelers.

Curling into a ball and easing around slowly, she discreetly peeped ove the orange petals of the flower.She saw the two samuri, a man & a woman, an elven sorceress, and a striking man-elf whom Nickole anticipated the entry of into the sunlight. She was sure his hair would glitter as the elders of Utopia, and Nickole was feeling very homesick at this lonely moment. There had been someone else in a shadow...very tall & feminine, but Nickole could have very easily imagined it. Shadows were definantly not her specialty. She preferred light.

Well then, she thought to herself, I'll just wait here until the Silver One is alone, since that's who Sinead pointed out as a good one for me to befriend & receive instruction from.

So, that's what she did. She waited...

Mizuki:

KAze, becoming enthralled by the garden's beauty, absentmindedly left the group to walk among the flowers and plants. The sun's ray's shone perfectly on all the petal's that she could've sworn that one orange flower was sparkling.

She could smell the sweet aroma of the flowers through her scarf and she kneeled down to some roses to admire and get a better smell. She gently touched their petals and they were soft as silk, so soft that she jerked her hand away afraid she would somehow break a precious petal under her fingertips.

"This is so beautiful..." she said in a soft breath that was mostly to herself.

Soran:

Vladimir lay in his private quarters, flopped casually on his back with no expression on his face. He was bored to dust, scraping a pentagram idly into the headboard of the bed with one extended claw. The deadbeat who purported to be Tenele's brother seemed amusing; a psychotic grin crossed the No-Life King's face as he pondered what mischief he could play upon him.

OOC: Welp, here goes! Eslin, I think he'll need Sinead's help clarifying what he should do from here.

Emora:


Shinobu smiled and looked at Talon. “I have nothing I need,” she said with a slight bow of her head. “I am eager to get to my Shogun so I may warn him of the state of his kingdom. The sooner we leave, the better.” A slight breeze blew strands of Shinobu’s fine black hair into the wind.


“Well! Everything should be ready by this afternoon. Will that be alright with you Lady Kaze?” he asked with a smile towards her. “Is it alright with you if we leave this afternoon? The Ashgrown forest is dangerous so once we meet the middle we should camp and it should be dark. We could leave in the morning, but it wouldn’t make any difference we would still wind up camping. And with you Sir Kyosuke, is it alright?”<br>

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded. "It is fine by me Talon-san," he replied. "And actually, hearing about the possible dangers of the forest, I may need equipment needed for making stitches in case mine pop out while fighting," he said. "That situation seems to be unavoidable when with Shinobu-dono." He grinned cheerfully at the woman he served.

(OOC: She's not as bad as Mizuki is though )

Mizuki:

OOC: -jabs Kyosuke's stomache-

Kaze lifted her head when Talon called her and realized she had drifted off from them.

"Oh!" she exclaimed running back to them. Her eyes were bright and sparkling in the sun. "No I do not mind if we leave so soon."

Emora:


Talon smiled to Kaze and then looked back at Kyosuke. He gave a nodded and turned to walk away to gather the things they would need. His cloak billowed behind him as he did so. He disappeared up a stone staircase leading somewhere else.

Shinobu hit Kyosuke’s arm lightly and smiled at him. She didn’t have anything to say, however, because it was mostly true. She was the reason he had gotten hurt. She looked at him for a moment longer as if thinking about something, then she turned with a cough. “Um… shall we continue or do you need to pack, Miss Kaze?”<br>

Mizuki:

"Oh, I don't believe I carried anything else besides the cloths and other such things on my back." Kaze told them looking after Talon. "Unless you have to do so... packing that is." Kaze turned her gaze back to the garden absentmindedly.

Emora:


Shinobu smiled and smelled a red rose as she stepped further into the garden. “No, everything I have is already packed. I never unpack when I’m on a trip unless I know for sure I’ll be staying for a while.” Shinobu looked back to Kaze and smiled softly. “Its good to pack lightly.”<br>
Shinobu’s eyes wondered to Kyosuke and she her smile turned into a gentle grin. “I’ll try to keep you from getting anymore stitches,” she said with a hint of amusement. “After all, I’m good with sewing fabric, I might be a bit terrifying when it comes to skin.”

Nickole:

Oh, wonderful, Nickole thought to herself.The one I needed to talk to is the only one that has left. Perhaps the others will see nothing wrong with a fairy, she decided. She floated soundlessly to the ground, however so as to stay under the blessed cover of the beautiful flowers and young trees. She worked her way around the wall's edge unnoticed, and then she came to a stop as she realized that she would probably be seen before she made it to the Silver One (Talon).

Nearly 8 feet lay between her and the stair case that he had disapeared up. She suddenly remembered her poshki and decided it would be a much better idea to to become invisible. She ate a piece, and quickly hurried across the opening. Once she was in the cool confines of the stone staircase, she flipped her wings against one another to return her visibility.Alright, she whispered into the darkness. She turned her ring so that she wouldn't glow and began to fly slowly upsatirs. Prepared for the worst and hoping for the best, she hoped to make it safely to the Silver One.

Emora:


Talon walked the halls with his usual handsome grace. His long silver hair bounced slightly off his shoulders to cascade down his back and his black robes billowed as he walked.

He didn't know truly how dangerous it would be, this journey he would undertake. But, he did know he would serve his queen faithfully and protect the woman he was to lead to the Border.

"Master Raider!!" A shrill voice said and a rather thin pretty young noble woman came scurrying down the hall towards him with a bright smile on her face. "How nice of you to return to us! It has been so long!!" She practically slid to a stop in front of him.

Talon smiled charmingly. "Yes, it has been a while, Lillian," his voice was deep and musical as always and his bright silver eyes sparkled. "I am on my way to gather previsions for a trip. I'm sorry I cannot speak with you long..."

"Oh! Leaving so soon?!" She placed a hand on his shoulder and smiled up at him. "But, you've only just come back."

"Well, duty calls Lillian..." Talon smiled at her though his inside was screaming. She was the most annoying woman in the world, always out to look for a suitor and it appeared she had her sites on him.

"Well, do come back and speak with me, won't you?" She arched her eyebrow as she waited for a response.

Talon swallowed and smiled a fake smile. "Of course." With that the woman left down the hall as if he had made her day with those words. Well, Talon was a very eligible bachelor.

Nickole:

Nickole hovered in one spot as she watched the exchange between the Silver One and the woman he called 'Lillian'. Nickole promptly decided that she did not like this push-herself-on-you woman, and was glad when the Silver One 'escaped' her arched eyebrow gaze. Once she was past the Lillian's closed door, she turned her ring and her fierce blure light radiated from her once again.

Nickole was only 6 feet behind him now.Oh no! What did Sinead call the Silver One? Uh... Talon, yes, that had to be it... "Sir Talon," she spoke for he was actually close enough to hear her whisper, so there was little need to call out to him loudly.

Emora:


Talon turned a heal, graceful, expecting to see a lovely woman to go with the voice. Well, mabye not lovely but at least one that was over three feet tall. Instead, he came face to face with a two inch tall fairy.

For a moment Talon looked at her and then he smiled charmingly. "Um, yes? How may I help you little fairy?" he whispered so not to speak to loudly and hurt her small ears or blow her away with a harsh breath. He offered his hand for her to sit on so she could rest her little wings.

Nickole:

Nickole was absolutely blown away by the kindness of the Silver One. Taking him up on his offer, She fluttered up to him an landed herself softly in the palm of his hand. She wasn't nearly as uneasy as she thought she'd be.

"I bring tidings from Queen Sinead. She wishes to send me on this journey to the border, and she instructed me to speak with you. You wouldn't mind if I go? I definantly don't take up much room," Nickole explained with an almost shy smile. Her warrior spirit was completely buried for the moment and every inch of her courage and bravery had turned to friendliness and hope.

Emora;


Talon smiled and held her up face level with him. “Certainly I would not mind the
company of such a gentle and beautiful creature. You are more than welcome to come
along.” His smile was gentle and charming and his voice still very soft.

“It may be dangerous, but you look like a capable enough fairy, I’m sure you’ll do fine.”<br>He turned with the tiny fairy in his hands and was very careful so not to drop her. “We
will be leaving this afternoon, if thats alright. I’d be more than welcome to pospone it for
you if you need it.”<br>
Talon’s handsome face was bright. How he loved little fairies and there happy ways.
Elves were like fairies... sorta... kinda... well maybe no like them, but they both had
pointy ears!!

Nickole:

"Today is fine. I'll need no provisions, so I'm already prepared to leave. Do you need help with anything? I wish only to see Sinead again and wish her farewell, if that's alright," she replied. Nickole was ecstatic to have found such an admirable & amiable friend. Nickole knew that their friendship would not end with the finishing of this journey to the border. She felt a connection with him like she had with Sinead. She decided to share a taste of that realization with the Silver One.

Nickole smiled as she turned from watching where they were going to look the Silver One straight in the eye. "I guess you'll be like my big brother from now on, huh, Talon?"

Emora;


Talon chuckled lightly and looked at the little fairy. “A big brother? Why sure, I’ll be your little brother if you would like me too, but that would be rather... strange seeings
how I’m a just a tad bit bigger than you, aye?” He smiled foundly. “Its nice to know that someone would like me as their brother.”<br>
Talon looked at her with his silver eyes. “But, since I am to be you big brother, I would like to know my little sisters name.” Hos smile was one of great kindness and charm as a strand of silver feel in front of his handsome face.

Nickole:

"Of course, I apologize," Nickole smiled. " I am Nickole Trelain, daughter of a guard of our kingdom, Utopia, where you, regrettfully, may never see. Pleases call me Nickole."

Nickole was simply ecstatic to have met Talon and could hardly wait to tell Sinead... if she had time to say good bye. A small frown crossed Nickole's face. Sinead had been too busy to see Nickole before, but Nickole dearly hoped against hope that that wouldn't happen again.

Emora:


Talon smiled. “Very nice to meet you, my sister, Nickole.” He turned down a hall way.
“Well Nickole, if there is anything you need to do you might want to do it now. I believe
you mentioned something about saying good-bye to Queen Sinead?”<br>
Talon looked at her. “You might want to go and do that... I will meet you as the sun
touches the tip of the western tower. Does that sound alright? It should give you a while
to do what you must do.”<br>

Nickole:

"Okay, I'll be there then," Nickole assured him. "Good bye."

She straightened her legs from under her and flitted down the hall way to wish Sinead a final farewell. Her only concern was running into that disagreeable vampire, Vlad.

Mizuki:

Kaze made a face under her scarf at the mention of sewing skin together.

"Well uh-- Let' us hope that the time never comes to sew one's skin back together. A safe journey we shall have." she said and gripped her staff as if it would back up her words. Truly, she had no idea if they would have a safe journey or if her magic could go against the Witch Queen's, but she figured that as long as she didn't need to use...that dark and sinister power she was cursed with... maybe they'd make it through alright. 'I hope..' she thought. Her golden eyes softened at her thoughts in the despair of if they failed.

Soran:

Vladimir grinned with a spark of anticipation in his eyes as he watched the fairy make her cuddly acquaintance with "The Silver One". So they were going to the Border, were they?

"Sounds like an entertaining trip. I'll pack the barbeque sauce," he said nonchalantly, strolling forward out of the shadows toward the fairy and her brother with a mocking half-bow toward the latter.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded. "Let's hope I don't pop my stitches. My wounds should heal a bit faster than yours did, after all, mine was a gash and yours was a stab wound," he pointed out. "Plus, popping stitches is painful." The samurai grinned sheepishly.

Emora:


Talon watched with a smile as his friend, who had now become his sort of adopted sister, flew away to say a farewell to Sinead.

His smile slowly faded at a familiar voice. "Sounds like an entertaining trip. I'll pack the barbeque sauce."

Talon turned slightly towards the voice, his silver eyes meeting that of the vampires. Even now it was hard to believe that this being was his sister's lover!

"Lord Dracul," Talon greeted. His voice was even, yet had a certain edge to it. "Is there something you require or do you enjoy picking on creatures smaller than yourself?"


Shinobu smiled and walked further into the garden under a large weeping willow with a stone bench underneath it. She took a seat and watched Kyosuke and Kaze for a moment. It was a beautiful day and the sun was bright and hot.

Soran:

"I haven't a clue what you're referring to. I just want to accompany you on your journey so that the cute little fairy can rest her tiny wings upon my hand," Vlad imitated with an insane smirk.

Emora:


Talon glared, though slightly relieved. He didn't mention the fact his sister was at the Border so maybe that meant he could save his sister from whatever horror she had gotten herself into.

"I think not, I won't have you eating her," Talon said and his gaze darkened. "And I don't think our Queen would be very happy either."

Talon began to walk down the hall. He wondered how Tenele had changed. She had once been a very uptight person who didn't believe herself capable of love or that she didn't have time for such. Now, all of the sudden, she has the most annoying creature as her object of affection.

Soran:

Vladimir looked at Talon in amusement, reading his worry-wart thoughts as he followed him idly down the hall. "Now now, Queeny and I have our own little understanding. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you didn't want me around," he said with a fanged grin, still speaking in a mock-polite tone that was clearly infinitely amusing to him, if not to Talon.

Emora:


Talon looked to Vlad. "Really? You figured that out all by yourself?" he asked with a smile of sarcasm as he continued down the hall. "So you will be accompanying us just so you can terrorize the poor small fairy? I think not, you will do no such thing. You may come along, but not if its going to be to terrorize her."

Talon picked up speed. He needed to hurry if they were to leave by the afternoon. "If you please, I have things to do before we leave this afternoon. Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

Mizuki:

Kaze smiled at both Kyosuke and Shinobu... even though they couldn't have seen it, but the humor was in her voice when she whispered to Kyosuke.

"Kyosuke," she whispered to him. "Do you-- or are you and Shinobu a uh--...couple?" Her eyes shone, sparkling with her humor at guessing their possible love affair or relationship.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke blushed at the thought of him and Shinobu being a couple. "Um... not that I know of," he replied. "She's a widow you see." He didn't know how else to reply to it and he hoped that Shinobu wouldn't mind him giving out that piece of information about herself.

Soran:

Vladimir's grin spread into a twisted smile. "Oh, thank you," he said darkly, but was already getting bored. "I'll just drop in to say hi to the rest of your happy party. Try not to take too long. I get cranky when I have to wait," he said arrogantly, teleporting out of the elf's presence.

A moment later, he materialized at the edge of the roof, lying on his side and looking down at Shinobu, Kyosuke, and an unfamiliar woman wearing a scarf standing outside. He disappeared again and materialized directly beside Kaze's shoulder. "Hello, Dinner," he announced with twisted cheerfulness, standing arrogantly beside her.

Mizuki:

"oH!" Kaze blushed and stammered her apology. "Oh I-I had no idea! I'm sorry! hehe, it just looked...well...that's just me...but..I think too fast..hehe.."

"Hello, Dinner," said an unfamiliar voice that made her spine shutter. Kaze jumped and stared at him. 'Was this the vampire Vald?' she thought and took a few steps away from him making Kyosuke the human wall between them.

Emora:


Shinobu looked up and saw Kyosuke, Kaze... and the vampire Vladimir who had scared the daylights out of her last night.

She rose from her seat on the stone bench and walked towards them with a soft smile. "Lord Dracul, are you still accompanying us on the journey?"

She was trying to keep him from frightening Kaze too much. She glanced to Kyosuke with her soft smile and when it reached Kaze she turned sympathetic, knowing just how the girl felt.

Soran:

Vladimir leaned in suddenly toward Kaze's face and gave her his most charming psychotic smile, which he then turned to Shinobu. "Indeed, for kicks and giggles," he said in a voice too dark for the expression, then let out a low, deliberately insane laugh. "Heh heh hehehe..."

Emora:


Shinobu arched an eyebrow. This vampire was truely insane. She shook her head at him, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"It should prove to be most interesting..."


Kyosuke:

Kyosuke just smiled, cheerful as ever. "Nice to have you with us then," he said. It mattered very little to him whether or not Vlad was insane, as long as he didn't turn on them. And if that did happen, he would sacrifice his life to protect Shinobu's.

Soran:

Vlad turned an interested glance toward Kyosuke, reading his thoughts and approving. He surveyed his new servants (for so had he dubbed them). "Well, I'll be around. Call if you miss me, and I might show up," he scoffed indifferently, disappearing from sight.

OOC: Although truth is I'll be out of town all weekend, so don't call him till Sunday night He'll be 'in the area', following you from the shadows and studying ways to torture the fairy and Talon *cackles*

Eslin:

Briena stiffened when Vlad came into the garden. She was hoping she wouldn't have to see him for a while. The she heard he was going on the trip. 'Darn,' she cursed to herself. Why did he have to come along and ruin all her plans.

Briena stood there thinking about how she was going to accomplis her goal with that stupid vampire in the mix. She finally decided that it wouldn't matter. She could still take care of her job. She would just have to be more careful.

Then the vampire disappeared. Good, she thought. Now was her chance. If he just left, then he wouldn't be coming back anytime soon.

Briena put down all her thoughts of malice, so that she could pull off the effect of the elf that she looked like.

She smiled a kind smile and walked into the garden to where the others were. She wasn't ready to hurt anyone yet. She only wanted to assess the situation.

She walked slowly towards where the others were. She let her finger tips brush the tips of the flowers. She repressed the disgusted feeling that she got insider her stomach, and acted like she was enjoying it.

“It’s quite a beautiful garden, don’t you think?” she said to no one in particular.

She looked at ease, but sher was very aware of what was going on around her. She intended on living to see Shinobu die.

Kyosuke:

(OOC: That is such an SDK reference on Vlad's part)

Kyosuke immediately noticed the new elf that entered the garden. To him, she stuck out like a sore thumb. Her kind smile and nice demeanor completely contradicted the malice he felt from her. "Yes, it is nice," he responded. He was on guard, but didn't let it show.

Nickole:


(OOC: Nickole went to bid farewell to Sinead, and that was moved back to the "A 'Small' Visitor" thread. Another character, Aidon, has shown up there, so that's where the fairy dissapeared to in case ne1 needed to know.)

Emora:


Talon made his way through the halls of the palace and outside towards the stables. It was just a few hours past noon and the sun seemed its hottest of the day. His long silver hair flowed in the wind as the gusts grew stronger. It might not be best to leave that night if a storm was coming. Then again it just could be a strong breeze blowing in from the harbor.

The Stable Master greeted him with a warm smile, though he knew him not. "What might ye need?" he asked with kindness, but with an accent that was barely understandable.

"I need..." Kyosuke, Shinobu, Kaze... Vladimir... and including myself.... "five horses ready by this afternoon," Talon said.

"I'll have 'em saddled and ready ta go in no time," the Stable Master informed with a cheerful grin. Talon nodded and turned to leave to make preperations for there food and supplies in that since...


Shinobu smiled, but her smile fell slightly as she noticed the woman. It brightened again as she continued to observe the flowers. "Her majesty has a wonderful garden. When I return home I should work with mine to make it so beautiful. I might ask to bring a plant home with me.."

She looked to Kyosuke, wondering what he though of the woman walking towards them with a kind smile. Her smile might have been kind... but there was something in her eyes.

Nickole:

Ylia led her white stallion to the stable. A young stable boy was running about feeding the horses, so Ylia dismounted and walked gracefully up to his stack of hay, waiting for him to return. As she waited, she leaned her head close to the white stallion's ear and whispered in elvish, "You are my protection, Amrin. You are my friend. You will be treated wellhere, I am sure of it."

"Can I help you, ma'am?" Ylia turned at the sound of the young voice and saw the stable boy standing before her with his wollen hat in his hands. Smiling, she replied, " Yes, I need to be led to the Stable Master, please." "Yes'm... follow me." The boy led her to a corner and pointed to a burly, stout man. "That'd be him," the boy inforrmed her, and then he left quickly.

Ylia walked closer to the Stable Master and could clearly see that he was busy with someone else. But... when she heard the other person's voice it sounded as liquid silver, so Ylia walked farther so that she could see around the corner. A tall and strikingly handsome half-elf man stood there. His hair gleamed in the sun, and Ylia couldn't move for a moment. Once he turned away, she reggathered her senses and approached The Stable Master.

"Sir, my name is Ylia, and I would like to lodge my horse here in this stable. How may I go about doing so?" The Stable master was warm and jolly, and Ylia was in a good mood after she had finished talking with him. Following his instructions, she headed to the entrance of the stables to put Amrin in his new stall... his home for a while.

When Ylia stepped into the shadow of the stables, she stopped for a moment to let her eyes adjust and she saw a good sight. The very handsome half-elf was working with the stable boy to choose a few horses of his own. His first choice was a Silver horse, and Ylia was very pleased. Mostly, because it seemed to fit him so well.

Mizuki:

Kaze was still recouperating herself after Vlad's little visit upon her. She felt like throwing a fire ball in his face just for scaring her like that... but he dissapeared too soon.

She just vaguely notice this new elf within the garden.She gave her a passing glance, not too interested and walked away saying she needed to be alone for a moment. While she walked through the garden she winded her way so she'd be harder to find on their part. Vlad had put her in a bad mood and now she just wanted to be alone.

"He remind's me of those acursed kid's back home..." she said darkly too herself as she remembered what they had put her through...

Emora:


Talon finished picking the five horses he needed for there journey. He went a head and paid the Stable Master. As he turned he noted the woman looking at him and he smiled charmingly and gave a polite bow his head as he began to walk passed her. He stopped, for a reason unknown to him and since he had no reason he commented on her horse.

“Very nice animal you have there, may I ask his or her name?” he hadn’t bothered to check if it was a he or a she so he included both sexes in his question.


“Yes he is quite like a child… a very older and more morbid child…” Shinobu said with a smile as she passed a large rose bush with white roses.

A gust of wind blew her hair into her face and she pushed it back with her hands. “I wonder just how dangerous this Ashgrown Forest will be.”<br>

Nickole:

Looking at her horse so she wouldn't have to look the elf in the eyes, she answered him with a soft voice. "His name is Amrin," she answered with a smile. Summoning the courage to look toward him, she was relieved to see he was looking at Amrin, too. She went on. "He is my dearest, and only, companion of late." She informed Talon with a sad smile.

Brightening as quickly as possible, she met his eyes. After a moment, she extended her hand. "I am Ylia, kind sir. It truly is a pleasure to meet you."

Talon smiled at her, and Ylia wished she had another power... the ability to stop time.

Emora:


Talon smiled and took his hand in hers and kissed it. "A pleasure indeed, Ylia," he said and let her hand go gently. "And I am Sir Talon Raider." His smile was kind.

"And I'm sure he's not your only friend, surely someone as pretty as you has friends? Don't sell yourself short," he said and winked with that charming smile on his face. "Are you knew to Lowight?" His silver eyes sparkled.

Mizuki:

When Kaze was alone in a small clearing she started practicing her powers more. She flicked small sparks of fire from her finger tips, amusing herself to brighten up her spirits, and played with it. She set her staff aside on the garden wall and used her other hand to conjur some small wind magic. The magical wind gusts played with the small flicks of fire and sent it dancing from her hand to a foot in front of her. Doing this was the small task that put Kaze in a better mood. She loved to watch the fire dance on the wind she made, never going out. If she could find a small stream within the garden she'd created water droplet's and also have them dance around her.

Eventually, Kaze started to gracefully move with the fire and wind in a dance that only she knew and witnessed. To an onlooker, she appeared to be dancing on the wind in gracefull, never faltering steps since it seemed her feet never touched the ground...

OOC: Hmm... I was just thinking about it... and I think I'll do a drawing of this scene...^_^

Emora:


Shinobu found herself picking flowers. She really hoped it wasn’t against some rule, but she couldn’t help herself. She picked a yellow one, and white babies breath, a white flower, a pink one. Soon she had a small bouquet. She smiled and smelled them as a butterfly floated by and her hair was once again tossed by the wind. She spotted Kyosuke and grinned, but it was hidden by the flowers.

She made her way towards Kyosuke and stood in front of him, half her face hidden behind the flowers. She smiled and handed the out towards him. “A gift,” she said simply, her voice soft. “Thank you… for saving me so many times… And I hope not to be that much trouble in the future…”

Shinobu left the flowers in his grasp and turned away with a smile, her cheeks blushing slightly. She then walked off towards a nice shaded path that seemed very inviting and secluded.

Mizuki:

Eventually, Kaze let her little show die down around her. The flicks of fire dissapeared one by one and her wind gusts cessed blowing. Kaze pushed back a strand of hair from her face that got loose from her private show. She almost wished someone had watched her and would comment on her but... then it would be too embarassing.

After she had stopped, she walked a little further into the garden noting all the exotic plants and sweet smelling flowers and berries. Her moment of peace and solitude died when a voice spoke to her once again..chilling her spine.

"You put on a nice show for me. I wish you'd do it again." Kaze clenched her fists and tried to calm herself, but it wasn't working. She feared this man more then anything in the world.

"W-what do you want?" she said in an even, unsteady tone. The voice she knew all too well laughed and her ears twitched.

"I think you know... thre little mouse ran but the hawk has found his prey. You can't run anymore."

"I can try." Kaze sprinted deeper into the garden. It seemed like a jungle but it wasn't enough because she could hear him behind her. She didn't need to see his face. She turned sharply, hoping to loose him but only came to the garden wall. Kaze cursed under her breath then turned around as she heard the shuffling of the plants get louder. He was getting closer. Kaze looked to the wall again and quickly thought of her opions. With the help of her wind magic, she could jump this. 'It's worth a shot...' she thought and readied the spell.

As her chaser finally came from the brush, Kaze jumped the wall, calling out her spell name.

"WIND BLOWN!" Two things happened. She jumped the wall and landed on the other side where the stables were, and her attacker was thrown back a few yards into the garden. 'It would have to do.' she thought and without delay sprinted again across the feilds towards the stables. She couldn't out run him, so she had to out ride him.

Kaze ran into the stables with quick words to the Stable Master. "Sorry, but I must borrow this horse!" She picked a rowdy stallion. She knew he would go fast. She jumped on his unsadled back and gripped her fingers in his mane and kicked his sides begging for him to gallop out. After they gallopped out leaving a confused Stable Master in their wake, her attacker came out of the garden as the hawk and chased them down. Kaze was a good distance away from him... for now.

Eslin:

Briena stood there for a few moments as if she were enraptured by the beauty of the garden. She kept her eye on Shinobu and what was beginning seemed like her shadow, Kyosuke. She envisioned a world of trouble coming from him.

When Shinobu slipped off down a shaded path, Briena bent down to smell of a flower. Her illusionary golden locks slipped down like a curtain hiding her face from view. From behind that curtain she kept her eye on Kyosuke to see if he would follow Shinobu.

Kyosuke:

(OOC: Oh, that's nice, just ignore the comment he made to Briena )

Kyosuke was a bit off put when the elf didn't really respond to his comment, but shrugged and maintained his cheerful demeanor. He figured that she was just unfriendly. However, being unfriendly didn't justify the malicious intent that radiated from her.

When Shinobu handed the samurai the flowers, he blinked a bit in confusion and blushed slightly, never having received flowers before. He turned to thank her and to assure her that she wasn't any actual trouble to him, and that he was just teasing her, but found that she was already walking off. He ran after her, intent on delivering his message when he caught up.

Nickole:

Ylia's light complexion quickly turned to a lovely rose. Trying to disguise the flush in her face, she turned her attention to Amrin once more. "Go down to the next to the last stall on the East side." The hose walked obiediently to the stall that Ylia had directed him to in elvish. She wondered if Talon under stood.

Reurning her attention to Talon, she smiled. "Well, you hit the nail on the head without even knowing it. Yes, I have friends, but yes, I'm very new to Lowight, so therefore I have no friends here...at least not yet." She lifted her eyes and looked through her golden eyelashes to meet his sparkling silver eyes.

He is gogeous...

Emora:


Talon smiled and was about to reply when the woman he knew as Kaze ran into the stables and took a horse, mounting it quickly and riding off.

Something indeed was wrong with her. She took off out of the stables like lightening. Talon grabbed the reins to the silver horse he had turned towards Ylia quickly. "I'm sorry for running out all of the sudden," he said with his silver hair falling on from of his eyes slightly. He mounted the horse. "But, duty calls." He smiled and kicked the horse lightly, taking off out of the stables with a silent promise to himself to remember to apologize to the young woman again.

He tore from the courtyard of the palace and chased after Kaze. His hair and cloak flew behind him at the speeds he was riding at. He sat up slightly and whistled and from somewhere a silver hawk fell to his level flying next to him.

"Find her," he said and leaned forward, urging the horse to go faster.


Shinobu stopped under yet another weeping willow as she felt someone following her. She turned to see Kyosuke and she smiled, brushing her hair behind her ears.

"Yes?" she asked him with her bright warm smile and began to walk again, slowly, going passed the weeping willow.

Mizuki:

The acursed black hawk was still persuing her and it was really gaining distance.

"I've had enough of this!" Kaze yelled and turned around swiftly on the horse to fire a Fire Ball at the hawk. "FIRE BALL!" The circular falme missed it's target. The hawk was even more swift and dodged it easily. Kaze cursed loudly. She had to loose him. She reined the horse easily to begin his gallop to the left by tugging his mane slightly. For a yet to be tammed horse he rode smoothly for her.

Kaze and her horse ran head long into the small forest trying to loose the black hawk in the tree's...

but no luck... Kaze thought over her options quickly. 'I could use... no! I can't risk that over just one fowe!...and risk my soul... I just need to loose him! Injure him in some way...' she thought. They were coming out of the forest again when the hawk dove down on her head and began digging it's talons into her flesh as it swooped down each time. "AUUGH!! WRETCH!" Kaze screamed and shot her water magic at it. "Water FURY!!" The streamed of water hit the hawk head on and sent him hurdling backwards and back into the tree's. Just in time for Talon's own silver hawk to find her.

Kaze slowed her horse to a stop and waited for any sign's of the damn bird that threatened her.

Nickole:

Ylia watched as Talon mounted the stallion with such graceful ease as befitted an elf. Something about this nearly-enchanting elf man was disturbing though. Ylia shook her head at the thought. The mere fact that he had just mounted a horse and galloped out of the stables after a woman that was obviously important to him.

*Sigh* Shall my bad luck never end?

Shrugging off the dark thoughts, Ylia turned smoothly and gracefully glided towrd Amrin so that she could make sure that he was as comfortable as possible before she headed out in search of a job. She headed to the shady end of the stable as her crushed-velvet white cloak flowed behind her tall, slim figure with her sandals padding lightly against the packed-dirt floor.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke smiled cheerfully at his boss and had a light blush on his cheeks still. "Thanks for the flowers," he said. "And I'd like you to know that you're no bother to me at all. I accepted the job, and if saving you several times a day is part of it, then so be it." The samurai's smile grew larger. "After all, I'm still here aren't I? I'm always just teasing you about getting in trouble."

(OOC: Somewhere in the border, Mizuki sneezes in her sleep/comatose state/whatever the hell she was put into, unless she's already awake, I haven't kept up recently.)

Emora:



Talon searched the skies and saw his hawk, silver and shinning in the light of the sun. It shot upwards and Talon knew that it meant Kaze was near by. He broke through the clearing at a speeding pace and saw Kaze up a head. As soon as he reached her he pulled his horse to a stop, dirt flying up from the force of it. “What’s wrong? You left pretty hysterically…”


Shinobu smiled at Kyosuke and patted his shoulder affectionately. “I’m glad,” she said with her soft smile. “That you’re here with me, to protect me… and be my friend.” Her deep brown, almost red eyes searched his face for a moment and she pulled back shyly before turning and walking further into the garden, her kimono swishing around her feet.

Emora:



Talon searched the skies and saw his hawk, silver and shinning in the light of the sun. It shot upwards and Talon knew that it meant Kaze was near by. He broke through the clearing at a speeding pace and saw Kaze up a head. As soon as he reached her he pulled his horse to a stop, dirt flying up from the force of it. “What’s wrong? You left pretty hysterically…”


Shinobu smiled at Kyosuke and patted his shoulder affectionately. “I’m glad,” she said with her soft smile. “That you’re here with me, to protect me… and be my friend.” Her deep brown, almost red eyes searched his face for a moment and she pulled back shyly before turning and walking further into the garden, her kimono swishing around her feet.

Eslin:



Briena watched the two with disgust. She wondered how people could act so nice and kind. She had never been able to do it, so she had just forsaken that road. She wasn’t really raised that way anyway. Where she grew up there was no room for such nonsense.

As the two went further down the path, Briena followed them, making it seem like she was just enjoying the beautiful sights of the garden.

Mizuki:

Kaze's shoulder's were bleeding were the black hawk's talon's scraped her shoulder's and her top straps were cut. She crossed her arm's over her breats to hold her wounds and her top up.

She had gotten off of the stallion then collasped onto her knee's as Talon rode up. The fear and exersion of quickly getting away was too much and her leg's couldn't keep her up, so she sat on her legs next to the horse who was grazing next to her on the green grass.

Her wounds hurt, she was shaking, and she couldn't stop crying. He had come right up to the castle of Sinead!

Now she had no safe haven...

OOC: Mizuki...sneezed?!

Emora:


Talon dismounted and walked towards her, keeping his eyes on her face alone. He was gentleman and was not interested in what she had underneath her clothing. He grabbed the horses reins to keep it still as with one hand he untied the blanket she had on the back and handed it to her. "Wrap it around you," he instructed.

His hawk, glittering silver flew into the clearing and landed on his horses back.

She had her veil over her face still, but he could hear the sounds of crying. He couldn't understand why this woman, who seemed the warrior type was crying. His sister hardly ever cried unless someone she knew had died. Tenele didn't cry. She just got really pissed off and it often caused her to lose her head in a fight.

Though, he should compare no one to his sister. She was a strong woman and though this one looked strong, looks could be deceiving.

"Are you alright?" he asked. "Get on your horse and come back to the castle. Unless you meant to leave for good, then come back for more clothes. Your practically asking for attention if you ride off with a torn shirt."

Mizuki:

Kaze shook her head but accepted the blanket. "I wont be alright until we get out of here... I was... attacked." she spoke as if the word's were hard to form out of her mouth. Never had she thought that man, if he could be called one, would come near Sinead's castle!

"We should get out of here quickly before my attacker decide's to go after innocent's... and he will to get my attention..." quickly, with the blanket wrapped around her she mounted her horse with gracefull ease and nudged the stallion to a steady walk. Her golden eyes scanned warily their surrounding's for any signs of danger..

Emora;


Talon mounted his horse and looked around. "Go on a head, I'll follow you to bring up the rear," he said and gave a reassuring look. He would ask her later who the attacker was.

He kicked his horse gently to get him started, hoping that Kaze would jump start her horse and get in front of him.

She was in a hurry, so it wouldn't be to long...

Mizuki:

Kaze tried to urge the stallion into a trot, but the horse was just ignoring her nudges. Kaze huffed and started cursing at him in bits of elvish in a low tone. She wanted to get back quickly, fixed her wounds and shirt and get the heck out of here. Finally, the horse grunted and began his trot back to the castle. Kaze held on to his black mane tightly so not to fall off after the sudden jerk of changing pace.

The trail of tears on her face dried but her eyes still showed the redness of them. 'That's the only cursed man, or person, who could ever bring me so low..' she thought darkly and her mood changed and not for the better.

"Will we all be well equiped and ready for anything on this journey? If we are to have surprises then I want everyone ready for them..." she asked Talon in a flat tone. She didn't mean to sound this way, but after the recent event's she couldn't muster any sort of happiness or easy going feelings.

Emora:


Talon nodded more to himself. “We will be equipped,” he said, ignoring her flat tone. “I am an alchemist of many magics, Kyosuke is a samurai warrior, Lady Shinobu is a warrior somewhat herself…” His hawk landed on his arm when he held it out and made a lovely squawk. “And you are a sorceress.”<br>
Talon didn’t believe that Kaze had told him such a thing, but he had found out another way. One his bird told him, and two he could sense it. Why she had not used her power to fend of her attacker he didn’t know. Could it mean that this foe had some power over her? Talon would have to find out… and being the knight he was he had to help…<br>

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke just smiled wider in response, his blush also getting a bit redder. "No problem Shinobu-dono," he replied. The samurai noticed that the source of the malicious intent was following them. He spotted the elf woman that was admiring flowers out of the corner of his eyes. He decided to follow after Shinobu, in case something happened. He pulled his arms forward slightly, testing the stitches in his back. He hoped they didn't pop if he needed to fight.

(OOC: Sneezing is a Japanese thing. It's said you sneeze when someone's talking about you. So Mizuki sneezed because indirectly, Kyosuke talked about her.)

Eslin:

Briena sighed to herself. It seemed these two were inseparable. She was going to have a hard time. Well, she had seen what she came to see, and things were looking bleak.

Briena decided that she wasn't going to get close to Shinobu today. She decided it was time to leave before she made them really suspicious.

She wondered out of the garden and back into the palace.

Mizuki:

“We will be equipped,” Talon said. “I am an alchemist of many magics, Kyosuke is a samurai warrior, Lady Shinobu is a warrior somewhat herself…And you are a sorceress.”<br>
'An alchemist?' Kaze thought interested. To her, Talon only half seemed capable of magic, the other half was more sword craft but.. Kaze always tended to have bad judgment on people sometimes. She reared her horse to have a pace close enough to his without endangering themselves to talk.

"You are an alchemist?" she asked him with interest in her voice. She looked at him intently with her golden eyes sparkling with a wonder that seemed to make them glow. Talking of magic was one of the most favorite things she loved to do. "I am interested.... you must show me... that is if you like..."

Now, the horror event that had recently taken place... seemed far away...

Emora:


Talon looked at her with a strange expression. She had just been attacked and now she was asking questions about his magic? This woman shifted gears quite quickly... too quickly to him in fact.

His silver eyes looked to her for a moment, and then his charming smile returned. Maybe it was best to brush the incident a side... and ask later.

"Oh, it would make me happy to show off to a lovely lady," he said with that comical grin he used when he was amused. "Maybe at some point on our trip?"

Mizuki:

"Oh, it would make me happy to show off to a lovely lady," Talon said with a comical grin. "Maybe at some point on our trip?"

'Lovely...?' Kaze thought it over and brushed it aside. She hardly thought herself that, but yet she did blush and was gratefull he couldn't see it under her scarf.

"Please Sir Talon, just show them to me as a companion that is quite interested. Do not flatter me.. beside's, you possibly have many a woman after your heart. Waste no time just to 'show off' for only me, a simple sorceress..." Kaze said and trailed off. She turned her eyes back in front of her. Still no sign of her recent attacker. The hair's on the back of her neck tingled at the thought of him being still at large and unseen.

Emora:


Talon smiled kindly. "I'll make you a deal, I'll try my best not to flatter you if you will not flatter me. I've spent most of my life in seclusion really, so your sweet words might throw me head over heals in love with you," he spoke with that same light hearted tone. He winked at her, but was unsure if she saw it or not.

It wasn't long before they were at the palace gates once more, they had come back on the side closes to the port and the salty sea air could be smelt even clearer.

"Kaze, if your attacker returns, do not run off as he or she would like... but come to me so I may help," he told her as they passed under the raised iron gates.


Shinobu bent slightly and sniffed a sweet smelling flower. "I do wonder if its almost time..." she said and looked to Kyosuke for a second before raising up and running her hand along the bark of a thick oak. "I'm rather eager to get going... Do you think we should head back to our rooms so we may gather the things we need?"


Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded in reply. "Yeah, we probably should. We should come back here one day and admire the scenery again, though I still prefer Ongoreth style rock gardens better," he replied. "Maybe when we go back to Ongoreth we could go look at one. I heard the Headquarters of the Kenkakugumi has a nice one."

Emora:


Shinobu smiled at Kyosuke and turned towards him. "That would be nice..." she said and her smile grew into a pretty grin. "I find rock gardens peaceful."

She stood in front of him. "How are you feeling? You haven't been able to rest long... Are you sure your ready to go on a journey? I wouldn't want you to get ingured more..."

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded. "I'll be fine," he replied. He started to head back to the entrance of the garden with Shinobu. "If we get into a fight, I'll leave it to the others for now. I'll get involved if it's necessary for me to." He was glad that the elf with the malicious intent had left. If she had tried something like attacking the two, he may have been in trouble.

(OOC: HA! Briena missed a good chance to attack them!)

Emora:



Shinobu smiled at him as they passed under the gates. “Like I said, don’t worry! I’ll protect you…” She was grinning in amusement at him, her brownish red eyes sparkling.

She tripped slightly and caught herself by reaching out and catching Kyosuke’s arm. She smile sheepishly. “I’ll be glad when I grow out of this clumsy rut I’ve fallen in… though… maybe its because I’m getting old…” She smiled warmly.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke smiled kindly in response and helped Shinobu steady herself. "You're not getting old Shinobu-dono," he replied. "I mean, you're only a year older than me." Many people that didn't know Kyosuke that well would have truly wondered about that. Despite being 25, he still appeared as if he was in his upper teens.

Emora:


Shinobu smiled at him and continued to walk. “I’m still getting old…” she said with a smile. “I had hoped to marry again… and have children. But, I believe I’m barren… My husband and I…” She blushed fiercely. “Well… we tried… and my first child died before I could have it…” Her head lowered. She felt very embraced by sharing this information with him, but saddened at the memory. Miscarriages were painful… but the loss of her child was more so.

“Any ways,” she said with a sigh. “I think I’ll be an old maid if I don’t find someone soon.” She chuckled lightly.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke wasn't quite sure what to say. He felt as if he was just told a heavy secret of Shinobu's. "That means that you're not barren though," he said, thinking logically. "That means you could still get pregnant, but you might have done something by accident and it died." He winced at what he said, realizing that it may have sounded like he was blaming her for her unborn child's death.

Emora:

Shinobu looked at him for a second and nodded. "Yes... it could have been something I had done..." But, what would explain the many more opprotunities she had to have children and never once after that became with child.

"If I do marry again... and I do become with child... I will take it very easy... and careful," she said with a soft smile.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke smiled, relieved that she didn't take it as an accusation. He pat the woman on the back a few times and nodded. "That's good. I'm sure you'll be a great mother when you finally have kids," he said. "I wonder how my mother is doing," he idly added.

Mizuki:

"I'll make you a deal, I'll try my best not to flatter you if you will not flatter me. I've spent most of my life in seclusion really, so your sweet words might throw me head over heals in love with you," Talon said to her and winked. Kaze saw it out of the corner of her eye and her blush deepened under her scarf.

"Kaze, if your attacker returns, do not run off as he or she would like... but come to me so I may help," Kaze looked at him suddenly as they passed under the gates. A bit of fear flew through her eyes at his offer... no, request.

"I-I couldn't...no. I wouldn't want to risk your life like that." she told him urgently. The stopped back at the stables and dissmounted. Kaze slid off hugging the blanket tighter around her. The blood of her wounds were drying. "I should get these tended to..." she sighed looking at her bloodied shoulders.

Emora:


Talon looked to her and smiled warmly. "Please," he said and waved a hand as he dismounted and tied the horse up, he would use it later when they left. "I am hardly that easy to get rid of, you wouldn't be endangering me, I'll be endangering myself."

Talon looked around for the young woman he had met earlier, wondering if she had found her way...

"Kaze, go to the infirmary and get that looked at... Do you think your well enough to leave this afternoon?" he asked, looking back at her.


Shinobu looked to Kyosuke, her bright smile returning. "I'm sure she's fine..." She wanted to be reassuring, but in truth she knew nothing of Kyosuke's family.

Mizuki:

Kaze nodded. "Yes, I can. I wouldn't let something like this keep me from doing what I wish for the Queen Sinead." She gave him a slight curtsy and walked back towards the garden's where she thought Kyosuke and Shinobu may still be. But she stopped and looked back to Talon for a moment.

"Sir Talon.... please don't kill yourself over me..." The last thiing she wanted was someone risking their lives just for her, when soon she may die anyway from her curse.

Kyosuke:

(OOC: Erm, doesn't curtsying require the use of hands. Wouldn't Kaze's shirt fall off, seeing as the straps are cut?)

Kyosuke shrugged. "She probably is," he replied. "But I haven't been in contact with her for the longest time." Kyosuke sighed and motioned for Shinobu to take the lead. "You seem to know the way back better than I do Shinobu-dono, I think you should lead from here."

Mizuki:

OOC: I said a slight curtsy!...grrr...SHUT UP! -stabs him with a sword-

Kaze turned away to continue her walk back to the castle to get her wounds mended when the horse she had borrowed neighed impaitently. She turned back around and watched it trott up to her and the stallion gently nubbed his nose in her face.

"Ah... what?" she asked the horse that wasn't letting her go. "I must go get my wounds mended..ah!!" the horse grabbed the end of her long braid in it's teeth. "No... let go..." she began to as gently as she could so she didn't hurt herself, pry and tug her hair out of the horse's mouth.

Emora:


Shinobu smiled and started off in front of him walking down the large halls. "Ighten is truly a beautiful place..." she said and admired the gold and white on the walls. "But, I love Ongoreth more."

"Would you like to visit your mother?" she asked and looked at him with a smile. "I would gladly let you have leave to do so if you wanted to. You may do whatever you wish."

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke shook his head. "I would have long ago if I could. When I turned my back on that daimyo I used to serve, it shamed my family. My father disowned me and forbade me from seeing any of my family despite my mother's protests," the samurai said. He sighed a bit, but let his cheerful grin stay on his face. "It's fine though."

Emora:


Shinobu looked at him sympotheticly. She placed an elegant hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that, Kyosuke," she said softly. "But, maybe I could change his mind about you? Do you think that would work?"


Talon was in a stall packing one of the many horses that they would be taking. He put a bed role and such on this saddle just as he had for the other horses. His mind was going over things, such as Kaze's attacker and the woman he had met. But, most of it was on the plan at hand.

He hoped Kaze was having her wounds tended to because they were about to leave.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke shook his head. "It's fine. I got off lightly really. At first he tried to get me to commit seppuku to restore the family's honor. Disowning me was his way of restoring it without resorting to that. That way I'm not part of his family," he explained. The two arrived at their guest rooms. "We should get ready soon. I'll help you with whatever you need, I don't have anything to pack."

Emora:


Shinobu smiled and opened the door to her rooms. "All I have is my dirty clothes really. I think a maid had them washed for me..." she walked into the room and lying in the corner was her pack. Draped over the bed were three kimonos that she had gotten dirty. She walked to the corner and grabbed her pack and walked to the bed. "Care to help me fold them up?" She smiled softly to her friend and bodyguard.

Mizuki:

Kaze finally got her hair free from the mouth of the horse then made her way back into the castle. Once she got in a servant swarmed up on her who noticed her wounds and took her to a room where he would tend to them.

"How'd you get these?" he asked her as he cleaned and started binding her wounds being very polite not to look at her bear chest under the blanket. He had her take off her shirt to be fixed by a sewing maid.

"I was....attacked..." she responded. The man nodded his head and finished at the time her shirt came back to her. He turned around for her to put it on and once she was re-clothed she thanked the man and went back to the stableswith her staff and the blanket folded in her other hand.

"Sir Talon!" she called out to him.

Kyosuke:
Kyosuke nodded in reply to Shinobu and picked up one of the kimonos. He folded it carefully and made sure that he didn't damage any by accident with any rought movements of his calloused hands. He placed the first folded kimono down on the bed and folded the obi on top of it.

Emora:


Talon had the horses packed and ready to go. He as turning and walking back towards the castle when he heard his name being called. He glanced up and there Kaze was.

He smiled charmingly. "We are ready to go... How are your wounds?"


Shinobu smiled as Kyosuke folded her clothes carefuly as if they were breakables. She took them from him and placed them in her bag. "I think its time..."

Mizuki:

Kaze jogged up to him and bowed her head when she reached him.

"My wounds are fine, they will heal." Kaze told him with a happy tune in her voice. The horse who had happily munched on her hair before, refusing for her to go came up to her again and Kaze backed a step. "Don't eat my hair again..." she told the stallion then walked up it him and petted his mane. 'Such a beautiful horse... strong and proud....' she thought.

"I wonder what his name is..." she said absentmindedl.y

Nickole:

Ylia returned from placing her things in the small boarding house that she would be calling home for a while. She didn't notice Talon's return, but when a girl with a covered face came to the stables, Ylia recognized the voice of the man she was talking to... well, the elf she was talking to.

"I wonder what his name is..." Ylia heard the girl say rather absentmindedly. Ylia felt a pang of dissapointment when she realized the loveliness of the young girl Talon was taliking to. Ylia stood at the corner, in the shadows, with an apple wrapped up in her hand watching them for a moment. She felt like she was eavesdropping, so she returned to Amrin to give him his well-deserved treat.

Ylia stepped into his warm stall and shut the half-door behind her. Amrin pressed against her back with his feather-soft nose and whinnied softly as if to say, " I'm so glad to see you!" Ylia felt so alone, and this tiny act of kindness from even her horse warmed her heart & chilled her skin at the same time. Ylia turned with watery eyes and leaned against him, stroking his shoulder.

Oh, Amrin... I'm happy to see you, too... she whispered in elvish. A hot tear ran down one cheek and landed on the dusty dry hay below.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded. "Yeah, we should get going soon," he said. "I'll carry your stuff." Without waiting for a reply, the samurai grabbed Shinobu's bags and went over to the door, holding it open for her.

Emora:


Shinobu smiled and was about to tell him she could handle it, but he just grabbed her bags and walked to the door. He held it open for her and her smile grew as she passed through the door way and waited on him outside in the hall. Well... this was it... They were finally headed to the Border... She could finally talk to her Shogun.

It wasn't long before they were at the front door of the castle. It was huge.... And they passed under it and walked down the many steps that led to the court yard.


"Why don't you ask the stable master?" Talon said and smiled softly. "Wait here... I'm going to get the others..."
So Talon walked away, looking around for any sign of them.

He saw Kyosuke and Shinobu coming towards them and he smiled. The only person they needed now was....

"Vladimir Dracul! If your coming I suggest you come now!"

Mizuki:

Kaze smiled under her scarf and nodded. She'd do just that and watched him go. Kaze turned to find the Stable mASTER in onbe of the stalls.

"Excuse me sir." Kaze asked politely. "I was wondering what the name of the black maned and tan coat stallion was." the Stable master grinned at her and shrugged.

"No name yet mil'lady." he told her. "He had just come in not too long ago.... you're welcome to name him if ya want. I'm outta idea's of what to call him..." he smiled and winked to her and turned abck to his work. Kaze blinked but thanked him anyway and walked back to the horse.

She looked him over thinking hard. "I can name you huh?" she said to herself then grinned. "Kami... you are strong and proud like a god... I'll name you Kami." Kaze stroked the horse's mane again and the stallion, now named Kami, nudged Kaze with his muzzel.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke twitched at the sight of the horses. He knew he would have one painful ride if he went it alone like he had before. He would probably have to double up with Shinobu again if he didn't want to delay the ride. "Um... Shinobu-dono, I could ride with you again right?" he asked.

(OOC: Kami huh? Kami + Kaze = kamikaze. I expect you to die a good death for us )

Nickole:

Ylia silently eased out of Amrin's stall. The gentle stallion had fallen asleep to the soothing tones of Ylia's voice as she told her all her troubles. Sleep, my freind... she whispered as she latched the door behind her. Ylia edged her way around the busy people and back into the shadow where she had been when she had seen Talon speaking with the girl.

What a surprise she got! Now there were 2 more with Talon & the girl, and Talon was calling for someone else.
"Vladimir Dracul! If your coming I suggest you come now!" she heard him say, but she saw no one respond.

Ylia only sighed & leaned against the stables. She'd might as well stay here & watch them leave... she had nothing better to do.

Mizuki:

OOC: Kyo... wanna have kids in the future?! And I don't plan on killing Kaze anytime soon... maybe you though..^_~


Kaze watched the other's come up and smiled under her scarf. "Kyosuke! Shinobu!" she greeted them with a wave of her hand. Kami, the horse, neighed as if he also wanted to greet the newcomers and Kaze laughed.

"Vladimir Dracul! If your coming I suggest you come now!" Talon yelled out. Kaze cringed but bore it.

"Does he have to come?" Kaze pleaded with Talon. "He scared the daylights out of me earlier.... called me dinner...." she huffed and turned back to Kami. "Ah well, you'll protect me from that man, wont you Kami?" SHe scratched the horse's mane and the horse just grunted in response.

Nickole:

Ylia watched the group from the shadow. Talon was obviosly a leader, and the other man & woman seemed to be very friendly...to each other & to everyone else. The girl, however didn't seem to fit in the mold of a "tough adventurous traveler," so why was she here?

Ylia relaxed as she let her imagination wander about and play with the possibilities of why she was there...for one of the men? for money? for protection? was she running from something? or... was she a spy? Ylia tried to shake the evilly dark thoughts away.

Soran:

Vladimir materialized out of the shadows, yawning ostentatiously as he walked up to Talon. "You called?" he said more in amusement than dutifulness.

Emora:


Shinobu laughed and patted Kyosuke's back lightly. "Of course!" she said with a happy smile and looked at the side of his face. "I wouldn't mind, that way you won't hurt your stitches when you fall off!"


Talon glared at Vladimir. "Yes, we're leaving," he said and turned, walking to his horse. "Kaze, Lady Shinobu, Sir Kyosuke, ready?" His eyes turned and saw the woman with the horse... the Elvin woman....

He trotted his horse towards her. "Lady," he greeted and smiled down from his horse at her. "Has everything fared well with you? Have you found a place to stay and work to do? The palace is always in need of people to work in it and it has very nice living quarters."


Shinobu smiled at Vladimir and grabbed the reins of the horse and the saddle, mounting it gracefully. She held down her hand to Kyosuke and moved her foot from the stirrup so he could climb on behind her.

Soran:

"By all means, lead on," Vladimir sneered darkly to Talon. "Oh, and you even packed me a walking canteen!" he smirked, walking up to the pitch black horse that had been prepared for him and swinging himself into the saddle. Movement to his right caught his attention, and he turned to see Shinobu guiding Kyosuke carefully into the saddle behind her. ~'Oh, that's rich. He can't ride,'~ the no-life king thought with a tremor of anticipation as he thought of what manner of gag he could pull off for this one.

Mizuki:

Kaze gracefully swept herself up on the horse and grabbed Kami's reins as if unsure what to do with them. 'Eh... I normally ride bareback...' she thought and looked at her saddel and what it held. She had placed her staff within a holding ring on the saddel and other things were also buundled there. She shruged and figured it was best.

"I guess I'll learn as we go..." she said to herself and gathered the reins in her hands for a tighter hold and nudged Kami to go.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke accepted Shinobu's help gratefully. "Thank you," he said, getting on the horse. For the most part that wasn't his problem with horses. It was mostly staying on them that provided difficulty. He felt a shiver go down his back as Vlad plotted a joke on him.

(OOC: Hidoi!!! Kyosuke o sainamanai!!! [tr: Mean!!! Don't torment Kyosuke!!!])

Emora:


Shinobu rode in the direction of Vladimir and she pulled her horse to a stop, her hand when to her middle to make sure that Kyosuke's grip was tight enough so he wouldn't fall off. She would really have to show him how to ride.

"Are you comfortable?" she asked him and turned her head slightly to the side, though she wasn't able to see him from that view anyway.

Nickole:

Ylia sighed. She glanced warily at the other riders... her affairs were none of their business, so she kept her tone soft & low.

"No," she replied sadly, "I haven't found any work, but I'm stying in a boarding house of sorts. It's not much, but hey, at least I'm not sleeping with Amrin." Her feeble attemt at humor was darkened by the reality of the thought of how close to that she had almost come.

I'm still not sure if I wouldn't prefer it that way... she thought to herself.

"I see you're headed on a great journey yourself. I must say, it saddens me to see you go," she admitted as she watched his face. She knew he was about to go, but when he did, she'd become friendless once more.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded. "I'm fine back here Shinobu-dono," he replied. He continued gripping Shinobu's side. Being rather small for a man, he was able to double up with Shinobu on the horse with very little problems. The samurai was starting to devlop a dislike for riding horses.

Emora:


"Well, if you must stay," he said with a warm smile and a slight bow of his head. "I'm sure it will not take long for me to return... Maybe we could talk some more?" He didn't wait that long for an answer, he took it as a yes any way. "I'll see you around..."

And so the knight mounted his horse and waved good by in a smooth manner and with one hand stirred the horse in the direction of the gate. "Let's go before its too dark to see the road..."

And with that he kicked the horse lightly and it leapt into a quick gallop.

Shinobu turned her head slightly towards Kyosuke again. "Hold on... I'm going to catch up with him and see if he can slow down for us... That way we won't have to worry about you falling off...."

She kicked her horse lightly as well and it leapt into a gallop, speeding forward after Talon. They started off with a jolt and Shinobu reached to her side to make sure he was still there. Talon came to a stop though and his hawk flew to his arm as Shinobu said gently. “Might you go slower sir?”<br>
Talon looked to her and smiled. “I’m sorry…” His head turned towards the bird and he looked the silver hawk in the eye. “Find a fairy by the name of Nickole, tell her to meet us in the Ashgrown Forest, we will stop for camp…”

Fairies could speak to animals you see and he and his hawk had a magical connection. “Coming Vladimir? Miss Kaze?”<br>

Soran:

"If the fairy's going to be hard to keep track of, I may have packed some fly paper," Vladimir said helpfully. He brought his horse up alongside the others, a strangely ecstatic, albeit dark, grin on his face. He hadn't ridden a horse in many, many years, and found it irrationally entertaining that he should be riding one now. Horses and vampires didn't mix, both being easily excited by the presence of blood, but in opposite ways. The proud animal's ears were already flattened against the back of its head as it moved gracefully forward in a gesture of combined distrust and respect.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke clutched on tightly to Shinobu's side when the horse started galloping. He sighed in relief when the galloping stopped and Shinobu asked Talon to slow down a bit. However, when he relaxed, he relaxed too much and loosened his grip on his employer's side. It was also right when the horse managed to stumble slightly, causing the samurai to tumble off the horse in an undignified heap. "Ow..."

Soran:

Vladimir just stared at Kyosuke. He'd guessed the man was a poor rider, but not this poor. "Will you require a seat belt, samurai?" he said with a cryptic smirk.

Mizuki:

Kaze trodded up to them, her eyes bright that she finally got control of the reins.

"Aha! So you tug on the left rein to go left, and same with the right!" she exclaimed to herself. Kami the horse grunted as if in response, for the past minutes they had spent delaying slightly Kaze was trying to figure out the reins on the horse's bridal. And much to her surprise she got them correctly everytime as if someone was guiding her hands... invisibly.

She looked up to Talon and flushed under her scarf knowing she looked like she was talking to herself. "Ah..heh, sorry. I've always rode bareback before so using a saddle was quite knew to me... I was just figuring it all out now and I can do it! Hehehe..."

She loked to the fallen Kyosuke and gasped. "Ah! Kyosuke... can you not ride?"

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke blushed slightly and laughed embarrassedly. "Yes, a seat belt would be nice actually," he responded to Vlad, ignoring the jab the vampire had made at him. He had no pride about his horse back riding for him to injure.

He responded to Kaze's question also. "Pretty much. I'm pretty bad with horseback riding." The samurai chuckled a bit, his blush fading.

Emora:


Talon smiled at her charmingly. “Oh,” he said and turned the horse down a path through the city streets. “I pay it no mind. I know quite a few people who suffer from schizophrenia…” He looked at her very seriously… and then laughed. “I’m just joking, I don’t think you have it…. Do you?” His smile was playful.

He heard a thud from behind and turned to see Kyosuke lying on the ground. He grimaced, knowing that it had to hurt.


Shinobu pulled the horse to a stop quickly and dismounted with grace and swiftness. She knelt down next to Kyosuke. “Are you alright?” she asked, casting a short glare at the vampire before returning her attention to Kyosuke. She grabbed his hand and helped him up. “How about you wrap your arms all the way around me so you won’t fall off again? That way you’ll have a better grip.”<br>

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke nodded and accepted Shinobu's help. After getting back onto the horse, he wrapped his arms all the way around her, the blush on his face returning as brightly as ever. "I shouldn't fall off now Shinobu-dono," he said.

Emora:


Shinobu herself flushed deeply and stared at the reins in her hands as she felt Kyosuke's arms wrap around her waist. "I... I should think not..." she coughed lightly and clicked her tongue. The horse started up gently. "Well, at least if you fall you won't fall alone this time." She laughed softly and ignored the looks from everyone. It would have made her flush even more...

Mizuki:

Kaze grinned under her scarf at the two. They looked so cute together. She turned to see Talon and the vampire just watching but she glared at the vampire then turned back around and urged Kami on.

"Okay, let us move out!" she said loudly so they could hear her. She walked her horse close yet far from the others and her eyes sparkled in the sun.

Emora:


Talon smiled at the Shinobu and Kyosuke and then turned his horse around. “I’ll go more slower,” he said and put his horse in a gentle trot. The Ashgrown Forest was calm, with a light breeze. He slowed his horse down even more to go slow through the forest encase bandits or something else jumped out from behind a tree or something…<br>
“It shouldn’t take very long,” he said quietly, but where they could here him. “Watch out for the trees… Some of them are said to be possessed by demons or the ghosts of the dead, people who died in the forest. And watch for imps, tricky sprites, and or any other magical creature that gets its kicks out of annoying people.”<br>

“Imps and sprites,” she said to Kyosyke and smiled, even though he couldn’t see it. “We don’t have that much trouble with the forests back home do we Kyosuke?” It was almost as if she were saying it prideful. She looked the forest over with an interested gaze.

Soran:

Vladimir rode off to the side of the group in silence. The faint remainder of a smirk hung on his face, but otherwise he simply sat tall on the horse and looked ahead. The sober listlessness that was inevitable in one who had lived as long as he had showed in his eyes as he rode. To those around him, however, the dull sheen in his eyes probably just registered as mild insanity.

Kyosuke;

Kyosuke nodded. "We get the occasional tree spirit, but they're usually peaceful unless somebody did something to disturb them," he replied. The samurai felt a twinge of pain from his back, where the stitches were. He had a feeling he stretched the skin when he flailed his arms around as he fell off the horse.

He felt a bit of wetness on his back and realized he might have torn a few of the stitches, but chose not to say anything. He just hoped that blood didn't attract anything troublesome from the forest.

Soran:

Vladimir's keen instincts picked up on the faint trace of blood to his right. He looked that way and regarded Kyosuke with mild curiosity, intrigued by the calm set of his face, though it was obvious the scent of blood was coming from him. He smirked darkly, thinking that this weirdo might turn out to be more interesting than he'd suspected..

"So, lady samurai, do you do much sewing?" he asked Shinobu lightly, yet pointedly.

Nickole:

Ylia watched as the group rode away. She felt as though her heart were being stretched thin along an imaginary line between her & Talon. She thought of the elven ability to speak through mind waves, yet she was not a pure elf, nor was she upper-class, so her communication line would only connect her to love. Either friends or family or...Talon? It shouldn’t be possible, but Ylia tried it anyway... She closed her eyes, and as she thought of him she could see his silvery eyes, and then his whole being, gracefully riding his horse through the Ashgrown forest...if she was mistaken, why could she see him?

Talon, will you return to me? She could hear her voice in her mind in the golden tongue of the elves and she felt she
wasn’t wrong.

Emora:


Shinobu turned her head slightly towards the vampire and looked at him curiously. She wondered why he would ask her such a strange question, but she thought she would answer politely. "Yes, I sew often... Might ask why?" she asked lightly and looked at him with narrowed eyes.


Talon was riding a long as the sun set and the Ashgrown Forest grew darker. They would have to make camp soon. It was calm and no sounds could be heard besides the talking of his traveling companions.

His mind was off in thought on how he would great his sister once he found her. It had been so long...

Then a voice entered his head, it was soft and sweet like music... Talon, will you return to me? At first Talon had no idea what to do about the voice.... but it surely couldn't have been his sisters... It sounded familiar, but a voice that he had not heard enough of to tell... Well, that slight fact gave Talon the hint he needed.

I will, he thought and a smile crossed his lips. After all, we have just met. It would be very sad to just end our relationship here, no? Don't worry... I will return to you, Ylia...

Nickole:

She was there with him. For a moment, there was nothing between her & the man-elf that she now knew she would eagerly await the return of.

I will return to you, Ylia... With his promise echoing in her mind, she opened her eyes and sank slowly down to the ground as she let everything sink in. Getting up, she headed back to Amrin.

Mizuki:

Kaze, if anything, was enjoying the ride instead of having any fear. She was humming to herself an elven tune that her mother sang to her. The tune was about two lovers on two different ends of the planet and how they tried to reach each other. But during the journey, the woman died in the desolent cold and the man felt the broken connection between them and became frantic losing his wits.

...It was actually a sad tale at first hearing, but in the end it got better.. if better was him also finaly dying and they met at the gates of the other world so they are reunited. But, non the less, Kaze hummed it anyway. She only hummed and never sang it. She hated her voice. Which was actually a pleasant one to hear if one actually heard her singing.

Kami breathed loudly, like a sigh if a horse could make one, to her humming. Kaze laughed.

"Do you enjoy my humming Kami?" Kaze asked him smiling under her scarf. She continued her humming as they neared the forest and Kami listened to her intently.

Soran:

"How dexterous of you," Vladimir replied indifferently, as though she had simply chosen to tell him about her sewing skills of her own accord. "Maybe you can sew a seat belt for Brave Leader over here before he spaces himself out of his saddle." He gestured toward Talon, who appeared distracted with something.

Emora:


Shinobu looked at Vladimir with an arched eyebrow. He really was a strange being. "He seems fine to me," she replied almost questioningly. What an odd person... She hummed once after taking a deep breath. She turned her head slightly. "Kyosuke, tell me if you get tired or something... You aren't fully healed yet..."


Talon ignored Vladimir's comment and returned to his thoughts when an idea came to him from something Shinobu said. You're a healer, he thought to Ylia. Why don't you come with us?

It was an idea. He could heal, but his healing ability was one of those equivalent exchange things. To heal someone he would have to give something in return. Mostly his strength and he would need that encase of attack.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke had a feeling that sewing comment was actually partially directed at him, but didn't say anything. "I'm fine Shinobu-dono," he replied. "We can go on for a while still." He shrugged his shoulders and kept it to himself when a bit of pain rushed through his back when the stitch stretched already damaged skin.

Mizuki:

Kaze's ear twitch and she flicked her eyes over to Kyosuke. She blinked twice then reared Kami over to Shinobu and Kyosuke's horse.

"Does your wound hurt you?" Kaze asked him. She had heard them speaking of it. "Though I cannot heal I do have herbs to help..."

Nickole:

Yes, I'll ride through the night. I see you. I'm coming.

Ylia didn't know what was wrong or who was hurt, but she was fairly certain that it wasn't Talon. Ylia opened her eyes in time to see the stable boy walk by.
"Pardon me," she spoke to him. "Would you saddle Amr... my stallion, please? Please hurry...it's um, well, it's kind of important..."
"Yes'm," the boy responded and hurried off down the shadowy stables' hall.

Assured by the boy's quick steps, Ylia hurried to her boarding house to collect her travel-worthy things.

Emora:


Talon smiled more to himself as he looked back at the three
with him. He wondered truly if the samurai was alright. He
had heard of many who were to prideful to admit they
were hurt. “I have a healer on the way here just
encase we need her on our journey. There will be no
need for herbs she can completely heal the wound,”<br>Talon said with a charming smile to Kaze. “I do
admire that you know of herbs... Maybe you could
teach me a bit?” His silver eyes sparkled and he
turned back around to lead the group on.

He would truly like to learn something of herbs,it
would help in with potions, if he ever had to use
one...


Shinobu looked around her... then turned her head
to the side. “Kyosuke... I order you to tell me if
your alright. If your stitches bother you, tell
me,” she told him. Why did she have the feeling
that he was lying to her. Maybe ordering him was
the only way she could do it? “Are you?” Her voice
was smooth, but held the same tone that had won so
many people over.

She was thought to be a strong woman, but lately
she hadn’t felt so strong. She felt like a weak
woman lately. Not the warrior she had once been.

Mizuki:

Kaze turned slightly in her saddle enough to see talon and her golden eyes sparkled to make up for the fact that he couldn't see her smile.

"I shall Sir Talon." she said and bowed her head to him and turned back around mentally giggling that Shinobu was ordering the samurai to tell her if he was ok.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke sighed. "I think I tore my stitches a bit when I fell off the horse and flailed my arms around," he said, responding to the order. "It's bleeding a little, but it should be fine." The samurai shrugged, ignoring the bit of pain that came from his wound. "It just hurts a little whenever the skin around the area stretches from my movements."

Emora:


Shinobu pulled her horse to a stop gently. "May I have a look?" she asked, turning her head slightly to the side, though she couldn't see his face. "Maybe Kaze can give you some herbs to kill the pain, or wrap the wound to stop the bleeding... Just until the healer gets here... Please, might I see it?" Her voice were soft and gentle. She really wanted to make sure Kyosuke was alright. He meant a lot to her.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke sighed and got off the horse. He pulled the lower part of his gi out of his hakama and removed the item, leaving the feminine looking samurai topless, revealing to anyone that doubted it, that he was indeed a man, or at least a very very underdeveloped woman. He turned around to show Shinobu the stitches, which were bleeding slightly.

Mizuki:

Kaze also slide off Kami and inspected the wound with Shinobu.

"Hmm... I have something that'll help stop the bleeding." she said and began searching her pouch for the herbs she was talking about and a fresh bandage.

Emora:


Shinobu climbed off the horse as he turned around and she winced. She hadn't actually seen his wound. "Oh... Kyosuke..." she whispered and flinched, glancing towards Kaze. "Can you please do something to help him?" she asked softly, place her elegant hand on Kyosuke's shoulder comfortingly, walking around to stand in front of him.

She didn't want Kyosuke to be uncomfortable or make his wound worst by ripping the stitches out. It hurt her just to know he could be in pain.


Talon pulled his horse to a stop. At this rate he didn't think they'd ever reach Hepian... But, they did have a good reason for stopping. He didn't want the samurai worst of either. They would need a fighter like him. Shinobu seemed to care for him very much as well. He wondered if there was anything to that relationship... anything more than just business.

Soran:

Vlad watched the scene playing out in front of him with vague interest, amused by the fuss. "Better patch it up quick. A snack's sounding pretty good about now," he smirked, leaning forward in the saddle and resting on his agitated horse's neck.

Mizuki:

Kaze grabbed the herbs that she needed and the fresh bandage. She placed the herbs carefully over the wound then started to bind the bandage about it.

when she was finished she said, "There, that should cease it and heal it up until that healer arrives." she said and her eyes sparkled with care shining through them.

Kyosuke:

"I'm fine, really," Kyosuke insisted. "It's only bleeding a little, and it only stings a bit." The samurai didn't want the trip slowing because of him. And as for a reply to Vlad's comment, he just smiled back cheerfully to the man, appreciating the fact that at least one person wasn't concerned about his well being over something so slight.

Emora:


Shinobu still had her soft hand on Kyosuke's shoulder. "At least you won't bleed that much and some of the pain is gone now... I don't want you in pain," she said softly and looked him in the eyes before smiling gently. She mounted the horse and held down her hand to Kyosuke, wanting to help him on so he wouldn't hurt himself again.

It struck her then that she cared very, very much about him. She knew she had cared about him... But this was a lot. She decided to push it from her mind. To Kyosuke, he was just her bodyguard... Maybe that was for the best?

Mizuki:

Kaze smiled under her scarf and remounted Kami.

"Are we ready to head off again?" she asked them.

Emora:


"Aye," Talon replied and nodded with a smile turning his horse back around. "We'll be stopping for camp soon any ways. The healer should catch up with us by late night or early morning."

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke quickly slipped his gi back on and tucked it back into his hakama. When he was doing so, he noticed that there was a blood stain forming on the back of it, he wouldn't have been able to keep the fact hidden for much longer than he had anyway.

He took Shinobu's hand and remounted the horse, gripping her around the side quickly before he lost his balance and took another fall off. He wondered how somebody like him, who could probably keep his balance on a boat in stormy weather, fell off of horses so often.

Soran:

Vlad twitched in astonishment. The samurai really was incredibly poor at horsemanship. "You really have no riding skills, do you?" he mused, riding up next to Kyosuke and eyeing him curiously.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke smiled cheerfully. "Pretty much," he replied. "I've always prefered walking to horseback riding anyway." He clung to Shinobu as if she were his lifeline. He didn't feel like falling again, at all.

Nickole:

OOC: OK...I typed up a HUGE post, and it WAS on, but I'm back now an hour later, & it's gone!!! The point of it was that Ylia is coming, though.

Sorry...

Mizuki:

Kaze watched the samuari closely, noticing the bloodstain on his shirt.

Kami reered his head head up and sniffed the air before taking off into a gallop into the forest, startling the elf on his back. Because Kami took her by surprise, she was screaming through it all and trying to get him to slow down and stop.

"OOHH-AAHHHH!!!! STOP YOU FRIGGIN HORSE!" she screamed as they rushed past. "What's wrong with you?! Stop running!!!"

Emora:


Talon watched idly as Kaze’s horse galloped away. It seemed she had no control over it. Either something was wrong with the horse or she was an inexperience rider. “Pull back on the reins lightly, don’t pull to hard he’ll throw you off!” he advised. He looked behind him at Kyosuke, Shinobu, and Vlad…. “Follow behind at your own pace, I’m going to help her…”

He kicked his horse lightly and the horse galloped, catching up with Kaze quickly where he was just behind her. “Pull back slowly… and stop screaming. Your scaring him…Be calm, horses since fear.” He was advising her whether she knew what to do or not. If she didn’t know what to do she was about to learn. If she did then she needed to take control and learn to do it herself. He was all up for saving damsels… but only if it was real danger. In a situation like this… she could save herself.

He always admired a woman who could handle herself unless it was too great a problem for her.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke watched on, and he would have been amused if he himself was better at riding. "If I were in her place I would have been thrown off," he grumbled. "Good thing I'm not riding with her." He really was glad, if Shinobu's horse suddenly took off like that, Kyosuke most likely would have fallen off, possibly taking Shinobu with him.

Nickole:

Ylia had been riding Amrin at a wide-open pace for almost an hour, so she began to slow him down bit-by-bit to cool his muscles. She stopped him under a grove of trees that bordered the field she would have to cross before she could enter the Ashgrown Forest.

Preoccupied with her thoughts, her white cloak billowed slightly she methodically dismounted gracefully and loosened Amrin's reins so that he could drink. She knew that his rope bits wouldn't bother his comfort as he drank from the cool stream that they'd been fortunate to find. Taking advantage of the break herself, she leaned against a weeping willow thats branches grazed the water as a gentle evening breeze blew.

We'll be there around midnight, my friend.. she confided to Amrin in elvish. The white stallion just snorted and and shook his head before he returned to his drinking of the cool, clear water.

Mizuki:

Kaze did as Talon said and Kami finally slowed down and to a stop. Huffing, Kaze shakily got off Kami's back and went around to glare in his face.

"What was that about, eh?" she said in a semi-soothing voice. She looked into Kami's dark eyes and she saw the human-likeness in them...and a flicker of fear. Her brows furrowed into an unseen frown. "What's wrong?" she petted his muzzel trying to sooth him, and it seemed to work. When she was satisfied he was alrght now she got back on and looked apologeticly at Talon.

"I'm sorry, he surprised me and I panicked...." she told him and turned Kami about. "Let's return."

She didn't tell Talon of the flicker of fear in her horse's eyes...

Emora:


"I wonder what spooked her horse," Shinobu said thoughtfully as they came slowly upon the place where her horse had been momentarily. Could it have been a snake? Or something else. Her horse seemed antsy as well. Maybe it was ghost from the Ashgrown Forest or something... Shinobu didn't know exactly, but she decided not to stay in one place. She clicked her tongue lightly and the horse continued on, huffing slightly as they went.

"I really don't like this place..." Up a head the forest seemed to be getting darker and darker.... and even more eerie.


Talon looked around and listened. It was so quiet. It was eerily quiet. His horse moved uneasily as he stood in place. Talon patted his neck lightly to try and calm him. "Wait," he said softly to Kaze, easing the horse forward. "I think we need to camp... We're getting to deep into the forest. Soon we won't be able to see an inch in front of us... We can wait here for them. As long as they follow the path they'll find us."

He dismounted his horse and walked it to a low limb, tying him there. He wondered where Nickole was. She was supposed to be coming with them. Had she decided to stay in Lowight? He hoped that Ylia would make it safely there to them and Nickole as well.

"Will you help me gather some fire wood from near by?" he asked, turning the Kaze with a charming smile. He almost blended in with the darkness, since he wore all black.

Mizuki:

Kaze stopped, nodding and dismounted again. She brought Kami to a patch of grass for him to graze on, and after soothing him that she'd be alright, she left him there.

"Dark?" she said momentarily. Her face paled. 'I hate the dark...' she thought but took a deep breath. 'I'm with people, it wont be so bad.... last time I was alone...so much crying..' "AH!" Kaze gasped and crouched down a moment on the ground and held her head, silently willing the memories to go away. "- go away, please go away...-" she whispered to herself.

Kami's nose rubbed her shoulder from behind and Kaze felt calmer now, that everything would be ok. So she stood up again and gave Talon a reassuring glance, making her eyes sparkle. She petted Kami's muzzel for a moment, thanking him, and went to help Talon gather wood.

As she gathered the wood she tried coaching herself. 'Jeeze KAze, get a grip.' she thought.

"Besides, I'm with capable people now... I'm not alone..." she told herself and finaly finished gathering wood and came back to their campsite with an armload. She set the wood down and started placing the wood together for a fire, skipping the steps of starting one. She crouched down next to the wood and pointed her finger at it, soon her finger started glowing like a flame and KAze then commanded it to go to the wood. Promptly setting it aflame nicely.

Kaze watched the fire, feeling soothed by it...


Emora:


Talon glanced at Kaze every now and then. She was talking to herself. He had excellent hearing. He smiled warmly as he pulled out his bed role and canteen. "Do you always talk to yourself when your nervous?" he asked lightly as he laid out the bed roll and took a seat on it. "Don't worry, I'm not the type to think your weird for talking to yourself. Tenele does it sometimes as well. Mostly when she's angry or trying to figure out a problem."

He smiled as if remembering a memory and then his sparkling silver eyes looked back at Kaze. "So what troubles you? Afraid of the dark?"


Shinobu was very glad when she saw the light of the camp fire up a head. These woods were to eerie for her and she wanted to be near some light. She felt protected though with Kyosuke close by. Very close by.... She blushed, but the night hid it. But, he was hurt... and she wouldn't want him to try and protect her while he was hurt... He could make his injury worst.

Shinobu remembered the very first day she met Kyosuke... It was the day one of her two of her bodyguards were murdered. She never wanted that to happen to Kyosuke. But, she had never wanted that to happen to her other bodyguards either. It seemed a trend for them... She shook her head, not wanting to think about that. She didn't want to think about the possibility of Kyosuke dying.

Mizuki:

Kaze perked from her daydreaming when Talon began talking. "Do you always talk to yourself when your nervous?" Talon asked her, laying out a bedroll. "Don't worry, I'm not the type to think your weird for talking to yourself. Tenele does it sometimes as well. Mostly when she's angry or trying to figure out a problem." He smiled.

Kaze shook her head and was thankfull for the scarf around her face. "No...ok..maybe... I just have some bad memories dealing with the dark..." She sat back from the fire on the ground and hugged herself. "Tenele is your sister, Sir Talon?" she asked him wishing to change the matter of her fear. She stared into the fire but kept her ears out for his voice. She just wanted to be near lots of light.

Emora:


Talon smiled, his silver hair shinning in the glow of the camp fire. "Yes," he said, poking the fire with a stick absentmindedly. "She's my sister, though I'm sure she doesn't claim me. We had a rough falling out. To tell you the truth I don't even remember why we had a falling out...." He continued to poke the fire, turning his head towards the noise in the forest that alerted him to the fact the rest of the group was catching up.

He decided to give her some words of comfort... Well sort of comfort... "Tenele always said that it wasn't the dark that scared her, but would was lurking inside. And Tenele was the type of girl who would kick the ass of any creature lurking in the darkness. I think you're a pretty strong girl, I bet you can handle it as well. Unless you know Fear itself I think you have nothing to worry about." He gave a charming wink, trying his best to encourage her.

Mizuki:

Kaze blushed at the words he used to try and calm her. She was thankful once again for her scarf. Her ears picked up the noise of the others coming, but she still slightly jumped out of her skin. It was just the fact that she was in the dark forest... alone... in the dark..

'No, I'm not alone this time...' she thought to herself and galnced at Talon. Such a handsome man. Though her curse would probably not allow her to even think of starting a family... she still wished for one. She sighed and layed back on the ground.

She started wondering why Kami got so spooked before. She remembered Talon saying that the forest was haunted... maybe that was it? It was a ghost or something that spooked Kami. The last thing Kaze wanted to think of was that mage. Kaze shuddered at the memory of him and pushed it aside in her mind.

"-I wont think of him.......-" she whispered to herself and closed her golden eyes to try and calm her nerves.

Kyosuke;

Kyosuke dismounted from the horse with a graceful leap and landed on the ground. It wasn't getting off that he had trouble with, it was getting on and staying on that was his problem. "I'm going to go join them Shinobu-dono," he said and walked towards the camp fire.

In the back, about a mile behind them, a lupine snarl was heard as he picked up the scent of human blood. A pack of large demonic wolves started stalking their prey. Kyosuke's wound, though it was bound up, had left that blood stain on his clothing. It was that smell that drew the demonic wolves to them.

Emora:


Shinobu's horse began to move unsteadily, backing up and moving forward. It snorted and stopped its hooves into the dirt. It jerked its head up and around, as if it were trying to snatch the reins from her hands. "What is it girl?" she asked trying to sooth the horse...

Horses and dogs were probably the two creatures that were very good at sensing danger and evil. She looked around as the horse continued to move warily around. A breeze tossed strands of her long black hair into her face. It was one of those breezes that always sent a chill down your spine... Not from the cold... but the sheer eeriness of it.

She urged the horse on and it obeyed. Shinobu glanced behind her at the vampire. "I have heard stories that vampires control the creatures of the night... Does that go with you?" she asked softly, the moon shinning through on empty patch in the canopy of trees above made her skin seemed to glow slightly.

She kept her eye on Kyosuke, still worried for him over his injury.

Soran:

Vladimir swung off of his horse, which ventured a nervous snort before the vampire dismissed it to rest with the others. Finding a large tree to rest against, he sat down near the fire and watched with little interest as the horses became jittery and the other members of the group began to suspect something.

He looked vaguely at Shinobu as she turned back to him and asked him if he could control creatures of the night. His handsome, but somewhat disturbing grin returned to his lips as he looked at her. "Control them? We of the night are never controlled, but there's not a demon in this entire forest that would stand a chance against me. Though, I'm not sure I can say the same for you..." He placed his hand thoughtfully under his chin and smirked unsettlingly.

Emora:


Shinobu dismounted and tired her horse to a limb as well. She walked towards the No Life King and stared down at him with slightly narrowed eyes. "Was that some failed attempt to frighten me?" she asked, folding her arms. She wouldn't put it past this vampire. He had done quite a good job by making her think he'd eat her the other night.

He seemed to enjoy causing others discomfort. But, if he had been aiming at frightening her, he didn't hit his mark. She was probably just as capable as he when it came to fighting. Except she had no magical powers brought on by being an undead.


Talon's head came up and looked at the three who had arrived. He then went back to poking the fire and looking around the clearing, watching over everything.

Soran:

Vladimir's grin only widened at Shinobu's indignance. He glanced idly up into the tree he was leaning against. He wasn't sure if the others had noticed it yet, but the horses certainly had: the insects had stopped chirping. Around the group, the entire forest seemed to have fallen into an eerie hush, with the only remaining sounds being the crackling of the fire and the nervous stamping of the horses' hooves.

"Surely not," he said darkly to Shinobu, crossing his arms casually behind his head. "You're obviously a very able woman. I have complete confidence that when the night-hounds that are tracking the scent of your bodyguard's blood reach us, you and your friends can handle things yourself." He eyed her smugly and closed his eyes as if to fall asleep against the tree.

At that moment, one of the horses let out a piercing whinny of alarm, and then the clearing fell completely silent. The horses stood stock-still, sensing danger immediately afoot and prepared to bolt at a second's notice. The flames of the fire twisted slightly and died back down, though it was a windless night. At the edge of the clearing, sets of burning crimson eyes attached to pitch-black, muscular four-legged silhouettes took form.

It was so dark that the wolves could barely be made out, and they moved stealthily in near-perfect silence, though an elf's ears and eyesight could probably pick them up - if they were carefully looking. Undetected by the majority of the group, the blood-red eyes trained onto Kyosuke with eerie resolve.

Kyosuke:

He waved to Talon cheerfully in response to the alchemist looking up at him and paused in mid wave. He hadn't been paying attention to what the vampire was saying to Shinobu, but it didn't matter when his sense for malice picked up a few forms, all trained on him. He dove to the side and rolled, avoiding the first rush the attackers made at him, his back complaining the whole time. Ignoring it he drew his two katanas. "Um, I think we've got trouble here," he pointed out, in case nobody noticed.

Emora:


Shinobu turned around quickly after listening to the words of Vladimir. Her face grew worried for Kyosuke, and when she saw the eyes of the demon dogs she could tell they were narrowed on him. She drew her katana quickly as Kyosuke went into a role. She winced at it, knowing it was probably pulling at his stitches.

She attacked the demon dog that rushed at Kyosuke first, trying to keep him distracted so it wouldn't go for her wounded bodyguard again.


Talon was on his feet in a second, his hand on his sword and his mind raising. He wondered if alchemy would be the best solution to this problem or would his sword. Talon was a planner. He waited until the others attacked and then he would make his decision quickly.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke made a quick slash at the nearest wolf as he came out of another roll when the wolves made another lunge at him. The blow was only a glancing one, and would have sliced into a normal wolf, but instead it just bounced off of these. "Oh c'mon!" he exclaimed. "They have thick hides!" With that realization he sliced directly into the next one, cutting it cleanly in half. They may have thick hides, but that only meant glancing blows wouldn't work on them.

The samurai made a quick count, there had to be at least a dozen of them wolves, maybe more. He didn't have time to finish the count when he had to make another dive and roll to avoid another lunge. However, the demon wolves were getting smarter and the next wolf was waiting for him at the end of his roll. Thankfully, Kyosuke's reaction let him sink his katana deep into that one. However, he didn't have the time to pull it out of the thick hide when he had to avoid yet another attack. He drew his nodachi into his hand to replace the abandoned katana. He wasn't sure why, but the attacks seemed concentrated on him.

Soran:

The No-life King lay back against the tree and watched the struggle lazily, not bothering to get up and assist the others in battle. One wolf strayed from the pack and approached him, but as soon as it was close enough to sense his power, it reconsidered its route and turned back toward Kyosuke, fur standing on end. Vladimir propped an elbow casually up on one knee. It was more interesting that way, and escapes from monotony were too rare for him to interrupt the would-be easy fight.

Mizuki:

OOC: GAH! I missed a lot.

Kami snorted and neighed in anxiousness and trotted over quickly to KAze. Kaze, startled from her slight slumber bloted upright and to her feet. She scanned the place quickly and spotted demon wolves surrounding and attacking Kyosuke.

"They sensed your blood!" she screamed and in a flurry of some hand movements she casted a spell. "WIND BLOWN!" A powerfull gust of mwind propelled the wolves off their feet and hurdled them hundereds of yards away. Kaze looked around for any sing of light but there was none and she cursed. "...I could've used it too." she muttered and thought of what she could cast against their attackers before they got back to their feet.

"We must wash away Kyosuke's blood stains and it's scent!" she yelled and quickly looked around.. "Is there any water nearby!?" One of the wolves attacked her, somehow getting behinde her and started attacking her back. Re-opening the wounds she suffered from the attack she had before. She cried out and casted a fire spell in its face, shinging it's face and fur. It quickly retreated from her, leaving her a bleeding mess.

Kaze cursed under her breath as she struggled to get back to her feet. Kami promtly snorted and urged her to use him to steady herself. She did so, putting her arm around his neck. She tried to quickly find their escape route and listen for any running water nearby...

Emora:


Talon clapped his hands together and a wall of limbs and trees came up around them to protect them momentarily form the wolves. "It won't do any good. They already have the sent and we're here. They won't leave food just because they don't smell it any more. They know the source now..." He looked to Kyosuke. "Our best option is to kill them. Trust me... If we press on we will run into something far worst."


Shinobu shivered. Something far worst. She would most definitely not like to run into something far worst. She was sure there were many things that were far wost than these dogs... But, she wouldn't like to run into them. One dog was still alive in the small shielded clearing. The walls of limbs and roots were being torn apart by the demon dogs. There red eyes could already be seen through the openings they were making.

One lunged at her and Shinobu turned quickly to the side as his claws swiped at her. When it was just along side she brought her katana straight down onto its head, pushing cleanly through the skull and back out again.

"Its worth a try... But, would we make it to a river in time?" she asked... But, already knew her answer.

Eslin:

Briena had been following the party, but she hadn’t felt like she could make her move, until now. It seemed like there were demon dogs everywhere. She smiled, this could be a great time to make a entrance, but the vampire knew what her disguise looked liked. She had to fix that, and she did quickly. She changed her illusion to where she now looked at a human with long fiery colored hair and sparkling bright green eyes. She did change anything about her dress and moved her black cloak away from her hands so that she could use them. She waded into the center of the battle to where Shinobu was. She knew they would wonder who she was, but she could explain all that later. Briena was focusing on what was in front of her and didn’t know that one of the dogs had snuck up behind her. Alarm bells went off in her head when it lunged and her quick reflexes allowed her to get out of the way before any harm was done. She came back and turned to where the dog, wondering why it had missed it’s pray, was standing. She held her hand out in from of her and a wall of air smashed the dog into the nearest tree.

Mizuki:

'If I knew healing spells... no use crying over it now...' KAze thought has she cursed herself for never learning any healing spells during her days in the school. Kami nudged her shoulder to make sure she was ok and she responded by petted his muzzle. Wincing from the effort.

"If I could just...concentrate...." she huffed and tried to ignore her wounds. 'A fast way to get rid of them would be to..NO! not that spell!!' she thought trying to find something to help themselves. "-Damn, but do I have a choice?-" she whispered as she heard the demon's tear through the trees. Their time was running out, no one could take on any serious wounds. She had to do something!

"FIRE BLAST!" she casted a spell into an oncoming demon that was lunging towards her, she made it so powerfull it literally turned the beast into ashes. "Oops.. ah... you were threatening us anyway." Two more demon's came through and she casted her earth spell. Jagged edges of earth flew up from under the demons, piercing their flesh. The demon's cried out in the pain then went limp, dead.

Kaze collasped, still holding on the best she could to Kami's neck. She was breathing heavily and her vision was blurred from the loss of blood.

'I'll take care of you..' a voice said in her head, she neither cared or even knew who it came from as she felt herself being dragged to....somewhere.

OOC: to avoid comfusion it was Kami dragging her to her bedroll. I was trying to write this from Kaze's view. ^-^;

Kyosuke:

"WAAAH!" Kyosuke yelled. It was quite unfortuneate for him that he was in the MIDDLE of the wolf pack when Kaze chose to use her Wind Blown spell, blowing all of the wolves, and him, away. He would have been thankful to the Sorceress if he had been at the side of the pack when they were blown away, for it would have provided him with enough of a distraction to get away.

Most of his stitches had already torn from his actions and he was bleeding quite freely now. It didn't help that he was now isolated from most of his allies and struggling to dodge increasedly planned and intelligent attacks. A growing number of wounds were now on his body and the samurai had actually lost his second katana when he was blown away. He was down to his single nodachi and weakening considerably.

Darkness almost seemed like it would claim the small samurai's life, but something in him just gave and some sort of a sound came from his mouth, and a slight motion made his upper torso jump up and down. The wolves paused in confusion as the growing panic they sensed inside of the man just disappeared. However, they were quick to regain their senses and prepare their next attack. What would have been shocking is, if they had been more intelligent, they would have known that the samurai was starting to giggle. It wasn't a cheerful giggle or anything, but more of an insane one, caused by the loss of blood and desperation he was feeling. He looked up, a feral grin that would rival the wolves' on his face.

Emora:


Talon decided to stop with the magic and he drew his sword quickly. He stood in front of the wounded Kaze, but didn't stay there for long. He had to get in the midst of the pack if he wanted to do any damage. He began to tear through the beasts along with what seemed to be a now insane samurai. He looked to the new comer, wondering who she was and what she was doing here. But, there was no time to ask questions.


Whose this new woman? Where did she come from? Shinobu was trying to figure out who the woman was, but thought she better get back to fighting off the wolves. She felt sharp teeth dig into her ankle and she let out a cry as the demonic wolf tried to jerk her leg off. She began to fall backwards as it jerked her leg out from under her. She brought her katana down and it managed to lop his head off, his teeth still attached to her leg.

She reached down and pried its mouth off her leg. A demonic wolf pounced on her chest and she brought her katana around quickly in front of her like a shield. The demonic dogs mouth slipped over her katana much like a gag. It tried to bite at her any way.

Kyosuke:

(OOC: Oops, I didn't read the Briena post ^^;;; )

Kyosuke had been too surrounded by malicious intent to note that there was a new one entering their midst. Of course, even if he had noticed it, he could have placed it as malice towards the wolves. By now it mattered very little to him. His insanity made him attack anything near him that moved. Wolves that lunged at him were neatly sliced in two. He ignored the new wounds that were now forming at him with him not paying attention to defense and just stabbed them when they bit him. The samurai was quickly becoming a bloody mess.

It was a very bad move on Talon's part to move into the pack for his attack. Kyosuke's state of temporary insanity had him attacking everything that moved after all. As soon as the alchemist got within range of him, a slash from his long nodachi came flying at his neck from Kyosuke, who was giggling insanely the whole time he was attacking.

Emora:


Talon brought his sword up quickly and sort of jerked his head back on instint. "Hey!" Talon said and glared at the samurai. "You could have killed me... I'm on your side remember?" He decided to handle the dogs where he wasn't close to Kyosuke. He was laughing like a mad man... Was it the blood lost?

“Try and pay attention to who your swinging at, you might hurt one of us!” He called from across the clearing. There were only about five wolves left. It shouldn’t take long. At least he hoped there were only about five wolves left…<br>

Shinobu gritted her teeth and tried to push the wolf off. She managed to, sitting up quickly only to feel on bite at her arm. She screamed and brought her fist around, punching it. She knew that she was good game just sitting on the ground so she stood up. Kyosuke was bleeding badly....

She needed to help him... He didn't need to be fighting so hard with his enjuries. She ran towards him, killing a wolf that was about to attack his back. When would these things stop coming?! "Kyosuke... you're bleeding heavily..." she said coming up behind him.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke turned at the new voice a slash readied. However, his insanity muddled mind was paused as the target became familiar to him. Also, Shinobu was acting out of concern now, not malice. Talon had been fighting before, against the wolves yes, but it still required malice to do so. Shinobu was not, and it made him hesitate, like the sudden loss of his panic and fear had made the wolves hesitate. However, that hesitation would cost him as a wolf pounced onto him from behind and knocked him down and out.

Soran:

Vlad rested his chin on his knuckles thoughtfully as Kyosuke and the wolves were blasted back into the woods and out of his line of vision. A moment later Shinobu ran in after him, and all the vampire could make out was that blood was being spilled on both sides. The scent of human and canine blood in the air was overwhelming, and Vladimir found himself wondering idly which team was winning out. It was merely a passing curiosity, however, and after a moment he turned indifferently to watch Kaze's horse dragging her to her bedroll off to his right. She was bleeding severely; her chances of survival seemed rather slim. Wolves who had strayed from the main course now hesitantly approached the unconscious side dish, but the vampire's warning glare made them hesitate and keep their distance, maintaining a wide birth from the No Life King and the young girl beside him. Vlad looked up again toward where Kyosuke had been thrown as he heard the unmistakable sound of laughter: dark, insane laughter, as of a creature driven to the edge. He narrowed his eyes in that direction; there was no telling what was going through his mind, but he remained in his current position, though the smirk on his face had gone stale.

Mizuki:

Kami dragged Kaze to her bedroll and the minute she hit the ground she was up again and struggling to her feet.

"I can't... not fight!" she said wincing to her feet. When she finally stood she grabbed her staff from Kami's saddle. She ignored the protests she was hearing from him...somehow and used her staff to steady herself. "Damn you all..." she gasped and casted her water spell.

The powerfull stream of water hit a few of the beasts hard and threw them into tree's. Something in the back of her mmind screamed at her to use her Dark Void spell, but that's the last thing she wanted to use! It ate a small peice of her soul once she used it.

She casted her earth spell again and again under the beasts. Ribs cracking and other such bones could be heard breaking.

Eslin:

Breina looked around her. It seemed she had entered the fight a little late. There weren’t many wolfs left. She raised her eyebrow at the vampire. Why wasn’t he helping. She smiled, maybe he wouldn’t help when she attack Shinobu either. Briena turned back to where Shinobu and Kyosuke were. She didn’t get close, she knew that the samurai would attack her if she did. There were dogs all around Kyosuke. Briena got as close as she dared and stop. The dogs weren’t really focused on her, but she caught one’s attention as it went in after Kyosuke. It had only give her the smallest flicker of attention, but it was enough. Briean smiled at it, and clutched her hand into a fist. The dog didn’t know it, but it’s life had just ended. It’s heart stopped and it fell where it was.

Kyosuke:

Water pounded away several of the wolves that were readying to attack Kyosuke, and the samurai would have been grateful if he was conscious. However, the following earth spells that took out the majority of the rest of the wolves wouldn't have made him feel so fortuneate. In her blind urge to continue fighting, she didn't see that one of the wolves was standing on top of the samurai, so the rising earth spell that came up underneath that wolf sent the small samurai flying up into the wolf before launching him off like a rag doll to land somewhere in the forest. Kyosuke landed in an awkward position, now very close to death's door.

Nickole:

Ylia had felt such a surge of urgency that she'd forgotten to get Amrin's reins from off of the near tree branch. She'd hurried over and took it down quickly. Hooking one side, she climbed on before she leadned over to hook up the final clasp...

Now, she was leaned low over the left of Amrin's strong neck as his powerful legs pounded against the ground, speeding them onward across the huge field to the Asgrown Forest.

She could hear herself screaming, Talon...what's wrong? as she rode.

But she received no reply...

Emora:


"KYOSUKE!" Shinobu screamed when she saw her beloved bodyguard fly into the air and then land a distance away in a very odd position. Her heart stopped for a moment... He didn't move... She felt as if everything had stopped around them and she was the only one who could move. "No..." she whispered and ran.

It felt like she was running forever, but it was only a short distance. On the way over she was attacked by the final wolth. It flew towards her and out of the corner of her eye she saw it coming. She spun around and as it reached her she swung her sword effortlessly and sliced the wolfs head clean off. Her face was emotionaless for that moment... But, then it turned worried when her attention was back on Kyosuke.

She sunk to her knees and truned him over, straightening out his limbs to where they were normal looking. Her eyes were watering. "Kyosuke?" she asked softly and pulled his head into her lap. "Kyosuke?"


Talon stopped as the last wolf was killed and the Lady Shinobu walked to her fallen bodyguard. It was as if she was on the verge of crying. He paused and looked at Kaze, and then at Vladimir. He wanted to go over to Shinobu, but didn't want to be in the way. He could heal Kyosuke... but it would take the energy from him and give him the pain. He had to do that... Kyosuke might die...

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke just lay there, his head on Shinobu's lap. He wasn't awake and he would have been glad that he wasn't. All together he had several cracked ribs, a few broken ones, the old cut on his back was bleeding profusely, several bites and scratches, and a concussion from being thrown through the air. The samurai was barely clinging onto life, but he did so as tenaciously as he could. Even if he wasn't awake, his body remembered the promise he had made to Shinobu, that he would not die. His body was trying it's hardest to keep that promise.

Emora:


Shinobu looked at him and started crying softly. He was so beaten up and bleeding everywhere. His breathing was so shallow that she didn't think he was going to live much longer. She bent forwards, her hair cascading over and onto his chest as her head hovered over his. Her eyes were closed and tears streamed down her cheeks. She loved Kyosuke very much. She didn't want him to die... He was different from every bodyguard she had ever had. "Don't die... please..."

"I can heal him..."


"I can heal him," Talon said moving to the side of Kyosuke in a hurry. The samurai was pale as death... and Talon prayed it wasn't to late. Kyosuke would be weak and so would he. That would leave Vlad and Kaze to protect the Lady Shinobu... who seemed to handle herself just fine. So it would be them three to take care of them. Kyosuke would not die... but he would be very sore for a while.

Talon placed his hands on Kyosuke's chest as Shinobu sat up and looked at him through the many strands of black hair that had falling in front of her face. A silver light grew under his hands and the wounds slowly closed until they were no more than painful cuts. But, Kyosuke had lost a lot of blood... that he would have to make up on his own.

When it was over Talon collapsed sideways into blackness. His energy gone from healing such grievous wounds.

Nickole:

When Ylia had gotten a few miles into the forest, she slowed the snorting and stamping Amrin to a slow, cautous walk. Demon dogs lay everywhere on the ground. Ylia's stomach flipped. The smell of death was smothering in the air.

"Shhhh..." she wispered softly as she bent down over Amrin's neck. His arenaline rush finally subsided, and the horse walked calmly through the forest, seemingly unaffected by the dead dogs' bodies around them. They were following Talon's tracks. It would be way too complicated to keep up with everybodys.

Their tracking led them to a sad-looking bunch for sure. A young girl was helping a strong, yet exhausted looking guy and Talon lay back in an unconcious heap. No one knew her, so she silently eased down off of Amrin's back. Some of them were looking at her strangely, but none of them knew her but Talon, so she walked uprightly. She didn't want to appear to be hiding anything.

Working hard to keep her voice from choking up at the sight of Talon, she spoke softly, looking the girl straight in the eyes to explain why she was there. "I am Ylia. I'm here to help Talon..."

Eslin:

The fight was done, and Briena stood off to the side. She could probably help out, but she didn't know how. She knew more about how to kill a person that how to keep them alive. When Talon started his healing spell she edged closer. It looked painful. She knew she could never be nice enough to do waht he was doing. She walked closer to Shinobu. This was her target, right here in front of her, she stopped when a woman on a horse arrived. She waited to see what would happen.

Soran:

Vlad rose back to his feet and walked to where the two newcomers and Shinobu were gathered around the unconscious forms of Kyosuke and Talon. He showed no reaction to Kyosuke's critical state, but instead grinned as he overheard the young elf say that she wanted to help Talon.

"And how would you plan to do that, elf girl?" he asked, suddenly appearing next to her and casting her a dark smirk.

Mizuki:

Kaze stood for a moment, barely registering anything that had taken place. Slowly her vision blurred and in her half unconcious state, she felt something tugging at the back of her slightly torn shirt. She was too weak to even bother looking or swat it, whatever it was, away.

She felt herself being dragged, the ground sliding under her legs and feet. "-Protect us...-" she whispered before falling into blackness.

Kami was dragging his rider over to her bedroll, her wounds not too bad but should be bandaged. The horse's ears twitched and he looked up to see th new elven girl. Kami snorted and walked up to her. Kami neighed angrly at the vampire that was attempting to frighten the woman then turned back to her with pleading eyes. He jerked his head in the direction of his fallen rider.

Emora:


Shinobu looked up at the elven woman and then sent a glare to Vlad. She wished he wasn't so high and mighty. Maybe one day someone would bring him down to size.

Shinobu wiped her eyes and cheeks to dry them. She brought a blanket to cover her bodyguard up with and looked on to see what the healer would do. She glanced to the new woman and gave a soft nod.

Shinobu felt rather mean for being so rude... But, she was in no mood to be formal or friendly at the moment. Shinobu decided that since the woman was tending to Talon she would have a look at Kaze. Forgetting her own wounds that were still bleeding a good bit. She could patch them up later. She daughted she could bleed to death from them.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke's breathing gradually became less pained after Talon healed him. His bones all mended and the various bite marks also healed quickly, leaving fresh skin in its place. Also, the big gash he had open on his back healed up. The strings that had been used for his stitches prevented the holes that they were in from healing up and Kyosuke would need to have them removed as soon as he realized that fact. His clothing was in bad shape also. The samurai's top was now completely stained in blood, mostly his own as opposed to the wolves'. Other than being torn up, his clothing was also very badly torn up.

Nickole:

Ylia wasn't expecting a warm welcome without Talon to explain everything to the group, but the one who did talk to her, apparently a very moody vampire, made it obvious that he either wasn't happy with her presence or wasn't hapy period. Probably the latter.

Dismounting carefully, she headed for Talon. Bending down over him, she gently placed her hands on his forehead. She closed her eyes and thought of him, whole and healthy.... She opened her eyes only a split second before his. Their gazes connected and she smiled.

I made it... she whispered to him.

Emora:


Talon opened his eyes slowly and his vision was blurry at first. He should have been out for at least a few hours, but thanks to Ylia his energy had returned. It would take only a few moments before he felt the full effects of her healing.

He smiled at her, sitting up slightly and running a hand through his long silver hair. He shook the dizziness from his head and looked around. "I see," he said smiling warmly, then taking the moment to look over the damage now that everything had calmed.

"Will you tend to Kaze and Shinobu? I don't know how well I tended to Kyosuke so you might as well check him while your at it..." Talon said and pushed himself off the ground, grabbing his sword and wiping the blood from it then sheathing it.


Shinobu smiled at Ylia and gave a soft nod of thanks for showing up. She lifted her kimono to where she could see her ankle and found a deep set of bite marks. She had another bite mark and some scratches, but the one on her ankle hurt the most. She cleaned it with the edge of her kimono and hissed slightly at the sting, but other than that she was fine.

Nickole:

Ylia assumed that the poor girl lying next to her bedroll [Kaze] was one of the ones Talon spoke of, for she certainly looked as though she were in need of healing.

The girl was out cold, so Ylia placed her hands on the girl's forehead so her image could appear in the girl's mind and Ylia could explain to her what she was about to do. In a honey-smooth voice, she spoke to the girl. Speaking to her mind would enable the girl to understand the elven tongue with wich Ylia spake.I am Ylia. You are sorely wounded, but I am going to help you. Just relax...

Ylia placed one hand over the girl's weakly-beating heart so that she would heal faster. She closed her eyes and saw the girl whole. When she opened them, she eased her hands off of the girl. "How do you feel, now?" she asked with an humble smile.

Eslin:

If Breina were someone else she would have rolled her eyes. Everything had been going great, but now everyone was well again. Oh well she thought. She never really expected to get to Shinobu right then. She thought about her options. She could leave and try again later, or she could stay. Breina smiled. Yes, she could stay. She was sure they wouldn't mind haveing another fighter along. Her chance would come. All she had to do now was wiat.

Mizuki:

Kaze opened her eyes fast. Someone, was speaking to her in a tender tone but...and their hands were on her body... Kaze's adrenaline rushed as she feared the worst but when she saw the woman who healed her, what was her name? Ylia?

"Ylia?" Kaze managed to say and sat up. Kami neighed happily to her side and Kaze managed a slight smile. Kaze looked the girl over and her smile brightened. "The woman who healed me. I thank you."

Kaze used her staff to help her to her feet and looked around. Aside from the scattered wolf bodies, everything looked alright.

"You arrived just at the end of a massacre," Kaze joked. "Gods are smiling down at us." Kaze stretched her limbs a bit and walked over to Kami and petted his muzzle. Which Kami happily welcomed.

Soran:

Vladimir quickly lost interest in the helpful but unresponsive elf and leaned back against a tree near Briena, glancing over at her idly. Somehow she didn't seem pleased with the situation. "What a relief that everyone was able to be healed," he smirked experimentally at her.

Nickole:

"And how are you, Sir Kyosuke?" Ylia asked the samuri.
Turning to face him, she was glad to see that, besides the blood, he didn't look too bad.

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke would have liked to respond to the querry. Problem was he was still unconscious. He would probably be out for quite a while unless someone found a way to restore some of his blood to him. He had lost quite a bit of it and would be comatose or half awake at times for a while.

Eslin:

Breina tried her best not to throw a hateful look at the vampire who was addressing her. She succeeded, and her face lit up in a smile. "Yes, it's great that everyone has been healed. I was afraid that someone wouldn't survive the attack," she said dryly. Briena looked unsurely at the vampire. She hoped he'd take it that she was uneasy around him. But she was really wondering how she was going to accomplish her mission with him around.

Soran:

Vlad's eyes narrowed slightly into an inquiring smirk at Briena. "Of course," he confirmed ambiguously. He turned away from her and walked calmly to where Kyosuke lay on the ground. The vampire's smirk fell slightly and he looked down at the unconscious samurai with an odd expression. A moment later it was gone and covered again with a smirk, though not as large. "Really, humans are such frail things," he muttered to himself, but before his private guilt could fully take shape, he turned suddenly to face the woods to their right. "It seems we have another visitor."

The others couldn't hear it yet, but footsteps were approaching. A minute later they became audible, and a young boy ran up to the edge of the clearing. The boy, who couldn't have been more than 14, was rather scrawny and wore a tan robe with a high collar, his hair cropped almost bald. He wore a small sword at his side, but it appeared that he had put the sheath on backwards. "Hullo! Are you people alright?" he called out to the group, very out of breath.

Vladimir eyed the young boy sharply. A very faint holy aura was coming from the newcomer, making the vampire uneasy.

Mizuki:

Kaze looked to the young boy and stifled a laugh. She couldn't imagine this boy fighting with the small sword but she managed to subdue her giggles and smiled. Kami nudged his riders palms asking to be graced with her fingertips across his muzzle once again and she happily obliged.

His eyes looked to her as if to say, "I was so worried about you." Somehow, Kaze understood him and her smile broadened.

"Thank you Kami." she whispered to the horse then turned her attention to the boy again. "I believe we are alright... besides for our samurai." She blinked a moment trying to figure out what had actually happened to Kyosuke. Since she overexertaed herself in the battle, she didn't remember much and it was all a blur.

Emora:


Talon turned and looked to the boy who had just come into view. How long had he been out there and why hadn't the wolves attacked him as well. He shrugged that off and stood straight. "Yes... we're fine now... but, might I ask what your doing out here by yourself, boy? Its dangerous..." Talon smiled gently and warmly.


Shinobu ripped off a peace of her kimono and tied it around her bleeding ankle tightly to bandage it up. Her head came up slowly, strands of long black hair hanging in front of her face, as she heard the voice of a young boy. She pushed the hair from her face with a bloody hand and ripped another piece of fabric off to tie around another wound she had.

She leaned over Kyosuke after glancing at the boy and brushed his hair from his face, a soft smile on her lips. This wasn't the first time he had been near death. She hoped that one day the great luck he had wouldn't run out on him...

Soran:

The boy looked the group over with a concerned frown. "I'm a monk-in-training at a monastery nearby. The high priest sensed that several evil auras had vanished and suspected a battle, so he sent me to search for survivors. It's a relief that you're all okay," he said with an honestly relieved smile, clearly a rather gullible person to behave so trustingly toward strangers, and obviously assuming the same attitude in return.

"It looks like some of your group is injured. If you wish, please come and spend the night in the safety of the monastery. It is protected by holy magic, so no demons will enter there. I'm sure the high priest will want to thank you personally for helping to expel the demons in this area. We've been having a great deal of trouble with them." With this, he glanced uncomfortably over at the dead hellhounds strewn across the forest floor.

Vladimir looked at the child in amusement, but restrained himself from playing some prank related to his improperly worn sword. Inwardly, he doubted the kid even knew how to draw it. However, the vampire was not fond of the thought of spending the night in some stuffy church. He hadn't fed in days, and disliked going near holy powers except when he was at full strength. One look at Kyosuke, however, told him they would need to rest. "Better to stop somewhere, or our incapacited samurai will only hold us up more," he said unfeelingly, revealing none of his private doubts.

Emora:


Talon nodded. He didn't know a monestary was around close by. Then again it had been a while since he had been any where near Lowight. "That sounds good," he said and turned. "Start saddling up, we need to leave before the sent of blood reaches any other demon besides Vlad."

He started gathering the things together and saddling his horse up. He casted a water spell to put the fire out with out leaving anything so much as a spark so the woods wouldn't catch on fire. Shinobu pulled her horse around towards Kyosuke and Talon lifted the limp body on. "Can you hold onto him and ride?"


Shinobu smiled softly. "Yes," she said, mounting the horse behind the limp body and grabbing a handful of Kyosuke's bloody shirt to keep a hold on him. She turned her horse around, facing the boy. She didn't like the way Kyosuke was having to ride, but she wasn't strong enough to hold him sitting up in the saddle. She'd would end up falling off with him.

Eslin:

OOC: I'm leaving tommrow to go on a trip. I'll be gone for about a week. Emora has control of Briena. I hope she's still alive when I get back. Anyways, I was just letting everyone know. See ya'll in a week.

Mizuki:

Kaze mounted Kami in turn like the others and looked around over all the dead bodies of the demons. It pained her to see death again, even if it was an enemies. She closed her eyes to block out any more images from flashing through her eyes, but it just made them more vivid. Kami's slow paced woke her out of the unwanted memories. Kami went to the other rider's on his own and faced the boy waiting for the other's to start.


OOC: BYE ESLIN!! Come back soon!! ^-^

Soran:

"Follow me," the boy said, sounding worried as he watched Shinobu support Kyosuke's unconscious form. He turned and ran ahead of them so that they could follow on horseback.

Vladimir turned and mounted his horse, riding behind Talon, alongside Shinobu's horse. The woman seemed to be having difficulty supporting the samurai's weight and riding at the same time. He recalled the blush he'd seen on her face earlier, and grinned at her. "Now's your chance to take him, while he's sleeping," he said darkly in mock encouragement.

Emora:


Shinobu looked slightly confused and taken aback... She looked down at Kyosuke's sickly looking body and then back at Vladimir. She had a dark glare on her face when she brought her fist forward hard and fast towards his jaw. "One day someone is going to knock you deflate your head and the world won't be as kind to your liking when that happens," Shinobu said and glared at him. "Maybe you should start treating ladies with the respect they disserve..."


Talon watched Vladimir as he followed up behind him. He waited as everyone got saddled up and followed behind the boy. He was glad that Yllia had come along when she did. He was trying to ignore Vladimir, but he had just said a very ungentlemanly thing to a Lady.

Talon leaned over towards Kaze. "You think he would learn... I wonder how many people have kicked his ass for saying such things..."


Briena looked at them all darkly. But, she decided to follow along... Maybe there would be some opportunity to kill the woman while they were sleeping or something. She kept quiet... keeping her thoughts to herself because of the vampire. She remembered he had the habit of reading minds...

Soran:

Vladimir sensed her punch coming long before it connected and leaned forward, letting it pass harmlessly behind his head. "I respect women who know their place," he said lightly, sitting up again and turning to her with an indifferent smirk. "If you wear that face all night, it won't return to normal," he snickered.

Mizuki:

"You think he would learn... I wonder how many people have kicked his ass for saying such things..." Talon said and Kaze could not surpressed her small giggle.

"Well, I believe he'll be getting more than a kick in the ass from us." she replied. She still owed him from the scare he had given before at the castle. She smirked to herself as she plotted her own private revenge on him. Kami snorted as if to laugh.

Emora:


Shinobu rolled her eyes and rode a head of Vladimir, as if it would do any good. If he wanted to he could just catch up with her. She held Kyosuke's shirt a little tighter when she felt his body slide more than it had been. She silently prayed to the Gods that she not drop Kyosuke's body off the horse. She hoped the place wasn't to far away. She was tired and the felt the more she rode the more likely Kyosuke would fall off...

Talon smiled. "Yes, I have to agree..." Talon said. He hoped it wouldn't take long. He wanted Tenele to see him for who he really was. What spell had this vampire done to cause her to be attracted to him!!

Mizuki:

Kaze looked to Talon, she sensed he was uneased. "What troubles you Sir Talon?" she asked him gently. She hoped that he would share, she wanted to help him in any way possible since he had saved her from her recent attack and Kami, the runnaway horse.

Emora:


Talon's head came up and he looked towards Kaze with a charming smile. "Oh, nothing much," he said and looked straight a head. "I guess its the fact that I'll be seeing my sister soon... and its been a long time. I don't know how she will react to seeing me back..."

And I don't know how she'll react to hearing what I have to say about this guy she seems to be "in love" with. I bet its probably just lust... I hope... Wait... That means... NO! I don't want to think like that... He shook the jumbled thoughts from his head and looked at her. "I guess I'm nervous about seeing her after our very unpleasant parting."

He turned and was glad to see that Ylia was following close behind them...


Shinobu looked down at Kyosuke and smiled softly. She had grown closer to him than any bodyguard she had ever had. Maybe it was because he reminded her so much of her late husband. She didn't know, but she really liked Kyosuke. Probably more than she should when it came to a bodyguard and employer.

Soran:

Ahead of them, the tall alabaster walls of a well-fortified monastery became visible through the trees. Soon, the unmarked woods they were moving through became a well-trod path, lined every few yards with guardian stone statues of various blessed animals. A wooden arch stretching over the path, lined with paper seals to keep out bad spirits, welcomed them as they approached the wall of the monastery.

"Who goes there?" a voice called down from a wooden watch tower as they came up to the gates.

"It's Pren, I've returned with the travelers. High Priest Arnon requested they be brought back here for the night," the boy called up to the sentry, who made some hand signals down at them and then opened the gate.

"Sorry, we don't have guests very often, so he was confused. You are all very welcome here. Please follow me," Pren said, turning back and smiling innocently at the travelers.

"How nice," Vladimir scoffed with a smirk that held more confidence than he felt as they crossed through the gates. The vampire could physically feel the holy aura of the place, like an extra layer of gravity holding him down, saturating his skin. He narrowed his red eyes and followed the group as the gates closed behind them. The buildings inside the compound's walls were low and plain, mostly used for residence. A large temple with an ornate, domelike painted roof stood at the center of the compound, visible from everywhere within it. Between the buildings were small trees and gardens, giving the place the feel of being an entirely different world from the rugged forest outside. It was also very, very quiet. A group of monks were kneeling in a circle on the stone patio that led up to the temple, chanting a prayer quietly.

Vladimir glanced over as a pair of robed monks walked quickly over to them. "Welcome to the Wren Monastery," the first said in an almost-whisper that Vlad found remarkably annoying, "The high priest is eager to meet with you!"

"Brother Asik, there are wounded among them. Let us first bring them to the physician's quarters. Please let the high priest know I will send those who are able to see him shortly," said Pren in the same near-whisper.

"Of course, Pren. The high priest is ever patient. We will speak with you later, God's blessings go with you," replied Asik.

Pren smiled and led the group to the left down a gardenlike path, then turned into a small, plain building on their right, then re emerged with a slim monk wearing a white robe. "Greetings, I am a doctor here," he said very quietly, looking over the motley group with great curiosity, "Please dismount. Pren will bring your horses to the stables. Who is in need of medical assistance?"

Emora:


"Please dismount. Pren will bring your horses to the stables. Who is in need of medical assistance?"

Shinobu glanced up at him and then down at Kyosuke. “My bodyguard is,” she said softly and one of the doctors helpers came and took him from her horse so she could dismount with out causing his limp body to fall off. She dismounted and the monk took the reins of her horse.

Shinobu looked around the monastery. It really was a lovely place. “I thank you for taking us in,” she said politely and bowed in the Ongorethian style for women.


Talon brushed his long silver hair from his eyes and looked around approvingly at the monastery. Very nice, indeed…

Talon dismounted and handed the reins to the young monk. He then turned and offered his hand to Kaze with a smile as he spoke, “Yes, it is very kind of you. I don’t believe we would have faired well into the night if we would have stayed in that forest.”

Mizuki:

Kaze looked an awe at everything, almost ignoring his hand until Kami grunted. "OH!" she gasped then took it dismounting with Talon's help. "Thank you." She was still in awe with everything and gave the monk Kami's reins. She petted him, reassuring him he'd be safe as he walked off with the monk and other horses.

"This place is so beautiful!" she exclaimed. "Along with the Queen Sinead's palace... ooohh..." she mused more to herself.

Eslin:

Briena had to force herself to enter the perimeter of the monastery. It reeked with holiness, and she loathed anything that was holy. She was beginning to get desperate. She'd have to make her move soon. She made a note to study her spell book tonight. She would need to get away fast once she killed this horrid woman, but she would make sure that Shinobu’s last moments were full of agony and pain for all the misery this job had brought Briena.

When she saw the priest she couldn't keep a sneer from coming to her face. Oh how she hated holiness. It was so vial. She would defiantly have a bath when all this was said and done.

OOC: I'm finally back....it was a little longer than I thought it would be. I had Junior Miss last week, and I thought I would be able to post. Well I wasn't able to, but now I can... It's good to have things back to normal, finally.

Nickole:

Ylia slowly dimounted. Every step in this place was bliss. She sighed as she pulled the reigns over Amrin's head. Be good... she whispered to him, and she knew that he would. As her eyes scanned the place, her smile simply broadened. She was oblivious to the very opposite effects that this place was having on some of the other riders.

Ylia watched Shinobu. The girl was still watching them take Kyosuke, and it moved Ylia. She made a mental note to try to befriend Shinobu.

OOC: Sry !!! I've been on vacation in AR, Jr. Miss, and now work! Isn't growing up a hoot?

Kyosuke:

Kyosuke just continued lying there.

(OOC: Sorry, just wanted to post a one lined post . Actually, I'm just making a note that I'm going to be moving soon so I may have trouble posting, keeping Kyosuke unconscious makes things easier for me since we don't even have phone lines connected in our new house yet. Hopefully I can wake Kyosuke up soon.)

Mizuki:

Kaze admired her scenery with great awe before she came back to reality and tapped Talon's shoulder.

"How long should we stay?" She asked him, then added in a low whisper, unsure if the monks should know of their mission. "...Considering our orders...?"


OOC: This thread froze for awhile... and now I've completely forgotten why this group is traveling... It was a spy mission...right? ^-^;;; lol

Emora:

OOC: lol, I've been waiting on Soran to post


Talon turned to her, flashing a charming smile. "Oh, just for the night..." he said and smiled. "We're just going to the Border to check and see if the rumors about the army moving towards Ighten are true..." And to apologies to Tenele for being such an idiot...

"Encase there is an army moving towards Ighten we should try and get there as soon as possible... That way we can get word back to the Queen in time for her to gather the recourses she needs to make her counter attack."

"And Lady Shinobu needs to get to her Shogun as soon as possible..." He looked over to Shinobu as she stood off alone with her arms folded, a worried expression on her face. She probably was still worried about Kyosuke....

Mizuki:

Kaze nodded and smiled back. She turned away from him before he could see her frown. 'An army coming into Ighten...' she thought and fought back more shudder's. She mentally prayed she didn't have to set foot back into that... that... place...

She looked at Shinobu then Ylia...

.. Then the thought of her horse came to mind. 'Hmm.. I wonder how Kami's doing...ahh.. Why am I so worried over the horse?!' She smacked her forehead without thinking.

Nickole:

Ylia approached Shinobu quietly, and the worried expession on the girl's face made Ylia unable to not feel downright motherly...

"Poor friend," she soothed, "don't worry, he'll be alright. He just needs rest so his body can generate new blood. You'll see," she added with a smile.

Ylia prayed silently for Shinobu & the guard that she seemedto be so close to.

Emora:


Shinobu looked at the kind woman and smiled softly, rubbing her shoulder absentmindedly. "I know... its just I hate seeing him like that. He's been hurt to many times because of me.... I've had to many bodyguards die protecting me... I don't know what I'd do if he died..."

There was something more too it. She couldn't really explain it... She knew it was there... but she hadn't felt it in a long time.

Nickole:

Being Elven royalty, Ylia understood all too well how Shinobu felt.

"I understand how special Kyosuke is to you, Shinobu. In case you need it, I'm here for you," she offered. "Remember that."

Ylia's connection with Shinobu was very new, but she felt that she could identify with the girl... it's been a while since Ylia had met someone she could identify.

Feeling the loss of bodygaurds... what a connection, Ylia thought to herself. But still, it was something.

Soran:

The doctor's eyes went perceptively to Kyosuke as the unconscious man was lifted down from his horse. "Please bring him inside," he said with a slight frown, following behind those carrying Kyosuke and gesturing for the rest of the group to come in as well.

Kyosuke was laid on a medical cot in the corner while the doctor checked his pulse and breathing. "He's very weak," he said after turning back to Shinobu and the others. "Though I can't find any sign of physical injury on him, there's still a risk he might not wake up. For now, we can just keep his forehead cool and pray," he said solemnly.

Mizuki:

Though I can't find any sign of physical injury on him, there's still a risk he might not wake up. For now, we can just keep his forehead cool and pray," The doctor said solemnly. Kaze's blinked a couple of times before she frowned. Praying was something she had stopped doing a long time ago. You help yourself... not the gods or whatever one believed in. Though she kept her thoughts to herself.

Back home she had always hoped and prayed that her peers would finally accept her, and she tried all she could. Though it always ended up in them hating her more. After the murder and being driven out of her village she had stopped believing in any unearthly being that may be watching over Heirot. It was even worse when she was prisoner at the Citadel. Kaze shuddered.

Emora:


Shinobu's head came up quickly, causing long glossy strands of black hair to fall in front of her dirty face. "What... what do you mean... He may not wake up?" she asked worriedly, clutching the side of her kimono. "He has to wake up..."

Shinobu looked at the sleeping body of Kyosuke and back to the man, her eyes clearly showing that she was worried for her young bodyguard.

Shinobu walked passed the man and knelt down beside Kyosuke as he laid on the cot. "He was wounded in an attack from demon wolves.... he lost a lot of blood..." she said, reaching out and grabbing Kyosuke's hand holding it. "He has to wake up." He will...


Talon looked at the poor woman and felt so sorry for her. He wished there was something he could do, but his power only when to healing... not reviving. Though... he could consult his spell book and see what he could find...

The silver hawk flew in through a window and landed on his arm as he raised it to give the beautiful creature a perch. "Hello, my friend..." he said softly.

"Utu, Tenele, yewl he sina..." he spoke to the bird in elvish, pulling a rolled piece of paper from his pocket and the hawk snatched it from him. "Hey, watch it..." Talon said, smiling. "Go." The bird took to flight, going out the window quickly.

"May I as where we can rest for the remainder of the night?" Talon asked, folding his arms again.

Mizuki:

Kaze side glanced the hawk coming down onto Talon and shuddered again remebering her recent attack of that mage, shapeshifting bastard. Her interest perked up when she heard Talon speak elvish to the hawk then it flew away.

"May I as where we can rest for the remainder of the night?" Talon asked, folding his arms again. 'Now there's two things I need to ask him.' Kaze thought. Though she stayed silent, not really intending to speak and she folded her arms across her chest, her staff gripped in her left hand. She looked at the walls with no particular interest and found herself wondering where the stables where.

Soran:

"Of course," replied the doctor, still looking sympathetically at Shinobu, "We will have rooms prepared for you in the housing area. We live quite humbly here, so please excuse it if it's less than you're used to in the city.

"Greetings, Father Orin," came a voice from the doorway. A tall monk bowed politely to the doctor and then turned to the guests. "Forgive the interruption, but the high priest has requested the guests' presence before they retire for the night," he said with another bow.

Vladimir stiffened at the request, but remained silent from the dark corner in which he had perched himself. He looked over at Talon idly with arms crossed.

"The high priest?" replied Orin, slightly surprised that such an important leader had agreed to meet with these outsiders. Even he himself could not have arranged a personal meeting with the high priest.

"Very well. You had best go now, then. I will watch over your friend," Orin said, gesturing them to follow the monk waiting at the door.

Emora:


Shinobu looked up, still holding Kyosuke's hand. She didn't want to leave him. Couldn't they go with out her... Then again she couldn't be rude to someone who was so kindly taking them in. She would come back and stay with him... She wanted to be close for when he woke up. Shinobu stood up, letting go of Kyosuke's hand reluctantly. She smoothed the folds of her tattered kimono and tried to fix her hair, but it was useless, she was still dirty and tired looking, but beautiful anyways.


Talon looked up and nodded, he had been watching Shinobu and Kyosuke as she watched him constantly... like if she blinked he would wake. He felt so very sorry for her...

"Yes... please lead the way..." Talon wondered why such a holy man would want to see a rag tag band of travelers. He unfolded his arms and began to follow the monk. He glanced towards Kaze and Ylia, with Shinobu standing close by. Then his eyes fell on the vampire in the corner.

Mizuki:

Kaze's frowned deepened. In her experiences, when the leader of whatever asked to see you, it normally always meant trouble for her. 'Crap... do they know.. did they see me?' Kaze thought. She didn't want to follow them, but her feet had other plans for her and she was following them. Glaring at her feet, she deliberatly hung to the back of the group. If they recongized her she would need a quick escape...

...Even though she's innocent!

Nickole:

Ylia, too, was uncomfortable with the summon, simply because no one seemed to see why it was necessary. Quckening her graceful steps, she walked quietly beside Talon.
So as not to be seen as though she thought she deserved the information, she spoke calmly to him in elvish, the words rolling smoothly off her tongue.

"What do you think, Talon? Should I worry? If you say no, then I will not..." She trusted him, and knew that he'd be as honest as was allowed of him.

Emora:


Talon turned his head to her and smiled reassuringly. "Neh, uum n' del. Ro naa suoril ent los naa thar gwaith." (No, don't worry... He is a priest and these are good people...) Talon looked behind him to make sure the others were following. They were one man down. If there was any trouble he hoped that Kaze was good with her magic and that Ylia and Shinobu had some sort fighting experience. He knew Vladimir was capable of handling himself.

"Uum n' del, amin var llie," (Don't worry, I'll protect you) he said jokingly with a charming grin.

Nickole:

"Amin sha llie," {I trust you,}Ylia said looking into his silvery eyes. She didn't feel that she'd need protecting...she wasn't the damsel-in-distess type. People just seemed not to bother he. And for that reason, Ylia knew that she was blessed.

"Uum n' del nesh amin, Talon," {Do not worry for me, Talon,} she said.

He had others to watch after. She was a volunteer. She had come for him.

Mizuki:

Kaze was getting very uneasy now. Her own worries were getting to her and she tried to calm herself down. It wasn't working. Again she found herself thinking after Kami. 'If he was here I'd feel calmer...' she thought then shook er head. That was absurd! It was a horse!... even if she did like animals. But that was just it, he was an animal. How could he provide a comfort to her? Yet she could clearly see Kami as a tall, handsome man...

"Ehh.." Kaze groaned softly. She has to be going dillusional now, Kami was a horse! A HORSE! 'Something must've... happened to me at some point...' Kaze thought solemnly. 'Maybe it was in the Citadel...' Her eyes glazed over in sadness and fear.

Emora:


Talon smiled warmly at her, nodding and reaching out, placing his hand gently on her back. His thoughts returned to his sister. He wondered how much trouble she had gotten into that he could have prevented. Though, she would have killed him for trying to play the over protective brother. "Ta naa amin seorsa nae del," (It's my nature to worry)
He said softly. "Ma deshu Arwen Shinobu, re naa del nesh, Kyosuke..." (Watch over Shinobu, she worries over Kyosuke.)

Nickole:

They were entering a doorway to the monastary, and Ylia felt that it was time that their conversation should end.

She looked into Talon's silvery eyes.
"Llie naa forya, ent Amin nia,"{You are right, and I agree,} she replied with a composed smile.

She fell back, leaving a part of her in the front of the line, to be with the Lady Shinobu.

Eslin:

"Forgive the interruption, but the high priest has requested the guests' presence before they retire for the night." Great Briena thought. This is all I need. Some high priest seeing through my disguise. She looked around to see if there was anyway she could get left behind, but they already knew she was here. If she came up missing during the visit to the high priest, then there was a big chance they would start asking questions. They only good thing about coming to this wretched place was that Kyosuke was still out of it. She followed the group slowly, and found herself walking by Kaze at the back.

Soran:

Vladimir followed silently with a faint disapproving smirk as the group was led out of the clinic and back down the path they had come on, then up to the front of the large temple that stood in the center of the compound. In front of the temple stood a marble bowl on a pedastal, filled with watery liquid.

The monk who was leading them turned to them with a calm smile, clearly waiting for them to purify their hands in the 'holy water' before they proceeded up the temple steps.

Vladimir put his hands indifferently into his pockets, glancing at Talon curiously.

Emora:


Talon smiled and bowed his head, bieng the first to go towards the bowl and place his hands into the water, rubbing the twice and drying them on his cloak. He turned, looking at Vladimir, knowing he couldn't put his hands in that water. He wondered what excuse the vampire would use. That he was allergic to water?


Shinobu, with her head lowered, walked towards the bowl, a solemn expression on her face. She placed her hands in the water and pulled them out, wiping them dry on her tattered kimono.

Mizuki:

Kaze looked at the water indifferently. 'You've got to be kidding me. I'm supposed to wash my hands just to enter?!' she thought in slight outrage. As much as she wanted to slap the monks upside the head, she kept all thoughts and actions to herself. Glaring at the wall on the opposite side (basicaly wants to cause some trouble) she dipped her hands into the water after Shinobu was finished, then took them out and dried them off.

She stared momentarily at the water basin, thinking slightly about turning it over and spilling it onto the floor but decided against it. She glanced at Vlad, seeing how much he didn't like it either and silently cursed him for having an excuse to not being able to do this. After she was finished she walked to the back of the group and tightened her scarf around her head.

As much as this place was pretty, she hated holy men and their antics.

Eslin:

Breina watched as the others dipped their hands into the holy water; she stared at the water as if it were a snake. She knew that it wouldn't hurt her, but she really didn't want to dip her hands in holy water. It would be a shame to purify herself of all the blood on them, if it would even work. She sighed as she went up to the water. She slow dipped her hands in, keeping as much of them out of the water as she could without raising questions from the others. She took her hands out and dried as soon as she took them out. She then walked to where the others were standing.

Soran:

Vladimir watched the rest of the group cleanse their hands and move forward to the base of the steps. The vampire was left at the pedestal with the monk staring at him expectantly. He left his hands in his pockets and continued toward the stairs, casting a mischievous smirk at the monk.

"E-...excuse me, sir," began the monk worriedly, taking a step after him. A pair of monks who had been silently praying near the stairs looked up curiously.

"Yes, good brother," Vladimir returned smoothly, looking the man in the eyes.

"All must be cleansed before entering the temple," he said cautiously, climbing the steps to stand in front of him.

"So it would seem," the vampire said regretfully. "Well, I suppose I could help you, though it really does seem simpler for you to do it for yourself," he sighed darkly.

The monk blinked at him in confusion, then terror as the bowl of holy water floated up into the air and past the vampire to float above the monk's head. "What in the-" he stuttered before the bowl suddenly flipped upside down, emptying its contents onto the flustered monk.

"You just come whenever you're ready. Don't forget to scrub your pits," the vampire said casually, turning back toward the steps.

Mizuki:

Kaze turned around as she heard a clatter behinde them and blinked at Vlad and the soaked monk. A smirk pulled at the corners of her mouth but she fought it off. INstead she replaced it with a mock frown.

"Really Vlad, grow up." She said sternly and kept moving. Although it was quite entertaining.

Soran:

"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful," the vampire quipped at Kaze, lowering the bowl back down into the frantic monk's extended arms as they walked away and up the stairs of the temple. When they reached the top, the floor widened into a huge, round, marble-tiled room. At the back of the room was a pulpit area carpeted in red cloth, where a single man of average stature wearing ornate robes sat in a chair watching them.

"Greetings, please come closer," he said in a powerful but congenial voice. Vladimir approached with the others, taking a cautious interest in the priest. He was the first person they'd met inside the monastery who didn't speak in that annoying half-whisper. There were about 15 feet away when the monk from earlier stumbled up the steps and into the room, panting. "Stop!" called the monk, running in after them. "Lord Priest, I am terribly sorry for this disturbance," he apologized, and then turned to Vladimir angrily. "The likes of you are not welcome inside this monastery! Step away from our high priest and leave immediately!" he huffed firmly. He turned to Talon and spoke in strict disapproval, "You seem like a good man, sir, but to think that you would allow this...this monster to sneak freely through our gates, it's absolutely unacceptable!"

The monk blinked in fear as Vladimir abruptly disappeared and materialized directly behind him, leaning over his shoulder. "Really, monk, you could hurt someone's feelings talking like that," he grinned cryptically into the man's ear.

"Get away from me, demon!" the drenched monk cried out, grabbing firmly onto Vlad's wrist with both hands. Smoke hissed up from the vampire's skin as it the holy water scalded him, but his grin only widened as the monk stared at him in terror.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but we don't die from just that," he scoffed.

Mizuki:

Kaze made a "pfft" noise at Vlad's comment. After entering the monk came running up behind them speaking angrily about Vlad and now Vlad was about to scare the man out of his skin. Groaning, Kaze looked to Talon for actions to take.

Emora:


Talon looked to the High Priest and bowed his head in respect. "I am sorry, your grace... But, this is a servant of the Queen. He has seals on his abilities that only she can let down... He is harmless really... He means no harm... just playful erm... jokes." He looked towards Vladimir. "Aren't you..." He glared, as if ordering the vampire to not cause trouble.

Soran:

"Of course, I'm only joking, your honor," Vladimir echoed casually. "Forgive me, brother, for my rudeness. I must have eaten something that didn't agree with me," he said darkly to the monk next to him, a half-insane fanged smirk spreading across his face.

Nickole:

The poor priest was so busy worrying with Vladimir that he failed to notice that Ylia hadn't washed, either. It wouldn't have bothered her, really, though she disliked the Catholic ways..., she preferred her own Elven Religion... but she would not want to offend the high priest or cause any trouble.

For once, her inadequateness was actually useful to someone..it made that poor, soaking priest's day a tad less stressful.

Kyosuke:

(OOC: Just pointing out that Catholicism doesn't exist on Heirot, actually, the admins should really get together and create the deities for the site, but oh well, we're all kinda lazy, or at least I am.)

Kyosuke lay comfortabely on the bed he had been given. To the casual observer, it appeared as if he was still sleeping, but slowly, his breaths began to speed up. The slow steady breaths he took when he was unconscious slowly became the quicker breaths that one would take when they were awake. HIs eyelids flickered as well, signalling that he would wake up soon.

Mizuki:

Kaze tried not to smile so she focused on ahead of her instead of looking around. She sighed loudly in order to try not to laugh.

"Ahh.. excuse me. May I asked why you have summoned us?" She asked the preist.

Emora:


OOC: Soran and I just got through doing just that a few days ago. You can find the information on the Home Page. And Kyosuke is right, no religion that is in the real world is in the fantasy world.

Ic:

Talon noticed that Ylia and the others seemed ill at ease with washing there hands in the holy water. It didn't matter if you weren't with there religion... but it was an act of respect to do so. You were there guest and should abide by there rules. They hadn't asked you to switch religions... just simply wash your hands clean from anything that would "offend" the holy man.


Nickole:

OOC: Just to clear something up, Ylia wasn't ill at ease with having to wash her hands. It wasn't a problem at all... the reason she didn't wash was b/c Vlad poured out all the water b4 she got a chance...

Briena smiled when Vlad soaked the priest. She honestly wished Vlad would eat him. It would be....amusing. She sighed; it was a shame Vlad was linked to that awful queen of light; he could do well striking out on his own. Then he wouldn't be in her way. She walked in with the others; she didn't think she'd ever see the inside of a holy place that was based on light. It made her sick thinking about it.

Shinobu glanced up at Ylia and smiled softly. "Oh... yes... I'm alright," she said with a certain amount of fake cheer to her voice. "I just have my mind else where... and truly want to go back and look after Kyosuke. But, if there is one thing I've learned its not to anger the person giving you shelter or not to anger a priest. They usually have a way of pleading to there god to wreak havoc on your village..." She smirked towards the priest, keeping her hands in front of her.

Kaze watched everyone silently. She wasn't sure of what they were supposed to do here, and she was actually starting to get annoyed. Talon seemed fine, at ease, but she wasn't. She wanted this mission done and over with. The queen needed her information as soon as possible and this was just stalling them more and more.

Causiously, she walked up to Talon. "Sir Talon," she said with an air of annoyance she didn't mean to let out. "I really wish to be done and over with this soon. Every moment we spend here is every moment we stall in getting the information to Queen need's."

IC: Talon smiled at Kaze. "All in due time. We have injured and must attend to that matter first. The queen would understand. She is a patient woman. Besides... Shea isn't going anywhere. She will be here until our Queen destroies her."

OOC: Shea: *cackles* She cant try! Yes... try... doesn't mean she'll get very far!

IC: Talon looked at her and grinned. "It would be quite rude to just run out on these people after they have offered us shelter. If anything goes wrong, we have the means to defend outselves. You are good with magic no? You must always trust in your abilities... If you don't, who will?"

Kaze sighed and nodded. Smiled softly then walked away to lean against a cream colored pillar. All she could think of was getting out of here, finishing the mission and... then what? Keep on running from her unseen attacker? Kaze then became alert. What if this was a trap by her attacker? She scanned the room warily, looking for anything suspicious.


OOC: lol. I got braces today >_<

OOC: Aww poor Mizuki!

IC:

"That's enough," said the high priest, raising a hand to dismiss his flustered servant. He stood up from his pulpit and walked down toward them calmly, stopping before Talon. "I know you must all be tired from your difficulties today, and sense you are in a hurry to be underway again. Worry not, I merely wished to meet in person the group that was able to destroy the wolf demons that have been terrorizing our monks. Please treat this place as your home tonight, and stay as long as necessary to heal your wounded friend."

"Oh, I must seem very rude. My name is Olin. I'm a high priest in service of our Lord," he continued, eyeing Kaze and Vladimir from the corner of his eye. "And may I have the honor of knowing your names as well?" he asked.

"Kaze." she said distractedly. She was still searching for anything that might be suspicious. She was very tense now.

OOC: They ain't bad but... kinda annoying... I'm constanly feeling them with my lips and tounge...>_< lol

Talon looked at him and stood up straight. "I am Sir Talon Raider, under Queen Sinead's command," she said, bowing his head politely to the man.

"Van Humpensinch Peter Richards Eladriel Johann Serndip Hornthaw the Third, your honor. Don't hesitate to call," Vladimir said flatly, smirking. He did not like this person.

"I see," chuckled the priest, taking careful note of the vampire. "It is very good to meet you, Sir Raider, Kaze. I trust the rest of your companions are assigned beneath you as partners in your mission." He turned to Vladimir again. "There was just one thing I wanted to ask, sir Hornthaw the Third," he said politely, "how is it that your envoy came to sustain such damage despite the powers common to your breed?"

"Oh, I'm sure they had things under control," said Vladimir indifferently, though a brief image of Kyosuke lying mangled in the brush came to mind.

The priest frowned. "Is it not your duty as their comrade to ally with them in times of danger?" he said calmly.

Vladimir chuckled darkly. "Oh, I was hardly in danger, but thanks for the concern."

"I meant their danger," the priest asserted.

"You seem to have misunderstood something," Vladimir said lightly, scratching his head. "I was asked to go with them. No one specified that I was to guard them if they were too flimsy to handle it."

"So you see yourself as superior? You see no obligation of loyalty whatsoever?" the priest demanded in a dangerously calm voice, standing right in Vladimir's face.

"If I say yes, it's still none of your business," Vlad teased, levitating the small priest's cap up off of Olin's head and spinning it in the air above his finger. He was clearly enjoying the priest's foolish questions.

Briena watched Vlad exchange "pleasantries" with the monk. She wondered what in the world the monk could want with someone like Vlad. It didn't bother her too much though. Olin seemed caught up in talking to Vlad; maybe he wouldn't ask for names again, and she couldn’t really interrupt their conversation. She hovered close to the back of the group. She hoped she would not catch Olin's attention. She knew she didn't like him. He was too moral for her liking. Briena hoped she could get out of this light-accursed place soon.