Tam Mhel Farshaw's Story

< ooc: the following was a collective post in part by Jack, Perks, and Vole >

Azma, one of the most famous cities, at least this side of the world. Well built buildings reached into the sky, and seemed to stretch out in all directions as far as the eye could see… Narrow alleyways and corridors where anyone or anything could be hidden amongst the shadows.

A curse on this damn place… Tam thought bitterly, He’d only been here a few days, this Azma…

He missed the open spaces, the warm shifting sand, even the dense forest… as strange as they had been. But here he was, a fitting place to spend his banishment.

Thankfully there was work to be found here for a Farshaw, and paper for sale.

The desert dweller marched quietly through the crowds of people, carrying a stack of paper with him along with the rest of his gear. Spears, sheild, bow etc. There was a bubble around him, suspicion, people averted their eyes whenever his icy orbs met theirs. Maybe it wasn’t his eyes… but rather the runes carved into his flesh… Apparently Tah'nish, were not common around this land…

Tam’s eyes caught movement above the street, children jumping roof to roof… Such a strange land…
These boys should be home training… or with the Farshaw. Shaking his head disapprovingly he moved to find another Tavern or other like establishment that often attracted travelers. He had already been to several, leaving the slips of paper tacked to a wall with the owner's permission. Advertisements for his services as a scout and guide.

His nose caught a scene above the sweat and stank of the city, something sweet and earthy…
Bread, his stomach announced. He hadn't eaten recently, having not adapted to this side of the world's diet.


He followed the smell, weaving through roads, and back alleys, climbing over a couple of walls at a casual pace. Once he had stumbled upon a group of children and had to explain that he wasn’t anything to be terrified of…. It didn’t go well.. More rejection.

Feeling dejected he eventually found what he sought. The bakery. Liro Bakery to be exact.

He entered in and frowned…. Lopid…. Such an odd creature. Tam’s eyes quickly judged and dismissed the noisy thing as obnoxious. He waited til the creatures tirade ended before speaking with a presumed owner.

The desert dweller spoke, with a distinctively Tatcha accent “ May water and shade grace your roof.” he greeted the man behind the counter, ignoring the Lopid near completely.

The owner recognized the accent. "Tatcha huh? Haven't heard that accent in awhile. Anyways, what do you want? My son made some bread this morning that is still fresh, not sure how he does it".

Other Ghali (spear) brothers…? Strange I am not the first to cross this land… There may be hope yet. “ If I may have two, I wish to broker a kindness with a stranger.” He replied, preoffering a silver wrought chain as way of payment. The necklace was made of fine links over silver , overlapping much like chain mail to make a hoop.

"Well, how about some food first off? See anything you want other then two loafs of bread?"

Something other? Was his exchange to great? Hmm. Maybe that was why the man who traded the paper and ink fainted at the blood gems (rubies) …
The corners of his lips turned to a polite smile, as he searched the case.

“ May I? “ He asked pointing to some sort of pastry with custard coming out of sides.

"Sure" he mentioned. "What are you here for anyways?"

" Bread? " he looked up questioningly.

"I believe he means what you are doing here, in Azma," Mako says with a smirk, butting in on the exchange. "I am here on the trail of a place of legend, but I cannot say more than that in fear of wondering ears. You'll need to wait when my book gets published."

… the frog spoke… Tam’s sharp eyes leered at the being, as if challenging who had spoke to it and giving what permission, before turning back to the owner.

Frogs... publishing writing, HA, next they will claim the sun sets in the south and finger-less men* are trust worthy.


* Fingerless men, or people missing fingers are often mistrusted by As'deen as it is common practice to cut either bits or the whole finger from a person who lies, steals or cheats at dice. Lying takes one digit, giving a person 28 lies , and a whole finger for each time they are caught stealing. Dice cheating removes 5 fingers and is considered the most dishonest thing, Cheating is defined as altered dice, not slight of hand.

Emerin tried to figure out a way to settle this peacefully and intelligently. She didn't come off as a threat to him, but he was still worried about a lot. Enough that magical energy was practically radiating magical pressure. So, his response was fairly straight forward. "Hey, I know! Why don't you come with us! Its safer to travel in larger groups anyways!"

Alt-Shu might be a bit upset with him for this, but Emry didn't know how powerful this guy was, and he figured it was the smart play. After all, Emry might be hot blooded, but he wasn't an idiot. He liked to stack the odds in his favor. Its not like he went around forgetting....

Alt-Shu came down with the journal. Oops, forgot that. As they all showed up, and with Willow in agreement to go with them (as I discussed earlier with Tali), Emry decided to open a portal and take them all to the Bakery. He couldn't normally open a portal to a place he could not see, but the Bakery was an exception. Instead of making anyone jump into the portal though, he moved the portal through them, having them appear in front of the bakery. "Okay, let me just get some stuff, and then we can head out".

As he walked in, he immediately noticed creepyguy and freaked out inside his own head. Emry used a Wind Magic technique, Wind Whisper, to secretly let Altian know. He snuck by, and managed to get the attention of his father, who quickly gave Emry a big hug. "Welcome back, son! Whats with the look on your face?"

"Me and Alt-Shu need to be heading out soon into the Misty Woods. Here, I will explain the situation to you" he told him, explaining the long story about everything. It wasn't that long, but still. Once it was one, he simply nodded.

"Well, you were getting impatient, so here" he said with a smile, giving him two packs full of stuff. He stored them both in his dimensional closet, via his portal magic. "It has clothes for all types of weather, a large supply of food, and a journal so you can keep records of your travels. I knew it would happen one day soon. Just promise me you will try to be safe".

"Yes, Papa" Emerin told him as he gave him a hug goodbye. "I promise I will look after the both of us".

"That's good. And don't worry, I can manage just fine on my own. Also here...." he said, taking out a blue vest like shirt. It was open in the front, and sleeveless. "To help hide the dragon so you will be harder to identify. Now, be safe. And just make sure to have fun, okay?"

He smiled, and gave him a hug goodbye, before rejoining the others. He was a bit emotional, and still on edge, so he was still radiating magic like crazy, that only those sensitive to it would realize though. "So, I guess its time to make our way through the Misty Woods. Then me and Alt-Shu need to reach The Library of Elliad, in the Gilded City". And hopefully, we lose that one guy that I can't help but notice is watching us even now, from across the street...

"So, anything else we need?"

Mako nearly jumped at first when that blue haired boy entered the shop. He had forgotten why he came here in the first place becoming preoccupied with pastries. He tried to act inconspicious by pretending to browse, keeping an eye on father and son. When Emerin left, he gave a wistful expression and let out a sigh. The exchange reminded him of what he had left behind. The difference here was that nobody was begging the boy not to go. Ignoring the glares by Tam, he went up to the blue haired boy's father.

"Excuse me for intruding but that was your boy, wasn't it," he asks in a growingly sympathetic tone. "I had just arrived and yet... after such a short time I could tell that the people here... they really love him... willing to protect him."

With that he looms over the counter some. "When I left for a life of adventure, I was little older than he is now, and I had to peel myself away, I was begged to stay," he says, raising a brow, or would if he had one, and holds his hands out. "So... why?"

"Because one, I know better" he joked. "Plus, it was clear from his expression this wasn't an optional choice of his. He has to do this, for a few reasons, but a new reason seems to have come up that made it urgent. And considering how he explained things to me, I agree with him. And the reason the people love him so much is because he best represents what Azma truly is. Besides, it clear by his eyes. I just wish I could do a little more to help, but I raised him so well, he is pretty much his own man. Though, he definently gets credit as well. He really is an exceptional kid, and for that matter, so is his friend, Altian".

"I can see that clearly now, it is as if he's the heart of Azma," Mako says with a chuckle, before giving a downcast expression. "But he is still just a boy, as I was, and he will see things both amazing... and terrifying. I will not lie, either, I came here on a trail of a certain interest, and found that boy of yours in a fight with a rather nasty fellow, he handled himself well enough, the guy was just a thug, a real pushover but... well, I suppose you may know where this is going... there will come a time when it isn't just a thug. You know this, right?"

"Well to be honest, Emerin has enough raw magical power to be a force of reckoning of his own. To be honest, he has been ready for this adventure for the past two years. And when he is with Altian, who is pretty much a super genius, the two of them are a force that could probably rival a Royal Guard. Trust me, doubting them is the last thing you should do. Besides, if my boy had been really trying, I would know it. I doubt he even used his most powerful spell, cause that is something that draws attention".

"I have no doubt if I could do it alone, they could do it together. It is just that reading about the world and experiencing it are two different things. I'm just saying..." he says as he straightens up. "Them kids, despite all their power and smarts still need someone who's been there, seen it, done it, lived it. Y'know, a guardian who can pick them up in case they fall. I admit there's personal interest in this, I'm not one to lie, but I don't know, kid's a treasure in his own right for the people here, and I, Mako, renowned adventurer and treasure hunter, want to see him succeed."

"Well, I cant really pay you, but if your offering to help him, I won't say no. He might be a little bit stubborn on the matter though, but so long as you dont muck up the first impression, it should be easy" he said unknowingly.

"Yeah, heh, sure," he responds awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. He then behins checking his bag and putting some more coins out before Emerin's father. "And as for pay, I should rather pay you, here, take this as for being a good father and listener, I'll make sure you will get to see your boy again." He then just heads out, taking a moment in passing to take one final glance at the bakery before tracking where Emerin went.

Tam watched as the younglings whirl-winded by, they were planning a trip to the misty woods it seemed. A apt journy for the youngones… Tho where their watchers* were Tam couldn’t say… Strange that the boy’s father would allow him on such a trip with not a care. Tams mind wandered through various paths that the youth might tread. Fairly safe so long as they kept east…


None of my buisness----

‘"So, I guess its time to make our way through the Misty Woods. Then me and Alt-Shu need to reach The Library of Elliad, in the Gilded City"

…. That was through the As’deen land…


Turning quickly , Tam followed the young man, tho his eyes caught sight of the Crotayin. At least they have a watcher… This softened an otherwise harsh scorn from his voice.

“ Younglings , I did not mean to spy , however; do you really think you’ll be allowed to cross As’deen land and the great sands ? With no permission? Do you know where water and shade are? “ The large sun bronzed man looked down at the boy with a hardened face, tho his eyes were touched with honest concern.

“ The Misty Wood is far enough for an adventure younglings, You would not have to prove your manhood by venturing there , even with able company” he nodded to the Crotayin cautiously not wanting to offend her honor.

As he spoke and listened to the young man, he could not help but overhear the Lopid again… such an irritating creature…
“ Do you really wish that thing… as your watcher as well?” He added in a softer tone, leaning over the young man a bit , shaking his head in Mac’s direction.


Watches* people, typically young adults , who follow younglings to make sure they do not get into more trouble than they can handle, or bring back the bodies of the younglings should they do just that...

Okay, first things first. Altian began scouring the room in search of something he knew was in here...something he knew they couldn't leave without. He had to be careful, though. Although he knew this particular item he was searching for wasn't enchanted, a large variety of items in this room were and he had to be careful not to touch them. While this was one of the safest places in Azma to store anything of worth, champions still put safeguards on their items to protect them in case the worst happened. It would not be a pretty fate for anyone who dared to try and use them and Alt definitely didn't want to discover protection enchantment spells by experience.

He climbed onto the rolling book ladder and rolled his way across, looking for the familiar cover. He often times scanned through books like this because he could do it, it was faster, and it was more fun than scanning through them the traditional way. Besides, this way he didn't have to touch any of them. Faster he went until...

Aha! He spotted the light tan cover and plucked the book from it's slot in the bookshelf. He hopped off the ladder and examined it, just to make sure he picked out the right one. Sure enough, he recognized the light green ink scribbled on the cover which read: Alticus's Log. On the spine were the words "Misty Woods: Flora and Fauna Part I". He pocketed the journal in his massive cargo pants pocket.

He remembered meeting the Altarin when he was six. He walked right in and handed him the book, asking him if he could get his parents to put it in the "special library" as he described it to the little boy. When Alt had asked him what was in it, Alticus smiled and said, "Just a few things about the Misty Woods and the plants and animals that live there. It's not complete, but I want to keep the information safe in case the worst fate fall upon me. I will be back to claim it soon!"

Alticus never returned to the library, meaning he likely perished or worse. But his knowledge would not be lost or unused. Altian would make sure of that.

As he closed the door and locked it behind him, Alt trotted on down to the second floor, figuring out what other books they would need. They were going to the Gilded City, so he took a book detailing the city landmarks. He also grabbed a comprehensive demographic encyclopedia of Glideen, the kingdom in which they were traveling to. In it detailed all the cities, landmarks, and important information about the kingdom, something he wanted to keep handy just in case. He grabbed a book on surviving in the wild without using magic, a book on surviving in the wild with using magic, a book on advanced defensive spells and techiques, and finally a fictional novel about an anthropomorphic creature from another dimension who fought crime in an urban sprawl.

Fru-Fru the Wonder Hamster, don't fail me now...

He wasn't worried about clothes. He had set up a rune to his closet a while back that allowed for easy access to his wardrobe wherever he went. He also wasn't worried about food or water. He knew Emry-Shu's dad would've packed a ton of each for the two of them to take with them. He put the books in his pack as well as an empty canteen and an herbal medicine kit...just in case. He tapped his ear to make sure his pen was still there, which it was. He also grasped hold of the White Teardrop necklace he always wore around his neck. He never knew the story behind it or why he got it, but his parents refused to tell him why he had it. It didn't affect his magical or physical abilities in any way as far as he knew. He still wore it for good luck, however.

Finally, he was ready...well almost. One last thing had to be done as he grabbed his pen and a parchment and proceeded to write. After a few minutes of scribbles, he sighed and clicked the pen, placing it on his familiar perch behind his ear. He read the words over and over again, a sense of nervousness and excitement, joy and sadness, all rushing through him at once. Don't cry...

He placed the parchment behind the desk, and walked away, joining Willow and Emry-Shu. "Alright, I'm ready," he said with sure confidence.

---

---

Teleporting to Liro Bakery, the first thing Altian noticed as Emry-Shu ran to hug his adoptive father was the Lopid, the same one from the market earlier. He tensed up immediately, keeping an eye on his movements as he walked through the bakery. He heard Emry-Shu's Wind Whisper and responded accordingly, letting Emry-Shu know he would take care of him should he dare try anything towards them.

But another figure caught his attention...a being he didn't expect to see here. He was Altarin, he could see that much. But the markings on his arms and legs...the way the patterns seemed to merge with one another, as if they were to be read like a story. He was from the As’deen land, which was most peculiar indeed. Not many of them wandered out to the far reaches of Azma. He was curious what he was doing here.

He really wished he had packed a book on the As’deen people...

The Altarin approached them as they were discussing locations. Alt knew he could trust this one. The As’deen people swore an oath to never lie, he knew. And he was interested in learning a bit more about them, what their practices were, etc. It was hard to come across information about them.

Altian turned to Emry, "We can trust him. He is of the As'deen Tribe. They live a virtuous and honorable life. And I hadn't even considered how we were going to get across the Duvane Desert without raising the attention of the people there. He could be our escort."

As he took in everything, and as everyone relied in after another before he could get a word in, he made some realizations....and was set off by something else.

"First of all, before I react to that silly comment you just made" he said while facing Tam, he then turned to face Willow. "I just realized, as the one person here who hasn't insulted me, has been really nice, and isn't acting like a stalker, I should have properly introduced myself but I never did earlier. The name is Emerin Liro of Azma, but my friends call me Emery or Emry, it is a pleasure to meet you". Emerin did not bow, or look up at her, but figuratively speaking, you could tell by his voice he did not look down on her either. He also left out all the names the Children of Azma call him, cause he found those embarrassing. Then, he faced the Wayfinder again.

"Lets get one thing clear, if anything, me and Alt-Shu are the ones taking care of or watching you. Alt-Shu is a super genius who is smarter then all of us here, probably all of us here combined, and is great with magic in his own way, not to mention he knows how to counter all sorts of things and is great at reacting. And me..." he started, when he noticed the condemned building being taken down by workers. They were making room to build a new building. He went over there, and after saying a few words, they all got out and away from the site. The building might be condemned, but it was made with stone, and was still good, just not what the new owner of the land needed. So Emerin decided to do these hard working men a favor. "...well, one theory we came up with as to why my body is so light I can fly, is that maybe it has a lower density because I have so much magic stored within me. The Windbreaker you saw before....was not even at half power. Didn't want to cause any destruction or harm to others, you see. But since no one is in here and this building is slated for demolition...".

Suddenly, a large torrent of wind consumed Emerin's bare arm. He had to admit, the new shirt his father had just given him was nice, but he already missed feeling the full force of the wind. Still, they were about to go on a journey, so Emerin had to be used to that anyways. As the wind charged to unbelievable levels to those who have not lived in Azma, Emerin made sure to stop before he got close to full power. He then punched forward. "Windbreaker!"

The Windbreaker drilled through the stone, and cracked the whole building. Emerin then bent the Windbreaker so it moved back and forth, until a few seconds later, the whole building was rubble. He turned around to face them, a look of fierceness in his eyes...but behind that, one of loyalty, honor, and truth, more then enough to state he was not threatening anyone.

Emerin had only used Windbreaker at the full power he could muster once. Three years ago, when he was seven, it had been a really hot day, the hottest most of them had ever felt, so him, Alt-Shu, and a few others went down to the river, stripped off their clothes, and went swimming in it. While in the river, they encountered a giant fish, and so the group made a game of it. They all decided to try and catch it without using any magic or special abilities or anything, just their bare hands. While it had been evasive, Alt-Shu had come up with a plan that he and Emry used to help corner and catch the fish with their bare hands. Someone nearby had been watching, and he was so impressed, he used a magic tool and took a picture of Emry and Alt holding the fist above their heads. Of course, he wasn't a creep, so the picture only showed their torsos up, so no one could see they were naked, but everyone was smiling that day from their catch.

However, soon after, they were attacked by slavers who had also been watching, to see if they were good targets. They figured it was the best time to attack, but since none of them had used magic to catch the fish, none of them were expecting Emerin or Altian. As they popped out of the sand itself and ran towards the children, he saw three of them running for him and Altian, and out of concern for his friend, unleashed a full powered Windbreaker, hitting each and every slaver with it and sending them flying, while saving everyone else. Emerin kept that photo with him at all times, in his pocket, because it reminded him of that time at the river, and just how capable he really was.

He looked back at Altian first, then Willow, and then back at the Wayfinder. "I trust Alt-Shu's judgement though, so if he says its okay, and this nice woman as well, then fine. But don't assume we are helpless because of our ages. Me and Alt-Shu can take care of ourselves, and the only two people allowed to take care of me in any capacity is my papa, and Alt-Shu".

Emerin was a bit of an oddball. He hated being looked down on or being looked up to, but if his abilities are quested he is not afraid of showing off. In fact, he loves it. He hates being seen as a caretaker, but he loves to protect and care for people. He was hot headed, but kind. Reckless, but responsible.

As he was about to leave, a few of the orphans of the city had gathered to say goodbye. Emry then looked at the others, and then back to the orphans, and spoke to them eye to eye. "Don't worry, you will all be fine. The main reason we are leaving though is that we do not know the resources and the capabilities of everyone after what we discovered have, and we cannot guarantee everyone's safety. If they are strong enough, the fights could risk the lives of the people around us, or they might target you all if we stay. That is why me and Alt-Shu have to leave. But keep practicing, and stay strong. I know you all are more then capable of it. After all, you, me, all of us, no matter who we were born to, what type of family we came from, and what our strengths and weaknesses are, we are the Children of Azma. We are the Children of City, belonging to everyone and no one. We are independent and united. Even if we are weak, we are strong. Even if we are short, we are tall. Even if we are dumb, we are wise....or you can always go to Alt-Shu for help". The last part wasn't intended to be part of the motto, but the joke stuck because of how true it was. "Well, his parents will still be here, so they will help you. After all, we do not envy those who have parents, get adopted, or know their family, because we are all our family....and Alt-Shu has done more then enough to earn our friendship, thanks, and gratitude". He turned to face Alt-Shu. "I would trust him with my life".

As they nodded, they handed him a bag of gold. "No, this is what you earned, I will be fine with what I have..."

"No, please. We heard enough, you are going to find where you came from, right? Well, if you do, and you decide to stay there, consider this our payment, for your promise that if you do find a home, we can come and live with or near you, okay?"

Emry smiled. "Of course then. And thank you".

As he stood up and walked towards the group and the exit to Azma, a passerby brushed his hair a little with his hand. "Careful, you talk like that, and someone might think you are a prince....or a King...."

For a moment, the man, who was wearing a cloak so Emry couldn't get a good look at him, sounded familiar....but he shook his head. "No, couldn't be". He then joined the others, and started walking towards the path to the Misty Woods. "Well, we better get going!"

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About an hour after they left, the same cloaked man met with another agent. "You sure do like being reckless. Anyways, what is your interest in that boy, your Majesty, King Ordin Okaba, King of these great lands and cities of Ashara?"

"I met him once before. I grew interested when I heard one boy had organized the Orphans of Azma together into this group known as the Children of Azma. Just like now, back then much like other desert children, he didn't wear much clothing, so I got a good look at it once. That Dragon on his back. And it appears others have taken notice too now. That boy, he doesn't even realize what he is...or what is in store for him".

"Then why not have a member of the Royal Guard escort him if he is that important?"

"Because one, he is like me. I can tell he wants to do things himself" he mentioned, causing his friend to make a "really?" expression. Sometimes he felt like the king could be a bit too lax. "Plus, it would draw too much attention. But, I want you to shadow them from afar, outside of the range of their magic, using that special skill you can use. Only interfere if another member of anyone's Royal Guard does in a way that threatens them directly. Otherwise, even if it looks like they might die, do not interfere, or even be noticeable".

"Why do you have this much faith in a child? He isn't your son or something, is he?"

"Lets just say he is important" the King replied, before walking off. Meanwhile, the other man rushed off, to track them from afar. It was likely he would not become involved or notice for quite some time however....

The desert dweller offered a kind smile to the white wolf. “ Well met, may you find shade and water. If the lady finds him amusing as a pet , I am not the one to argue.” He said, bowing his head slightly.

But the smile faded quickly as he watched the frog stir. Tam had agreed to join their party, tho not without speaking his mind about the boys show of force making his feelings painfully clear. It hadn't had the impact the boy had been looking for, if anything it had the opposite. Power with no caution was worse than being powerless and cautious he had explained. And weather he liked it or not Tam was going to provide that caution.

Even if the Frog had managed to come along… through their walk tam had gone out of his way to stay on the other side of the group from the Lopid. The man had spoken little since the boy’s displace, but seemed to watch everything, every snap of twig, rustle of grass, but it was not a fear, more like direction potential sudden violent action kept back by the finest of tripwires.

When Tam finally did speak it was to Willow.
“ If I may, what is your name White wolf, where do you come from and where are you going?” He said , curiosity edged into his measured tone tho his eyes never rested on one spot for too long.

He had last spoken an introduction again after Emerin offered his, in usual fashion, with full title and flair. Though it may have once again been at a loss. Since then he had been deep thought, on how Emerin spoke back then to the orphaned children. Mako had felt it as well, to him it was painfully obvious that people would be after him, and far less caring what means they used to get their hands on the boy.

Of all his travels, no trap was more deadly, and no beast more twisted than the hearts of some people. Those lesser men who hide in the shadows like scavengers, preying upon weakness, jumping at any chance to fatten their wallets or increase their power. Dark... There were those that didn't care if they were women or children. Dark... twisted...

He was suddenly broken from his thoughts, deeper in them than he'd realized. He had been quiet for quite some time now, he had been daydreaming this whole time. He glanced across, hearing the As'deen tribesman, Tam, and the Crotayin wolf who he recalled calling him a lost puppy earlier. He found this more amusing than offensive, imagining himself as a tail wagging land mammal, how absurd! The desert dweller obviously wasn't as kind, his words were without any subtlety, but as long as it was directed at just him, he wasn't going to make issue of it. It wouldn't be his first time receiving flak for his race, wouldn't be the last.

"Excuse me, but the Flow you say, miss Willow," he queries breaking his awkward bout of silence. "You are among those that believe in magic as a living being, are you not?"

He glances past Tam, maintaining distance to try not to aggravate him further or incite any aggressive response.

"If I may say something on the matter, and mind you, I am no follower of the Flow," he mutters some, scratching the back of his neck thinking on what to say. "But to me, at least, I find it more impressive that there are people who see magic as just something dumb or lifeless, like a tool. Then again, many people are more preoccupied watching their own feet than to look up and see anything beyond their own little bubbles."

Then as quick as he finished he grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "But eheh, sorry for butting in on you guy's conversation like that, just found it interesting, is all." With that he looked ahead, at Altian and Emerin, then around at the surroundings. "You know, it is embarrassing to say, but in all my travels I had never been to the Misty Woods before. Honestly, I'm excited!"

Altian watched from the side with mild interest as Emerin proceeded to level the building that was already scheduled to be taken down. He'd seen him in action before, like that time when they fought those slave traders. He himself had a fairly strong Wind Breaker, but it paled in comparison to this kind of power. He could have all the smarts he wanted, but he would never have the kind of natural ability his best friend had. And the best part was...

He knew Emry was still holding back.

Alt chuckled at the mentioning of having guardians. It was true that the two of them could do this quest alone if they wanted to and likely succeed. But there was strength in numbers, a value that couldn't be ignored in the ultimate equation. Each individual here brought something else to the table...he could feel it. Yes, even the shifty Lopid. Sure, Emry had a point. With just the two of them, they could accomplish what they wished and more. But with five of them...

They would be nearly unbeatable.

Altian stood off to the side as the swarm of orphans all united under Emry crowded up around him to say goodbye. After all, he was a very loved figure in Azma. His face disappearing from the city markets would surely leave a hole in many a person's heart. Especially the Children of Azma, whom which he'd united under one cause...to protect each other. Now that knowledge was going to be put to the test. They would have to band together while they went off on their adventures, fending for themselves and having each other's backs...just like the two of them did on a daily basis.

He couldn't help but think back to the time when he and Emry had the idea. It was about four years ago, two years after they had met. Already, they had a conglomeration of kiddies behind them. All of them were orphans minus Altian. They were relaxing in the hot springs, a place that was a typical favorite spot for Alt and Emry. But it had just been the two of them at that point. Sure, they were friends with all the other kids, but him and Emry practically did everything together...just the two of them.

They were soaking up the nutrients that healed their aching bones and gave them energy. They had just gone hiking into the jungle, not too far from the city, to test a new river for fishing. The fact that they hiked the full three miles there and back to come up empty-handed showed how well that endeavor went. But they enjoyed the journey and had a good time. Plus, it was far enough away that they were a little bit reckless in using their abilities.

Suddenly, Emerin spoke, "We should invite the other kids up here."

Alt had mixed feelings about the idea, "You think?"

"Well, yeah," Emry turned to Alt, confusion on his face, "You don't think so?"

He could easily see through Alt's tone of hesitation towards the idea and Alt knew it. They knew each other too well. There were no secrets. And Alt didn't plan to keep any, "It's not that I'm not for the idea. I just hadn't considered it. But...well, this is our spot, Emry-Shu."

"Why can't it be our spot with everyone else?"

"I mean, it can," Alt shrugged, "I'm just...worried is all."

"About what?"

"Well, if we invite the other kids up here, then we lose our spot. Then where are we going to go to hang you, just you and me?" Alt shifted his weight to stare at Emry, who was still floating in the pool, "I don't want to lose you as a friend."

The moment that last sentence came out, Emry started laughing. Alt crossed his arms and scowled, "What's so funny?"

Through uncontrollable giggles, Emry replied, "THAT'S what you're worried about? Really?"

Alt looked puzzled, a face he rarely made ever, and it has only been made in front of Emry. His best friend wiped a tear from his eye as he explained.

"Alt-Shu...you're always going to be my best friend. No matter what. Ever since the day we met, I knew we were. But we can't hog places for ourselves. That's selfish. The hot springs deserve to be enjoyed by all our friends, not just you and I."

Altian sighed as he nodded his head in agreement, "Yeah, you're right. I'm acting like a bataka, aren't I?"

Emerin stirred from his floating position to swim over to Alt and pat his shoulder, "You are no bataka. You are Alt-Shu, the smartest and greatest person I've ever known. And we will have each other's backs...always."

Alt, feeling much better, grasped his best friend's shoulder, "Always."

After that, the kids were united together as the Children of Azma. Emry made a fantastic leader for them to follow while Altian was the guide for the directions they should take. And as a group, the Children of Azma have since become a formidable force for any slave trader or prideful knight to take on. Because when you messed with one of them, you messed with all of them.

"...Even if we are dumb, we are wise....or you can always go to Alt-Shu for help."

Alt winked at them in response as a few of the kids turned to face him. A couple chuckled at Emerin's words. Most of the kids had tears in their eyes. But they had strong spirits and good hearts, Alt knew. And with their motto to live under, nothing should tear them apart.

They would do fine.

---

After waving final goodbyes to people, Emry, Alt, Mako, Tam, and Willow were off to the Misty Woods. Alt, for the most part, disregarded all conversation between everyone as they got there. Instead, he pulled out the journal and started reading everything he could. On occasion, he'd get so involved with it that he'd wander a bit from the group, to which Emry had to keep a close eye on him and drag him back to the company of everyone else. At times, it would get annoying. But once Alt started reading, it took ten times the power of Emry's Windbreaker to snap him out of it.

He would sometimes grab the map to the Misty Woods, making notes from the journal and putting annotations in proper places as he went along. What berries would be safe to eat and what berries wouldn't. Certain landmarks that weren't put on the map already. Even general areas to find certain creatures that resided in the Misty Woods. Except the most notorious of them all...

"I've flipped through this thing inside and out," Alt began to hold the book at random and various vantage points as if to illustrate the thought, "But there is nothing about where the Akrnara live in here. Perhaps that was the reason Alticus went missing..."

As they continued to travel through the Misty Woods, Emerin only grew more and more excited. This was it! The ground under his feet, and the wind in his hair. The start of their journey! He was getting so excited, he could barely contain his energies. Actually, he was failing partially at that, because his dragon tattoo was more lit up then a Christmas tree. He was just so happy. But as they continued, Emerin also grew a bit more worried about what the people behind them was waiting for. He counted fourteen of them in total, a feat which would have been impossible if he was only using his senses of sight and sound. But he had one magic based technique even their advanced concealment magic was not countering. Still, it was impressive. Emerin had to check one thing though, to confirm their identity.

He rummaged around his dimensional closet while they walked, until he found what he was looking for. A Magic Tool that his father got for them. They looked like a pair of normal goggles, but once he put them on, he confirmed. THey were not even leaving heat signatures. He also confirmed that hidden behind the mist, there seemed to be hundreds of creatures around them, but they were so weak, not a single one dared to attack them for some reason. Then it occurred to Emerin, he was giving off a magical signature strong enough to mimic their predator's predator. Still, at least he did confirm their identities...if he was remembering what Alt-Shu told him right.

They were sitting on the fountain in their shorts, dunking their heads in the water to fight the heat. "What do you mean, a new type of magic Alt-Shu?"

"It seems to be called Shadow Magic, and it was invented by slaves who used it to revolt and take over the kingdom. Apparently, some of it is mind magic, but it also involves manipulating shadows themselves. Not only can they use it to make themselves completely invisible, but you won't even be able to hear their footsteps or heartbeats, and even their magical presence is completely masked! They can also use it to manipulate people's hearts and minds too. I am not sure I want to learn it though...."

As the blue haired boy looked at the sun, Emerin got concerned. "Why not, Alt-Shu?"

"Apparently, you have to be a slave or an Ex-Slave in order to learn it, no one is sure why".

"Makes sense. I am sure you will find your own way, though. You are Alt-Shu after all!" he said, splashing some water in Altian's direction while having a big smile.

He looked back at Altian and the three others, and then around them once more. So, their agents are using shadow magic huh? Very well, I will let them make the first move, given their pasts, but I don't trust them. Just something about them. Well, I still have my unique method to track them.

When Altian mentioned not knowing where Akrnara live here, Emerin had a strange idea why. "Alt-Shu, I get the feelings that's because they live everywhere. We have been surrounded for some time now, but most of them seem to be too afraid of us, or waiting for something maybe....plus, nothing around us I can definitively say is Akrnara. I know they are there, but this mist...things native to this forest are hard for me to keep track of, though this isn't much of a surprise for me, but its like the mist itself is trying to enshroud me and suffocate me..."

"However, I can tell that recently, quite a few large, hungry beasts have surrounded us" Emerin then added. And those guys are still waiting behind us. The situation isn't ideal, but....I give our chances of defeat at zero percent, I think. There is one guy that is puzzling me...why does he...

Suddenly, Emerin spotted it. Something large moving through the mist. "Alt-Shu, have you managed to identify anything around us? Are they threats, or are they just going to keep....watching us? Its getting kind of annoying".

Emerin kept a spell charged just in case regardless though.

( joint post between me and Vole)

Tam watched with curiosity as she pulled the white cloak from the air, strange thing, who wished for a white cloak of all things?
“Willow, white cloak of the coastal monastery.” He said to him self, setting her name into his mind.

“ You seek to find favor with the flow as well? The Dalh’nim of my people venture to the hand of Dalh , and meditate at it's highest point. I’ve not been there myself, but my spear sister said she could never describe the colors. “ He looked around odd … It was quiet. No birds chimed in with the wind.

Tam rolled his shoulder, as if he might have a crick in his neck before fingering the long blade on the tip of his spear. Someone was watching them..

Tam’s icy orbs watched the Lopid as he spoke, a slightly raised eyebrow was all the outward expression he gave. The lopid had gained some respect in tam’s eyes, but as the Lopid spoke on, he undermined him self in that regard. Talking about one’s own bubble as if that comment would not have been caught.

Seeing as he was likely going to have to deal with the thing a while longer than he wished he figured ‘some’ manners were in order.
“ You spoke of writing a book, wh---- “ He cut off as the boys spoke.

“ The Akrnara are not as simple as you would think… I have seen the lost of many before their claws. “ he said ,the very edge of sadness crept into his voice, tho when he returned his attention to the Lopid it was as it had never been.

" Pardon," He lead " What sort of writing do--- your people do?" He said, tip toeing around the words clearly, it was an attempt at being polite as he could with out lying to him self.

"My p- ah... well, put simply, I am writing about my travels and what I've seen," he says, but then waves his hand. "Putting it less simply, I am writing about places long abandoned by people, either by the culture's destruction, or just abandonment for one reason or another. Recording what I can decipher of old text and offer something definitive where most history is lost."

Tam followed the creatures words with curiosity.
" A very narrow, yet broad topic. That is not something one stumbles upon by their lonesome. What swayed you to take on such an endeavor?" He asked, tho as he asked his eyes searched the shadows around them, something had broken a twig, yet did not stir after as if trying to remain quiet... The knuckles on his spear flashed white but other than that he did not stir... Tho he seemed on edge of violent action, tho when As'deen didn't seem that way was rare.

" Do not stirr Lopid, Willow.... but I think eyes are upon us.. I cannot say what, but be aware..." He said in a hushed tone before looking at the creature expectantly, he was waiting on an answer for his questions.

"Yes, and the mist itself is strange, almost stifling," he says, taking a moment to shift his eyes. He decided to respond to Tam's question. He reached to his back and pulled out a strange black knife from a makeshift sheath. It had a strange twisted design to it, a shallow curved blade with various twisted teeth, and a looped pommel. It lacked any visible inscription, just an empty hole in its hilt where something was once held. "My inspiration was this, I had found it in a forgotten tomb that had sunk into the ocean. It was my first discovery, and yet I've found nothing similar to it, no clues to who once held it nor the culture surrounding it."


A vexed expression washed over the sun bronzed man's face.
" Be wary, Mako Mynvera of the Lopid, weapons laid to rest , will wish to remain in the hand of it's owner... or within those who wretched it from it's place..." he cautioned.... The As'deen were buried with their weapons, and believed that they would raise again when the need was greatest.

He had started to look deeply at the blade, as if transfixed briefly. "It wasn't exactly my first choice, I don't know what brought me to wrench it from those hands, it just started to feel like something that had to be." He looked up and rubbed his forehead and eyes. "Plus, it has been broken, see? There was something in this hoop here, and there was no trace of it in the tomb, I would imagine such a piece is still out there somewhere."

Tam eyed the steel like a viper. " Great ira( As'deen for vengeance, hate and madness) rest within that blade, how would you feel being taken from your home and torn apart..." sympathy leaked into his tone.

"I imagine... it would desire its other half," he says in a cryptic tone, as he runs a finger across the empty segment, noting small grooves within where some vessel was once held. Faint wisps of magic emanating from within the loop, residue of what once was. "Even now it calls, er... or well... as much as a magical bonding can be described as such."

"And it wants to stay alive," he says cryptically under his breath.

Mako put the blade down to his side, then slowly sheathed it. He felt it, eyes from the mist following their every movement behind that stifling fog... but if they were beasts of prey then they were waiting for a moment of weakness... if they were not, then they were assessing them anyways. It was little different to him than back in the ocean with his tribe, the Agouo'n, hunting and being hunted. This feeling was nothing new.

What was new was that the blue haired boy now radiating more light than an agitated glowscale*. He took a long look and narrowed his eyes, remembering the first time he laid eyes on the boy. "The one that got away," he remember the shady voice saying, "the key to finding Mirror's Edge." Thinking back on it, he didn't very much like the way the guy spoke about Emery. And they called him creepy.

He began to mentally piece it together as much he can with what little information he currently has. First deduction: With too few similarities between them, he's not the baker's son by blood. Secondly- He was then broken from his thoughts when he heard Willow speak.

"Maybe they are thinking the same," he jokes, shrugging his arms. He puts on a goofy smile, trying to easy the tension, but inside he's trying to assess the situation and ready to act in the event of hostile action. "Hello denizens of the Misty Woods, we come in peace."

* Glowscale is a type of fish from the deeper parts of the ocean known to radiate intense light when frightened. They are common around the sunken caves in Agouo'n territory. Agouo'n is the Lopid tribe Mako derives from.

Altian eyed around them carefully, feeling the magical presences around them about as well as Emry was. It was getting kind of annoying, as Emry-Shu mentioned earlier. Quickly, he scanned the map and zeroed in on their position.

"I think we're around here," he pointed towards a spot on the trail that was surrounded by a blue silhouette. Thank God for colored pencils... "Which means we should be fairly quiet. These beings around us wish no harm. They just don't want to be provoked, so they're watching us curiously from afar and seeing what we're doing. So long as we don't interact with them-"

"Hello denizens of the Misty Woods, we come in peace."

Facepalming almost immediately, Alt turned to glare at the Lopid as he finished his sentence with a tone of mild annoyance, "...they shouldn't try to attack us..."

Almost immediately, he heard a rustling of trees around them. Altian's eyes widened as he took a couple steps back, motioning for everyone to do the same, "Circle up, everyone. They're gonna try to strike from all directions."

As everyone did so, Altian spouted some knowledge he learned from the journal, "These creatures should be the Aksians. They're kind of small, but they pack a punch with them. Avoid their fangs and you should be fine." He grabbed the pen that had been resting on his ear for the entirety of their adventure so far. Closing his eyes and clicking the pen, it began to morph in front of their every eyes, manifesting into a single handed, dual-bladed sword of polished steel. He eyed the noises around them, keeping a frame of mind and calculating their approach. "The adventurer who wrote this guide said we either go offensive or defensive."

For a moment, all was silent. Alt looked left, then right, tension behind his stare. His grip on his sword was firm, but loose, trained like a standard swordsman.

"Now!" he called and thrust his sword forward.

At that moment, the forest around them erupted, a swarm of what looked like large rat-like creatures coming out of the forest and launching themselves at the group, fangs bared. Their fur was as black as the shadows and dirt around them, their only telling feature being their gleaming teeth and their large red eyes. Their furry bodies crashed into them at their max force, roughly near thirty of them. Alt's sword thrust cut through one of them, but he had to set up a rapid barrier to guard the rest of them.

But they weren't notoriously difficult creature to take down, even in large swarms like this. Altian circled around, catching a couple Aksian throats as he did so with his blade before slicing through a couple more. They were like grunts. Even the knight would be a harder fight than this.

Emerin quickly flew upward, and with one slash of his hand cut some fruit off a nearby tree using Wind Magic, collecting the fruit and landing back down with them. His ease with flight was easily notable. As he went down, Altian started to explain about the creatures around them, only to get interrupted by the Lopid provoking them all. As Alt-Shu finished, Emerin quickly brought his overwhelming magical energy to bare, creating a powerful Wind Barrier around them.

"These creatures are weak. My Wind Barrier alone should be more then capable of repelling them, but I see even more, larger, more dangerous creatures in the woods that are making me stay on edge. Otherwise, I could fight them without too much care. I mean, seriously, these things can't be too smart, consi...."

It was in mere seconds this exchange took place. First, Emerin realized they had surrounded them first. Secondly, they realized their strength, so until provoked, they didn't attack. This meant they could understand what they were saying, at least partially. And third, their claws could be used for digging. As a result, he managed to draw his dagger and deflect as an attack came from underneath them. Still, he was sent flying. Not because he took damage, but because his body is just that light.

Now separated from the group, two more shot out of the ground and attacked him from left and right. Additionally, his Wind Barrier, even if he put it back up, was completely useless. It can't stop things that travel underneath the earth. It was Wind Barrier's ultimate weakness. While he blocked the two of them, one took advantage of the opening and tried to bite Emerin's neck.

Emerin managed to block the bite to his neck with his arm, but once it got a taste of his blood, for a moment, the Aksian started to cough, and rolled on the ground a little, before staying still. "Well, that's new" Emerin mentioned, then looking towards Alt-Shu. "For things with fangs, they sure don't seem...to like....blood..."

Emerin noticed a large shadow eclipsing him. He turned his head to look behind him, and the Aksian had grown in size, magic levels, and appearance of terror. "So, does that happen when they drink anyone's blood, or maybe just blood rich with magic like mine?"

It swiped at Emerin before he could dodge it, clawing his back. However, the moment it hit the Dragon Tattoo, Emerin's magic levels suddenly changed. In an instant, Emerin was standing past the claw, holding the arm of the Aksian with one hand. There was a symbol on his forehead, circular and filled with inscriptions (See image four, also note the person in the background we can say is Altian since they look similar/alike). Alt-Shu would remember it from a few times before. It only occurs when A: Emerin forces it out, which isn't easy, B: When the Dragon Tattoo is attacked directly, or C: When a dangerous threat is sensed or known by Emerin.

The first time Altian would have seen it, was years ago. They had just gone swimming, and ran into a shop holding their belongings to buy some cloth to dry off before heading back to one of their places. The store owner had an issue with theft recently, and due to their current state, mistook them for orphans looking to steal more. He grabbed Altian's arm, dragged him off to the counter, and nearly chopped it off out of anger for theft, stating that it would save his friends in the Guards the trouble of punishing him the same way.

Emerin got so upset and so worried, the circle with the symbols appeared on his forehead. He then moved so fast, appearing right next to the store owner. He gripped his arm, forcing him to drop the cleaver, before crushing that arm completely with his bare hand. The look in Emerin's eyes was strange too. It was like he was there, but all emotion had vanished. In fact, his emotions were instead helping power his magic, actually converting emotional energy into magical energy. It also allowed for him to use more magical energy then he already could at once, which is why Altian preferred to call it an Overcharge mode, while Emry preferred to call it Light Mode, because all of his magic became so powerful, it also became visible, and it appeared as light. When he uses it, white birds made of light seemingly appear (see character profile for appropriate image, I think its the second one).

Emerin crushed the Aksian's arm, and then used its body to whack other Aksian's like a game of whack a mole. His eyes seemed cold and focused, and the way he moved his feet, its as if everything was calculated. In fact, it seemed that the most magic seemed to be focused around his bare feet and his legs, almost as if more magic flowed through them then his actual head or torso. Whatever the case, this lesson should be clear.

DO NOT, under ANY circumstance, attack the dragon on Emerin's back, even on accident. Even if the Aksian had a weird reaction to Emerin's blood.

Hearing Willows Request skitter on the outside of the void that had enveloped Tam’s mind, Tam’s spear point dipped away from the eye of one of the beat that leapt for him, instead the round buckler like sheet smashed into it’s face, and was followed by the butt of his spear before circled to the next target, thumping it solidly between the eyes, the next across the neck and so on in a whirlwind of staff like attacks.

The desert Dweller hummed with a soft magical energy, as he danced between targets with a dazzling speed. He avoided killing as much as he could, but a solid thump to some soft spots was more than enough to kill one or two of the creatures…

"Hey, don't look at me, all that magic has them going crazy like a starved school of blood-fins," he says in response to Altian's glare. With fluidlike waving motions of his arms, with his arms conjuring moisture from the air into small concentrated orbs that he sends out in bursts to the Aksians with open palms. Each impact sent a number of the creatures hurdling through the air, only to replaced with more. "And besides, I was trying to make friends. Isn't my fault they don't grasp the concept."

The creatures were weak, simplistic, but in large numbers. Large enough numbers to attack the Lopid from all sides. Mako sighed, crossing his arms creating a bubble around him then swinging them out bursting it with enough force to knocking them away. There was no point to go all out, he only needed to put forth a minimal effort, wait for each attack then counter. It was somewhat disappointing.

While kicking a few ankle biters, he witnessed the blue haired boy now radiating with visible magic. He was giving it his all against these creatures. While at first impressed he was also bothered by the level of overkill upon such weak creatures. Doesn't matter how deep a well is, pouring it out like that will dry it up eventually. He just hopes he'd cool down before he excites the larger creatures that may live in these woods. Either way, he saw them clearly, the symbols aglow on his forehead. He took a mental note of each of them, etching each in his memory to write down later. Surely they won't mind, I'll share it later anyways, he thought.

He then heard the Crotayin protesting against killing these creatures. "While I agree, miss Willow, they are showing no signs of relenting," he responds, maintaining a calm tone while giving a damp backhand to one of them attempting to gnaw his shoulder. "Perhaps this can be solves by giving them something else to bother?"