PM to join Trouble in Paradise

[Dulute Jadesmith]

Now that his head was clear, Duluute actually listened to Flaren's - that was what Blue Eyes said his name was - ideas. His theory was that there was a third person involved in this whole situation. Duluute could only hope that Jeremiah wasn't the true threat in all of this. He frowned, however, when Flaren suggested splitting up. Although Duluute was fine with getting as far from the house as possible, it didn't feel right simply leaving Flaren in this dark home by himself.

If there really was someone still here, then he would have been an easy target. The only one he thought would have had a chance here would be Saraphina, and he was even reluctant to leave her behind. As strong the image of a human turning into an animal was, he couldn't forget that even the strongest animal had its hunter.

Taking a few steps backwards, Duluute put his hand over his head as he tried to think of a better plan. But no matter how hard he thought, his brain couldn't come up with any satisfying conclusions. Clenching his teeth in anger, Duluute had no choice but to agree. It was too late to turn back now.

"Fine," he said after a while. "Although I detest the thought, it isn't as if there's much more we could do. Not with what we have anyway." Letting out his anger in a deep sigh, a thought occurred to Duluute. "Should we find anything, were would we meet to reformulate a plan? I doubt this strange den would make the best planning spot?" He was addressing Flaren with his questions now.

Saraphina made it clear that she had no intention of leading when she decided to make an apology for bringing them into possible danger. Besides, this was Flaren's idea so it was only right to ask him directly.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow T he house was starting to wear on Saraphina's nerves. So many questions floated in her head and her natural curiosity demanded that she find the answers. The thought of payment for her work no longer really concerned her, she wanted to know what had happened to these two young humans. Flaren seemed to think something malicious had transpired and Dulute looked rather flighty. Taking in a breath, she stepped down and placed a comforting hand on the dark haired man's shoulder, "Maybe splitting up isn't such a good idea. Why don't you and I look around upstairs for more clues as to where or what might have happened to Jeremiah and Liliandra. Or if your more comfortable downstairs, you can watch for trouble and yell if anything happens. But judging from what we've found...I think the house is empty." Squeezing Dulute shoulder in what the Kelvic hoped was a reassuring way, she dropped her hand and turned back to the stairs. Taking the steps one at a time, she winced a bit when the old wood creaked under her feet. Stepping out onto the landing, she looked around the upstairs. O n her left was an open door that led to a bedroom. Saraphina could see the end of a bed and a wooden dresser. Light poured through a hazy window at the end of a very short hallway. To her right was another door, though this one was closed. A bit further down the hallway was a small door that was also open, though she couldn't tell what was in it. Deciding to look in the open bedroom first, the read head poked her head inside. It was a very simple layout, having only three pieces of furniture. The bed, the dresser and a small nightstand under the window. Going to the dresser first, she opened the drawers. Each one was empty, devoid of clothing or belongings. The bed had been made, but didn't look like it had been slept in for a long time. The bed stand had a small drawer on one side. Walking over to it, she opened the drawer and a small book was sitting in the space, looking very lonely and lost. Picking it up, she flipped open the cover. It was a storybook, with simple pictures and childlike wording. But on the inside of the cover was scrawled a message, 'Rest in peace Father. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.' Your Son, Jeremiah S araphina felt a smile tug at her lips as she read the beautiful words. Carefully closing the book, she respectfully placed the heirloom back the drawer and closed it. She was beginning to think Flaren had been wrong about Jeremiah. How could someone that wrote such a lovely memento to his passed parent have the intent of harming another. It wasn't proof yet, but it did explain why the house seem to feel so empty. Mabye Jeremiah had felt that the house was filled with too many memories of his Father to remain and decided to leave. But then...why would Liliandra's parents think that she'd been kidnapped by him? Shaking her head, she walked out of the room and looked around to see if Dulute had followed her up the stair or remained below. There was still one more room to investigate before she was ready to leave the house. OOCFlaren, due to your absence from Mizahar, I have been forced to move on without you to keep the thread moving. If you return and wish to rejoin the thread, please send me a PM. Dulute, feel free to continue at your earliest convenience. Sorry for the wait.

[Dulute Jadesmith]

Duluute looked up in surprise when Saraphina suddenly changed her mind about the splitting up idea. However, this - coupled with the reassuring hand she placed on him - only made him feel guilty. She must have sensed his turmoil and felt that she needed to step in to help him. Suddenly Duluute felt like the crying baby that needed its nurse to comfort him. It hurt his pride both as a fisherman and as a Jadesmith.

Watching Saraphina explore upstairs, Duluute felt even more helpless. His mind was shouting insults and belittling him for his every action. Though this would make a weaker man feel worse, to Duluute this was his idea of a pep talk. "Stop acting like a scared mongrel! You aren't a child so don't act like one! You're a Jadesmith man and Jadesmith men are built for power! So quit your whining!"

Staring up into the steps, Duluute clenched his fist and raised it up to his chest. All his fleeting feelings were immediately ignored. The fear in his heart was out of his mind. The urge to run away was gone. With renewed vigor, Duluute raced up the stairs for the Kelvic female. He didn't care what happened to him anymore. If Saraphina could be so calm in a place like this, why couldn't he at least mirror that calm.

Even if she could transform, she was still human. She could still die like anyone else and she still had fears just like any other human. Yet here she stood without a care in the world save to find two humans she didn't even know. If she could show that kind of dedication, why couldn't he as well?

When he came to the top of the stairs, he found the red head as she was leaving one of the rooms. Though he felt guilt returning upon looking at her, he tried to keep his moral up. "Oh...you finished already. Well, did you find anything of importance?" He didn't see a scroll on her, but something about Saraphina's state had seemed to change. Had she really found something that surprised her that much?

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow L ooking up as Dulute breached the top of the staircase, Saraphina managed a smile at the dark haired man. His uneasiness was rather easy for her to scent out and somewhat confused her. But as she thought about his reactions, it made sense to her. Dulute was a city dweller, a Zeltivian. He was used to the comfort and protection a civilized community offered. Dulute didn't know the horrors and dangers of the world in the same way she did. He didn't perilously explore the wilds or partake in risky hunts on a regular bases. So, for him, the empty and desolate house must be quite stirring. Glancing back behind her, the Tiger Kelvic nodded and spoke in a confident voice she hoped would offer some reassurance to the skittish man, "It would appear as though Jeramiah's Father recently passed away. That room is empty and barren save for a beautiful momentum left in respect for the man. I find it hard to believe Liliandra's parents claim that this young man we seek is such a horrible and cruel person, given the care he's taken to see his Father placed to rest. But I could still be mistaken. Lets explore the last room here and then leave. Then we can discuss what to do afterwards." Braving the unknown first, as she wouldn't ask her partner to do so, Saraphina pushed open the last closed door and glanced inside. T he barrier opened with a slight creak. The inside bedroom was well lit. The window was cleaned of dust and the early morning light filtered through. Decorated on the walls of the small room were more drawing of the same pretty women. The images showed Liliandra smiling in joy, pouting in seduction and full body drawings that showed her dancing in fields of flowers. The bed was neatly made and the dresser drawers were closed. Walking further into the room, Saraphina opened the sliding rectangular drawers. They were, unsurprisingly, empty. no clothing to be found. The nightstand beside the table was also bare, no evidence of where Jeramiah may have gone, save for the map they'd found downstairs. Sighing in disappointment at the findings and glancing around at the drawings, she noticed each was signed near the bottom. Moving closer to one, the red haired saw that the name written was 'Jeramiah' T urning back towards Dulute, Saraphina shrugged lightly and started to walk back downstairs, "Not much else to find here it would seem. Shall we take our leave?" Picking up the map once she'd reached the bottom step, the Kelvic made her way back outside. Stepping over to her Bloodbane mount, she patted Abaccus on the flank and the horse whiffed back in response. Facing Dulute after he exited the house, she looked up at the sky. The sun was still in mid morning positioning, plenty of time to trace the two, if they wanted to. "Well, that was rather....interesting. The map we have is still the best lead we've found. Abaccus is more than capable of carrying two people. We can try to track Jeramiah and Liliandra if you want to join me on that Dulute. I am still wondering what we're missing and I intend to find out. Would you like to come along?" Saraphina realized she might be asking a bit much of Dulute, but regardless, she intended to hunt down the two wayward wanderers and find out why they'd left in such a rush.

[Dulute Jadesmith]

When Saraphina filled him in on what she had found, Duluute expected to hear more evidence against Jermiah. Thankfully, the news she gave him was actually in his defense. At the very least Jermiah was a loving son to his father. He could only hope he showed as much care with Liliandra.

Following Saraphina into the next room, Duluute found what to him looked like a shrine in Liliandra's honor. Although there were several different drawings scattered about, they all depicted the woman in some manner. "Such a surprise. I wasn't aware Jeremiah was so obsessive." Moving around the room, Duluute stopped in front of one of the full body drawing. Standing there, he couldn't help looking into Liliandra's eyes.

As he looked, it felt like he was discovering some missing piece of the puzzle. However, he couldn't decipher what that piece meant in the heat of the moment. So he turned away, to see what Saraphina had found. "Anything?" She only shrugged in response.

As they left the room, Duluute noticed another door that hadn't been opened. "It seems we missed one." Approaching it, Duluute didn't expect to find anything particularly important. Maybe another shrine to Liliandra or even one to Jeremiah's father.

He wouldn't find out, as with one twist Charlie realized the door was locked. Though outwardly Charlie shrugged in indifference, inwardly he was a bit relieved. He didn't want to see anymore of Jeramiah's house. When they finally got outside, he breathed in the sweet smell of the salty sea breeze. It felt like he'd been in that place for several bells. However, one glance at the sky would prove him wrong.

Although he was relieved about being out of the house, he knew their mission wasn't over yet. He had come this far with Saraphina. How could he just turn away now?

"So...Where will we turn next?" Saraphina's idea was to follow the map and try to track Jeramiah. She offered her horse as a capable ride. Duluute looked at the land animal for a moment. He was still aware that the creature might drop him, but he was also curious as to see what horse riding was like. It couldn't be any worse than going through that house again.

"Very well, but I must warn you...I have no experience with horses. I assume I would just...climb...like...so..." The last bit trailed off as he attempted to climb the horse. Thinking him as still as a tree branch, Duluute tried to pull himself up Abaccus one leg at a time.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow A s Dulute attempted to climb onto Abaccus's back, Saraphina made a visible effort to contain the smirk of amusement from her lips. Really, she shouldn't make fun of her partner. It hadn't been too long ago when she'd also had a great deal of trouble with her mount. By no means was she yet a seasoned horse handler either. Stepping forward, the Kelvic linked her fingers and cupped her palms together, giving Dulute a boost up and onto Abaccus's back. Untying her Bloodbane, Saraphina lifted her leg and stuck her foot into the stirrup. It was tricky to maneuver onto the saddle with Dulute already mounted, but some twisting and flexible moves got her situated properly. And Abaccus only shied away once during the attempt. Settling into place, Saraphina looked back over her shoulder at the dark haired Zeltivian, "Best hold onto me Dulute, I'd feel bad if you slipped off and we might be riding for a while." Touching her toes to Abaccus's ribs, she guided the tall stallion through the streets of the city and pasted the gates. T he riding pair wandered into the Wildlands of Sylaris and Dulute would likely get his first really look at the forests of Zeltiva. It wasn't a warm, enchanted place like some would think. The trees were dark and thick, with autumn colored leaves falling to the ground. A thick canopy allowed only an occasional filter of light to pass through, filling the air with an eerie and forbidding mood. From the branches and underbrush, small mammal scurried about and the odd sound of snuffles and cracking twigs made the whole forest appear like some mysterious, deadly hunter waiting to spring. Saraphina felt very little discomfort from the wilds. She was currently shuffling between studying the ground for tracks and tracing a finger along the partially opened map to make sure they were traveling the right way. After all, she was a Kelvic. The forest was a comforting place for her, somewhere she hunted and lived. She was a predator, so the spooky atmosphere affected her little. But Dulute would likely feel very uneasy. A fter about three bells of traveling and perhaps making small conversation between each other, Saraphina finally spotted something of use. Pulling Abaccus to a halt, the red head climbed off her horse and took the reins. Kneeling on the ground, she traced a pair of footprints left in a damp mud patch. The track were fresh, the mud had yet to dry from when it had been disturbed. Glancing back up at Dulute, she figured she might as well try to teach the city kid a few things while they were out here, "See these two prints Dulute. This one here...its larger and more indented into the ground. Probably made by a man or a heavy set women. The treads are thick. Its a type of shoe worn by people that intend to travel though difficult terrain. But this one," Saraphina pointed to a smaller print, devoid of any tread marks. A smooth soled boot most likely used for travel on streets or buildings, "This one is much smaller and doesn't have any treads. No hunter or forager would travel the forest with shoes like this one without guidance. It would be foolish. I think we may be close to our two runaways." Saraphina grinned brightly as excitement started to flow through her veins. It was always like that, when she was near to closing in on her quarry. Encouraging Abaccus to increase his pace to a bouncing jog, she ran in front of her mount, following the pathway the map had marked out. E merging from the woods to a clearer area, Saraphina was forced to slow down as they came alongside a deep ravine. The cliff dropped off about 50 feet down and a small creek flowed at the bottom. Growling softly in frustration, the Kelvic directed her horse further away from the drop off. No need for them to fall in. Pausing to unfold the map and check their location again, the silence of the air was suddenly broken by a high pitched female scream. Saraphina's head whipped up and her golden eyes darted around, trying to find the source of the sound. Abaccu's ear pricked up and his head turned to a point in front of the Kelvic. Trusting her horse, she dropped the reins to the ground and darted forward, yelling back to Dulute, "Stay there!! I'll see what's going on!" Whether Dulute would listen or not was his own choice, Saraphina was simply trying to keep him safe. D arting around a small bend, Saraphina pulled to a halt and stared rather blankly at the scene in front of her. A young, dark haired women was on her hands and knees at the edge of the cliff. She was looking down the ravine and yelling to an unseen person, "JERIMAH! HOLD ON!! PLEASE!! DON'T LET GO!!" The pink and white gown she wore would have likely been quite lovely if it wasn't covered in grass and mud. Stepping closer to the edge, Saraphina could see a young man with black hair clinging to the rocks on the cliff face. A quiver of arrows was strapped to his back and he looked up at the distract women with burning blue eyes and a white knuckled grip, "Liliandra! Get back from the edge Beloved! I'll climb back up, but if you fall!...." The rest of his words were lost as his foot slipped and a small tumble of rocks fell off. Jeremiah grunted as his body fell slightly further, but he managed to catch himself with his fingertips on a handhold. Saraphina knew he'd not be able to hold on much longer. Just as that though passed through her mind, Liliandra looked up and spotted the Kelvic. The dark haired lady scrambled to her feet and flew at the shifter, screaming in panic, "Oh thank Laviku's mercy!! Please!! You have to help him!! He's all I have!! Please....SAVE HIM!!" Saraphina look down at the weeping girl that griped her arm and tugged at her. Liliandra's eyes were wild with panic and fear poured from her every movement. She looked positively distraught at the thought that Jeremiah might fall to his death. Was that the reaction a kidnapped women would have? Regardless, Saraphina still wanted some answers and she needed Jeremiah alive to get them. R unning to the edge where Liliandra had been kneeling, Saraphina looked down at Jeremiah. The man was about 8 feet down the cliff face, to far down for her to reach with her arm. With her mind whirling, she cursed silently that she'd left her rope back at her campsite. Still she had to try. Bending down the cliff edge as far as she could, Saraphina stretched out her hand towards Jeremiah, "Grab hold!!" The dark haired man gritted his teeth and wiggled his fingers marginally closer to her hand, but it was still to far for him to grab. Liliandra was still screaming, trying to encourage the fallen man to grip the Kelvic's hand, but it wasn't enough. Saraphina needed a longer reach. Turning her head back towards where Dulute might still be, she call to her partner, "DULUTE!! Here!! I need your help!! Hurry!!"

[Dulute Jadesmith]

Duluute finally managed to climb onto Abaccus with a little help from Saraphina. Sitting on the mount for the first time, he felt a strange surge of pride. It was like by climbing onto a horse he'd just accomplished some major life goal. He would have shouted in victory if he wasn't afraid that would throw off the horse.

The view from Abaccus's back made Duluute a bit nervous, but he tried to hide this as Saraphina climbed in front. When she told him to hold on, though, he was a bit hesitant. However, that was simply because he wasn't sure exactly where to hold on to. Grabbing her waist seemed the obvious choice, but it felt embarrassing doing so. Not just because he felt awkward on the horse like he was, but also because Duluute assumed the waist was a closely guarded area for women. He thought only the closest companions could approach safely, and he just met this woman so he wasn't sure how she'd react to his touch.

Despite his feeling, Duluute sucked up his pride and put his hand around Saraphina's waist anyway. Fortunately she didn't seem bothered by the act as she set Abaccus into movement. When the horse started, Duluute tightened up for a moment in surprise. The horse moved much faster than it looked, though that probably had something to do with its longer legs.

In no time at all they were out of the city and moving towards Mirahil Pass. There, Duluute caught his first glimpse of the forest. He didn't know what to expect when he saw it. The only things he knew of the forest were from old legends his mother told him as a youth. These legends always emphasized the fact that the wilds of Syliras were a dangerous place. He could have only hoped these legends were simply stories meant to scare small children.

Seeing the forest now, Duluute could only stare. The trees were much grander than the kind he'd seen scattered around Zeltiva. They were strong, broad, and covered by thin lights that protruded from the forest canopy above. This unnatural filter gave the area an almost eerie presence.

Dulutue recognized a few of the animals he saw scurrying about, though they were mostly mice and squirrels. However, he saw just as many animals he couldn't identify - whether that be because he had forgotten their names or he'd never seen them before in his life.

It was a bit exciting to see so many creatures he didn't know existed. Although the forest held a perpetually dark atmosphere, a child-like wonder kept him from shrieking in terror or suddenly fleeing for safety. Besides, with Abaccus under him and Saraphina in front, he felt safe enough. Should the forest truly hold anything dangerous, he felt ready to take on the challenge...or at least see what it was.

Several bells went by with the three of them exploring the forest before Saraphina finally made the horse come to a stop. "What is it?" Duluute asked as his companion climbed off. He watched her go to work fingering the mud from his place atop Abaccus. After spending so much time riding he had become a bit too comfortable to dismount.

Saraphina motioned to two foot prints in the dirt, explaining what they meant as only a hunter would know. He only pretended to understand, nodding his head as she spoke although he held little interest in the endeavor. To him, the foot prints were just patches of dirt. He couldn't possibly see how she could learn so much from mud alone.

What did interest him, however, was that Saraphina thought they were getting close to their quarry. "Truly? Thank Laviku! I was beginning to think we were lost." With renewed excitement, Saraphina guided Abaccus ahead, but decided to use her own legs rather than remount. Duluute held onto Abaccus's body now as the horse went into a jog.

Without Saraphina to guide, riding was a lot more painful. Bouncing up and down as Abaccus moved, Duluute finally felt like he was holding on for dear life. If he was any higher up on the saddle he might have been squeezing the horse's neck for support. When they finally stopped, Duluute looked up with his heart beating rapidly. They were standing near a cliff that lie next to a deep ravine. Duluute half wanted to see what was under the cliff, but he soon found himself holding Abaccus again as Saraphina moved.

Fortunately, they went slower this time. Unfortunately, as he was saying a silent thank you, there was a loud scream that made them all look up. Abaccus was the only one who was able to pinpoint the noise immediately. "What wa-" Duluute began before Saraphina cut him abruptly off, telling him and Abaccus to stay put. She was gone before he could say anything. Duluute only blinked as she left.

"Al...right," he spoke as he finally dismounted. He was starting to miss the ground again. Although he was a bit shaken when he landed, he got up happy to be on his own two feet. "I appreciate the ride Abaccus. You make a fine mount. If only I was as experienced as your master. Then perhaps it wouldn't have felt as if Dira was hovering over me." Whether Abaccus understood him or not Duluute didn't know. Considering Saraphina's ability he didn't see the idea as too farfetched.

Speaking of the kevlic, she wasn't gone for more than a chime before he heard a second scream coming from her. He jumped in surprise at hearing her call for him to help. The fisherman was running almost immediately.

He found Saraphina kneeling over the edge of a cliff. There was someone else with her, but Duluute was too focused on Saraphina to notice. "I'm here!" he called as he approached. "What's wrong?!"

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow T he crunching of dead leaves under running feet made Saraphina glance back over her shoulder. Seeing Dulute appear and ask what was happening, she gave the dark haired Zeltivain a wry smile before looking back down at Jeremiah clinging in desperation to the cliff face. His eyes reflected fear but the dark haired hunters jaw was set in determination. He was strong, Saraphina would have to use caution once he was on solid footing again. Stretching out her free hand towards Dulute, she spoke in a surprisingly calm voice, "Jeremiah has fallen down the cliff face Dulute. I need a longer reach to help him up. Grab my arm and lower me down. Together we should be able to pull him up." When Dulute grabbed her arm, Saraphina wrapped her fingers around her partners wrist in a tight grip. Probably a bit too tightly, but since she was going to be partly suspended in the air, she wanted a good anchor point. Hopefully the wiry human was strong enough to support her. W ith Dulute holding onto her arm, she was able to lower the majority of her upper body down the cliff. The instability and freefell feeling made her feel a little dizzy, but she gritted her teeth and forced the flip flop of her stomach to settle. Now she was much closer to Jeremiah. Reaching out her arm again, she didn't bother to tell the human to try and grab her hand. If it wasn't obvious, she really shouldn't be trying to save the man. The brown haired hunters fingers strained and twitched towards her. Bits of rock and dirt stirred in the air, skidding down the cliff face to the bottom, reminding both that one false step would mean their deaths. Jeremiah final lunged towards her hand, fingers outstretched. Their palms collided with a slap of skin and Saraphina closed her fingers around the humans hand. The extra weight of another body immediate made Saraphina's body slide a bit further down the edge, but Dulute's grip on her other arm stopped the decent rather quickly. Flexing her arm and working with Dulute, the two pulled backwards. After a moment or two of struggle, Jeremiah's head and shoulders appeared above the cliffs edge. Liliandra suddenly appeared out of the blue and grabbed onto Jeremiah's shirt, pulling and tugging at it. With the three combined strengths, the fallen human was pulled from near death to solid ground. R eleasing Dulute's hand once Jeremiah was back on the ground. Rolling over onto her back, she looked up at the blue sky for a moment. Exhaling through her nose, she heaved herself back to her feet. Brushing off grass, dirt and rock bits, the red head studied the two newcomers. Liliandra had all but tackled Jeremiah once he was safe. She was clinging to the hunter, crying in relief, "Jeremiah!! You scared me so much! I don't....I don't know what I would have done if you'd fallen! My love....please don't ever do that again!" The dark haired man had wrapped the weeping girl in his arms and was gently rocking her back and forth, stroking her hair while speaking in a soothing voice lingering with fear, "Its alright Beloved...its alright. I said I'd never leave you alone and I meant every word. Please don't cry Lily....It breaks my heart every time you do. Shhhhh....it alright Love." Saraphina exchanged a look with Dulute before murmuring softly so only her companion could hear, "I think we may be needing some answers. Things clearly aren't what we thought." Leaving the pair of lovers to recover, the Kelvic walked back to her Bloodbane. Abaccus was lounging in the edges of the trees, but hadn't moved far. Gathering up the reins, she guided her mount back to the group. Glancing at Jeremiah and Liliandra, the two looked to be recovering. They were looking in each others eyes with soft, affectionate passion and their foreheads were pressed together. Clearing her throat, she spoke to the two, "While I'm glad everyone is safe, some explanation as to what is happening would be appreciated. I was sent by your parents Liliandra....they seem to be under the impression that you were kidnapped. Can to enlighten me?"

[Dulute Jadesmith]

Adrenline had been coursing through Duluute's veins as he had came to Saraphina's aid. He didn't know what to expect, but based on her scream he assumed it must have been something of immediate importance. Because of this, when he heard Saraphina address him in a calm tone his eyes reflected only confusion.

Saraphina informed him that there was someone hanging on the cliff face and she needed him to lower her down to help them. If this task didn't seem serious enough, Saraphina revealed this someone to be Jermiah. How could she be so calm when they were in this kind of situation? "Yes! Yes! Let's do it quickly!" he agreed emphasizing the danger. Taking hold of her arm he held her with a firmer grip than usual due to the situation. He tried not to be too tight on her, which might have made Saraphina feel like he was barely holding on.

She probably did feel this as she tightly grabbed Duluute's wrist for extra support. He tightened his grip as well...just in case. As he began to lower her down, he finally got a glimpse of how high up they were. A fall like that would surely spell doom for either one of them. His heart beat a bit faster at the thought, which made him anchor his feet for even greater support.

Despite his outward appearance, Duluute was still a fisherman's son. His days back at the docks were filled with hauling multitudes of fish from the water and carrying wagon loads of them from boat to food stand. Although not the most tactful routine, it at the very least helped him to build basic strength in his arms. It was thanks to that training that he was able to hold onto Saraphina as he lowered her down inch by inch.

Duluute didn't bother looking down to see if Saraphina had saved Jeremiah. He knew what was happening the minute he felt extra weight on his arm.The effort to pull Jeremiah and Saraphina up was a lot more challenging. He had to add in his other hand so they didn't all just plummet to their doom. With his and Saraphina's combined efforts, they eventually managed to pull Jeremiah up. It was as his head was coming up that a third hand appeared to hoist the man off the cliff. Only now did Duluute recognize who the other person was. Just like that, they had found both Jeremiah and Liliandra.

Letting go of Saraphina as she rolled onto the ground, Duluute held his arms for a few moment as he felt the strain of the previous effort. Now that his body wasn't pumped up with adrenaline he actually felt sore. His mind would drift from this topic, however, when he saw Jeremiah and Liliandra suddenly falling over each other. Duluute couldn't help feeling awkward looking at it. Judging from Saraphina's expression, he assumed she felt the same way. "Perhaps its time to return to Abaccus..." he whispered for lack of better words.

Saraphina was more bothered by the fact that they had been misinformed than the obvious display of affection. As she was guiding Abaccuss to have a word with the two, Duluute saw them approaching with nothing but love in their eyes. "You would think they had forgotten all about us." He smiled humorously at the thought.

[Saraphina Skyglow]

Saraphina Skyglow N ow that Lilandra and Jeremiah were safe, Saraphina felt more at ease. The dark haired women was not a threat to her, clearly from her appearance and mannerism she was a city dweller. She'd likely only survived so far in the wilds because of her lover. Jeremiah was of a strong build. His hands looked callused and the quiver of arrows on his back suggested that he had some skill to handle himself. Her question made the two humans look towards the Kelvic. Saraphina cocked her head to the side as both of them looked at each other for a moment before Liliandra sighed deeply. Leaning her head onto Jeremiah's shoulder, the dark haired women started to speak, "I suppose my sudden departure would make my Mother think I'd been taken by Jeremiah. But the truth is Miss, I was not kidnapped, but rather I ran away. You see....my parents are....well their not cruel per say...but they were always demanding I marry a man they chose, someone who would bring wealth and influence to the family. I despised the idea of being forced into a miserable and loveless life. And when I met Jeremiah....I knew that I had found the one man I wanted to spend the rest of my days with. But my parents would never allow it....truthfully I fear what might have happened to Jeremiah if I had tried to convince my parents to let me be with him. Some....accident of fate would have likely occurred. So....Jeremiah and I decided that if we wished to be together, we would be together in another city." Liliandra looked to her lover as she finished speaking, taking the young man's hand and biting her lip as though she wasn't sure if her words would be taken at face value. J eremiah shifted a bit, tucking the human girl closer to his side. The hunters eyes appraised Saraphina before they fell to Dulute. Jeremiah's lips twitched in a smile and he chuckled a bit, "I thought I recognized you....Dulute right? Your from the docks, I've seen you around. Never thought I'd meet up with you out here though. What Lily says is completely truthful. We met during the Summer Festival....and well..." Jeremiah took Liliandra's hand in a tender grip, gently kiss the back of it befoe smiling back at the two bystanders, "The rest as you might say is history. My Uncle owns a house and small merchant company in Sylrias. I intend to take Lily there and the two of us will disappear, out of the reaches of her greedy parents. My own Father...." The hunter paused in his speech, covering his eyes and Saraphina saw his lips quiver in pain. Liliandra seemed to realize her lover was in distress and embraced the hunter. The two lovers withdrew into each other for a short time, drawing comfort and strength before Liliandra finished Jeremiahs story, "Jeremiahs Father recently passed away, severing any ties he had to Zeltiva. We met at his home and agreed that nothing was keeping us in the port city. So we travel now to Sylrias...and a new life. Are....are you here to stop us?" S araphina looked over the two human's and remained silent for a long while. She saw no hint of falsity within the two lovers story, they seemed to be completely and totally committed to each other. But she had still be asked to bring Liliandra home to her family. Still, seeing that she clearly didn't want to go back to Zeltiva, Saraphina felt pity for the girl. Forcing her to return would warrant only distance from Liliandra and Jeremiah would most defiantly fight her. She could report the location and intent of the two back to Liliandra's parents and let them deal with it. But she sympathized with them. Her choice was to allow them to continue on their way and compose a lie to report back to her employers. But that would depend all on Dulute's choices. His decision would be what made the couples escape successful or not, "I have been hired by your parents to bring you home Liliandra. But...clearly you don't want to return. Dulute....a word please." Waving the dark haired man aside and away from the two lover, the Kelvic murmured to her companion softly, "This is a tricky situation Dulute and as you have been a large part of this hunt, your opinion is very much appreciated. What do you think we should do?"