Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl wanted to laugh at the half-elf. He knew little of this college, but he had heard about 'awards'. Plural. He doubted if only one deed, even one this great, would be enough to get them in, especially if the college worked the way he thought it did, using these awards as a way to kill off the weaker magic users so only those who have a good control and power can get in.

Besides, he'd lnever be let in. He thought about heading back to town with Lavastine, and fucking her silly. Instead, he grabbed his pack, yawned, and moved off after the group, examining his pants. He wished he knew how to use the void to make material things.

He sighed, knowing he'd need more clothes once they got back to town. These pants were bloody and tattered already. Perhaps he should buy extras next time.

He looked over at Ritsuko, and Eeve. He decided it would probably be better to work on Eeve for the time being. He doubted if the elven maid would ever lay with him now. He sighed inwardly.

"What a day."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan considered it a moment as the group prepared to leave, he then turned to Ritsuko. "I think it would be best if maybe you and Eeve rode as Levastine has a horse and it would make travel faster if less were walking."

He knew he could carry the two women eaily and possibly Taren as well along with them. Zarl he would be able to carry but only if none of the others rode, or maybe him and one of the women. He figured if anything Zarl would ride with Levastine.

"Taren, I have made offer to carry you and Ritsuko and Eeve as we start out. We can travel faster if the party rides. Maybe at the next town we should find mounts for everyone?"

That covered the group if they rode, Levastine and Zarl, and then Ritsuko, Eeve and possibly Taren. He wondered about the squirrel like creature he had caught glimpses of. It had been there for breif moments in the fights, then when it seemed everything had settled it was gone again.

He pushed the thoughts of the wizard and his death from his mind for the moment, he knew it would haunt him though as they travelled. The look in the man's eyes, the smirk upon his lips as he imapled himself upon Logan's horn. Those things would shadow him for a long time to come.

Logan stood watchful as he awaited the rest of the group's input on his idea.

 

[Sky Jade]

OOC: Sorry I've not been posting. Lit hasn't liked me much lately...like not always saying I posted when I have.

IC:


Evee frowned as the arguement seemed to start briefly for a few moments before things were resolved. She smiled at the resolution.She smiled and nodded gently to Ritsuko's question.

"Of course it's alright for you to travel with us. The more the merrier I say."

She giggled for a moment at her words and then looked at Logan for his offer of a ride.

"Sure, I think that would be a good idea. You can go faster than we can walk. I accept."

She paused for a moment at Logan's suggestion of everyone having mounts. She let her staff disappear for the time being as she pondered the idea before speaking.

"Perhaps, we'll see. I've not had great luck with horses in the past though."

She moved to Logan and hopped onto his back carefully, her legs both over his right side.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine glanced at Logan as his words and the sound of him snuck up on her. Wasn't used to people just coming up to her and asking if things were ok.

"Aye, he is fine. As for someone riding with me, I'm sure we can work something out. He seems to be a little skittish around everyone still, but we do need to make haste from this land."

She took a glance of where the wizards' body lay. Quietly she murmured a few words, pointed a finger in the direction and soon the body was in flames. Nothing else would burn, just the body of the filthy human.

"I am not sure how welcomed I will be at this college of yours. Just how big is this next town that we are headed to?"

Getting on the horse once everything was packed away, wondering who will be riding her. Also wondering what had happened to the squirrel guy. She was sure she could probably handle three people, but wasn't sure how the horse would like that.

 

[Khadgar]

Dreant Firebane

Dreant watched them argue, and argue more, talking about saddling up and heading for town. Dreant flinched, town? town!?! towns were crowded.... with people. people with weapons who hunted and chased those who were different. he shivered with the thoght. the door opens and they surge out with their knives and swords.

when Dreant came back to his sences he was laying back on the treebrach, holding the sides of his head. he hopped back up. where was he? there were no trees in the clearing.... what happened?

and then he remembered, the wing creature and the golem had gotten into a fight, noise and light and such, frightening. he had taken off and scaled one ofthe trees edging the clearing. Blinking back, he realized that the group was about to take off.

crouching back on his branch he launched himself into the air, spreading his arms and catching the wind, sailing along the treeline ahead a little ways.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko nodded in partial acceptance to Logan's plan. She had no qualms with riding horseback, as she had shown earlier at the beginnings of the battle. However, she was familiar enough with horses to worry about either of their two mounts tiring under the two people. It was true that both Logan, and Lavastine's mount seemed strong enough, but for how long could they hold their pace?

Cocking her head curiously at the Evee's ladylike approach to mounting Logan, she shook off her apprehension for the moment, determined to keep an eye on the unicorn's health. Should it falter even slightly, she vowed inwardly to remove herself as a burden. Walking confidently towards the unicorn, she vaulted herself up and onto his back, adjusting her katana's scabbard to be a little less awkward and annoying to her gentle companion.

She still hadn't been allowed time to compile her jumbled thoughts. Ritsuko found herself looking forward to the ride, if only to do just that.

She had cocked an eye incredulously at the mention of needing to do great deeds to be allowed into this College that she had heard of. They had just defeated three score ninjas, four kirin, and a Void Mage! How pompous these wizards must be if that were not good enough!

While it did her heart good to see Lavastine burning away the corpse of their wizard assailant, Ritsuko frowned slightly as it occured to her that in that pyre burned their proof of having committed the deed. Not that she was sure anyone would care anyway. Perhaps it would anger the college officials to learn that another magic wielder had died at their hands. The samurai wished, not for the first time, that she knew more about these strange lands.

So the trolls and goblins it was. Especially if the group thought it might gain them the audience that they needed.

"Sounds like we have a plan. I am quite willing to aid you in seeking out whomever is helping the monsters in your lands. I am in askance however, as to how we're going to do just that?"

She frowned at the dark elf's hesitance. She hadn't thought of the problems Lavastine and Zarl might have entering such a place.

"I don't know how big the city is, or even that there is one around the College. I had only heard of it from joining your group."

The samurai blushed with embarassment.

"I had just assumed that if there are a lot of wizards there, that someone should be able to help me get back home."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

"That's what the College does, it seems. Train wizards and Sorceresses. I have my own thoughts on these quests they make you take, but, that is not a travelling disussion."

He stretched a bit, but did not get on the horse or the unicorn. He spread his wings, and yawned. "Now, I'm confused. Are we heading on the see the other Void Mage in the neighborhood, you know, who isn't after Ritsuko and has a horde of ninjas, or are we heading back to town?"

 

[Armphid]

Taren shook his head. Like herding cats. "We're going after the trolls who raided the farmsteads, if you'll all remember." "They're connected to whatever sorcerer has been training monsters to fight like soldiers." Taren was walking up to Logan, and gauging the unicorn's strength. "He's causing a lot of trouble for the people here, and if not dealt with now...this could become a problem that engulfs this continent."

He laid a hand on the unicorn's flank. "Thank you for the offer, Logan, that's how we'll do things for a while." "If you or Lavastine's horse gets tired, we'll go slower." The muscular half-elf pulled himself up. Eeve was seated behind him, Ritsuko behind her. "Let's get going then." "I want to find this wizard and deal with him soon."

"By the way, I think that with what we've done today...it may be easier to get into the College than you might think, Zarl." Taren grinned, "We've already done quite a few deeds."
And from what Gynan said, the College is interested more in deeds than in race, for the most part." "They do more than instruct magic-users too...they teach use of the Fighter's Trance and fighting skills, some of the best warriors int he land teach there."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan started off at a decent pace, he knew he had better stamina than Levastine's horse as the creature was not of a magical nature. He could probably carry Taren, Eeve and Ritsuko for a good distance, and even though the horse was a hardy animal, Logan was better equipped for the journey.

"Taren I shall let you know when I grow tired, so we can rest. Keep an eye on Levastine's mount as well."

As they walked on through the woods, he let Taren guide him where they needed to go, or where thay thought they needed to go and he drifted off into his own thoughts.

He knew the wizard had impaled himself upon his horn, but it disturbed him even though. He had threatened to kill the wizard if he didn't help his friends, but he didn't know or think he could have done it.

He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the wizard's face from his mind. He didn't think it would come easily, and knew it would take time if he would ever be able to forget the last look on the man's face.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

"Ahh, yes, but you need these quest awards, a good deal of them as I can tell, to get in. And quest awards are given by townships. And townships don't look to highly on monsters. And let's not forget Taren, the town had no problem with people out to kill Ritsuko, only the monsters. And so, no matter how many we face, it is all the mere matter of facing these monsters."

He sighed, and climbed on top of Lavastine's horse, getting behind her. He spread his wings before settling them back down, and moved his arms around to cup her breasts.

"I doubt they'll give more than one, though it may encompass all of us. I do think that the reason they do this is to weed out the weak, or foolish. For example, if you're in a forest, and use a flame spell that sets fires to everything around you because you're surrounded by goblins. Chances are you'll die in the resulting inferno. I think they do it to get the powerful or intelligent in their ranks, and use it as a way to weed out the 'unworthy.' But, what do I know? I've never been there. Could be wrong, I suppose."

He squeesed, and kissed Lavastine's neck. He whispered to her. "Mmm. I can't wait untol we're done with this. I'm gonna take you somewhere nice and quiet and ravage you for a few hours,..."

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko calmly listened to the debate from her comfortable perch atop Logan's back. She smiled as she listed to the Macrai-Itoche's arguements. Taren's comments of the College's teachings served to further brighten her mood.

"I see. So you need the approval of some high ranking village leader to officially grant you one of these "awards"? Tell me what I'm supposed to do then. If it is as simple as vouching for you, I'd gladly do so."

She almost laughed out loud at the confused glances brought to bear on her as she explained.

"I'm the last of my clan. That makes me the clan leader of my house. Though I doubt that I should inform the college of my current solitary status. You all prevented my assassination. Therefore, am I correct in assuming that it is my right to give you these "awards"?"

As her words seemed to strike home with the people around her, she gradually let her smile slip from her face as she recalled more of Taren's earlier speech.

"Yes, by all means, lets find this sorcerer who threatens the peoples of this land. Organized monster raids seem to me, to be another chance at gaining one of these esteemed awards that we must achieve. If it helps me gain passage back home, as well as further your cause, then I will gladly help."

 

[Armphid]

Taren blinked as Ritsuko stated that she would give them an award for saving her. He thought about it a moment. "Hmm." "You know, I think that would actually work." "As long as one of the sages knows of your lands, that would count, if I remember the Admissions rules right." He smiled back at Ritsuko, "You see, having yo along just makes things better for us!"

After that, the party rode in relative silence. Taren's sharp ears could pick up a murmered conversation between Lavastine and Zarl..but fromthe groping he saw and the tone,he decided it was both naughty and private, and he shouldn't listen. Behind him, he could hear Evee and Ritsuko talking softly. That's right. He felt a pang of pain and regret as he recalled the position he had seen them in last night. They were lovers. He should let them be as well.

He sighed, noting that Logan did much the same. Taren frowned. Come to think of it...the changer had seemed depressed since the battle. But why? Then it hit him, and he groaned at his stupidity in not seeing it earlier. "Hey, Logan." "I know we dont know each other that well...but when I killed my first man, it helped me to talk to my master." "I'm not as wise as he was, and you didn't actually kill that mage..." for the moment Taren would hold his tongeu on that one. Had Logan just killed him, their battle would have been shorter and the arguement afterword likely not happened. "..but I can at least listen." "These ears aren't just decoration, you know?"

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan's ears turned backward listening to Taren. "I'll be fine.. thanks though.. It's I have never... never killed a human before."

He paused before continuing, he knew it would be better to talk to someone and he was glad Taren had actually offered to listen. "I know I threatened to kill him if he didn't help us in the battle. I don't know if I could have carried through on that threat."

He thought about it a moment.. and without realising it a few brief flickers of his thoughts carried across to Taren. He was confused. He didn't know what to think.. was it ok for him to kill like that one of his own... then the flicker deep down.. if the wizard was one of his own.

"I should have acted sooner. If I had then no one would have been hurt.. the void creature would have been taken care of sooner." The feeling Logan had of letting his companions down flooded Taren, it was not somthing done on purpose, for Logan had no idea he was even doing it.

 

[Armphid]

Taren hesitated a fe moments before speaking. He was going to let that go for now...but since the shape-shifter had brought it up. "Logan, first off, you weren't wrong to kill that guy." "He was going to kill all of us, including you, so you defended yourself." He shrugged. "I know this may sound bad, but you get used to killing." "I've killed only a handful of men, it's true...but they're just another enemy." "That's really what it boils down to, not man and monster, not good or evil, but us and them."

He was quiet a moment. "Logan, I'm a warrior, born and trained." "This kind of thing is something I'm used to, I almost welcome it." "You...you aren't a warrior." "Your hesitation to kill that man almost cost Zarl his life, and the rest of us since I don't think any of us could have hurt that Void Golem." "You are a healer, not a fighter." "If you hesitate in battle, you're going to get someone killed eventually. Maybe you, but maybe not." "So...until you figure out for yourself if you're a healer or a fighter...stay out of battle." "If someone's hurt, pull them out or heal them." "If you're not sure you can fight, and do what's necessary, you're just going to get in the way."

"If that sounds harsh, I'm sorry." "But that's how it is."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan knew Taren was right.. He was not meant to be in battle, so far he had not lived up to his ancestors, maybe he never would. His mother had done her best to raise him, but without his father he had never learned the mindset of the warrior.

"You are right Taren. I will do my best to help, but not get into the combat. I do not wish any harm to come to anyone here, especially if it is because I was where I shouldn't have been in the first place."

He continued on a while in silence. Concetrating on Taren's words, he knew he would in time become a liability to the group if he didn't learn to fight and not hesitate in the middle of things.

"Taren, Could you help me? With the battle things.. I need to learn. To be able to be like my ancestors who were both healers and fighters."

 

[Armphid]

Taren thought for a moment. "I don't know...I've never taught anyone else...I'm still a student myself, even if I don't have a master any longer." He bowed his head, contemplating. After about ten minutes, he spoke again. "I will train you , Logan." "But when we train, make no mistake, I am the master, and you are the student." "I will teach you the way of the warrior, of both mind and body."

He looked up, noting the position of the sun. They'd been traveling a good two hours. He glanced back, the plain and the ruined tower barely visible. They were making good time. "Tonight, we will start."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan glanced back at Taren. "Thank you.. I'll need all the help I can get to be able to help in keeping Ritsuko and the others safe."

He would not admit that he felt something for the woman, not to anyone since he had seen how Taren and she had looked to each other. He liked her but felt he would be in the wrong to let his feelings be known.

And now with Taren taking on the responsibility to teach him, he would not ever betray that friendship.

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko frowned softly from her perch atop Logan's back. Though she could only hear one side of the conversation, she could imagine that it was Logan's mind speech that Taren was interacting with.

While she had tried to keep up her current conversation with Evee, more than curious to learn about her religion and how she came to be so close to a revered dragon, the elven samurai kept one ear tilted to catch stray bits of Taren's half of the conversation.

"You...you aren't a warrior. Your hesitation to kill that man almost cost Zarl his life, and the rest of us since I don't think any of us could have hurt that Void Golem. You are a healer, not a fighter. If you hesitate in battle, you're going to get someone killed eventually. Maybe you, but maybe not. So...until you figure out for yourself if you're a healer or a fighter...stay out of battle. If someone's hurt, pull them out or heal them. If you're not sure you can fight, and do what's necessary, you're just going to get in the way."

Ritsuko winced slightly at the harsh words, causing Evee to pause slightly in the answering of one of the samurai's many queries. Turning slightly in her saddle, Ritsuko dropped a hand to Logan's soft brown coat and gave it a reassuring pat as she waited respectfully for their conversation to come to a close.

"Logan....your courage is your greatest asset in becoming a warrior. While most of what Taren says is true, it may not be entirely accurate. Indeed, he missed the earlier part of the battle."

She twisted in her seat a little more to nod politely to Taren.

"I am by no means claiming what you say is false. You have a good eye for talent, however, there is something you should be informed of."

An arched eyebrow from the stern half-elf belied his curiosity. He had become so sullen during this trip, a fact that had confused her a little.

"When the Golem attacked, Logan asked me to ride with him against the creature. I gladly accepted."

Not waiting for any objections that he might voice, she continued.

"I was nearly unmounted when Logan struck the creature, his horn seemed to do damage to it. Perhaps his back was not the safest place for me to be during the combat, but it was my decision to be there."

She chose her words carefully then.

"I later WAS unmounted by Hidoshi.....a Shadowmaster....a ninja of the highest rank, and a member of high standing with the clan that murdered mine. This fault was mine, and not Logan's. I....had not expected that kind of Trance."

She pursed her lips thoughtfully as she bowed her head in thought.

"I don't mean this as a rebuke at all. I just wanted both you and Logan to know my opinion....though I guess you can just let me know if its not wanted here."

She paused slightly again, taking a deep breath.

"I don't think you hesitated in battle, Logan. Indeed, you were the first to launch yourself into danger. You simply hesitated to kill, and that sometimes is just as bad. If I fall in battle...and you wish to defend me...such actions may very well call for you to slay those who threaten. If you cannot bring yourself to kill, please believe me that I would be just as grateful with a healing."

 

[katalynn]

Smiling as she felt Zarls' arms wrap around her, listening to his words despite the slight distraction of his hands. Though, Lavastine said nothing for now. Wondering what this place will be like, how hard, or if needed, it would be to sneak in. Or if they will let her just waltz right in. Like Zarl, her race wasn't to welcome among others.

Purred slightly as she heard Zarls' whispered words and the kiss upon her neck.

"Mmmm... Aye, I would love that indeed.... And I shall be more careful next time with how I perform my spells."

Finally whispered back while leaning back against him slightly. She wasn't to worried about horse, knew he was strong and can handle for while. Granted he was not of magic, but she knew he was a healthy and strong beast and can go for some time at this pace. Letting the horse pretty much follow Logans' trail with the others.

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan swung his head to the side to let his amber gaze settle upon those upon his back for a moment before looking back to the trail.

He listened as Ritsuko spoke. Indeed Taren had missed some of the battle with the Void Golem, but deep down he still felt he should have been more courageous and not have hesitated when he faced the wizard.

He had thought killing the man would help destroy the Golem. Those thoughts had been confirmed when, the wizard had impaled himself upon Logan's horn.

"Thank you Ritsuko. I will do my best to protect all within this party when I am needed.. or to heal them if I cannot fight by their side."

He continued on knowing that these woods were not very safe in the dark.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

"Mmmmm. Yes, a nice ravaging in something we could both use..."

He slipped a hand into her clothes, breathing his warm breath across her neck as his hand roamed across her flesh to caress a naked breast. He whimpered with restrained need from behind her.

He pulled her back against him, pulling her body tight against his own. His tongue escaped through parted lips, and licked across her skin.

"I want you so bad. Mmm. I could take you right here, right now. Would you like that? I bet you would. Feeling me take you, again and again,...."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee smiled as she talked with Ritsuko as they rode along. She had been carefully in how she rode so that her tail was hanging on the other side of Logan. As Ritsuko turned to talk to Logan and Taren, she listened carefully. She nodded in agreement every few moemnts before she spoke.

"Do not worry Logan, I am sure you will be able to become a good fighter for the group. I may not have much fighting skill because I have the dragon to help me, but there are times when she cannot help me. Part of my training was to study staff fighting. It is just enough to help against at most two people. Though I do have an idea. Perhaps we stop next, we can come up with a plan of battle for our fights. How does that sound?"

She gave Logan's mane a soft pat and placed her other hand on Ritsuko's shoulder lightly.

 

[Armphid]

Taren did feel a bit of sting at Ritsuko's words. More because of who said them than the force of them, or any shadow cast on him. How arrogant and harsh must he have seemed to her! He thought he was being fair and honest...but it turned out he was, at least partially, mistaken.

He let her speak, and Evee as well. During that, he collected his thoughts, trying to make plans for tonight. They would not be out of the woods by nightfall, of that there was no doubt. Lavastine's horse was a strong one, but it would need to rest in an hour or so. Theat would only give them another three hours until dark, and he'd want at least an hour to set up camp...

Seemingly from out of nowhere, he spoke. "It seems I owe you a partial apology, Logan." "I didn't know all the facts." He turned back toward Evee and Ritsuko, "Thank you for correcting me, I must have sounded pretty pompous." "Perhaps I should say when it comes to fighting non-monsters, you should hang back, Logan."

"Your idea is a good, Holy One." He then sighed, "I'm sorry, Evee...I keep remembering my manners." "Anyway, we can't plan out too much...we're too small a group and every fight we get into is likely to be different, but we can set up some general tactics." One more thing to do tonight. All he wanted was to get alone with Ritsuko...to hear what she wished to say to him. He burned with curiosity, and a very fearful, fleting hope. Best not to think about it. "Ritsuko, Zarl, and I will put our heads together and come up with something."

He could almost feel the weight of responsiblilty descending upon his shoulders. He wasn't supposed to be the leader...he was a half-breed orphan...a poor wandering warrior...not a holy dragon priestess, or a samurai noble, or a holy shape changer, or a sorceress, or even a foreigh swordsman of great power. There was nothing special about him. He had no known great lineage or power. Why did it increasingly feel like he was in charge?

"Let's rest for a while." "We take about a half hour to rest, then he move out again at a faster pace." "We'll press on until about an hour of sundown, then find camp." Plus, that would give Zarl and Lavastine time to...release their energies. Their groping and whispering, witht he occasional moan, was a bit distracting...not to mention slowing their pace. He spotted a small glade, with a stream running through it. "Over there, the stream."

 

[roleplaylifer]

Ritsuko was more than happy to dismount after the long ride, even happier to fall to her knees at the bank of the stream and lift a cupped handful of water to dry lips.

Her immediate thirst sated, the samurai once more sought out Taren. Bowing respectfully as he turned to notice her approach, she kept her voice low and unchallenging.

"I didn't think you sounded pompous at all when you spoke to Logan earlier. You offered to train him, and in giving him hope in bettering an area he feels lacking in, you lifted his esteem as well. I apologize if my opinion caused you undue pain."

The samurai graced Taren with another of her rare smiles.

"If you plan to begin his training this evening, I would ask to observe from time to time. The moon will be out, and I have my own training to attend to, but I confess to be a little curious about how this is to proceed. Besides...I still have some things that must be said, just as I promised earlier. I will wait until your training this evening has concluded, and perhaps we can adjourn from there?"

The samurai nodded politely to Evee as she watched the priestess pass by the pair of them. Recalling a previously unanswered conversation, she found herself calling out to the dragon priestess.

"Evee, I tend to agree with Taren's assessment of a battle plan for the future. However, I also agree that it would be easier to have some base foundation of a plan in place to give a little more order in our actions. Now that I've refreshed myself, I'd be more than happy to discuss such things with you and Logan if you wish."

Nodding serenely to Taren, the samurai almost looked forward to the next half hour of strategy to be discussed.

 

[Armphid]

Taren had moved to stand a bit apart from the others as they dismounted and stretched. For whatever reason he was feeling...distant. He didn't like the feeling, yet it persisted. It was not helped by the fact that he could think of many reasons why he would feel that way. None of them were very good.

He was seated on a fallen log when Ritsuko approached, him barely hearing her light footfalls until she was almost upon him. Gods, she was good...no one ever snuck up on him that easily. He smiled at the slender samurai, gesturing for her to join him.

"Your words didn't hurt me, Ritsuko, though I thank you for thinking of me." He toyed with a bit of bark absently, "I've been hurt by words meant to hurt enough before to recognize them, and those that are the words of a friend." Her smile caused his heart to pause, as if it was afraid of scaring the rare and fleeting moment away. When it resumed beating, it was a bit faster.

"I'd be honored if you observed...though I don't know how good I'll be at it." "I've never taught anyone else before, and I know I'm far from being a master of combat, or of weapons." He chuckled, "In fact, I bet my master would be horrified that I was teaching someone else...I can almost hear him now..." The laughter faded as he felt a pang of lonliness. He hated to admit it, but he missed Gynan a great deal...more for his wisdom than his legendary skill. "I need to train too...actually, sometime soon, I would like to spar a bit with you." "Your skill is remarkable, and your form is one I've only seen my master use before." "It would honor me greatly to spar with you, if you would grant my request."

He was silent a moment, listening to the stream as it flowed, the wind rustling the tree branches, the calls and whistles of the birds. "I...have to admit that I am very eager and curious to hear what you wish to say to me." "I think that after my training with Logan would be fine...since this session won't last long." "I need to see where he is before I can see where he needs to go."

Dang it, he didn't want to talk about Logan right now! "I hope that you know, that you feel, like you're one of us now." "you're not just traveling along, you know." "I, I mean, all of us, feel like, well, like you belong with us." He looked into the woods, a shy smile on his face. "I couldn't imagine not having you here with us."