[Winter SQ] Confusion

by **Sevris** on January 4th, 2014, 12:25 am

The young Apprentice was confident in his own abilities obviously. He had been around enough mages such as Clyde and Thaedus, to see how some wizards behave. He believed that he could protect the Paladin from foreign attacks if the situation arose. Sevris was listening to the Apprentice and was just about to ask his name when one of the Black Sun officials stepped onto the platform next to today's victims. The Lazarin did not know who he was

He he held his hand up to command silence from the crowd, they for the most part paid attention and did so. A woman was not so thoughtful and continued to be obvious, before Stryfe guards glared her down.

So silence fell over them and he signaled for the first to repent his blasphemy. Yet when he they were about to pull the lever, he cursed Rhysol. Promptly they pulled the lever and broke his neck, ending whatever nonsense he was spouting.

Nevertheless the execution went on. The soldiers brought out a woman to the gallows. She made quite the fuss with her escorts, kicking and sceaming. Show some grace before you die at least. Though he was still reltaively young, he did not believe in this type of behavior.

She was lucky this was all they were doing to her.

However as they finally managed to get the noose over her head and was about to execute her, an arrow was shot out of nowhere. He caught her in the chest and made her stuttering backwards.

Sevris was shocked as she fell to the floor with blood spluttered over her chest. But quickly regained his composure and immediately his attention was focused on the direction of the shot. There were a few shocked seconds of the crowds before they broke into chatter, and a pair of Soldiers realized where it came from and went to investigate.

The Shade caught the eyes of two of his commanders nearby. He gave them a firm nod towards incident. They marched off as they received the unspoken orders. Find the shooter. He must contain the situation so the crowd doesn't go into a fray. "Excuse me Apprentice. We have a situation." He said to Miro.

Sevris stood at the platform scanning the crowd for any abnormalities. Urging the Soldiers to continue on with the execution. He saw no need to postpone it. The Lazarin also muttered an order around for the Soldiers to keep the citizens calmed. "Where did snake slither away too?" Sevris said to himself.

by **Rayage** on January 5th, 2014, 9:57 am

The nuit was enjoying his time here. He needed to see a few fools die. It was something of a reminder to everyone just how powerful Rhysol was, and how powerful his followers were. It also stood for one of his philosophies; if you are foolish then death is bound to follow. These people knew the risk and accepted it. They were not too smart in their plan, and if Ray was involved he un-doubtfully could have made sure they were successful. The nuit takes calculated risks. Everything weighing on the scales of Rayages own design. However, he would never be involved in such fool hardy plans to begin with. Too much risk. Though, even fools can have a good run…

His thoughts were interrupted when Lessomm came and asked for his attention. It seemed that Miro wanted to meet him. The nuit considered his options, but before he could oblige the ceremony started. The Black Sun agents silenced everyone, and although it took a few minutes, the hanging would begin. Wonderful, and it would be a bad time to move now. To this request, Rayage shook his head and pointed to the gallows. He couldn’t come now, but perhaps when it was over they would meet in the designed spot.

The first hanging took without incident. However, the person yelled out once more in defiance to Rhysol, it wasn’t something that Rayage found disturbing. Not one bit. In fact, he admired the man who had the courage to stick with his ideals even in the face of death. He had nothing to lose, after all. Rhysol was sending all who opposed him to Dira, it seemed. Or maybe he was collecting those souls for himself? The nuit smiled upon the thought. Those poor unfortunate souls… It was amusing to the nuit to see the body dangle there moments after the lever was thrown. In death, all things are pointless. It was this reason why Ray clung to life as much as he possibly could. In the end, it was nice to see someone die who had so much courage.

Then came the woman. Kicking and screaming and struggling… The nuit was not amused and found this rather distasteful. He rather liked the fashion in which the one before her died, but this woman had no amount of courage, did she? Judgement was cast from the nuit, and his arms once again crossed, a scowl on his face. He wished that she would just shut up and accept her fate. It annoyed him, but then again, everyone resists change, and this was a change that the woman did not want to undergo. Even more annoyed now the nuit wished that change would just come onto her, and then as if by magic, an arrow flew into her chest… Silencing her. It wasn’t many times that Rayage would praise the gods, but he did so silently. The arrow putting an end to the struggle, the crowd can see the main event: the hanging.

Now more than ever the nuit wanted to see the woman hung. Even if it was just her lifeless body, it was there partially to make a point. Though it seemed everyone else was too concerned with who shot the arrow to move onto the main event. It was the Stryfe’s job, let them handle it, and get the show on the road. Though this time, Rays wishes were not obliged. Rayage was in no obligation to figure this mystery out and came for the show. Though it seemed Fate, cursed Fate, had different plans.

A man moving through the crowd, everyone searching for the shooter, grabbed at the sleeve of his cloak and pointed shouting ‘there’ to him. Looking in the direction which he pointed, Rayage saw and nodded. He understood that this man might have seen the shooter. Then opportunity presented itself. If Rayage could help the Stryfe do their own job, wouldn’t he be rewarded? Weighing this out, the nuit watched at the helpful other moved through the crowd, leaving Ray behind to ponder. The man had no doubt where he was going, so why should Rayage doubt a man so sure in his path? If it was some kind of trap, he was sure he could work his way out of it.

”Lessomm,” Rayage stated, watching where the man was going, ”change of plan.” he announced, ”I am following that man in search of answers. You can do as you wish. However, wouldn’t it be wise to serve Miro by helping him solve this problem? I am sure of two things. One, that man knows where the shooter went off to. There was confidence and determination in the man’s voice and actions. Two, Miro, as a member of the Stryfe, will be looking for the shooter who started this uproar.”

Rayage smiled, ”The choice yours, boy.” he said as he began to make his way through the crowd, trying to follow in the path of the man who had been so helpful in pointing out where the shooter might be going.

by **Lessomm** on January 5th, 2014, 10:46 am

Lessomm stood in complete silence as Rayage decided to stay where he was and watch from there. He didn't seem too bothered with letting Miro wait on him. Lessomm sighed mentally and stepped aside, leaving the professor to watch the show. Lessomm didn't care for it even now and he looked around, watching the people and spotting a few more like him, who were more intent on watching the crowd than on watching the show. There was a sudden rush of booing and angry noises which drew Lessomm's attention towards the main stage, just in time to see the first one hang. He shook his head. What a waste of time. He looked back and observed his master's friend for a bit. For a moment he though the professor was smiling and Lessomm had to blink to make sure he was. The man only became stranger every time Lessomm met him.

Under his outfit, his arms moved slightly, trying to stretch a little from their constantly cooped up situation. He flexed all four of his hidden arms, using his two visible ones to dust off all the imaginary and none imaginary dust on his uniform, hiding the movement underneath it. When he was done he pulled his swallowtail coat back in place, straightened the neck of his shirt and rested his hands behind his back, touching quickly upon the gauntlets hanging from his belt. They were ever present when the young Eypharian was outside, although it had been a long time since he had to use them. Once he was sure all six of the gauntlets were still there he relaxed and leaned back slightly, letting the weight of his body rest on his heels for a moment, giving his toes a moment to rest from the constant weight of his body on them. All the while his eyes moved from Master Rayage to the crowd in his immediate vicinity, scanning the people around for potential dangers.

When the scowl moved over Rayage's face and faded out the smile, Lessomm recognized the man he had met during their first meeting. Unhappy, grumpy, big and with an air of impending physical pain. Although Lessomm was probably just taller than the professor, the man's frame of build made Lessomm look like a small stick compared to him. He was pulled from his own thoughts as Rayage spoke his name. He listened silently to Rayage as he explained Lessomm's options. Of course, there were more options but Lessomm would never even consider just staying here and doing nothing. It was a good thing Rayage turned away from Lessomm to follow after the man. The professor missed the anger that flashed on the Eypharian's face. Boy? Boy?! Lessomm was by all rights and laws an adult man. Stupid lumbering carcass. He was shocked by his own mental outburst and quickly rebuked himself for his thoughts. Lessomm wondered why Rayage vexed him so simply by existing.

The thoughts vanished quickly as Lessomm made his way after the professor. Miro had asked him to bring Rayage over to the appointed meeting place. If Rayage decided to make a detour in going there, it wasn't Lessomm's place to argue it, only to make sure he got the meeting place in one piece. He walked quickly after the large man and caught up with him, shouldering his way past a group of spectators, apologizing over his shoulder. He had no idea where they were going as he passed a look ahead of Rayage to the man that had called his attention and whom they were following now. It seemed they were moving towards the edge of the spectators and the houses and alleys there.

by **Miro** on January 6th, 2014, 1:04 pm

Ender watched from up high as Miro continued on with Sevris. He also made sure to keep track of Lessomm and Rayage, who were stationary still. And of course there was no way he would take his eyes off of the executions. Each was amusing in its own way, though the Irylid liked best the one that struggled. Things were always so much more fun when there was some excitement and resistance. But then out of nowhere the woman was struck by a bolt from a crossbow, and regrettably the Irylid could not see the assailant.

"A woman who was to be hung has been shot. It was quite sudden, and I was not able to witness who fired the shot, but the arrow pierced her good. It looked quite fatal, though still, it was a treacherous act. This incident will cause a fuss, I am sure." And as Ender said, the Paladin was concerned. It was stated that they had a situation. Nothing more, but naught more need be said. While Sevris would prepare to act, Miro would do the same. He would remain silent until he was addressed or had something valuable to share.

"Ender, keep watch, tell me if anything happens. Where are Lessomm and Rayage? I sent one to fetch the other and meet near you, but it seems they have yet to arrive. Is anything keeping them?" The Familiar went to reply, but then noticed there was something happening with the Nuit and Eypharian. Rayage's attention was being called by a man, one who lead the Alchemist away, and then Lessomm after him. This was something the Familiar was sure his master would not like to hear. "Lessomm and Rayage were approached by a man and are now following him. They will be out of my sight before long."

The Chained One scowled and was unsure what to make of this information. Let alone what to do. He had assured the Paladin that he was able to handle things, and yet none of his associates were able to help. It was risky, but the wizard had a plan in mind. It would cost him his sight over the crowd however. "Well then Ender, I guess we have no choice. Come down here and follow Rayage and Lessomm." The summon was quite surprised at the command. "But I am far too slow to catch them in my natural form." Miro grinned as he watched Sevris silently. "That is why you will take your new form."

The Familiar lowered himself down to the street level, in an alley, and began his transformation. It was one he was not entirely used to yet, but was still eager to use it. The silver orb of ice began to shift and take new form. It grew long, thin, and vaguely humanoid. The form grew in detail, and the silver substance began to change to resemble flesh and clothes. Ender took the form of a slim young man wearing a black shirt and dark leather breeches. His face was young and lively with shoulder length black hair that hung loosely. The Irylid began to run and make haste after his targets, but knew not if he could catch them.

Meanwhile the undead was tense with nerves. He was unsure why Lessomm and Rayage left, but upset it had caused issues with the wizard's plan. They were half of his assets alone, and now they had also caused him to send his Familiar after them. With that he was left blind and alone with the Paladin. Miro finally addressed the man and was ready to be given orders. "I am ready for whatever you command of me, Sir Sevris. My men however, at the moment, are preoccupied chasing after a suspicious figure. I can not tell you many details, but it can be assumed he is associated with the Rising Dawn." He hadn't any idea why his associates left, but he could only hope it was worth diminished resources.

by **Crypt** on January 6th, 2014, 2:28 pm

OOC Note :

Ah, it's beginning. Such a pity it's a hanging. I've seen a few in my time, and they all feature the same thing. Why not have a giant axe-wielding executioner decapitate them instead? Makes it more dramatic. Not to mention how many a ballad ends with such a spectacular death. I suppose I should feel sorry for the hanged... But not today. I can't really muster up anything. It's what they knew would happen to them when they got caught. They got into the Rising Dawn voluntarily. Of their own free will. At least it isn't me getting hanged. Quite a nice day, in fact. My, what'd I'd give for those robes... Not unlike one of the Inverted.

Crypt's face remained impassive as the first Rising Dawn member to be hanged shouted a rather masterly insult against Rhysol. He was slightly impressed, even, that he had obviously taken the time to consider his hatred for Rhysol and put it all into such a succinct, pithy phrase. And also by his excellent projection of his voice just as he was hanged, even with the knot around his neck.

Such is the power of words. To raise a rabble against one man. To unite all plebeians under one banner.

He nodded his head slightly in respect of the man.

Another came up, and she was noisy. Ungraceful, unwilling to accept death at the hands of the Black Sun. A wee snarl appeared on his face as she struggled and made a general fool of herself.

Idiot! Die with dignity, if you please. You fought the Black Sun, but failed and was captured. If you even have any pride in what you fought for, then show your stoicism. At show that you won't surrender to the Black Sun even when you're about to die, for goodness' sake. Bah.

And then she was shot in the chest.

His Eiyon mark tingled, perhaps even humming faintly as the two deaths marked the beginning of the excitement, and Crypt turned around, searching for the source of that well-aimed arrow. It appeared to be from his general area, two dozen yards or so away from him. Or more. He wasn't exactly familiar with the intricacies of arrows and bows.

Still the uncomfortable feeling persisted; it had solidifed into something perhaps irrational: there was an enemy nearby, and it had to be finished off. He had traced it to Dira's mark, but there was nothing else he knew about who caused that feeling. Was a Nuit nearby? Was it Uldr's minions, come to accomplish something to further Uldr's goals? Or was it something he didn't know of?

He eyed the Ebonstryfe Paladin nearby. He was speaking with another - probably an apprentice or a citizen, but not an ordinary one, since he was wearing a bright red robe; who would wear something like that unless he was either a fool, or someone with enough power to do whatever he wanted? - about something. Perhaps ordering him to investigate? Or was it simply discussion about the event?

Crypt moved closer to the pair until he could hear their conversation - albeit at a far enough distance that he could only barely hear them over the crowd, to avoid suspicion.

by **Abstract** on January 7th, 2014, 3:42 pm

OOC :

Purple Cloak

The trio (plus familiar) would find it quite easy to make their way through the surprised crowd and down the passage the cloaked man had run through. After that... it was quiet and open, with all the fuss going on behind. The space between buildings was small but walkable, and the passage only a little longer. At the end was a tiny canal big enough for a single Ravosala, but small enough to easily jump over. It was the way their fugitive had gone.

If they moved over the stretch of water, the path ahead would be clear, but veer left after a bit. However, as soon as they were all steady on their feet, a door in the side of one wall would swing open, conveniently smacking whoever was in the lead in the face. A young woman poked her head out, frowning at the crowd over the canal. "What's all the commotion about?" she muttered to herself, before looking startled at the motley trio. "Oh! My apologies! Please, ignore me..." quickly, she slammed the door shut again, not even noticing whoever had been behind it.

From there, the only path ahead was the one that turned left. Following it, they would come across another two options... a dead end, and another - wider - canal. That one would be harder to leap over. There was something else to catch their attention though. A cloaked man (probably the same) could be seen just finishing to scale the top of a two or three story building and scramble up its roof and out of sight. They could either try to climb the wall, or see where jumping the canal would take them.

Ebonstryfe

With the work of the Ebonstryfe around the area, the crowd slowly calmed down and the execution continued. However, there was no sign of the archer who had taken down the woman. If Sevris, Crypt, and Miro gathered near one of the walls, a door would open and an old crone would stick her head out.

"Oi. You boys!" she called to them with a crooked grin. Several teeth were missing, and her white hair was thin and wispy. "Lookin' or somethin'? I'm pretty sure I saw a whoole lotta people run down a passage... but I aint tellin you which one. Unless..." With a small cackle she leaned back and shut the door... but didn't lock it. They could either go in to the surprisingly suspicious woman's house, or continue their fruitless search in the crowd.

If they did go inside, they would find a crowded, smelly, dusty room piled with boxes and crates and baskets, all which looked filled. Anyone tall enough would run straight into a bundle of smoked fish hanging from the ceiling, something the old lady had been short enough to avoid. They would have to round a corner of the maze of stuff to spot the woman sitting in a rocking chair, knitting. It was a remarkably picturesque scene, a bundle of neatness and brightness in the middle of such a messy space.

"You came!" Have some cookies!" She gave them another grin, setting down her needle-work long enough to point at a plate of funny-looking cookies. Sadly, they weren't fresh baked.

by **Verin Rush** on January 7th, 2014, 10:55 pm

NamesI really like "The Chase" and "The Talk" :3

Leaving the crowd, Verin was finally able to freely run in chase of what he still strongly suspected to be the assailant; why would someone run if they had nothing to hide? The narrow corridors and passageways and sharp turns meant that it was very difficult to actually gain proper speed. He was able to take a little running jump over the small canal he reached, and then the path opened just a little, allowing for more speed. It was clear that the bowman, whoever he or she was, was much more athletic than Verin. But the twenty-three year old was young, and kept himself healthy – he managed to put up a good chase. The blond was not sure if the purple cloaked figure had decided to follow him or, worse, if any of the soldiers thought himto be the bowman and were also trailing behind. He didn’t bother to check though, he could only hope that those following, if any, would be allies.

A door suddenly opened, Verin lost sight of the man he had been trailing, and could not stop fast enough. A number of profanities escaped his lips as he groaned, falling back a few steps and clutching at his nose. The woman spoke but he wasn’t paying attention; looking at his hand. There was blood dripping onto his hand, and his nose was tender and painful to touch, he just hoped it wasn’t broken. The door closed again and, remembering, he stepped forward once again, wiping his bloodied hand carelessly on his clothing. “Stupid bitch,” he hissed as he took off once again, uttering more expletives. Such was his irritation, that Verin did not realise others had caught up.

Finally Verin stopped. To the right was another canal, though it was wider than the last. He wondered if he could try to jump it, but as his gaze turned to the wall, he saw the black of the man’s cloak as he was almost over the top. “You’ve got to be kidding me…” he whispered in exasperation. The building was tall, but he decided to give it a go, noticing a few patches where the bricks had crumbled away a little, allowing for places for him to latch onto with his hands and use as footholds. Gritting his teeth, he placed his right foot into the lowest gap he could find and pushed himself up to reach of a higher one to grip with his hand. Next, his other foot, which went a little higher, and his other hand, which found a brick a little lower than the one before. Verin’s breathing increased as he lifted his first foot and placed it higher, and further left. But, though he was higher, his balance was compromised, given his poor judgement in where to place his limbs and, upon removing his right hand, he slipped and fell back to the ground, landing on his feet. “Shit.”

Turning around, his eyes meet the eyes of the two following him, and he recognises the second man as the one who had moved past him earlier to invite the one in the purple cloak to a better viewing area. Oh, how glad he was that they hadn’t moved, giving Verin the chance to alert them. Now at a better angle, Verin’s mind was too focused on the escaping murderer to give his companions much thought; he noticed nothing peculiar about either of them, except perhaps the odd bulge of the second man’s chest and torso. But he did not dwell on it as he turned back to look at the wall, and then averted his gaze over to the canal. The presence of a third being, watching the unlikely trio, completely escapes his notice. “Any suggestions? The canal?” He breathed out the question, hoping one might have the perfect solution, and quickly.

by **Sevris** on January 10th, 2014, 5:41 pm

OOCI like that one too. I can roll with it.

Everything seemed as if it was going back on track. However the archer who took the woman had yet to be found. It was time to track this man down even if he had to catch him himself. He made his way towards the steps, mentioning for Miro to follow him. "By the way what is your name?" Sevris said to Miro as a pathway formed in front of him with the aid of his guards.

Sevris made his way to the nearest wall hoping for an update on the situation. Behind him he assumed Miro was following, so he proceeded to the wall which was nearest. He saw Commander Yavic there along with his unit. Sevris started to make his way over to him when something unexpected happen.

An old lady stuck her out of a nearby house. Not even fully coming outside the house, then she said with exclamation, "Oi. You boys!" she called to them with a crooked grin. Several teeth were missing, and her white hair was thin and wispy. "Lookin' or somethin'? I'm pretty sure I saw a whoole lotta people run down a passage... but I aint tellin you which one. Unless..." With a small cackle she leaned back and shut the door... but didn't lock it. They could either go in to the surprisingly suspicious woman's house, or continue their fruitless search in the crowd.

This was almost as surprising as the seeing the arrow that came from no where. Obviously she must have not recognized Sevris for her to play such a card. However time was of the essence and they needed to find this archer. The Lazarin stepped forward and pushed the door open and entered.

The Paladin saw a crowded, smelly, dusty room piled with boxes and crates and baskets, all which looked filled. Anyone tall enough would run straight into a bundle of smoked fish hanging from the ceiling, something the old lady had been short enough to avoid. Which was also the first thing he ran into.

Knocking the dust and any other unwanted particles off of his head, he made his way through a maze of clutter but was able to find the old lady sitting in a rocking chair. "You came!" Have some cookies!" She handed them a tray filled with stale looking cookies.

Sevris grabbed one but said quickly, "We are not here for cookies. We are here for what you saw. So where did they go? What did you see?" He asked her.

by **Miro** on January 11th, 2014, 1:30 pm

Ender made his way through the crowd quickly and easily. It was still disturbing to him how he was able to running so naturally. Though it was just as much thrilling, for he could appear natural to humans. That was until he spoke in his alien voice. But nothing was more important than obeying Miro, and he would have to catch up to Lessomm and Rayage. Should he use the Flux, he wondered. Trying to push using a skill he was untrained with was not wise unless in a pinch. If he just tried hard enough, he was sure he could make it on his own.

The purple of Rayage's cloak could barely be seen, but the distance was being closed. Finally the Familiar hopped a canal and caught up to the people he was chasing. There was that man he didn't know chasing a figure seen scaling the top of a building. Though the man following was not capable of the same feat and returned to the ground. Ender caught up to Lessomm and barked an order. "Climb after that man. With all of you arms you should be able to get up the building. Miro needs you to catch him!" The Familiar was not going to attempt to climb, but would instead run onward. He was not sure where the path lead, but had a good feeling about it. Though the canal ahead was much larger than the one before.

The Irylid began to pour liquid Res from all over his body and guide it towards the waters ahead. He formed a thick but narrow bridge across the water and transmuted it to ice. It would make crossing much easier. Ender kicked off hard and landed on the ice with both feet. He slid across the ice and lost his balance, tripping onto the walkway on the other side. Without ever experiencing tripping, he did nothing to cushion his fall and hit his head. The Familiar and master grew a matching cut on their forehead. But that would not slow Ender. Though his head ached he climbed to his feet and ran onward.

Meanwhile Miro was busy serving Sevris. This started by request of the wizard's name. A response was given with pride. "I am Master Apprentice Miro." A nonexistent rank, but accurate nonetheless. He was indeed a master and apprentice. And finally it seemed the Paladin would move and take some form of action. But as they were going to advance, the voice of an old woman called out. Sevris interacted with her and moved to enter her home. Inside the man hit his head, prompting Miro to avoid furthering the pain in his forehead. He ducked under the obstacle and was able to witness the room, but remained silent.

It would be best if the apprentice did not draw attention. His appearance was often frightening, and at best was unsettling. Fear was not exactly the reaction he wanted to cause the woman. And the Paladin was much better suited to dealing with people. He had the rank and name to get what he wanted. Miro would just do his best to limp after his superior and stay out of the way. When needed he would quickly move to action, but until then would remain passive. Though that itching feeling of an Eiyon near still bothered him. It felt as if it might be closer than before. Such a gnawing sensation caused a rise of paranoia to surface.

by **Rayage** on January 11th, 2014, 2:19 pm

The chase was on. Rayage moved as fast as his rotting undead body would allow. This chase reminded him that nuits were not really good for chasing and apprehending suspects. Indeed, they were much better at just encounters, but this chase was necessary. If he could help Miro then Miro would see him useful again. Then the cycle will go on, one using the other, using the other, fools fooling fools. It was a form of relationship, one purely built on risk and gain. Though the human side of the nuit silently hoped that it would bloom into something more: a caring relationship. An almost family-like bond. One day, Rayage hoped, Miro would wake up and realize that power alone is meaningless. Till that day Ray was content to wait and try to steer the direction of Change within the boy with his lifetimes of knowledge and experience.

Coming to a canal it was easily jumped by the living among the group. Rayage had a moment of hesitation, and in that hesitation he barely made that simple jump. Nuits were not the most agile of things. He had to be mindful of his rotting body and not putting too much stress on it, least it break. Not that they were too fragile things, but rot and death weakened the body and made it not suited for stints like this.

Having made the jump the nuit was relieved. It poured in his face and showed in his ‘run’, as he kept on going. He was just a shadow of what he was hundreds of years ago, and it sickened him. He would reclaim that power shown to him no matter what. Then a door opened and hit the man which they’d been following square in the nose. This made Ray smile, but once the door was closed the chase was on again.

Before them was a wider canal. It seemed that the Nuit had come to a dead end. There was no way he could climb the building after the man. After the other tried and failed, Ray did not trust his body to do so. The man after all was living, he was undead. It seemed the only way was the canal, and although he thought the living could make it, he wasn’t too confident in his abilities to make the jump. If only he knew Flux, which Miro was trying to teach him. He hadn’t gotten very far in the lessons yet, just basic concepts, and for that the nuit was inwardly cursing himself.

However then a kid appeared. He seemed to have been following them, and he spouted something about Miro to Lessomm. ”So, this is Ender? I did not know you and Miro had the ability or bond that Wrenmae has with his familiar.” Rayage guessed. It could only be Ender with that higher attitude and words so coldly spoken to Lessomm. In all, Rayage was impressed that the familiar could achieve such a transformation, but also worried. Without Miro here, Ender was able to do what he pleased.

Watching to see what the familiar would do, Rayage had to be careful now. He did not feel threatened by Lessomm, but he did towards Ender. The familiar however created a rather useful ice bridge, and although falling and hitting his head was comic, Rayage had no time to chuckle. He needed to cross and keep on with the chase. There had to be a way to end this chase sooner rather than later.

Taking a tentative step on the ice bridge the nuit took some time to cross it. He was carful, but his feet and legs were unsteady. The ice was slippery after all. However the nuit made it without incident, to the other side. ”You,” he pointed to the man who tipped him off to the shooter, ”may cross as well. However, to work with us means that you are working with wizards. Once you cross this bridge there is no turning back, and your life may be forever changed.” Rayage found nothing strange in the creation of an ice bridge. However, he was not so sure the human had the same thoughts as he did. Magic was a strange and powerful beast, and could achieve many wonders.

Those were the only words he said to the man before he turned and began the chase anew with Ender. They had to catch this guy before Miro caught up. If Ender is here, then Miro must be occupied elsewhere. Hopefully he doesn’t finish his business too fast, and allows Ray some glory in the help of capture of the shooter.