[Quest] It's a (Dangerous) Kind of Magic

[Faylon Kwanda]

[Until now Faylon had remained relatively quiet. Making himself inconspicuous he stood in the back and waited while everyone else was talking. Listening to everything that was said and paying special attention to Maria who was offering the bounty on these three escaped Wizards. Summoner. Voider. Reimancer. An interesting and dangerous trio. The Voider had already been responsible for the deaths of several citizens but the others were clean of blood as far as anyone knew. It seemed likely to Faylon as he had heard mentioned that at least one of the Wizards would head for the docks and try to escape Zeltiva on a ship. Likely at least two of them were thinking the same thing which is why Faylon had quietly let his mind drift to what the third may have been up to. No doubt at least one of the Wizards might try to take advantage of the chaos in Zeltiva.] [Amongst those gathered Faylon recognized several faces such as Idue and Nai’shee but the others were largely unknown to him. Eyes turned to look at the others, Anselm and Leigo, and Faylon saw the girl, Aello, leaving as well. Noting them all Faylon regarded the faces present as his competition currently seeing as how everyone here would be out looking to collect the bounty on the heads of the Wizards. Making matters worse was that they weren’t exactly considered criminals either seeing as how their conditions labelled them insane. Except for the Voider, possibly, who was guilty of publically murdering several citizens whether or not it was by accident. While everyone else was talking Faylon was thinking about that.] [Nodding his head once he had listened to Leigo outline the roles of the group and his plan before finally stepping forward Faylon would have remarked...”You definitely have it all figured out. Your idea of a group is sound.”...it was a compliment but it sounded like a backhanded one and it wasn’t long before Faylon had added...”The Docks are also a good place to start. These Wizards are criminals so it stands to reason you’ll find at least two of them there wanting to escape the chaos of the city but not all three of them. Where would someone who wanted to ride out the storm go?”...a relatively simple question that Faylon wouldn’t answer. Looking at the faces of those present he’d then go on to say...”That girl that left ahead of you is likely hunting for the Wizards too which makes this a race. You’d better get moving.”...it was safe to say Faylon had thought all of this out after spending some time watching everything that went on and hearing Maria out.] [Smiling briefly he’d have tilted his head once and went on to say...”Idue. Nai’shee. Good to see the both of you again.”...then he began to move away from everyone else and back out onto the streets of Zeltiva. Walking in the direction of the docks Faylon had one advantage that would serve him well and that was a good working understanding of the docks themselves as well as several contacts that lived and worked in the area. He’d be able to ask them some questions and see if anyone had noticed a person out of the ordinary from the rest. As he moved away Faylon kept an eye on his surroundings. Everything and everyone had been different since the djed storm. This all reinforced much of what he thought deep down.] [Faylon wore his Studded Leather Armor. It was used but functional and would provide protection against slashing attacks if nothing else. Nobody wanted to be cut so it was better than nothing. On his right hip, sheathed, was his Longsword; ready to be drawn and well maintained for when it was required for battle so that it would not fail him. Maybe the greatest advantage that Faylon had was his own body though; he was strong and toned and he knew how to work in a fight and most men couldn’t stand up to him in a battle of fisticuffs. He wasn’t very tall nor was he completely menacing but Faylon knew what he was doing; he’d killed enough people to have the general idea.] [Now that he was walking away his exact role in all of this was left undecided though. Would he actively participate in the hunt for these Wizards or had he decided to take on a more observant role? Difficult to tell at this point. Footsteps were leading him to the docks though.]

[Lyam]

I was walking down the empty streets, going nowhere. If the storm had hardly damaged buildings and taken many lives, I could feel that the current fear that had spread through Zeltiva was more because of the three mad mages who escaped from the Asylum. I remained calmer that the high majority of the people and did not really feel concerned by all this agitation. I was aware of the danger of course, but also conscious that I could do nothing to help. As a non-magic human, I had 100% chance to be killed and I found it completely foolish to get into suicide only for honour. Let’s just hope that Zeltiva had got enough skilled warriors to counter the three broken mages. Suddenly, an unexpected gathering in the main place caught my attention. Well, not really the gathering itself but one person in particular. The girl I’d met in the forest was there, speaking with many other men and women, each even stranger than his bedfellow. I slowed down, trying to hear what it was about. “…stand a chance. Anselm is right, it would be much easier to kill them, like this we must face them directly.” Easy to understand: they were to try to face the broken mages. “Here were the proud warriors” I thought, cynical. May the gods be with them. I passed them without a look and continued my way. But few streets later, the strange conscious that had already disturbed me twice came again. But this time, I knew what it wanted and I was ready to counter its arguments. “You should go with her” it said. “No I won’t. I don’t wanna be killed.” I replied silently to my conscious. “Yes you will” it insisted “You’re a Kelvic. You’re a protector.” “I had not sworn fealty to her. I don’t owe her anything” My mind shut up but a deep feeling of guilt was growing in my heart. Seriously? I could not afford fighting the mages. I was too vulnerable. I was… “Blast it!” I swore while I was turning on my heel. But I could not fight this deep need I had to protect that girl. I looked for a narrow street where I would be able to shift without being seen and when I finally found it I stood on my four paws and go meet the group in my wolf form. Silently, I sat on my behind near the girls legs. I felt her surprise at first but she recognized me with a smile. As a sign of confidence and to show her I would go and protect her, I pushed her hand with me head, looking for something I’d never wanted before: contact.

[Nai'shee]

A race? It sounded too childish, even for her. She was really worried about both that girl and Faylon, chasing the mages by their own. They couldn't make a proper plan even with four of them, she couldn't even think about going by herself. However, she smiled to Faylon, happy to see him again. She haven't seen him since The Winter Ball and she was really afraid for him during the storm, his wound was deep and she was afraid that he wasn't completely healed and ready for something like that. "Good to see you too", she replied, "I'm glad you're okay". The last comment was a bit because of his brave attitude, which wasn't really a big surprise. After few seconds something else caught her attention. When she was able to look back Faylon wasn't there anymore. A huge wolf Klevic was sitting behind her, looking at her and waiting. She recognized him immediately. She would never believe if someone told her she will be able to tell one wolf apart from another, but she didn't even think about it - it was too obvious. "Oh, is that you?" She was really happy to see him again. They really spent a beautiful day together - she never felt like that in her life. She wasn't in contact with many Klevic, especially not wild ones like this one and she never actually experienced a day of playing and enjoying life without actually saying a word. It was probably due to her babbling personality. "Good to see you again", she said with a huge smile. He pushed her leg a bit by his head and she laughed, it was tickling her. However, this wasn't time to be sentimental. Damn. Priorities. Hunting mages come first right now. "Are you going to help?"

[Idue]

Idue should've known that people would flock to people who had not yet formed a group. He wasn't even sure himself if he would work with this hooded man; he was just the only one who knew to speak up in the crowd. He had done so to draw the attention of those around, and it had caught Idue's. Now others would come. And it started with this Zeltivan man who addressed them rather. . . sophisticated. Idue could only roll his eyes, and shift his antler helm in the crook of his arm. He had sophisticated people. Although no matter how much the man's way of speaking annoyed him, he did give good information. Other than the docks, Idue did not know the city well. So a guide would prove useful in this search. Maybe he knew what places were be good to search if his first assumption failed him. Maybe the hooded man would accept him into the group; Idue didn't need him if they were going to the docks. And plus he didn't want too many people tagging along. That just meant more people to spilt the money with. But the hooded man ignored the stranger, instead addressing Idue. He did what Idue had expected him to do; argue his own choice. Sure the summoner might be the easiest to handle, and the most dangerous if given free reign. Which made sense. But not enough to change Idue's mind. "Valid points, stranger, but still with holes visible. The summoner will not come out into the open until he is given free reign. He has to be allowed to perform his magic in private, only to unleash it later. While the voider and reimancer only needs to release their djed. So insteading of trying and baiting the summoner to come out into the open, we'll just hunt the other two instead, who don't need time to perform their magic." Atleast he realized the docks would be a good place to start. No need to covince him of that too. The hooded man continued speaking, giving away a good piece of information; he had fought mages before. Although the shift of his weight which revealed the man's injury didn't comfort him much; although, winners were injured from fights. Losers died. So Idue listened, as the hooded man explained how you fought a mage. Breaking their concentration. Would that be easy if he hacked their tendons in half with his axe? No time to question, as Anslem continued speaking, announcing he had used projection before. Idue knew little of the magic, but the man said it would be a good distraction, so Idue only nodded. And then the question was asked. Did either of them have a plan? Idue did, and he was about to give it. He opened his mouth, the words about to roll off of his tongue. . . And then a familar face burst onto the scene. Although seeing Nai'shee was nice, knowing she survived the storm, her appearance ruined his current plan. The last time he had seen her, she went ruining like a wild woman for help to save Faylon. A noble choice on her part, something Idue wouldn't have done, but not something Idue felt comfortable with. Could he trust her to back him up if he was injured? Or would she run away, in search of a doctor to save him? At the Winter Ball, it worked out well. But today, they were playing with more than just daggers. Magic was involved, and Idue was nervous. Could this woman benefit them or hinder them? Nai'shee went ahead without pause, explaining what she could provide to the team. Flux was something he knew about. He had seen what it could do in combat, and Idue nodded. A helpful ability, only to be ruined when she said she could barely fight. He figured flux would help in dodging attacks. But this wasn't cat and mouse fighting. This was taking the enemy out offense. Costly, but effective. Although with his current group of fighters, he didn't think that plan would end too well. He would rush in, get killed, and leave these three men to their own demise. No, he needed to revise his plan. While he considered in his head, the stranger began speaking. He had agreed with Idue, which was a good start, and he even had a plan. Although once he started speaking, Idue almost thought this man had already named himself leader. That didn't stand well in Idue's eyes; he wasn't taking orders from this man. Although the plan wasn't too bad. He and Nai'shee would be decoys while Idue would be the grunt and Anselm the watcher. Idue was sure this plan was probably something he would come up with himself. Although he had imagined himself as leader. "A sound plan, except for one small detail; you're not commanding this. In my eyes you're just some citizen. I've fought to the death a few times in my life, so already I have experience over you. You don't just strike me as a leader in combat situations, and I'm not putting my life in your hands." It was proably harsh, and maybe it would bring out racist thoughts from the native Zeltivan. Who would want to take orders from a foriegner anyway? But Idue didn't care. At this moment, Leigo had only shown him the ability to guide them. And until he proved he was more helpful, Idue had no need for him. Nai'shee spoke next, answering Leigo's questions. She was no aurist. And she gave her two cents. She said it was a logical plan, but with their current team, it probably wouldn't work. She even agreed with Anselm, stating it would be easier to just kill the mages. That wasn't apart of the speech Maria had given them. So he finally decided to step up to speak. He ignored the man who brushed past their group as he spoke. "Killing is not an option unless it cannot be helped. And I'm not really comfortable sacrificing my life without a little more thought on the subject. This city is large, and odds are the majority of the people here won't find the mage. So we have time to modify Leigo's plan to be better suiting. My standpoint is--" And for the second time in a span of a few bells, a familar face distracted Idue. When had Faylon joined their little group? Even when the man had spoken, Idue had not heard him. He was too busy considering tactics for this day that he missed his friend's arrival. But if Idue knew one thing about Faylon, he knew the man would go to the docks. And that is where Idue wanted to be. He wished to stand back to back with Faylon as they fought a mage. He was someone he could trust. Nai'shee was nice, but she wasn't a fighter. Leigo got on Idue's nerves. Anselm still didn't draw any emotion from the Benshira. But Faylon could be trusted. And Faylon would be his plan. With him, these two warriors could kill anyone. "I've decided on my course of action. Heed my advice about the docks, and follow if you wish. And Leigo, you're still not in charge." Idue flashed a quick smile, and strapped on his Antler helm. With a simple nod to the crowd, and a slight widening of eyes at the wolf at Nai'shee's legs, he turned and followed after Faylon. He started at a simple jog, never being a runner. With buckskin armor, two axes, and his antlers, people got out of his way. If Nai'shee and the others wished to follow, they could. But now, Idue wished only to fight alongside Faylon. He had let him down last time, allowing him to get stabbed. He'll make it up this time. They'll capture a mage, and celebrate at the Kelp Bar; Faylon with his beer and Idue with a nice glass of water. The area where the speech was being held was slowly clearing. The mercenary group had dispersed after a brief meeting; they didn't need to wait for forming a team. The race was on, and Idue would run it with his comrade. But first he needed to catch up with him. He could see him in the distance, moving at a good pace. And he ran behind him, but he wasn't catching up. So he called for him. Although it wasn't the most. . . normal thing someone would yell to someone else. "Did that dagger wound leave a scar?!" Yeah, that would catch Faylon's attention for sure. Who else could a crazy, antler-headed freak be talking to?

[Anselm]

“Those two,” said Anselm, pointing his cane at Idue and Faylon. “Strike me as men who know how to handle themselves in a fight.” He followed them, moving along at a surprisingly quick pace for the three-legged man. “Anyone else coming?”

[Lyam]

When Nai'shee asked me if I was to help, I just gazed at her and blinked. But I was not really to help the way she thought; I was a protector, not a fighter. Whatever would happen, I would remain with her and do my job. That's why I didn't really listen to the curious plans and arguments the warriors had over my head; I just didn't care. But when I saw some of the warriors leaving the group, I rose my head and looked at Nai'shee. In my eyes was shining a simple message "Where you go, I go"

[Nai'shee]

If she thought Faylon was silly for rushing, she was even less able to believe Idue followed. Of course, he was battle type of man, but he was on detailed plan a second ago. She was afraid to go like this, without any plan, but she didn't stand any chance on her own and her adventurer's spirit was on. She gave a quick sight to the wolf, to see if he is coming, and then followed others. She was sorry for Leigo, who probably won't come, because even if he really acted a bit arrogant he was the only one thinking reasonably here. Even she wasn't the type to overthink things. When she looks back at all of her plans she improvised too often. She could help and she hoped she won't be a burden to any of those. Her life isn't more important than any of theirs and she hoped they realize that. If you don't try to learn to defend you don't deserve protection. She tried to learn it, yes, but not really hard, tho. She didn't give any sign that she was following, but she didn't try to be quiet, her noisy footsteps were just behind Anselm who was trying to catch up.

[Leigo]

Well judging by the speed all strangers were moving away from him, Leigo was clearly not a people person. No matter, he was used to clashing opinions and hasty moves. That however didn’t merit his future decisions. Feeling uneasy, boy contemplated giving up the whole thing. Perhaps those guys were indeed enough to help the city deal with murderers that had fled the Asylum. And he would have, were it not for his pride. It would have been so easy to admit defeat, bow his head at Idue’s response and perish into the day. Hell, he could probably go see Anaya… it had truly been ages. However, a small spark of spite struggled within, growing darker and colder. He wouldn’t bow to a foreigner, and some ill begotten arrogance was a small price to pay for all of their safety. Leigo considered himself to be a man with a plan, and all of them could be but fools for trying to stomp all over it. Regardless, he would proceed. If they couldn’t see the greater good of working together, he wouldn’t give them the chance to gloat over his current situation. The streets waited, and he was not the one to disappoint. Getting out before any of the more ‘organized’ groups could, he headed for the docks. Yet he had a different way, a better way. In his opinion, he would get there before any of those that left immediately before him. But whether it was good or bad to be there among the first, he still rushed. People like him liked victories, but their egos felt threatened at the slightest sight of defeat…. He wouldn’t have that, he would never have that. As he laid a path with one foot in front of the other, his muscles ached as they ripened from strain. And the crowd shifted what from his heavy breathing and unorthodox yelling and some more from the hurried sound in his step. Truly he wasn’t meant for such physical things, and whether for his inability to excel at them or their pointless nature, he considered himself too evolved to resort to such primal things… usually at least. He was his own everything again. That was perhaps best. Leigo would be the watcher, and the grunt and the one to play deceit too; yet more important than anything, he would be the one to judge them should they ever draw closer. One thought plagued him, however. Arrogance got people killed before, and he was no fool, he could recognize his. Yet he considered himself more than a man, so that should have balanced the scales. It didn’t however and he was left with a halfway eaten feeling of guilt for dispersing the crowd. Potency and fealty mixed themselves in terrible concoctions, he could see that. Steps grew shorter, breath turned to iron, and muscles ached with thousands of inferior creatures dancing against their surface. But he was there, he could do it. Alone, like always, he could do it. Once shunned away, his ego grew ever stronger. It was good that they left, they weren’t good enough for his plan anyway…

[Paragon]

OOCThe large group needs to reach the docks before I post for them. Leigo, when you post again, I may have a surprise for you. Aello The brunette girl paced the ruined streets of Zeltiva. Rubble was strewn randomly, remnants of the past, before the storm struck with its full fury. Aello had her fair share of enemies. And her fair share of 'past' too. But there was something odd, walking amongst this ruin. Something resonant. In all her reverie, she had barely noticed the circles drawn on the ground. At uneven intervals, rough circles had been chalked into the ground. Some were larger than others. When she became aware, it was too late. The man she faced was as unhinged as they came. Rebus Marthen. Seven years ago overgiving had tipped him over the edge. He had been placed in the asylum for his own safety as much as others. But now, staring through his cool blue eyes, he watched Aello with interest. In one hand, he held a small razor blade. It was hardly a weapon, but when he pressed it to his finger, he drew a little blood regardless. Aello would have to act fast. Rebus crouched to the nearest circle, finger perched above the outer line. If she listened carefully, she would hear one word carried on the sea wind. Shoyden.

[Aello]

The white rubble; taking an elderly edge of grey crackled beneath Aello's sole, as though it could sense the tension within the thick afternoon air. The rising storm; the essence of power that hung around the huntress, and the crazed shell of a man who had once been destined for greatness. His shadow, crawling out into the fading light of the sun, as the girl's magic caught hold of him, long before she took note of the strange, swirling symbols. Endlessly scrawled circles, that she tread upon. The intricate drawing seemed to fade into the city's skin as Aello stepped forward a few paces, allowing her eyes to slowly rise and meet her opponent. As each mercilessly dark orb met the icy pools, her hands came up, bringing the gentle curve of wood forward. As she inched the string back, the barrier creaked. She could feel the sound buffeting her ears, nearly make out the waves as she closed her left eye, and drew her arrow's point over Rebus' robes. As her arrow locked into place, Aello eased the string back only a little farther, past her right ear. As she inhaled, one final time, her fingers fell away, sending the string forward, before it snapped back, and slowly circled, humming as it vibrated and the projectile flew. The dark feathers quivered in the wind, as the arrow sliced through the air. Slowly dipping as Aello's bow returned to her side, and she watched idly, as she slowly exhaled the breath she had til recently, held in. Within moments, the arrow's head pierced the man's flesh. Tattering his robes about the knee. Even from where she stood, Aello could see blood trickling from the wound. Staining the frayed edges, as the fluid wilted. Sweeping into the drooping petals of a single flower. She could see the slightly parted lips of the rose; wishing to scream, although no sound would ever come. You can't run now, Aello thought, as she laced her bow onto her shoulder and drew closer to her prey, slightly confused by the sight of him- his shriveling form, the razor he held, poised over his own flesh. Preparing to strike. Little did she know there was already a bead. A tear, threatening to fall into the mouth. The girl's arms swung as she brushed over the rubble, covering the ends of the magical forms as she approached, and, soon, pulled her dagger from its sheath just before she barreled into the man's side. The gentle curve of the metal, the flat end, rammed into his chest, as he fell back a little, away from his art. Cast in charcoal and various remnants of the past. "Just what do you think you're doing?" Aello hissed, as she pulled her cursed blade from its sheath, and held it beside the man's quivering form. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" she asked, as she nudged him with the flat of her daggers, shaking him a little. There was a pause as she waited for the answer. "Or is it your aim to put an end to the city which imprisoned you, for you have been lost within the confines of your own mind?" Again, Aello shook the man in much the same fashion, as she awaited an answer. As she silently prayed to Dira that the motion could provide him with some semblance of sense. Crazy shyke, Aello thought, as her eyes bore into his skull. As the blood sank.