Arcane

OOC: good to see someone posting to this thread again. Lets see if we can revive it huh?
 
Ooc: I was personally waiting for Delite to post, but I am now getting this faining impression that she's not going to.
Oh well, on with the show...



An hour into the journey, a lonely house stood up on stilts. (we'll get to the town soon Trey, but there's something I want to do first) Contra stopped the horse, looking with a mild interest at the place.
It was the only house they had spotted. The trial led on, deeper into the forest and the night, but here faint light glowed, almost unnaturally from the place.
"We're here," he said, taking the now unconscious form from the horse and walking up to the front door.
"You don't have to come, but I would suggest you stay together. There is as much danger here as in any other part of the forest."
Knocking on the door, he saw an old woman open it.
"Ahhh, you've come, early, aren't you?"
This kind old woman, with a wrinkled smile, welcoming those who wanted to come in. She had tea waiting for them.
"I knew you would need my help, the forest told me of your arrival. Please, come, let him lie down here."
Contra let his form fold into a nice bed, holding pillows and blankets. She held her hands to him, looking to examine the body.
"Yes, yes, he's in very bad shape. Not too far gone though, it'll just take some time."
She hobbled to and fro, getting certain things from jars and cannisters. A huge cauldron was on top of a fire in the fireplace, bubbling and boiling like mad. When the soup had curred for an hour, she let it come up to his lips.
"Come on," she slapped him lightly, "Drink."
Contra didn't do much, except watch. (the evil part is coming up, don't worry)
 
Korr followed Contra into the house. A little confused about what was going on, he kept as quiet as possible, only speaking to refuse a cup of tea. Korr thought about going outside to mingle with the wild life but decided against it in case Contra needed any help.
 
Lalita stood near the door her gaze never leaving the old woman. Something about her striked distrust inside Lalita. She couldn't place her fingers on it but she wouldn't ignore it. Her instincts had saved her life before and she wasn't going to ignore them now. So she stood one hand on her resting on her weapon seemingly relaxed but inside she was tense and ready to fight should the need arise.
 
Jake

Jake felt like he was in a nightmare, his dreams were full of evil images. He kept seeing that witch, that demon that preyed on the living, inorder to feed it's hunger. Inside his dreams he was fighting a battle, not with the living. . . . but with death. Then jake felt a force pulling him from this world of dreams, pulling him back to reality.

Jake shot up from the bed, sweat running down his face. He looked around, fear in his eyes. " Who are you" blurted Jake, staring at the man. " Where am I" he asked the man, staring with frantic eyes. The man placed a hand on Jake and eased him back down. Jake could see this man was not evil, his eyes showed trust. Jake grabed his hand, pulling the man down to him. Jake, with fear in his voice whispered into the mans ear, " Get me out of here, were in grave danger" The man pulled up from Jake and gave him an odd look, and at that moment Jake saw the old women, his body froze with fear. The man saw the fear in Jake, then turned around to see what might scare such a man.
 
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"Shhhh," Contra kneeled down beside the man, "Calm down, calm down. There's nothing wrong here."
Something told me this man couldn'tbe convinced. On the verge of death he must have seen visions that could have easily haunted his life for eternity.
"Just lie down and rest, there's nothing more you can do. Don't worry, as long as there is breath in my body, nothing will harm you."
The old woman nodded kindly, finally stepping forward, "I have magic protecting this place. It is only visible to those I want to come, be not afraid. Your body needs to rest."
There was a slight rumbling that hit the house. The tea began shaking and rattling, cups fell to the floor. Contra drew a sword, looking at the roof above.
"What is it?" he asked the old woman.
"They're coming," her voice was soft and distant. It was so unlike her, he had to take a glance to make sure it came from her and not someone else. Her eyes which had once shown kindness, now had a blank stare as she looked at the roof.
Something was horribly wrong.
WIthout warning the roof blew off, in a torrent of wood and hay Contra ducked down to the ground. His sword clattered on the floor, scampering away from his hand.
What had happened?
Looking up, he saw creatures, huge in length. Their bodies were huge and black, hurrendous wings escaped their bodies, flapping back and forth against the wind that had apparently just come up. Long tails came out from them, waving and swirling in the air like lucid tongues.
"Is that the one?" one of them snarled, the woman was frightened now, huddling in a corner.
"Yes, her magic is strong. Grab her," in an instant one of the creatures flew down, taking the woman in his clawed arms. She screamed, but it was drown out by the upcoming wind.
"What of the others?" The winged creature with the woman was already leaving, and the apparent leader left too.
"Kill them all."
A war cry was heard, crashing down upon all of them. In a sudden rush, they charged.
 
Lalita drew her fans and opened them with a flick of the wrist. One of the creatures flew at her it's claws out. She ducked and spun her fan. The creature dropped to the ground beheaded. Silently she sruveyed her position then with a sharp flick of her arm her fans went flying beheaded another three creatures but they kep coming "How many of these bastards are there!"
 
Korr leapt from his seat and gave one of the creatures a punch to the face. The winged beast was surprised by the barbarian's strenght and was a bit dazed from the hit. Another creature came to its aid, clawing at Korr's already heavily scared back. Korr gave the beast a quick backhanded punch before grabbing it's tail and hauling it closer, enabling him to jump on the its' back.

The winged demon tried to lift itself off the ground, flapping its' wings like a humming bird and bucking, trying to knock Korr off its' back. Korr wrapped his massive hands around the beast's neck, choking it. The creature began to pass out, unfortunatley Korr didn't realize how far up in the air they actually were. He now clung to the beast, trying to shift his weight so the beast would break his fall. Seemingly out of no where, the first creature regained its' senses and slamed into Korr, knocking him off the other creature and into the thorn bushes below.

As the thorns sliced into his flesh, Korr hoped that someone saw him fall. The creature tried to snap at him but instead got a mouthful of thorns. He tried to move but cut himself even more as he struggled in the brush. He decided he would wait until the other creatures were gone before he would crawl out of the brush, giving him a little time to heal. Then he realized the beast wasn't missing his body by accident, it was clipping away the thorn bush, trying to make an opening to grab him from. Too weak to move he let out a groan, trying to get someone's attention. There was a roar from the forest behind him, was it help or was it another winged beast?
 
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Jason looked around at his monkey. "Shakra, get some bandages ready."
The monkey gave him a puzzled look and Jason shrugged.
"Just a hunch," he said.
 
With a lunge, his sword laid firmly against his open palm. At once, he held it up, as a winged beast dove down. The blade went in deep, causing blood to spill all over Contra. He turned away, the rampant smell catching his nose.
Leaning over to the side, he let the foul beast slide off of his sword. Up and ready again, he waited for another attack. Too late he realized another beast was behind him, and let it's clawed arm rake across his back. He howled out in pain, turning around.
The beast's eyes dazzled at the blood dripping from it's claws. With a single swift motion the hand now lay on the floor. Contra's sword had aimed true, and it plunged straight into it's heart.
Another one swooped down, takling him. He fell to the floor, his sword still caught in the dead carcass.
He turned, landing on his side, the beast caught most of the fall, as Contra rolled on top of him. His hand instinctively grabbed for the small dagger embedded in his cloak. In an instant it was out and at the beast's chest.
There they lay. The beat with growling and hateful eyes looking up at the man who held his life at the edge of a blade.
"Who are you?"
"Torlac's."
"Why did you come here?"
"To capture the magical one. She holds great power."
Contra spit on the beast, "Why did you attack us?"
Now the eyes of the Torlac became squinted, almost as if it were afraid to say, "To stop the prophecy."
"The what???"
Just like that he was flying. A Torlac had easily scooped him up and was now flying up. Contra twisted as much as he could, but found the grasp too strong. With blind luck, he let the dagger plunge into flesh above. With luck, the beast screamed in pain, and fell back towards the earth.
With luck, he landed on something soft, but he quickly found out that it wasn't just anything, it was Korr who had followed with them on the trip.
Contra got up, apologizing to the man below him.
"Are there any more?" he reached for the only weapon he had left, a small knife, barely bigger than his own hand.
 
Korr managed to escape the thorn bush, severely scared.
"No problem friend." Korr saw a couple more creatures advancing upon them. Then he heard another loud roar coming from behind him. He looked up and saw his grizzly bear friend from outside the tavern tackle the unsuspecting creature, tearing it from limb to limb.

Another creature tried to come behind the bear, but Korr dragged the beast to the ground and snapped its neck. Korr looked about, he didn't see anymore of the creatures, but that didn't mean they weren't gone. Korr pet the bear, "Much thanks friend", as it disappeared back into the woods from which it came.

Korr saw Contra with a new friend. He extended his hand, "Hello I am Korr."
 
Lalita gaze a sigh of relief when the last of the creatures died. She was weak and hurt, her arms and chest bleeding from the many scratches she had endured. She headed outside where she saw Korr and Contra talking. She limped over to join them "Is everyone all right? What did those things want?"
 
Korr smiled at Lalita, revealing the checkerboard of teeth he called a mouth. "They came from the sky." He wiped some of his own blood off his arm. "Good fight."
 
Contra eyed the sky warily. There were at least two more unaccountable. One of those being the leader of these... Torlacs.
It didn't feel right at all.
Hurrying, he went over to the horse, moving it back.
"Ok, we'll get the injured man on here, Lalita, you get on too."
Of them, she looked the most injured. Although, from the searing pain in his side every time he stepped, he didn't doubt he was very far off.
Grabbing the man, who was slowly healing, he lifted him once more atop the horse. He also slid Lalita behind him, so she could hold his limp body up.
'Korr," he looked at the bruised and bloody man, "We're going to have to get a move on. Who knows how many more might be back? Can you keep up a fast pace?"
The horse might be able to hold one more, but he wasn't sure. Best not to chance it, unless the man was more hurt than he realized.
Hell, he was more hurt than he realized.
 
Korr knodded his head, "I will keep up." He whistled an his bear friend returned again, "I don't like horses, my bear friend will help me."
 
Lalita watched Contra silently as they traveled noting his slight limp that he tried to hide and his eyes filled with pain. he was definitly hurt but was putting her health above his own. Why? he barely knew her? and yet the fact that he was made her body grow warm and her heart skip a beat. This was definilty strange...
 
"Come on," he pulled harder on the reigns, despite his own cries to stop from his muscles. His back tweaking in pain with each step, his legs crying to ease slightly. Even somewhere along his chest something would simply not stop bleeding. Yes, they would be in need of a healer as soon as they reached the next town.
Within an hour of this fast pace, a town was reached. A small shady place, that seemed more like a fork in the road than anything else. Only a few buildings occupied it.
He winced, helping Lalita done.
"Perhaps we should get an inn for the night, and look for a healer in the morning."
He pointed to a tavern that looked amost lively despite it's location.
 
"It's time" Jason said out loud. Shakra immediately jumped up and followed as Jason walked to the edge of the clearing around his home. Here he sat down in front of a pile of wood for a moment, then stood back as it began to blaze. Following a line on either side of his home, Jason lit small, sheltered fires in the forest. Anyone nearby would see them, and if there were any rangers, or even anyone with half a brain, they would recognise the line of fires as both a beacon and a trail. After he had followed a line of about a quarter mile on each side of his house Jason went back inside. "They're coming," he said. We'd better start on a few meals. Don't forget to be on guard, Shakra. But don't attack anyone. Use your knife only in defence, if necessary. Hopefully our guests will see the fires from the town."
He looked at Shakra, seeing a primate expression of doubt.
"Have my instincts ever let me down before? No, besides the quest for the Dragonpearl. Okay, AND the Tears of the River. Happy?"
 
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Korr walked over to Contra with the bear. "Use him like a horse, he will carry you so you may rest till we get to a healer."
 
Lalita nodded agreeing with Korr "You need to get off your feet Contra. As much as you deny it you are injured and.." she trailed off and straitened in her saddle gazing towards the forest "Does anyone else see those fires?" she pointed towards the forest frowning "There is something in the pattern, Contra you should know your a ranger. Whats with the fire?"
 
"I have seen it from far off, it is a warning, or a greeting. It can and has been used for both, but I will not know for sure unless I meet the man who has made them."
He shook his head, leaning strongly against the bear as the others adviced him, "But, now, I am not ready for either. I must get some sleep, a chance to rest myself. Korr, if you feel up to it, go to the fires, and see who has made them. Be careful though, the owner could easily be friend as foe."
He moved towards the tavern, now using the horse instead, intending to take their other injured party to get some rest as well.
"Lalita, perhaps you should join him. Four hands in battle are better than two."
 
Korr glanced over at the fires. He didn't understand their improtance but didin't doubt he should investigate. Though one might concentrate on guiding the wounded back to safety, the way of the barbarian is the way of the strong. In his culture, if an injured warrior refuses to accept help once, then it is hereacy if he is helped. Korr believed Contra could get back safely, for in his eyes he is a warrior. He turned his attention to Lalita," Lady Lalita, you help Korr find fire makers?"
 
Lalita hesitated not wanting to leave Contra in this condition but Korr did need her help. Finally she nodded "Yes I will help you Korr" She then turned to Contra "Be carful please" then she off towards the fire following closely behind Korr.
 
Korr headed toward the blaze, intent on finding out who started it. With Lalita follwoing behind him closely, he entered the thick forest, brushing aside the branches which extended from the trees like hands reaching out for freedom. He had hunted in the woods a few times but always preffered to hunt in the open, less chance of being ambushed.

He heard a branch snap in the distance. Reaching his hand up, he signaled Lalita to stop. He looked around the wooded area and proceeded to whisper to her, "Lady Lalita, the woods tell me we are being watched."
 
After scouting the surrounding forest Shakra came racing silently back to Jason, who was cooking peacefully on the blaze nearest his house.
Seeing the frantic look on the monkey's face he dropped the pan of wild mushrooms he was holding and scooped the terrified beast up in his arms. With arms waving and teeth gnashing, Shakra related the story back to Jason.
Jason turned pale as a spectre and began to speak in whispers.
"Her? you're sure? Then our quest may be doomed from the start. Alas for the line of the elven-ranger, for it shall never be!"
With a sigh of a man accepting his doom he stood up. "You may help if you wish Shakra. For now I must go to meet death fighting."

He took a wide circle around the two travellers position, running on feet as silent as those of the higher Elves. From behind he could see them... a bear of a man and...
Yes. It was definately the Snake Witch. He drew his crossbows level to the backs of their heads, hardly daring to breathe, and then-

Shakra snapped a twig from the treetops, alerting Jason of his prescence but unfortunately alerting the barbarian as well.
Stiffening his resolve not to be a coward Jason stepped forward and yelled:
"I am Jason Rangerson! I will not shoot anyone in the back on my home turf, Witch or Witch-Friend though you be. You can not pass my home until you have got past me once again, Demoness!" But as the pair turned swiftly, Jason caught briefly something in the Witch's eyes... they were not the same.
He stood in silence, waiting in honourable fashion for an answer to the challenge. Shakra waited unnoticed in the trees above, knife aimed ready for a drop to the Witch's head.
 
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