Pleasure Kingdoms: Second Attempt

[Jacobo_Curious]

Shizura listened in surprise to what everyone else had to say, her eyes slowly growing wider with every passing minute. She was so surprised, in fact, that she almost didn't notice when the unicorn-shapeshifter told her to call him Logan.

S-Surely he didn't hear me think that. Those words... of his... must've been my imagination or something...

But she could only shake her head slightly at the devotion of her friends. When the beautiful and exotic elven samurai Ritsuko swore to help despite what seemed to be a certain discomfort with the idea of entering caverns, Shizura's soft smile shone brightly. "Ritsuko... thank you so much..."

I want to talk with her, once this is all over... Maybe she can tell me stories of the Northeast. About ninjas! I remember Wain telling me about ninjas. Ninjas are awesome!

...but... I'm so glad she's on my side. She must have so many other things to worry about. I guess we make good friends.

What was most shocking to her was Lavastine opening up to them. Shizura felt her heart fill with compassion for the second time that day, listening to the dark elf speak -- and visibly flinching, though trying to hide it after the fact, when Lavastine made a sardonic, sad joke at her own expense on her own half-demonic heritage.

I would've agreed too, yesterday. I'm awful -- Lavastine's a good person. I may not trust monsters, but I'd trust her with my life. She... shouldn't say such things about herself.

The pretty magician girl was tempted to get up herself and follow Lavastine to reassure her, but Dreant beat her to it. Not ready to say anything himself, he stood with quiet solemnity and walked over to where Lavastine stood, and then, with great awkwardness, put a large, furry hand on her shoulder with a gentle touch. Somewhat nervously, he said nothing, but when he looked down into the dark elf's eyes, she could easily see his message in his sober gaze-- 'Allow me the honor of repaying your kindness with my own.'

Satisfied that her ally was in good hands, Shizura turned to look at Zarl while the Macrai-Itoche, with all seriousness, swore to stop Wain.

I imagine he can see the big picture far better than I can. Whatever I theorize about saving the world... really... I can't pretend that this is anything else to me than... that this is about my own problem, between me and him...

And when he began to play his flute, the pretty magician girl surprised herself by finding herself listening raptly. "Please, Zarl," she said quietly. "Go ahead. I would love to hear such a story..."

A monster legend! What a thing for a human to be able to hear!

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl played a little longer, trying to sort out the translation in his head. He sat back, and glanced at the sky. He looked deep within the fire, and stopped playing, letting the last few notes drift off as he took a deep breath, and, speaking in a low voice loud enough to be heard, he began...

"In the Beginning there was only,..." He frowned, trying to express the idea to them. Failing, he decided to speak the word in his native tngue. "Koz'Mos. It was, and is, everything. And within this, were the Two. The Two moved throughout the Koz'Mos, playing and in love. One was the Creator. She was a woman, and she held the power you call the Holy, which we know as Guiz'Mas. The other was the Destroyer. And he held the power of the Void. They moved throughout the Koz'Mos, and she created things of wonder, and he made them end in spectacular displays.

Now, the Two were deeply in love, or so the story goes. And through the eons, they used their powers together. Eventually, the found ways to make them work together. Now, they decided to use this newfound ability, and putting their powers together, they began the creation of the universe. The created the elements, great and small, and each of the stars is an experiment in power. Eventually, they decided to try something very new. So, they chosea world, and sought to brought forth the most complex thing they could create: life.

The Creator greatly loved her new living creations, and did wonder at the world. But, unbeknownst to her, her love had brought something else to this world with life: death. Thus he decided the world would be ever-changing, a source of neverending amusement for them both. But greatly was he mistaken.

To control the many forces brought about in this world, they created creatures with would soon become the first totems, to watch over and control the great forces in the world. As the Creator realized what her lover had done, she was made greatly sad. For each life did she love, and the sadness of losing every one outweighed the excitement of each oncoming life. For the new life would eventually end. Thus, her sadness grew, and so her anger. Deciding to end this, she, herself, created a species, unknowingly using teh Destroyer's plans for death in creating it, and gave it great power. Thus, she created the first of the Fae: The humans."

"When the Destroyer learned of this, he was greatly worried. For she had given them power beyond their understanding. Power she hoped could stem Death,...but could destroy the world. So the Destroyer went forth, and populated the world with his own children. But he had not access to Guiz'Mas. So he had to make them of the Void. But the Nothing would not make living things, so he had to use parts of himself to make it have shape and let his creations live. The first of his creatures were rudely made: ugly, and stupid. As he moved on, he was able to create creatures of greater intellect, understands how the creator makes her creations. But the Creator was not idle, she made two other species: The Midfolk and the Elves, trying to curb away death, they were given lives longer than that of any other creatures on this world.

The last of the creatures the Destroyer made, as he was giving too much of himself to his creations, was the Enderonhai. They were beautiful creatures. As beautiful as the Fae of the Creator. And, the Destroyer wept as he gave them life. They were concerned for their creator, and asked him what was wrong. He told them that of all his children, he had made them alone to be beautiful and just. And he was saddened by what he must to to them. He twisted their bodies. He made the female hideous to behold, and cried as he knew what he must do to their minds. But instead of twisting their minds, he created within them a second mind. One tormented by lust and murderous thoughts. But he made it so that as they grew older, these thoughts would slip away.

And he took the creature who was put in charge of the storm, the ThunderLord, and told him that his creations would be put under his care. He told his last creatures that if the time ever came when they were no longer needed on the world, he would return them to the glory he had originally intended for them. And so he left them under the care of the ThunderLord. And he did take those creatures, and teach them, and care for them. And he named them the Guardians of Thunder."

He sighed, taking a handful of dirt, and tossing it into the fire. "For centuries they stayed in the deep jungles where they were raised, learning about themselves, to control the urges the Destroyer had put in them , understanding their purpose on the world, and learning about the Void and what they were. And finally, one day, the Fae came in contact with the last of the Destroyers children, and entered into a bond with the creatures known as: The Macrai-Itoche. But, not all humans were trustworthy. And one dared break the Bond, and the Fae did side with the one of their kind, creating a drift between them and the Macrai."

He sighed, and played a sad little tune on his flute. He played softly as he spoke, in betwwen sentances, adding drama to the story. He sighed again, and looked around at those gathered near. "We, the Macrai-Itoche, know more about the Void then probably anyone. We have spent most of our existance studying it, as well as ourselves. He did not develop blacksmithing, or farming, or any of the things the Fae and other monsters did. Instead, we simply lived and learned. And then the Fae came, and what we knew ended."

He shrugged. "So we live, and we learn. And we die."

He looked around again. "Food?"

 

[Jacobo_Curious]

Shizura was silent for a long time, staring at Zarl as he told his story. Then, finally, brushing her dark ringlets of hair back over her shoulders, she scratched the back of her head and grinned.

"Wow, Zarl. Definately not what the villagers taught me -- but actually remarkably like some of the stories my mother used to tell me." She paused for a moment, and then agreed with the 'food' comment by cutting herself some mountain sheep and putting it on her plate. "You know, I think I like your story better. The Good Creator and Evil Destroyer just... makes things too easy, you know?" She paused again, and then chuckled. "Makes things too easy. Wain would've liked that one."

Her face fell a little at that thought. "He would've, anyway. When we were kids..."

Suddenly a little embarassed at bringing Wain up, she turned back to Zarl, her pretty face curious. "Zarl, what does the word, uh, 'Endenronhai' mean? You didn't say."

 

[Armphid]

Taren left the fire as Zarl started to play, following Lavastine. As the graceful dark elf brougth herself under control, he stayed back, respecting her want for distance. After a few minutes, he came up beside her, leaf green eyes warm and awed at the trust she had just shown them. "Lavastine, thank you." "You showed a great faith in us by telling us your story, and I'm grateful that you think so highly of me...of us."

Truth was, he felt more than a little kinship for the woman. A half-breed like he was...with no place except for the ones they carved out for themselves. He smiled, "I'm glad to know you, Lavastine." "I consider it an honor to be your companion, and your friend." "As a friend...and a fellow half-breed...if I can help you with something, just ask." "We have to help each other out, you know?" Taren nodded, then paced back to the fire.

Zarl's story was almost over, and the half-elf listened with interest. How different it was from the stories he had heard told! He had listened to the tales of elves, men, and mid-folk in his time, and this tale was very unusual. It started the same...the Goddess and the Void together, as lovers. But...the elves were always first in the other stories. Zarl told it well, and as he finished, Taren bowed low to the Macrai-Itoche. "You honor us with so well told a story, Zarl." "I've heard evlen bards speak with less presence and eloquence."

He moved to the fireside, pulling a dagger from his belt to check the mutton. "The meat is done, for those you want to eat." "Please, everyone help yourselves." "Eat up, we're going to need our strength tomorrow."

He then stepped back, allowing the others to slice off what they wanted to eat. Taren looked for a moment at Shizura, then sat next to her. "Shizura...I didn't speak up before." "I feel you deserve to know my thoughts on this." "First, of course I'll go with you." "Even if you hadn't honored us with your story, explained your reasons, I would have gone." He smiled, the firelight playing over his features. "You're me friend, and the leader of my party." "I haven't known you long...but I'd follow you just about anywhere."

Taren was quiet a moment more. "You may not like this...but your friend needs stopped." "Permanently." He shook his head, "He IS a murderer, Shizura." "He trained and experimented on monsters that raid and plunder farmsteads...I saw the bodies." "Even if he didn't command it, he made the situation." "He's a murderer...and if he's a warrior like you say, a coward." "Sending monsters after farmers isn't a way to test his theory of the Void." "I've read the Book of the Fifth too, and it's obvious that this is an extension of that." "This isn't the warrior's way, Cecillian's way." Taren stood, his face a little sad. "If I meet him, I will do all I can to kill him." "Assuming he'll actually stay and face my blades...from what I've seen so far, I'm not too impressed with him." "I'm sorry."

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl got himself a piece of the meat, and began eating it. He didn't have the best of manners, but he was as polite as he could be for his companions, eating normal-sized bites and not slobbering everywhere.

He raised an eyebrow, and swalloewed, licking his lips as he rocked back. "That is the story as we know it. We can not be entirely sure, but we believe it to be the truth of Creation. 'Good' and 'Evil' are simplistic terms, for simple people. We Macrai-Itoche are not a simple people. As for Enderonhai goes, it is from an ancient language. Some say it is the language of the Gods, some say the language of the Totems. I, personally, don't know. It is a word that means the opposite of the word loosely translated as 'shadow'. In truth the word for 'shadow' is translated to 'darkness from the light'. So, in a way, the Destroyer named us 'light from the darkness'. For we are his chosen children."

He sighed. "Chosen to be in one the ones to recieve his greatest love, and his greatest sorrow. For we shall suffer more than any other."

He shook his head, and began eating again. The Enderonhai. Or so they were promised. But would they ever be able to complete the mission that could be entrusted to them, alone?

 

[roleplaylifer]

For long moments, Ritsuko stared out the cave enterence upon the long blanket of green forest that led right up to the mountain's foothills. Her delicate ear twitched slightly as the delicate yet mournful tune of Zarl's flute brushed against her senses for the second time that day. Once more, she found her eyes closing, her breathing slowing as she enjoyed the melodic tune.

The samurai found herself rallying even as the last notes faded away to nothingness, steeling herself against would would no doubt be a very unpleasant journey for her.

As the smell of roast sheep that filled the inner cave began to waft towards her position, she felt her stomach lurch beneath her inner turmoil. Quickly passing on the thought of the dinner her comrades must be enjoying by now, she continued to stare out at the surrounding scenery, stoically watching the sun dip lower in the sky.

Gradually, she slipped into a state of meditation. Seeking to confront her own fears, and hopefully keep them in check for the journey to come, she reached deep inside her for that focus that she seemed to rely so heavily upon sometimes.

 

[Sky Jade]

For some reason that Evee wasn't sure of, she didn't feel like talking much. She was happy that everyone was together again and the hope that they would be able to was held in her heard. She ate slowly as she listened to Zarl's story, a soft smile on her face. She closed her eyes as she pictured the events in her head, another item to tell her mother of the things she had learned. As Zarl finished his story, she opened her eyes and stood,eating the last piece of meat. Her robes whispered softly with her movements as she moved to place a hand lightly on Zarl's shoulder, smiling down at him. Her eyes were soft and filled with happiness. She squeezed his shoulder lightly for a moment before she turned and moved towards the clearing where they had first came in, peering up at the stars.

She lifted her hands and her staff appeared hovering before she took it in her slender hands. She planted the end of her staff in the ground for a moment before she knelt down to pray for a safe journey.

 

[katalynn]

Smiled some as Dreant came up to lend a comforting hand, it did help some till Lavastine came across the horse she had (saved) realizing that it might as well be time to set it free. For as hard as it was to do, perhaps someday she will seek him out and hope that he will take her back.

Something startled or at least caused Dreant to leave her side, that was when she heard another set of footsteps coming up beside her.

"Lavastine, thank you." "You showed a great faith in us by telling us your story, and I'm grateful that you think so highly of me...of us."
"I'm glad to know you, Lavastine." "I consider it an honor to be your companion, and your friend." "As a friend...and a fellow half-breed...if I can help you with something, just ask." "We have to help each other out, you know?"

the words stung somehow, felt like someone was opening an old wound. Even though the words he spoke meant well and were positive, it just broke her heart to actually hear such things. To stunned to speak, or her own words got caught in her throat, swallowing back a sob.

Turning to watch as he left, she was able to hear Zarls' tale and knew most of it. Mostly tales she has overheard from the lands she came from but never really thought anything of it. Even to this moment she didn't think much of it, the music he played toyed with her senses all the more, making it hard for her to think on what was being said.

Found herself at the black beauty she had takened, murmuring a spell of safety and small connection spell for when and if Lavastine will live through this, perhaps they will find eachother. Soon started to take the packs and supplies off the horse. It shall be free by the mornings light. And food, food was the last thing on her mind so she skipped out.

To them it would be so simple if I was to ask them to cure my blood. But to me..... it is not so simple. Yet, I can not go to the one that summons me... There are two people right here that can do it..... but I can not ask them.... They will think that it is the easiest thing in the world.... Then again... perhaps? ..... No.. There has to be another way, just has to be.... And Dameon, what in this Gawds' hell does he want with me?

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl got up, eating at the meat. He nodded at Eeve, and wandered after Lavastine. He watched her a moment, as he chewed and swallowed.

"We shouldn't be in there too long. If you can find a steam or lake, we could hobble the horse. It wouldn't wander off too far, especially with some food and water. We could pick it up once we're out."

He knew Lavastine liked her horse. He didn't think she'd really want to get rid of it.

 

[katalynn]

was more scared than anything about going into the caves. Caves is pretty much what she grew up in as a kid and what she went through was not at all pretty, not really wanting to deal with the memories of such horrid times. Yet, it is the path that has been chosen for her to take, one with her friends.

Lowered her head upon hearing Zarls' voice and his suggestion of what to do with the horse.

"Did you see such a place when you and Logan were coming up here? From this point, I do not hear any streams but we can try and find some place."

Looked back towards where the others were, they were all talking and doing their own things. Looking back towards the horse and Zarl

"I never thought I'd say this.... but I'm scared Zarl... me and caves don't mix very well."

closing her eyes and lowering her head once more, ashamed of admitting such things. At this point, shes known Zarl better than the others and felt that she had to say something to someone.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl smiled, and nodded. "Me and Logan passed a mountain stream. It's only a few minutes walk away. You stay here, I'll go hobble the horse. That is, if we can get some rope."

He put and arm around her shoulder, and smiled at her, trying to lift her spirits. "It's no problem, Lavastine. This is now, that was then. Besides, with limited space, no one should be able to get to you without killing the rest of us first. And if they can do that, well,..."

He shrugged, and realized he probably wasn't doing a good job. He pulled her in close, and nuzzled her neck. "It'll be okay, Lavastine. I promise."

 

[NyghtRayne]

Logan knew he wouldn't be of much use in the caves. He could fight with the sword he carried, but he was not as experienced as the others seemed.

He knew as well that there would be no way he could travel through the caves in the form he favored most, he would have to change. He figured he could change after his watch, he was more sensitive to scents and sounds while like this and was better prepared to watch over the group.

He looked to Taren, who, Logan was very thankful that he had grabbed his pack to bring along. It was a little hard to carry his things in unicorn form, he usually managed though. "Tarne I will take first watch, then before I wake the next one I will have to change back. I know I cannot travel through these caves like this."

He did not really get involved in the stories, as he didn't have much of one to tell. From what he had heard so far, the others seemed to have more going on in thier lives than a guy who had been raised in a small farming village.

 

[katalynn]

Lavastine smiled some at Zarls attempt to cheer her up, only to feel the comfort and reassurance of his embrace.

"Aye, everything will be alright."

sighed out, mostly telling herself that things will be alright.

"I might have some rope, after all I have to get over walls somehow when I'm sneaking around.."

giggled a little before going to her packs and finding a some rope. It wasn't much, but it was long enough and would work for this task. When she returned to Zarl instantly wrapped around his neck and gave him a loving a kiss.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

The kiss with which he returned to Lavastine was lustful. He broke away, taking the rope from her. He eyed the horse up, and then tried to lead it over towards where the stream would be.

"C'mon, horse, let's go bed you down for the night."

 

[Armphid]

Taren nodded, "Thanks for volunteering Logan." "Though I wouldn't worry about the dungeon." He just kind of shrugged, "It's been made to allow trolls to walk abrest in, it'll be big enough for a unicorn." He clapped the splendid beast on the shoulder, nodded to Shizura and Evee still aroudn the campfire, and then walked away into the darker parts of the campsite.

It took him a minute or two to find Ritsuko. The sun had set, and the slender samurai seemed to blend into the night. He finally caught a glimpse of her, standing by the cave entrance, facing the place where the sun had slipped below the horizon minutes earlier.

As Taren approached, he could practically feel the concentration of her mind and heart. Her power was great...he wondered if she knew that? Not wishing to disturb her meditation, he crept quietly to a nearby boulder, sitting down atop it and watching her. Leaf green eyes surveyed her, studying her face with it's elegant beauty, and the delicate curves that so intruiged him. Everything about her intruiged him. The way she fought, the way she spoke, the way she moved, that deep courtesy she found so obviously necessary. That rare small smile that sent a tingle up his spine whenever he saw it.

He could admit to himself that he'd entertained daydreams about all his female companions...the lustful nature of his bastard blood, he supposed. He knew himself enough to know that he was attracted to all of them physically, and most of them on other levels as well. Yet...there was something more about Ritsuko that seemed to grip him.

As the night deepened, he watched her. He would not disturb her in her moment of peace, and when she finished, he would be there. Waiting with more eagerness than he liked to think about, to hear her words.

 

[roleplaylifer]

In the depths of her meditation, there was another. Another prescence that confused her momentarily more than it frightened her. Frowning softly, she channeled focus into her ken sight. Even though Taren had made every effort to not make a sound, he had managed to trigger her inner alarms.

Recognizing the half-elf's cool, flowing aura for what it was, her slight frown smoothened out once more into a look of serenity. She was loathe to let go of this state of peace to once more come to terms with what was ahead of her. But to not do so was weakness.

Slowly, her eyes opened, searching out and gazing fondly upon the waning form of the moon. Turning slightly, she met Taren's gaze squarely, a faint smile turning the edges of her thin lips upward.

"You've come for that duel then? Or is it promised words you would have from me?"

Though her melodic voice carried all of its usual solemness, a hint of teasing mischief glinted somewhere deep in her sapphire eyes.....

Glancing back at the moon briefly, she spoke first.

"Wain has made his first error....if what he told Shizura is correct. He cannot possibly test our full power in such a manner."

Turning back to the half -elven warrior, she sighed softly as she tried hard to drag her thoughts away from the cave system that lay out before her.

"I hope there will be a time, Taren Orlandau, where I can actually show you what I can do. I am quite thankful that the time does not seem to be now. Who knows if we will need that edge when Shizura's sensei actually comes for us."

A light smile teased her face again as she regarded him.

"But you have not come to make battle plans, have you? Come, let us talk...."

 

[Armphid]

There was a gleam in her eyes that sent a pleased tingle up his spine. Her voice was as calm and serious as ever, yet there was a teasing in her eyes, the way she moved, that was both delightful and unnerving.

Taren found his mouth was a bit dry as he spoke, though he was not sure why. "I am sure that when that times comes, you will startle and impress me as you have done since we met."

He stood up from the boulder, his gaze flicking to the moon before back to her. She looked so striking in the moonlight...the silvery illumination caressing her fair skin, her hair drinking it in. He found himself staring, and forced his gaze to her eyes, a faint blush on his cheeks.

"Though I would like to spar with you sometime...that is not what brought me to you now." "Nor has the coming day's trials." He flexed his fingers, feeling more nervous now than when Shizura had proposed going into the dungeon. "You said you wished to speak to me, and I...I have been awaiting an opportunity to hear your words." He flushed once more, looking up at the moon. "I have been very eager to...I know that's foolish, but I have not looked forward to something that was not a fight in a long time."

Taren looked down the slope, toward the trees and the stream that Zarl had mentioned. "I would very much like to hear whatever you wish to say to me, and to talk to you...would be as fine a way to pass the night as I could ask for." He wondered if he should ask her if she wanted to go to the trees...since the cave seemed to bother her.

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee prayed for several minutes, complete still. Her eyes opened slowly to gaze once more upon the sky, watching the stars shine.

"Such a beautiful scene."

She straightened up, her robes flowing around her before smoothing themselves out against it. She laid her staff back against her shoulders as she turned to see where everybody was. Ritsuko and Taren were heading off in the direction of the stream, Zarl and Lavastine were together, Shizura, Logan and Dreant were over by the fire. She hmmed for a few moments, trying to decided on what to do.

"I think a bath will do. The battle wore me out."

She made her way to the stream. She slipped her robe off and laid her staff over her garments before she slipped into the water up to her neck. She mmed softly s the cool water carressed her lithe form. Her tail swished back and forth slowly.

 

[katalynn]

As Lavastine watched Zarl lead the horse away to a safer spot, she wondered back towards the camp to sit at the fire. Mostly goint into a meditative state as she watched the flames dance around. Needing to calm her own nerves down and gain her focus once more before the night was over and the morning light brought them into the caves. Was no good to the group with her nerves shot, so this was the best time ever to ease herself.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl told Lavastine to stay by the fire, trusting in the others to take care of her, and led the horse to the stream. He found an area with some nice grass nearby, and hobbled the horse. He yawned, and leaned down, taking a deep drink of water. When he got up to leave, he caught an odd sound.

He drew his katana, moving softly along to where the sound was coming from.

He blinked, seeing Eeve in the stream. He noticed her things on the shore, and felt the excitement building in him. He sheathed his sword.

"Well, hello there. Mind if I join you?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

As much as the samurai disliked the caves, she liked the thought of splitting up from the party even less. Silently she watched first Zarl and Lavastine walk past her position of vigilance, then Evee. At least Lavastine returned moments later...

Her thoughts returning to Taren, she nodded slightly to the half elf. Not wanting to stray far, but far enough to be out of normal earshot, Ritsuko scanned her immediate surroundings.

Moments later, she was seating herself on a smallish boulder several yards from the cave enterance. A soft pat invited her half-elven companion to join her on her semi-comfortable perch.

"Where should I begin? Ah yes.....how about "thank you." For aiding once more in a battle that should have meant my life. For having the courage to stand up for my honor and virtue when you thought it was being taken advantage of. For....caring."

While she spoke, Ritsuko's eyes rarely left the soft light of the rising moon, her voice kept gentle and serene. A soft furrow marred her radiant face briefly as she continued on another thought that had been bothering her.

"Worth."

Turning for the first time to really face him, her face was dampered by its usual seriousness.

"That is what I wanted to talk to you about."

Noting the confused look on Taren's face, she continued.

"I myself often ask myself, what I am worth? Now that my clan is no more, and I am reduced to ronin. I have spoken to you of these things before, they should not be new to you."

Her mind relived the morning's events, recalling her battle with the Shadowmaster in particular.

"Hidoshi told me that I was a ronin, a masterless vermin now that I am without clan. If I had not met you, I would have believed him. Do you remember the first time I met you, and the group that I now call friends?"

The image of herself, ragged and torn kimono barely clinging to her shapely body, kneeling before Taren, practically begging to be commanded sprung unbidden into her mind. The image actually brought a half-smile teasing its way across her face.

"You accepted me, you and everyone else. I felt none of the shame I was supposed to feel with my status. Perhaps things are very different in the Western lands."

The stillness of the night was broken by an almost musical chuckle.

"You should have seen the look on Hidoshi's face when I rebuked his insult."

Holding Taren's gaze with one of her own, her smile slowly faded.

"Yet I feel some inner turmoil within you as well. I suspect that it also deals with worth. At first, when I began to travel with you, it confused me greatly. Yet I think I now have a guess as to what is wrong."

That quirky half-smile again.

"You have much honor, Taren Orlandau. I wish my father could have met you. I am sure you would have garnered much respect before him....and I say this knowing that you are half elven."

She let this sink in for a few seconds.

"My people measure worth by strength and honor. You have both of these qualities in no short supply. Your bloodline makes little difference to me."

A slim hand reached out slowly to brush lightly down one weather lined cheek. Her eyes searched his for a moment, gathering as much courage as she could muster.

"It is my fond belief that if my father would have met you, his search for a respectable suitor for his daughter would have been over."

Pausing only briefly, her head dipped forward slowly to press firm lips against his, her breath warm on his skin as she paused to relish the moment, pulling back after just a moment to smile almost hauntingly at him.

"Just as you once braved all to tell me what you thought I am worth, so have I seen fit to tell you. I only hope that this talk has not shamed you in any way."

 

[Sky Jade]

Evee had gotten a good potion of her body washed and had her head back in the water so she could see the stars when Zarl approached. She blinked out of her daze to look towards Zarl.

"Um...."

She blinked a couple of times as she pondered his question. She was sure of what his plans were, but her body was aching now. She sighed softly for a moment before she answered.

"Well, normally I would say yes Zarl, but I am not in the mood to do anything but relax in the water. I mean, you are free to come in the water to bathe as well, but I don't feel like doing much other than sitting on this rock."

She patted the small underwater shelf that she had been sitting on for a few moments.

 

[The GrandMage]

Zarl of the Macrai-Itoche (Green)

Zarl shrugged, and got undressed. He gave his clothing an eye, sighing as he realized how cut and bloody his pants were. He sighed, and slipped into the stream, sighing at the feel of the cool water. He submerged himself under the cool water, and spread his wings, stretching them before folding them back against his back and sitting on the shelf next to Eeve.

He sighed, and relaxed into the water, looking lazilly up at the sky. "Beautiful, isn't it? In my homeland, we can't see the sky except for in a few clearings. That's why our ancestors never left the jungle. They were afraid without the trees to hold it up, the sky would fall on their heads."

He chuckled, his eyes wandering across the tiny pinpoints of light.

 

[Armphid]

Taren felt...everything. So much emotion that for several moments, he was too stunned to really feel any of it. He had stayed silent as she spoke, listening to her words. As she had spoke of her stations, his leaf green eyes had urged her silently to accept her worth. She was far more than...whatever being "ronin" meant. Then she had laid her hand to his cheek, and his eyes had gone wide and wondering.

"It is my fond belief that if my father would have met you, his search for a respectable suitor for his daughter would have been over."

Pausing only briefly, her head dipped forward slowly to press firm lips against his, her breath warm on his skin as she paused to relish the moment, pulling back after just a moment to smile almost hauntingly at him

"Just as you once braved all to tell me what you thought I am worth, so have I seen fit to tell you. I only hope that this talk has not shamed you in any way."

Her words took his breath away, and the kiss that followed them, was a bliss that he had not expected to find here. Her lips were strong and from, yet soft and warm. It lasted only a second, and as it ended, he found that he wanted to feel her kiss again.

"Shamed me?" His voice was low, and thick with emotion. "Nothing could be farther from the truth." "Your words...have honored and...and touched me more greatly than I can say." "I've not the poet's tongue, though I have wished that I did."

He looked into her face, eyes luminous with warmth as he spoke, "In these lands...I am worth nothing." "I have no land, and only the property I carry on me." "I do not even know my lineage, except that it is of two races, and that here...I am seen as filth because of my mixed blood." "I hoped that I could bring some honor, some worth to my name through a life of adventure...though honor would be mine only in the songs that were sung after my death."

"Then...I met these people." "And I started to wonder...for they did not curse me or treat me poorly." "Then...then you came." He shook his head slowly, "So noble, so skilled and bold, so strong willed, so beautiful...and you spoke to me with courtesy and grace." There was a shy smile on his face. Taren was never this open with his feelings...and he was almost frightened by the fact that he had to share his thoughts with her now. "It was then that I thought that maybe...maybe I am worth something." "If you were so kind, and smiled at me...then I was doing something right."

He looked up at the moon a moment, and when his gaze fell to her once more, it was open and strangely vulnerable. "I wish I could have met your father as well." "Then we would both know his views...I have no one to approve or disapprove." "My Master would not say, and the woman who raised me wishes never to see me again." "But I think that they would both be pleased and surprised that a woman of such quality would speak such words to me."

Taren took a deep breath, steadying himself. He hadn't felt fear like this in long years. Yet he knew why. He was terrified of her rejecting him, even now. Of having opened himself to her, and her turning away. However, he reached down and placed one of his hands on hers. "If you believe your father would approve then...then I wish to court you, i-if you accept my suit." He lowered his head, until his face was scant inches from hers. "Never in all my years of traveling have I found someone like you, and I am sure I will not again." "Ever since we first met...I have found you to be in my thoughts." "Whenever I let myself wander...it is you that my eyes have sought out."

He was silent a moment more, unsure of his footing here. He'd never learned this sort of thing...it wasn't something he thought he would ever need. "Will you have me as your suitor, Ritsuko?"

 

[roleplaylifer]

Her eyes widened with shock, the sapphire spheres glimmering brightly reflected in the moonlight.

"If you believe your father would approve then...then I wish to court you, i-if you accept my suit."

The rest of what Taren said after that rang dully in her ears. Though still heard, those words would be cherished for nights to come.

She recounted a sad smile as he spoke of his treatment in these lands, how honor and pride counted for so little when stood next to something as petty as bloodline.

"I am certain that my father would have approved, stubborn though he was."

She chuckled slightly, the rocky expanse of cliffside tinkling gently with its music.

"He'd have had no choice. Your Earth trances are strong, Taren...and that would have earned my Mother's respect."

Almost as capriciously, her visage regained its normal solemnity.

"I know how it is to feel worthless. It was my Father's plan that I become a teacher of my people, that they learn the new Trances that I'm not even sure how I developed. Now I have nobody to teach, and even if I do prolong my clan, will it have been so worth it to teach Moon magics when all the other elements may have very well died with my clan?"

She turned to face him fully once more...the first time since Taren had asked his final question.

"In you I see potential. I see strength, honor, loyalty, and the desire for friendship and companionship. Furthermore, from what I hear, I can tell you also seek a place where you can be accepted."

She smiled softly as she once more recalled their first meeting.

"Never hesitant, are you? Despite the worst of situations, you seem always ready to act, to take command. Even now, you grasp the demon by its horns and face the very fear you spoke of just now."

A soft smile playing across her cheeks, Ritsuko stood up, reaching soundlessly for the scabbard of her katana. The lacquered sheath slid easily from beneath her tattered sash. Not letting the nervous warrior next to her in on her little game, she offered the sheathed weapon to him.

As his nervous fingers slowly wrapped around the scabbard, she flashed a brilliant smile, the first true smile she'd worn since before the demise of Clan Hitari.

"You do have permission to court me, Taren Orlandau."

Even as the stoic half-elf seemed to breath a sigh of relief, the air around him burst once more into musical laughter as the elven samurai flew away from him, still leaving her sword in his hands.

"But only if you can catch me."

Blowing an encouraging kiss in his direction, the foothills filled with elven chuckling as she prepared herself for his pursuit.....