The Wanderer's Quest

[Zircon]

Altalus

Altalus saw for the first time the insubstantial form of the Wraiths. Its cloak burning brightly in the night revealed the claws and demon eyes quite clearly. Altalus did a quick spin kick to the head. But all he did was kick the cowl of the burning cloak away. The swirling mists of the Wraith formed again, but this time it looked angry. Its claws reached for Altalus. When it failed to touch the quick Altalus, the Wraith changed tactics. It ran after Altalus, with its demon-sword drawn. The sword handle looked small being gripped by its huge claws.

Altalus had stamina, and so he ran. But he knew that he will soon tire, whereas the Wraith can keep going until eternity. Altalus knew that he needed to buy some time for Zeslakk to finish off first the Wraith confronting Talia. With his vision, Altalus easily avoided low handing branches and obstacles underfoot. Not quite as insubstantial as Altalus thought, the Wraith still had to avoid or stumble in the dark, only guided by some mysterious force. Running aimless, Altalus sometimes just barely avoided the sword and claws. Acting as if he had stumbled, he let the Wraith catch up. With another quick spin kick, Altalus was surprised that his bone protrusions have cleaved the demon-sword at the hilt. Not wanting to stop and ask the Wraith why this happened, Altalus continued his flight.

Coming to small brook, he hoped that the swirling waters will discourage his pursuer. Altalus with care leapt from rock to rock until he was in the middle. The Wraith was baffled and did not continue to pursue. Altalus needed to judge how long Zeslakk was going to take to dispose of the Wraith before he removed himself from the swirling waters. Meanwhile, he rested to get his breath back.

 

[The GrandMage]

OOC: This dead already? But it was off to such a good start!

 

[Dark Warrior]

OOC: Well, it was probably my mistake: I was waiting for Talia to post. I'm willing to keep going though.

IC: Zeslakk

Zeslakk darted in between Talia and the Wraith, knocking the woman aside somewhat ungracefully in his hurry to protect her from the Wraith. She had not been ready for the sudden force, and she spilled to the ground as the Wraith paused, taking in its new opponent. It gave an unearthly scream and lurched forward, a sword appearing as if from nowhere and cutting out towards Zeslakk. He ducked under, the blade just barely missing his hair, and then a second attack came, and he jumped over the blade, his hands reaching upwards and grabbing a hold of a tree branch. As the Wraith prepared to attack again, Zeslakk swung backwards, gaining momentum to swing forwards, hurling himself over the Wraith's head, spinning in the air before landing behind the creature. Before the thing could even realise its danger, the symbol that Zeslakk had taken out during his jump was implanted in its back. It gave a hiss and reared forward, collapsing right next to the stunned Talia.
"Sorry, can't stay." Zeslakk said softly, before turning to run in the direction of Altalus, and the creature which was trying to work out how to get to the temporarily safe warrior.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

OOC: Talia can't post very often. Must have taken the bit of silence to mean we quit. Humph.

IC:

The large wererat watch thed battle, sitting easilly as religious-boy went off after the last one. He turned to his guest, motioning out. "Besides, see that? They do all the work. I simply saved you and sat down. Not that I could fight them, but, well, they tried."

He shrugged, keeping an eye on his charge. This was scertainly easier than fighting. He glanced to the horizon. "It'll be morning soon. Good thing, too. I don't particularly like this body..."

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

The wraith was still waiting, but frequently glancing behind it whenever one of its companions was slain. Altalus heaved a sigh of relieve when he saw Zeslakk running towards him. With his protrusions all drawn out, Altalus leapt high into the air, somersaulting over the wraith. He had cleared the wraith’s head barely. With a outward cross of his arms, Altalus had managed to cleave the head of the wraith in two. Of course, the wraith was angry at this puny attempt, flailing his sword wildly. This was precisely the reaction that Altalus was aiming for with his foolhardiness.

Turning round and round like the waters of the brook avoiding rocks, Altalus soon had the wraith disrobed, in preparation for Zeslakk’s little surprise. With one last rapid back spin kick at the wrist, Altalus had the wraith disarmed. The broken sword was now traveling to the bottom of the brook. The claws slashed out in retaliation, but even Altalus was surprised that he could easily avoid the clearly telegraphed moves. The Altalus saw the horizon lighten, and he realized that the unrobed wraith could not bear the touch of sunlight. With more determination, Altalus played his slash and avoid game with the wraith, as either the sun or Zeslakk would reach before his strength or luck gave out.

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki

Koyuki simply nodded at the wererat’s words, “Nonetheless sir, thank you.” The small woman turned and watched in amazement as the strangers battled the demons. Never in her young life had she seen such skillful yet deadly displays of martial prowess. So engrossed in the battle, Koyuki was not aware that she had stepped out of the safely of the trees in order to see the battle more clearly.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk came running over to where Altalus was facing against a wraith, pausing momentarily as no opportune chance to join the combat emerged. His eyes drifted off to the horizon, and a tiny smile played at the edges of his lips.
"Ho!" Zeslakk called out, catching the attention of the wraith as Altalus dropped back a little. The deformed creature turned and swiped out with his sword, once, twice, but Zeslakk darted between the creature and the brook, dodging both strikes. The wraith's eyes were suddenly stung by the very first rays of sunlight, and it recoiled, leaving its defences open as Zeslakk jumped forward, giving a yell before plunging one of the silver holy symbols into the creature's chest, dislodging the weapon immediately and spinning around the stunned wraith, his body now behind the undead creature. He leaned forward and whispered a farewell to the creature as the sun emerged further, adding more pain to the wraith's already imminent death. Zeslakk turned to Altalus just as the wraith began to disintergrate.
"Are you OK?" he asked softly, his eyes looking over the others to see all was well and good.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He stared, transfixed at the horizon. As the first rays of sunlight hit him, he shot up to his full height. His eyes began to glow brighter, until they were a faint welcome to the sun's glow. With sickening sounds, his bones returned to their human shapes, muscles and tendons changing shape, and a few size as well. He stood, balanced carefully, and his tail thrashed wildly while it sharp, being sucked back into his body. Fur and claws shark, and were gone. His bone, in a matter of mere minutes, went from wererat to hum. Finally, his eyes slowly ceased to glow. And once the light was gone, he collapsed forward, falling to the ground.

He breathed deeply, gasping for air as every fiber of his being danced with new and different sensations. He put the palms of his hands to the ground, pushing himself up, He righted himself, and his clothing, making himself more comfortable as he looked at his charge, following her out of the trees. He glanced at the others, then around the area.

"Who would want you so bad they would send wraiths, and an even more important question, who would have the power to?"

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

After helping Altalus and Talia, Zeslakk walked over to where Linden, who had returned to his normal form, was posing a question to the girl he had saved. Zeslakk just managed to catch the question, stepping up beside Linden. He waited patiently for the young woman's answer, tucking his hands into the sleeves of his robe.

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

OOC: Sorry guys...I was pretty disappointed when I thought you all had finished. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.

IC:

Talia breathed a sigh of relief and smiled kindly at the frightened girl.

Talia leaned against a tree, seeking shade from the piercing mourning rays.

The girl seemed to be chewing over what she would say.

Atalus seemed contented now, and none the worse for the fray thanks to Zeslakk.

Talia walked up to the priest and tapped him on his shoulder.

"I don't believe I told you thank you as yet Zeslakk" she siad kindly with a smile. She thought to hug him but thought that would be a bit over much.

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk shot a sideways glance at Talia, the cowl of his robes covering the wry half-smile he often wore.
"It was a pleasure, lady Talia. Think nothing of it. It is my religious duty to rid the living world of those horrors... if that means I must save someone in the process, then so be it." he whispered to her, his tone rich with happiness.
He always felt better knowing that less of the walking dead stalked the world after he was done.

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki

Koyuki quickly stepped backwards as the others approached her. She kept one hand firmly clasped to the front of her cloak, anchoring her hood in place and making sure her face and hair remained securely hidden from view.

She bowed awkwardly towards the strangers and spoke haltingly, “My thanks m’lords and m’lady. Words cannot express my gratitude. Surely the gods were watching out for me. If not for you, I would now be on my way back to him.” The last word was said with undisguised loathing.

Koyuki paused and looked at Linden. Though her eyes were hidden from him, she had the uncanny feeling he could see them anyways. Reluctantly, she continued, unaware that she now trembled as she spoke, “Those things were sent by a man who was once human. He traded his humanity long ago for power. As for his name, I do not know. I was a slave…his slave.”

She could see puzzlement in some of the eyes watching her. Why would someone so powerful send wraiths after a mere slave? Did they just risk their lives to save a worthless servant, especially one that is a runaway? Koyuki began to worry. Would these strangers desire to turn her in to him? Surely they know he would reward them with riches.

The more she thought, the more she worked herself into a panic. Koyuki had grown up knowing full well that her kind was viewed with disgust by society. She had seen and experienced first hand the fear and loathing directed towards her people. Koyuki took another step backwards. She now trembled with fear from head to toe.

If they discovered she was a Mejiro, they would definitely understand why wraiths were sent after her. And most importantly, they would figure out the reward for returning her would be unimaginable riches. They could do that, they had to do that, after all, they were human.

Koyuki’s frightened thoughts, coupled with exhaustion and hunger from fleeing without rest, were too much for the frail woman to handle. Without a sound, she simply crumpled to the ground in a dead faint.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He looked at the others, then bent down, and scooped the woman from the ground. He lifted her in his arms, kepping her hood over her face. He looked around at the other, then off towards the horses. "Well, we best get going. She can ride my horse. What are you three looking at? She just had a bad shock, and it probably exhausted. We'll worry about her later, okay. You just leave it to me. We've got to keep heading North."

He looked at each of them, and then turned, walking back to the horses. They were less afraid of him, now, and he carefully put the Mejiro on his horse, making her as comfortable as possible while keeping her head covered and making sure she wouldn't fall off the horse. He retreived his helmet, and put it back on his head. He took the horses reins in hand, looking at his missing finger before he started walking, leading the horse as he went. He couldn't just leave her here, not if one of those types of men were after her.

He knew a few people that would accept her. People who had accepted him. They could give her a good home, and more importantly, protect her. They didn't stay to long in one place, and all of them could handle their weapons well. They carried silver weapons, and they would watch over her.

 

[Zircon]

Altalus

Altalus nodded in way of thanks to Zeslakk and his bag of tricks. Now he understood the power of faith that Zeslakk was able to wield. No longer would he doubt the words of the monk. His skills in defeating the wraiths were sufficient enough to alter Altalus’ perception of the success rate of this mission. The Were-Rat’s skills were no less amazing.

‘Thank you Zeslakk.’ That’s all that was needed to be said, as Altalus walked back to where he tied the horses. They were still where he had left them, so another grateful sigh of relieve escaped from his lips. Altalus re-robed himself, his cowl covering his eyes, and lead the horses to where the group were.

He listened with interest to Koyuki’s explanation. Linden seemed to that problem well in hand, and so Altalus turned his attention back to the mission. He was glad that he got some extra horses, for now that they could all ride and make good time.

‘So, we are still on the right path to Jhaalen Woods then. Lead the way, Mr. Linden.’

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He looked over, and motioned across the clearing they had been fighting in, to a rather large road. "That road leads up to the forest, then turns west, because the land the woods is in is filled with hills and great rocks. Just follow it until it turns, and there's a smaller path that continues going. I'll take the back, watching our back in case the wraiths had friends. Besides, don't want to move to fast and have the woman fall of the horse."

He smiled, and nodded for them to move on, going behind them, looking around as he led the horse at a walk. No reason to go fast, there wasn't much danger. The wraiths would be alone. He made that excuse up so they wouldn't worry about the girl. She was obviously afraid of what they would think. But he didn't feel that any of them were from the 'normal' concept of society, and would therefore care about her. But still, it might make her feel better if she suddenly awoke. He looked at her, unconscious, then turned away, letting his mind wander as they traveled. It would be a few hours, yet.

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki

She was caught up in the throes of a nightmare…The dark swirling fog twisted and flowed into the terrifying form of a large beast. Blood red eyes flashed angrily as hollow voice spoke in her mind: <<Foolish child, you belong to me. And those that you travel with will regret the day they laid eyes on you.>> Cruel laugher echoed after her as Koyuki turned to flee…

Her eyes snapped open as she bolted upright not quite fully awake and confused. The bed or floor she was on, she couldn’t tell which it was, swayed beneath her. She reached out to steady herself and grasped open air. Losing her balance, Koyuki gasped as she felt herself pitched to the side.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He turned at a sound. The woman, she was awake. And then, she was falling. Immediately, Linden was there, arms catching her just before she hit the ground. One knee hit the ground, the other foot solid as his arm slid under her. Good men died from falling off horses.

He stood up, looking at her. He sighed, and shook his head. "This is the third time I've had you in my arms. You continue making this a habit, and I'll think you're trying to flirt with me, woman."

He gave a grin to her confused and frightened face, and motioned the others on as he set her on her feet, standing tall as he looked at her. "Staying on a horse isn't that difficult. You did just fine when you were asleep."

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki

Koyuki was now awake…very awake. Her large silver eyes grew even bigger at Linden’s words. Horrified that he would even think she was purposefully throwing herself at him, the small woman jumped back hastily and bumped into the horse behind her.

It was then that the rest of his words made sense. So that was why she felt the swaying motion. The horse nickered softly and moved its great head to nuzzle her, pushing her hood off in the process. For the first time since her escape, Koyuki smiled as she gently scratched the horse’s nose. Animals both tamed and wild, unlike humans, usually accepted Mejiros readily.

The morning sun was now shining it all its glory chasing the night shadows away. Koyuki continued to stroke the horse’s nose as she peered up at Linden. “I do not flirt,” she said with grave seriousness. She doubted he knew that Mejiros bonded for life, a bond that allowed two to share all thoughts and feelings, even death itself.

Koyuki looked ahead to the others in front, “Where are we going?”

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

I sat easy in the saddle, thinking backon what te girl had said. it seemed that she was fearful of what we would think of her. I coud pick up that from her aura.

That was a bit strange,why would she fear us. And who wa she that a Master as powerful as hers would have to be waste time on one slave girl. Indeed to send a whole bunch of wraiths after her?


I wondered if she had told us every thing. Linden seemed to have stopped her from toppling to an early death and was taking care of her now.

Still, they were a lot of niggling questions in my mind.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He stared her a moment, then looked around before looking back at her. He shook his head and drew his hand down across his face. "I was joking. Good Lord woman,I know you were a lave, but don't you have any sense of humor? No wonder no one likes your people, you take everything so damned literally. Come on now, up on the horse. We don't have all day. And fr your information, we're being herded by a minor God to go do some quest for him, which will probably end in all of our deaths."

He shrugged, and turned around, walking after the other horses while waiting for her to get up and get a move on. "Anyway, come along. I don't see you having anything better to do, and it might be run to listen to what we're going to do. Besides, t the very least I can give you directions to som frends of mine who will help you. Might even be able to take you there myself if the fates are kind and give this quest a lot of traveling."

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki

Koyuki swung herself up on the horse with effortless grace. For a brief second her cloak slide back, revealing slender wrists that were cut painfully raw and red from where the slave chains once bonded her. Koyuki looked down from her perch, her strange colored eyes filled with hurt and sadness, at Linden.

“Jokes are a luxury we slaves could only dream of. As for my people, you would not understand.”

She watched the others ahead of her for a moment and remembered her frantic prayer back in the woods…Save me from this and I swear I will serve under your name... A quest from a god. Could it be possible? Koyuki shook her head, only time will tell.

 

[The GrandMage]

Linden

He looked at here. His eyes meeting hers for a momen before he turned, and continued walking. He looked back over at her, and then turned to the road. "You said 'we'. You need to stop thinking like that. You're not a slave anymore. It's not just a dream now. And you're right about not understanding your people. I don't know your people. But as long as we're all traveling together, I might as well learn about you, and the rest of these weirdos. I swear, he must be the God of weirdos. Look at our bunch."

He shook his head, but heard no one laughing. He smiled to himself, walking along beside his horse. He looked up at the former slave, and then back to the road ahead. "So, Koyuki, are you hungry? Thirsty, perhaps?"

 

[Dark Warrior]

Zeslakk

Zeslakk grew as silent as before as his horse plodded in a slow, steady rhythm.
He could feel the woman's power, and he was fairly sure that he knew what she was. For it was a power that he had been in contact with once before... and that contact had been...
He shook his head, fighting back tears from a painful history. He reached up and pulled his cowl further over his face, not wanting to show any sign of weakness to his companions.

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

There was a sudden spike of energy and i felt an acute increase of pain in one of my companions. a quick check narrowed it doem to Zeslakk.

"What is wrong my friend?" him pulling his robe up had only confirmed my belief.

 

[Silhouette]

Koyuki

At the mention of food, her stomach rumbled hungrily. Koyuki looked apologetically at Linden and braved a sincere small smile, “Aye, some food, a slice of bread perhaps, and some water would be…wonderful.”